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Paul Donegan concludes his Euro's Diary with England's thrilling 2-1 win over Germany Euro's Information and News Euro's Diary: Part Two Getty Paul Donegan 5 August 2022 Wednesday 20th July After a nightmare journey home from Chesterfield the day before (took me 10 hours due to train/track issues due to the heat), I was hoping for an easier journey to Brighton for the first quarter-final between England and Spain. Everything was okay until I got to London Bridge station! There all the trains to Brighton had been cancelled/delayed due to cattle on the lines and I was told to go to Victoria station. It was the same there but there were some trains running to Lewes so I got on that and made my way south. I got to Brighton eventually after changing at Haywards Heath for a train that was delayed due to the driver not turning up! I was staying in the centre of Brighton this time and had a view (from a distance) of the sea from my hotel room. I went and had a drink at the Free Lionesses fan embassy on the sea front at the Tempest Inn, and then went to the fan park in Victoria Gardens which was busy. It seemed a bit more organised at the station this time as to where to queue. I got a train and got to the stadium fairly quickly though the conductor kept saying the UEFA Women’s final when advising people to get off at Falmer for the football. Before going in, I waited near the players entrance and saw the Lionesses coach arrive. I was sat in the top tier of the west stand again so had to climb up a lot of steps to get there! My seat was more in the centre this time near the media positions, and even though it was high up it does allow a very good view of the pitch. There were no goals in the first half and I thought Spain were the better side, though both defended well. There was a new half time competition for the knock-out stages and also a singalong song with the words on the big screen. Spain did take the lead after the break when Esther Gonzalez scored. Mary Earps made a great save to keep the score at 1-0. Just after Millie Bright (my player of the match) had moved into attack for the last 10 minutes, England did equalise when Ella Toone finished from close range. With the scores level the match went to extra-time and during the first half of this Georgia Stanway scored a stunner to put England ahead. I was nervous for the rest of extra-time with Spain looking for an equaliser but that did not come as England won 2-1 and reached the semi-finals. A great atmosphere again with the Mexican wave attempts not lasting long! The attendance of 28,994 was the biggest ever for a Women’s Euros quarter-final. There were long queues for the trains after the match but it seemed better organised than after the Norway match with a few more signs and barriers in place. I didn’t have to wait that long for a train and was back in Brighton by midnight. Having a look on Twitter when I got back to my hotel, it was nice to see so many things trending to do with this match including 4 of the top 6. Thursday 21st July The train back to London was slightly delayed at Brighton, but I thought I had got away with any major travel issues until the train got near to Finsbury Park station when it stopped and the driver announced that the police were chasing someone around the station. It was delayed about 20 minutes but I got home for a few hours before going to the second quarter-final between Germany and Austria at Brentford. On my way across London on the tube, I saw a copy of the Evening Standard with a picture of the Lionesses on the front page and also 3 pages with coverage inside. I love seeing things like this! Being a bit later than planned, I went straight into the stadium. I was sat behind one of the goals this time but quite a way up in the stand, not that far from the TV presentation area! It was nice going to this match as a neutral after the night before! It was also nice seeing the Georgia Stanway goal on the big screen before that match when they showed highlights from the previous night’s game. Austria had already hit the post before Lina Magull opened the scoring for Germany in the 25th minute. In the second half, Germany hit the post then Austria hit the crossbar and a bit later the post again. Germany then hit the top of the crossbar meaning the woodwork had been hit five times during the match. Germany should have scored a second but put a chance wide from in front of goal. Alexandra Popp did make it 2-0 in the 90th minute to send Germany, and their flag waving fans, into the semi-finals. There were 16,025 fans there which was a record attendance for a quarter-final not involving a host nation. It finished up being another long journey back from west London, as even though I walked to Acton Town this time, I had to wait five minutes for a train and then it was slow going through London. I got home again after midnight! Friday 22nd July A day off going to matches for me with the third quarter-final taking place in Leigh between Sweden and Belgium. Sweden were the better side. They had a goal ruled out after a VAR check and were denied by some fantastic saves by Nicky Evrard in goal for Belgium. Just as it looked like we were going to get the first 0-0 after 90 minutes in these Euro’s, Linda Sembrant scored for Sweden in the second minute of injury time to win it for them and set up a semi-final against England. Saturday 23rd July Another trip up north for the final quarter-final. France v Netherlands was being played in Rotherham so for me it meant another night in Chesterfield! I had a seat reserved on the train, but because there were only 5 carriages instead of 10 that it was meant to have, my seat and carriage didn’t exist! I found a seat anyway. I had lunch in Chesterfield before going to the hotel. Then I got the train to Rotherham via Sheffield. Thankfully it was a lot cooler than the last time I was there on Monday. The fan park was spread around the town centre. The main stage was in All Saints Square with Rotherham Minster providing a nice backdrop to it! There was already a DJ playing when I got there just after 5pm, and it was full of mainly Netherlands fans in their orange shirts though there were a few France fans and neutrals about. There was an amazing atmosphere again and we even got a bit of “Sweet Caroline” Dutch style! The fan walk left for the stadium just under two hours before kick-off. Led by the orange bus and moving at a slow pace, it didn’t take long for the first play of “Links Rechts’ and the fans moving side to side across the road (we got a second rendition close to the stadium too). Another brilliant and unforgettable experience to be part of! I was sat at the same end as last time at the New York Stadium but was a bit further back and towards the corner flag then before. I was sat below the TV presentation areas this time. They played “Links Rechts” in the stadium before the match! France somehow weren’t ahead at half time after hitting the post, having a couple of efforts blocked on the line and Daphne van Domselaar making some really good saves (as she did throughout the whole match). The second half was a bit more even but neither side could find the net for the first time in 90 minutes during these Euro’s. In extra-time, France were awarded a penalty after a VAR check in the 102nd minute which Eve Perisset scored. The Netherlands didn’t really look like equalising during the rest of the match. France won 1-0 to go through to the semi-finals where they will play Germany. The last bus from Sheffield to Chesterfield was at 11:20pm, so with the match finishing at nearly 10:30 it meant I had to leave as soon as the final whistle was blown and walk quickly to the station to get the train 15 minutes later. I successfully manged this and was back in Sheffield with some time to spare. The bus was packed but I was back in Chesterfield just before midnight. I think I am getting old as most of the places I walked past on the way back to the hotel seemed to be blasting music out way to loudly! Tuesday 26th July It was the Lionesses semi-final day in Sheffield! I got the train up and was there before midday (a bit early for an 8pm kick off I know)! There were England and Sweden flags hung up at the station. I went to the fan embassy at the Triple Point Brewery where I met my friend Chris. TalkSport were also doing their morning show there and I got asked if I would have a quick chat on air along with four other people. I got to say my name and where I am from to the nation but they didn’t have time to speak to me! There was a group photo when they had finished with Sam Matterface, Lucy Ward and the supporters who were there (I got to stand next to Lucy in that). Again for a trip up north, I was staying in Chesterfield so I went back to there to check in to the hotel. Back in Sheffield, I went back to the Triple Point Brewery which was fairly busy by 4:30. It was in a good location between the station and stadium. By the time I left just before 6, the queue for the bar was all the way across the outside area which was also full. The stadium was about a ten minute walk away and I got there to see the team coaches arrive, Sweden first followed a bit later by England. It was raining by this point. I was sat in the Kop again at Bramall Lane, this time near the back. The leg room was still minimal and there was a lot of standing up during the game when the fans in front of me did the same. Mary Earps made some good saves to deny Sweden before England took the lead when Beth Mead scored. 1-0 at half time but England scored a second just after the break when Lucy Bronze headed in. Another great save by Earps kept the score at 2-0. Russo scored England’s third with a back-heel nutmeg and Fran Kirby completed the scoring as the Lionesses won 4-0 and reached the final. The atmosphere was amazing, the Sweden fans playing their part too singing and chanting all the way through the match. The attendance of 28,624 is a record for a Women’s Euro semi-final. It was one of those nights after the match had finished that I didn’t want to leave the stadium (the players didn’t want to leave the pitch either) and just soak up the atmosphere. I wasn’t the only one and there were still people in the stadium when I left 25 minutes after the match had finished. Wednesday 27th July There was a train strike and I had to get from Chesterfield to Milton Keynes. After checking, there were trains running from Chesterfield to London, and then London to Milton Keynes so I took my chances by going this way (I did have a lift sorted from Derby just in case). In the end there were no problems and I did the journey in about three hours! I even heard some people talking about Alessia Russo’s goal and the match on one of the trains! My hotel was a bit out from the centre of MK so I got the bus to it. I walked back to the fan park though and that took about 40 minutes. There was a nice mix of fans in the park, obviously a lot of Germany (and their fan bus) and France fans, but I also saw some people wearing England and Sweden shirts. There were dark clouds looming but it stayed dry whilst I was there. The rain started as I was on the shuttle bus to the stadium and continued on the final ten minute walk. Germany took the lead when Alexandra Popp scored but France equalised just before half time when the ball went in off Germany’s goalkeeper. France came close a number of times to taking the lead in the second half. Germany took the lead again when Popp scored her second. France were unable to equalise again and it was Germany who got through to the final to play England. The attendance of 27,445 was the biggest at a Women’s Euros semi-final not involving the hosts. There was a bit of a queue and wait to get the shuttle bus back into Milton Keynes. I spent the time waiting on my phone after getting some signal back after having hardly any in the stadium. I had missed the last bus back towards my hotel so I got a taxi. Sunday 31st July The day of the final! England v Germany, so much football history between these two countries, and for me, the two best sides in the tournament! I had a mix of emotions. I was a bit emotional thinking about all those who are involved with women's football (some for a very long time) and got it to where we are today, proud of the team and what they had done during the tournament and excited about the final and what the future holds for the women's game! I arrived at Wembley Stadium just after midday and there were lots of people already about, five hours before kick-off! I headed to the Blue Check bar and the Free Lionesses fan embassy, and it was standing room only in there! It got busier as the afternoon went on and was absolutely packed by the time I left just before 3! I queued to get a programme, a special one had been produced for the final. Looking back down Wembley Way, which was full of people, from outside the stadium was a great sight. I was sat in the top tier but thankfully there were escalators up to it. The view though was amazing from up in the gods though (I wasn’t that far back, three rows from the front of the tier)! I went back into the concourse area for some food and a few nerve calming drinks! The teams were announced and Sarina Wiegman had picked the same starting 11 for England for the sixth game in a row at the Euro’s! I missed the pre-match show from Becky Hill, and got back to me seat just before the sides came out. It was another WOW moment walking back into the stadium and seeing Wembley full for the final! The national anthems were sung, Tiny Buzz brought the ball on and then it was time for the match to get underway! Not many clear chances in the first half. Germany somehow didn’t score from a scramble in front of the England goal whilst the Lionesses best chance came when Ellen White shot over. 0-0 at half time and I headed back to the concourse during the break. Lina Magull shot wide for Germany before England took the lead in the 62nd minute when Keira Walsh’s wonderful through ball found Ella Toone who calmly chipped the goalkeeper to score. The majority of the crowd went wild! Magull hit the post as Germany came close to equalising. Germany did equalise in the 79th minute thanks to a nice finish from Magull and she run off to celebrate in front of their fans. There were no more goals and it finished 1-1 after 90 minutes. The crowd had been announced as 87.192 during the second half, a record for any women’s or men’s Euros finals game. Extra time next then. No goals in the first half of it. The 110th minute and England have a corner. It is swung in by Lauren Hemp, Lucy Bronze gets a touch and it falls to Chloe Kelly who seems to swing her right foot and miss the ball, but the ball bounces off the goalie and back to her, she sticks he right foot out again and there is no mistake this time as she finishes from close range! The crowd erupts, the stadium felt like it was shacking! Kelly runs off, checking with the referee the goal had been allowed, taking her shirt off in celebration and swinging it around her head! Alessia Russo had an effort tipped over. The final five minutes were nervy, but England played some good game management, keeping the ball in the corner below where I was sitting. Germany didn’t have any chances to equalise again. The final whistle went and the crowd went wild again. Three Lions was played then Sweet Caroline. The stage was set up for the presentation and the Duke of Cambridge brought the trophy out. Beth Mead got trophies for Player of the Tournament and top goalscorer whilst Germany’s Lena Oberdorf won best young player. The officials and Germany went along and got their medals. Then it was England’s turn! The squad got their medals then Leah Williamson was presented and lifted the trophy! The first time the senior women’s side had won a major tournament and only the second time a senior England team had won one after the men in 1966. The players did a lap of the pitch and then didn’t seem to want to leave it again! They were out there for ages having photos taken. I was soaking it all up again and didn’t leave for a while! I queued to get into BoxPark (to let the queues for the tube to die down) and eventually got in. It was so busy, the queues for the bars where slow moving, so I didn’t stay that long and made my way home. What an incredible day! Not bad for tickets I bought over a year ago for £15! Monday 1st August A victory celebration in Trafalgar Square in London had been announced after the win for Monday lunchtime. I got there just before 11am and it was already busy and I got a free flag as I went in. I stood near the back of the square, a bit higher up to get a good view. Three Lions was played a number of times before the squad came on and it was amazing to see all the flags being waved. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan did a speech before Alex Scott came onto stage as the main host of the event. The squad came on to loud cheers and more flag waving. A few of the players did interviews, a lot sounding/looking like they had had a good time with the amount of sunglasses being worn. They were presented with the trophy on stage then the party really started with Sweet Caroline and what seemed like Lionesses karaoke for 15 minutes. I bumped into Helen from The Women’s Football Magazine as I was just about to leave and had a chat with her (had meet for the first time at Wolverhampton before the first warm-up game against Belgium in June). Then it was over, the end of one of the best months of my life. It was amazing going to 16 matches, and I have so many memories from the games and the supporters of the different sides! In the end though, the Lionesses brought it home!

Full A-Z of the Women's Super League including details of every club and players to keep and eye on. A-Z of the Women's Super League Thursday, 15 September 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Full A-Z of the Women's Super League including details of every club and players to keep and eye on. Girls on the Ball With the opening games of the Women’s Super League fast approaching, what better time to get acquainted with the top division. From Arsenal to Villa, Ashleigh Plumptre to Zećira Mušović, here is an A-Z of the WSL. Arsenal captain Kim Little Photo: Girls on the Ball A is for The Arsenal North London giants Arsenal have long been a staple at the top of the women’s football pyramid. The Gunners remain one of the most successful sides in England and are still the only team to win the infamous treble. The Arsenal have had a relatively quiet off-season having signed just three players in comparison to their twelve outgoings. With that being said, Jonas Eidevall’s side are a tight-knit unit largely made up of international players, including Euro’s player of the tournament Beth Mead, Austria’s number one Manuela Zinsberger, Swiss midfielder Lia Wälti, as well as England captain and Arsenal thoroughbred Leah Williamson. The Gunners narrowly missed out on a sought league victory last time out when it came down to the wire and they fell one short of Chelsea’s 56 points on the final day of the season. The goal this year is clear, go one better. Whether it be the league, FA Cup, League Cup or even a stab at the Champions League, a trophy is most definitely sought at Borehamwood. A is for Aston Villa Aston Villa have pulled off more than one smart piece of business over the summer. Villa are generally a defensively astute side but have severely lacked goals since their induction into the WSL two years ago. However, boss Carla Ward’s influence is evidently as enticing as ever and the Villans managed to secure the surprising signing of Houston Dash captain, and newly-crowned European Champion, Rachel Daly. Along with Daly, the Villans have also brought in France international and reputable playmaker Kenza Dali from Everton. Daly and Dali will be employed to extinguish Villa’s deficiency in front of goal and improve upon their ninth-place finish last season. The Villans have also recruited well at the back and have brought seasoned professionals Natasha Harding and Danielle Turner in lieu of the retirement of steadfast centre back Anita Asante. Maz Pacheco, Anna Patten and Rachel Corsie also bolster Villa’s backline. Brighton's Maisie Symonds Photo: Girls on the Ball B is for Brighton and Hove Albion Brighton placed seventh last season, one place below their mid-table conclusion the year before. At least a mid-table finish is sure to be what manager Hope Powell will be aiming for this time round. Similarly to the Arsenal, the Seagulls have had a fair few outgoings over the summer, yet Powell has done well to bring in signings that amplify the cultivation of a well-balanced, albeit somewhat small, squad of experience and youth. Defenders Poppy Pattinson and Jorja Fox have arrived to counter the departures of Maya Le Tissier and Fliss Gibbons. Brighton also welcomes the return of New Zealand international Rebekah Stott after her Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis in 2021. Further up field, midfielders Kayleigh Green, Maisie Symonds and new signing Yeeun Park will be looking to link up with the forward line. This will include centre forward Danielle Carter who must become more clinical in front of goal and improve upon her two-goal tally of last season if the Seagulls are to climb the ladder. Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert Photo: Girls on the Ball C is for Chelsea Title holders Chelsea show no signs of slowing down and are once again seriously looking to contest in England and in Europe. Manager Emma Hayes has had an exceptionally busy transfer window, not only bringing in several international talents, but working to retain the majority of her laden squad. Among their incomings are Canadian centre-back Kadiesha Buchanan and French fullback Ève Périsset who have both made an impressive start to their time in Blue during pre-season. Hayes now boasts a side that could easily field two quality starting elevens, which is likely her plan. A squad with such depth will a level allow rotation to avoid player exhaustion given the amount of domestic and international football the outfit will play over the coming months. Compared to rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, Hayes’ side is the largest, and whilst there are certainly pros and cons of housing a squad of such size, only time will tell whether this will play into Hayes’ hands or become a thorn in her side. Either way, one would bet on Chelsea having a good grasp on the top spot; the Blue’s will take some stopping. West Ham captain Dagný Brynjarsdóttir Photo: Girls on the Ball D is for Dagný Brynjarsdóttir Newly appointed West Ham captain Dagný Brynjarsdóttir might not be the most ‘high-profile’ name in the league, but the midfielder is nevertheless one to keep an eye on. The Iceland international was an involved facet for much of the Irons’ success last season having registered four goals and an assist. Further to her goal scoring involvement, Brynjarsdóttir crucially brings a certain leading quality to the field in the absence of former captain Gilly Flaherty. The experienced 31-year-old conducts the midfield with a professionalism that rarely falters and her steady presence allows for increasingly creative movements of those around her. Using her height to her advantage, Brynjarsdóttir is also one of the top aerial performers in the league giving the Iron’s both an added defensive and offensive asset. Everton's Gabby George Photo: Girls on the Ball E is for Everton Let’s not sugar-coat, Everton’s campaign was disappointing last season. Having brought in a large number of high-profile players in the off-season, expectations, both for and within the club, the ambitions of the club were clear. However, the reality of a such high volume of movement in a short period meant the squad did not jell particularly well and subsequently the club recycled two managers within six months. Obviously, the Toffees will be looking to improve upon their standings last season by a significant margin and certainly have the means to do so. Despite the exodus of several players including Kenza Dali, Anna Anvegård and Claire Emslie, Everton arguably look in better stead coming into this season than they did the one previous. Boss Brian Sørensen has targeted fresh legs in young forwards Jess Park and Aggie Beever-Jones and has negotiated the retention of key players Megan Finnegan and Rikke Sevecke. Expect a sizeable jump up the table for the Merseyside club. F is for Frida Maanum Since joining The Arsenal last season midfielder Frida Maanum has more than played her part. The Norway international came in with a bang, showcasing a mixture of strength and physicality with a deft touch and a knack for progression. The Norway international does the dirty work, but does it with an increasing finesse, navigating the middle to drag opponents out of position whilst also playing an active role in attacking play for her team. As WSL icon Jill Scott has announced her retirement, Maanum should be looked at as a developing example of an authentic box-to-box midfielder. Reading goalkeeper Grace Moloney Photo: Girls on the Ball G is for Grace Moloney The WSL harbours a great deal of talent between the sticks; however, one urges a trip to Reading to witness the no-nonsense goalkeeping of Grace Moloney. The Rep. of Ireland international is ballsy and bold, unafraid to quite literally take things into her own hands. Moloney’s save percentage has continuously improved year upon year, as has the number of clean sheets kept, which can only aid the Royals’ ambition to climb the table. Having been part of the Reading squad for many years, Moloney is part of the furniture not just at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, but within the league, and the competition is all the better for it. H is for Hanna Bennison Everton midfielder Hanna Bennison has plenty to prove this season. At just 18, the Sweden international made the headlines after her six-figure sum transfer secured her place with the Toffees last year. Bennison is a dynamic player, one who likes to move around to make her presence felt through the whole of the middle third. With a knack for finding through balls and line-breaking passes, her skills as a playmaker are becoming more effective and one would bet Bennison will develop into one of the most creative midfielders the league has to offer. Whilst the Toffees may not have seen the best of Bennison just yet, movement within the squad means that her time to fully integrate into the league and make her mark is right around the corner. Everton captain Izzy Christiansen Photo: Girls on the Ball I is for Izzy Christansen Sticking with the Toffees, attention may also be drawn to Everton captain Izzy Christiansen. Firstly, Christiansen may look familiar. This is likely due to her being part of the punditry team that covered the Euro’s on the BBC, in which she was charmingly insightful yet appropriately critical throughout. Christiansen also showed her ability to read a game, a skill that she carries when on the pitch herself. Christiansen has an instinctual football intelligence and is often one step ahead. On top of this she is an adept ball player and her set-piece deliveries?...Beckham-esque. Tottenham Hotspur's Jess Naz Photo: Girls on the Ball J is for Jessica Naz Tottenham Hotspur forward Jess Naz is a player that is growing further into her role with each passing season. Since recovering from an ACL injury that saw her out for the majority of the 2019-20 season Naz has developed into a key player for the Lilywhites, making impact every time she steps on the field. Naz is quick with nifty footwork and the ability to twist and turn in a split second which regularly sees her causing problems for defenders. At 21, Naz has plenty of time to perfect her craft but this season will be an exciting and important one as she steps firmly into the fold. Manchester City forward Bunny Shaw Photo: Girls on the Ball K is for Khadija “Bunny” Shaw Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw was able to show glimpses of what she is capable of throughout City’s last campaign. The Jamaica international featured in 17 WSL matches and totalled 794 minutes on the pitch in her first season in City Blue, scoring nine goals and assisting three in this time. With Ellen White announcing her retirement, Shaw is tipped to become City’s regular central striker flanked by wingers Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly and this trio the potential to be a rather formidable frontline. Much like her wide teammates, Shaw is quick. Deceptively so. Shaw has the strength to power through the final third and capitalise on a gap or goal scoring opportunity. Whilst she is an important piece of the puzzle in linking play between the midfield and forward lines, what will stick out is Shaw’s fierce movement and ruthlessness in front of goal. Shaw is there to stick it in the net and that’s what she’ll do. L is for Leicester City Leicester City didn’t make quite the impression they were hoping for in their inaugural season in the WSL. Ambitions were high for the Foxes after their promotion but performances fell short of the mark. This time round Leicester will be insisting on better to avoid relegation, and have appointed former Everton manager Willie Kirk as their Director of Football for Women and Girls to help sustain a motivating environment and ensure the quality of on pitch performances. The Foxes have had some movement over the summer and have brought in WSL veterans Aileen Whelan and Josie Green from Brighton and Tottenham respectively. Leicester have also retained many of their key players, including Tash Flint, Jemma Purfield and Sam Tierney as well as both of their high performing goalkeepers Kirstie Levell and Demi Lambourne. However, it is Leicester’s zesty midfielder Shannon O’Brien who will likely catch the eye with her and formidable work rate. Liverpool's Katie Stengel Photo: Girls on the Ball L is for Liverpool Liverpool will make their return to the WSL after being relegated into the Championship in 2020. The Reds were standout performers in the second division and earned promotion long before the season was over. With Matt Beard at the helm, Liverpool look to be in good shape ahead of their re-entry, harbouring a squad that presents a a good amount of top-flight experience with young talents peppered throughout. Existing know-how was clearly a key factor in Beard’s vision for the upcoming season as he brought in seasoned players Gilly Flaherty and Shanice van de Sanden to join Rachel Furness and Niamh Fahey to provide a solid foundation. More creatively, forwards Leanne Kiernan and Katie Stengel who will be assisted by fullbacks Taylor Hinds and Emma Koivisto are able to cause a sting in front of goal. Whilst it is improbable that Liverpool will immediately thunder their way back to the top part of the table, a consistent run of results will be crucial to avoid being part of the relegation battle, which is likely to be a close one this season. M is for Manchester City Manchester City had a downright dreadful start to the season last year when several starting players concurrently picked up injuries and remaining squad members were used largely, and somewhat questionably, out of position. This made for a difficult period for the club with a top-three finish looking unlikely at times. However, City are never to be written off and indicative of the force we know they are, the Sky Blues rallied and pulled it together, overtaking local rivals Manchester United to take the bronze medal on the final day of fixtures. The summer has been a busy one for boss Gareth Taylor with several key players, including Ellen White, Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, Caroline Weir and Georgia Stanway walking out the door. Nevertheless, their incomings are nothing short of impressive and go some way to revealing Taylor’s ambitions for he wants his team to play. Spain internationals Laia Aleixandri and Leila Ouahabi, Australia’s Mary Fowler, as well as Venezuelan dynamite Deyna Castellanos have all joined the Citizens. The question that immediately hangs over City as the season approaches is whether this change of personnel can jell quickly enough to secure a positive start. Arsenal right back Noëlle Maritz Photo: Girls on the Ball N is for Noëlle Maritz Whilst Arsenal’s Noëlle Maritz might not be the first name you look for when the Gunners team news hits socials, it should be one that worries you when it’s not there. The right back is a worker, her role understated and arguably undervalued as other teammates receive the glory. Maritz plays a more ‘traditional’ full back role, focussing less on participating in offensive plays as she does at preventing the goal scoring opportunities of opponents. This duty, for Arsenal, is particularly important as the left back, either Steph Catley or Katie McCabe, and centre-back Leah Williamson, are usually involved as supporting figures in attacking phases. Maritz’s responsibilities therefore, lie more so in defensive work across the thirds. There may not be skills and frills, but the Switzerland international is a chief cog in the North London machine. Maritz walks so the Mead’s and Miedema’s can run. Manchester United fullback Ona Batlle Photo: Girls on the Ball O is for Ona Batlle Manchester United’s Ona Batlle is one of the league’s most inspired fullbacks. The Spain international has plainly been one of United’s most consistent performers since her arrival in 2020. Batlle is highly progressive and often forges the role of supplementary winger in attacking phases of play. Pairing her pace with quick shifts of the ball, Batlle tends to make light work of oppositions before releasing passes that feed in others. Yet, Battle packs a punch when retracting to defensive duties, tussling toe-to-toe or using her body to cut out an opposing threat. Batlle is quick, slick and easy to watch, certainly one to look out for. Leicester City centre back Ashleigh Plumptre Photo: Girls on the Ball P is for Ashleigh Plumptre Leicester City are in for a tough season and will have to irrefutably lock down forward lines in order to avoid falling into the relegation zone. A crucial figure in keeping their heads above water will be centre back Ashleigh Plumptre. The 24-year-old put in a top shift for the Foxes last season and was often the final buffer between opponent and goal. Plumptre is knowing and excels in using her body to cut off angles and forcing oppositions to take the more difficult route. She is challenging to compete with in the air and comes out on top in the majority of aerial duels at both ends of the pitch. Plumptre also made her senior debut on the international stage earlier this year for the Nigerian national team and has taken each succeeding international match in her stride. Q is Quality The debate as to whether the WSL is the most competitive league in the world continues and whilst there are, and always will be, differing opinions, the quality across the league as a whole is constantly developing. The WSL attracts top talents from across the globe, and as they join, these players are now becoming less concentrated to just the “big three”. As this happens the competition becomes less predictable with teams lower down the table more regularly putting their foot on the pedal rather than to being forced to park the bus. This makes things all the more exciting. Certainly, new eyes experiencing the WSL for the first time will not be disappointed with the quality of football that is on show. Reading's Deanne Rose Photo: Girls on the Ball R is for Reading Reading have taken a slight dip in form over the last couple of seasons, dropping from fifth to eighth since 2020. Whilst they have remained consistent in the number of goals scored, the number of goals conceded has risen quite considerably. Boss Kelly Chambers appears to seek improvement in this area and has brought in three defenders and a goalkeeper over the summer. Newly appointed captain Emma Mukandi (née Mitchell) has also returned after giving birth to a baby girl last year and will fill the leader-shaped void left by departee Natasha Harding. The Royals find themselves in a rather unique situation as the only remaining WSL side that is not affiliated with a Premier League club. This is a tricky position to be in as others invest heavily with resources and larger budgets. The Royals, however, with the talents of players such as Deanne Rose, Faye Bryson and Gemma Evans, have enough in their tank to see them through at least one more season in the top-flight. S is for Shanice van de Sanden Returning to Liverpool and to the WSL is Dutch forward Shanice van de Sanden who has not played in the English league since 2017. The 29-year-old has played for two of Europe’s most prolific clubs, German side Wolfsburg and current European Champions, and proclaimed “Queens of Europe”, Lyon. Van de Sanden credits her two seasons with Liverpool as the ones that changed her as a player and states that the club is one she has always wished to return to. With the Reds seamless promotion, seasoned manager and stacked squad, now is the perfect time for the energetic winger to increase her minutes on the pitch and re-stamp her mark. Prepare to hear rousing choruses of 'Van de Sanden, plays like a dream!' around Prenton Park once more. Tottenham Hotspur defender Molly Bartrip Photo: Girls on the Ball T is for Tottenham Hotspur Spurs finished in fifth place last season, their highest ranking in the WSL since their promotion back in 2020. They will most definitely be looking to retain this with an aim to climb even higher this time round. Tottenham have recruited well bringing in defender Amy Turner, midfielders Angharad James, Ramona Petzelberger and Drew Spence, as well as attacking reinforcement Ellie Brazil, all of whom have experience in the top-flight. On top of this, Spurs have secured the overseas signings of Nikola Karczewska and Celin Bizet Ildhusøy to offset their five departures that include long-term Lilywhite Josie Green. Rehanne Skinner’s side have shown significant improvement in specific areas in recent years, most notably in defence where the partnership of Shelina Zardorsky and Molly Bartrip, along with fullback Ashleigh Neville, only allowed 23 goals to pass last season. To progress, Spurs need to build these relationships further afield and create plays that hit the target more often. Again, steady improvement is noted here, but to test the big dogs more goals are needed. Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps Photo: Girls on the Ball U is for Manchester United Last year, Marc Skinner’s Manchester United were on the cusp of breaking into the top three and though this may not be the season they claim a spot on the theoretical podium, their summer business may well see the Red Devils knock on the door. It may be said that United do not present a squad of ‘stars’, however what they do possess is a certain level of quality that is fairly consistent across the board. United, for the most part, have kept hold of the core contingent of their squad which includes Lionesses Mary Earps, Ella Toone, Katie Zelem and Alessia Russo, as well as Norweigen midfielder Vilde Bøe Risa and Spain international Ona Batlle. The biggest loss for United has been Netherlands midfielder Jackie Groenen who jumped ship to PSG at the last hour. Where United fell short, as is a running theme, is in their stamina. The Red Devils start out positively and with a high energy but begin to run out of steam as the season heads into its latter stages. This is where Skinner has recruited well. By bringing in the attacking firepower of Nikita Parris, Lucia Garcia and Adriana Leon, Skinner can more freely rotate his forward line to lessen burnout. These additions also suit Skinner’s encouragement of fluidity between the midfield and attacking lines of play and offer an exciting prospect for the Red Devils. At the back, United have also acquired Maya Le Tissier, who despite her young age, has long been recognised as one of the league’s most skillful, yet versatile defender. V is for Veatriki Sarri Following Birmingham City’s relegation to the Championship, and after showing she is WSL material through and through, Veatriki Sarri has joined Hope Powell’s Seagulls on a two-year deal. Sarri was one of Birmingham’s standout players last season, operating as their primary creative outlet with great influence on the game. The Greece international potted three goals last season and assisted a further two, levelling captain Louise Quinn with the highest goal involvement for the Blues. Sarri is a lively attacking midfielder with both progressive and defensive qualities. In possession, Sarri is difficult to keep hold of as a nifty ball carrier who likes a nutmeg or two. Off the ball, she defends from the front, intelligently taking precaution and positioning herself to block and intercept. Sarri’s move to Brighton is a smart one for both parties and she is sure to be a key figure for the Seagulls over the next couple of years. West Ham's Kate Longhurst Photo: Girls on the Ball W is for West Ham It must be said that West Ham were very impressive last season. Manager Olli Harder led the Irons to the midway point of the table before announcing rather surprising exit as the campaign came to a close. Former Hammer Paul Konchesky has since taken the helm and has a task ahead to continue this upward trajectory. Whilst the London club released a number of players, including former captain Gilly Flaherty, they secured a whole host of notable signings. Lisa Evans has joined permanently after her season long loan and fellow Gunners Alex Hennessy and Halle Houssein have also signed. Fullback Kirsty Smith has joined from Manchester United, as well as forward Viviane Asseyi from Bayern Munich. These incomings added to a squad that is growing in confidence will likely see the Hammers through with another consistent season. Forward Claudia Walker is probable to stand out and the fierce passion of lifelong Iron Kate Longhurst is not to be missed. X is for Ex-Players One of the most enjoyable aspects of the WSL’s growth is that increasingly viewers are becoming lucky enough to hear the insights of players that have lived and breathed the league. Many are now in media and punditry roles and their first-hand knowledge of clubs, players and coaching staff both enriches and improves the game. Sue Smith, Siobhan Chamberlain, Fara Williams, Anita Asante, Rachel Yankey, Lucy Ward, Alex Scott and Karen Carney, amongst others, will all grace our screens and our ears once more this season, lovely stuff. Y is for Yui Hasegawa The move of Yui Hasegawa kept us on our toes when the midfielder signed for City very late in the day. After losing Caroline Weir, Georgia Stanway and the departure of Keira Walsh, City needed to bring in a midfielder that would partway soften the blow – enter Yui Hasegawa. The Japan international made quite the impression in the WSL with former club West Ham last season. Undoubtably a natural with a football, Hasegawa has the ability to track back and retrieve from deep to carry the ball through the middle third. However, where she really turns it on is in a more attacking role, roaming just behind the forward line which allows her the freedom to create. With Walsh’s exit still fresh in the mind, it is likely that boss Gareth Taylor may repurpose Hasegawa slightly to adopt more of the defensive midfield role. Whilst she is certainly capable to holding the fort, fears of stifling and performance detriment might well be raised. But, not to dwell, Hasegawa is an excellent signing and is sure to serve City well. Chelsea's Zećira Mušović Photo: Girls on the Ball Z is for Zećira Mušović Sweden international Zećira Mušović has a big season ahead of her as Chelsea’s number one. After the sad news of Ann Katrin-Berger’s cancer recurrence, Mušović will step up to the plate and guard Chelsea’s netted fortress as their principal goalkeeper. The Sweden international played a total of ten games in the WSL last season, allowing only three goals to slip past as well as keeping six clean sheets. Mušović also managed to register an assist last time out which, whilst also being pretty remarkable, gives good indication of her ability to read the game that lays in front of her. Whilst on the pitch Mušović has large boots, or rather gloves, to fill, off of it she is the undisputed queen of memes and has already won our hearts for unapologetically putting the dinosaurs in their place. The WSL kicks off on Friday 16th September at 7:30pm at Borehamwood as Arsenal host Brighton and Hove Albion. The match can be watched live on the FA Player.

Southampton lose 2-0 to visitors Charlton Athletic in a thrilling opening match to the 2022/23 Women's Championship. Back Match Report WC Opener: Southampton v Charlton Athletic Southampton lose 2-0 to visitors Charlton Athletic in a thrilling opening match to the 2022/23 Women's Championship. Ryan Asman 25 August 2022 By Paul Donegan Charlton won the first match of the 2022/23 Women’s Championship season with a 2-0 victory over league newcomers Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium. Emily Simpkins and Mel Johnson scored the goals and Charlton also had a penalty saved during the second half. Southampton did have some chances during the match and should take some encouragement from their performance. Marieanne Spacey-Cale named four of Southampton’s new players in the starting line-up. Ashleigh Ward, Paige Peake, Megan Wynne and Katie Wilkinson all made their debuts whilst Beth Lumsden made her first appearance for the club from the bench. Karen Hills included six of Charlton’s summer signings in their starting 11, those being Sian Rogers, Sophie O’Rourke, Emily Simpkins, Heidi Logan, Angela Addison and Mel Johnson. Freda Ayisi and Corinne Henson also made their debuts as second half substitutes. Southampton started well and had a few chances in the first 10 minutes with Wynne seeing her effort easily saved and Wilkinson’s long range free kick being tipped over by Rogers. Charlton’s early efforts were blocked by Southampton’s defence, and it took until the 21st minute for their most threatening moment when there was a scramble in the Southampton penalty area that finished with Addison being brought down and a penalty was awarded. Simpkins scored from 12 yards to give Charlton the lead. Charlton created chances after going ahead with Mia Ross shooting over and Johnson just being unable to get on the end of a cross in front of goal. It wasn’t one way traffic though as Wilkinson sent another effort from long range narrowly wide. It was Charlton who finished the first half well though with Addison seeing her shot deflected over, Johnson having a shot easily saved and O’Rourke seeing her effort tipped behind. Southampton had an early chance in the second half when a Lucia Kendall header was saved. Charlton made it 2-0 in the 47th minute when Johnson controlled the ball from a throw in and finished low into the net. Southampton continued to look to get back into the game with Kendall shooting over from the edge of the area and Alice Griffiths seeing her shot from long range easily saved. In the 71st minute, Charlton were awarded their second penalty of the match when Beth Roe was fouled in the area. Addison took the spot kick this time but saw her effort saved by Kayla Rendell who dived to her left and pushed the ball away. Georgia Freeland came on for Southampton in the 79th minute to make her 100th appearance for the club. Charlton restricted Southampton from having many opportunities after the early stages of the half with some good defending. The Saints did have a few chances in the last ten minutes with Lumsden dragging a shot wide, Kendall shooting over, Lumsden seeing her low shot saved, and Peake headed the resulting corner wide. There was a really good attendance of 2,444 at St Mary’s to watch this Championship opener. Southampton go to The Dripping Pan next Sunday to play Lewes whilst Charlton are at home to London City Lionesses. Line ups Southampton: Rendell, Ward (Collett 55’), Parnell, Peake, Mott, Rutherford (Williams 68’), Griffiths, Morris, Kendall, Wynne (Freeland 79’), Wilkinson (Lumsden 68’) Unused substitutes : Harris, Watling Booked: Wynne 42’ Charlton Athletic: Rogers, Roe, Godfrey, Skeels, O’Rourke, Simpkins (Ayisi 67’), Logan (Henson 67’), Follis, Ross, Addison, Johnson (Rutherford 78’) Unused substitutes : Soper, N’Dow, Watson, Bashford Goals: Simpkins 22’ (pen), Johnson 47’ Referee: Chloe-Ann Anderson Attendance: 2,444

Sam Kerr’s solo effort earns Chelsea their third consecutive FA Cup win as the Red Devils fall short in front of record-breaking crowd Back Match Report FA Cup Final 2023: Chelsea v Manchester United Sam Kerr’s solo effort earns Chelsea their third consecutive FA Cup win as the Red Devils fall short in front of record-breaking crowd Chelsea FCW 14 May 2023 By Charlotte Stacey It took the Manchester United “rebels” just 23 seconds to hit the back of the net, but as the already bubbling volcano of red erupted behind Mary Earps’ goal, Leah Galton’s effort was chalked offside. An impressive start for Marc Skinner’s side in their first ever major final and a warning for Chelsea as the Red Devils took the opening minutes of the first half by the horns, showing little fear of the occasion and even less of the reigning champions. Certainly, it was United who had the better of the ball in the first forty-five minutes, as well as the better chances. Millie Turner’s bobbling poke almost found its way over the line half an hour in but the outstretched hand of Ann-Katrin Berger was just enough to keep the score even. Minutes later, Galton found herself with a clear-cut chance at her feet as Alessia Russo’s cross whipped along the wrong side of Maren Mjelde, yet the winger - who one would’ve bet their house on scoring the sitter - thumped it wide. United had the tenacity, the drive and the desire, but that clinical touch was lacking. On another day, against another team, these half-hearted efforts have just been enough to eventually open the door, but not in an FA Cup final and not against Chelsea. The Blues were lacklustre in the first half. In fact, so flat was the first half by both Chelsea and United’s standards that the crowd broke out the Mexican waves (yes, plural) before the clock hit thirty. Chelsea found themselves restricted to the middle third much more so than they would have liked and offered minimal threat upfront. Emma Hayes however always has a trick or two up her sleeve, along with a bench to make the eyes of oppositions tear up, and it wouldn’t be long before the Chelsea boss pulled rank. Midfielder Jessie Fleming hadn’t quite brought the creativity or the service needed to draw the best of Sam Kerr, and wingers Lauren James and Guro Reiten had been kept quiet enough that - bar one headed effort from James – Earps had not been troubled much at all. Enter Pernille Harder. Enough was enough. Hayes made her first substitutions and the moment Fleming was replaced by Harder the tide turned. Within ten minutes of the Dane coming on Chelsea’s momentum had galvanised tenfold and the Blues had taken the lead. With the same move that had caught United out just moments before, Harder thundered past Hannah Blundell and Millie Turner and crossed the ball to an onrushing Kerr, who beat Maya Le Tissier in the footrace and slotted the ball past Earps. It was a tall order for United to recover from the Chelsea beast that had finally awoken, but the Reds did well to minimise the damage and hold down a one-goal deficit. Marc Skinner’s side showed up and played the big game, and should take immense pride in the show they put on for their incredibly vocal supporters. Chelsea, on the other hand, are inevitable. The quality the Blues exude on the pitch, as well as the quality that sits patiently on the bench, provoked gently until it was time to bite. Cued by Emma Hayes, captains Magdalena Eriksson and Millie Bright lifted the silverware to the delight of the thousands in Blue and Chelsea were Champions once again. Line-ups Chelsea : Berger (GK), Perisset, Mjelde, Eriksson (C), Charles (72’), Leupolz (57’), Cuthbert, Fleming (57’), James (87’), Reiten, Kerr Substitutes: Musovic (GK), Ingle (57’), Carter (72’, Svitkova, Rytting Kaneryd, Harder (57’), Buchanan (87’), Abdullina, Cankovic Goals: Kerr 68’ Booked: Charles , James, Manchester United: Earps (GK), Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell (76’), Zelem (C), Ladd (90’), Toone (76’), Galton, Parris (60’), Russo Substitutes: Baggaley (GK), Mannion (76’), Boe Risa, Thomas (90’), Riviere, Naalsund, Garcia (76’), Williams (60’), Cascarino Booked: Williams Officials : Emily Heaslip, Georgia Ball, Chloe-Ann Small, Abigail Byrne Attendance : 77, 390

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Jordan Nobbs Arguably one of England’s most naturally gifted footballers, Jordan Nobbs’ international career has unfortunately been plagued by injury meaning she has missed out on some of their pivotal moments. Having been with the Arsenal for 12 years, Nobbs took the decision to move to Aston Villa in January and has enjoyed an illustrious run of form since. Nobbs is a direct player. She enjoys injecting intensity into play, both defensively and offensively, and a notable shift in pressing is always sensed when Nobbs is on the pitch. Typically, Nobbs is deployed higher up the field as her ability to find space, thread passes and unlock her venomous strike make her an ever-present attacking threat. However, Nobbs is also well played as a no.8. with the acumen to link play and provide balance box-to-box. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Re-cap all of the latest news from the Women's Championship Back Women's Championship News: Round-Up Re-cap all of the latest news from the Women's Championship Newcastle United FC Women 6 July 2024 By Paul Donegan Shania Hayles has become Newcastle United’s first signing of the summer, joining from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old forward has won the Championship title with both the Robins in 2023 and Aston Villa in 2020 and has also played for Birmingham City. Hayles has won 3 caps for Jamaica. Sunderland have confirmed that goalkeeper Claudia Moan has left the club after her contract expired. Moan won the Championship Player of the Season and Golden Glove awards at the end of the 2023/24 season after she kept 10 clean sheets in 22 league games and helped the club to finish in a very impressive third place. Birmingham City have signed Northern Ireland international defender Rebecca McKenna on a two-year contract. McKenna played for Charlton Athletic last season in the Championship where she made 25 appearances in all competitions and featured in all their league games. The 23-year-old had previously spent two seasons at Lewes in the second tier as well as playing for Glentoran and Linfield in Northern Ireland. She has been capped 43 times by her country and made two appearances at Euro 2022. Goalkeeper Demi Lambourne has joined Sunderland after signing a two-year contract with the club. The 28-year-old recently left Leicester City, who she helped win the Championship in 2021. She spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace where she kept 7 clean sheets in 15 league games as the Eagles won the second tier title and promotion to the WSL. Tegan McGowan has signed two-year contract with Birmingham City. The 20-year-old forward recently left Charlton Athletic where she spent two seasons and made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals. McGowan came through the Chelsea academy before joining the Addicks when she was 18. An ACL injury ruled her out for nearly a year before returning in October 2023 and she scored a brace for Charlton in her final match for them against Southampton. McGowan has represented Wales internationally at youth levels. 22-year-old striker Eleanor Dale has signed for Sunderland. Dale had been at WSL side Everton during the second half of the 2023/24 season joining them from US College team Nebraska Huskers where she broke their goalscoring record with 28 goals. Photo: Simon Lapwood Lucy Fitzgerald has signed a new one-year contract with London City Lionesses which will keep her with the club for a record-setting sixth season. The 23-year-old was a member of the Pride’s inaugural squad and has made 102 appearances in all competitions in the last five seasons. Fitzgerald has played as a full-back, wing-back, winger and central midfielder during her time with them and has represented England as a youth international. Her new contract includes the option of a further season with the Pride. Goalkeeper Anna King has signed her first professional contract with Durham. The 22-year-old joined the club at 14 and has represented their Professional Game Academy under-21 side over the last two seasons. King has gained experience of senior football with Durham Cestria in the FA Women’s National League. She has signed a long-term contract with the Wildcats and will wear the number 13 shirt in the 2024/25 season. 19-year-old Emily Pitman has signed a one-year professional contract with Portsmouth. The forward joined from Arsenal in 2023 and scored 7 goals in 29 appearances during her first season with Pompey as they got promoted to the Championship. Durham have announced that Grace Ayre, Olivia Bramley, Dee Bradley, Lily Crosthwaite, Beth Hepple, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle and Ella Wilson have all been retained by the club for the 2024/25 season whilst Becky Salicki, Sarah Wilson, Sarah Robson, Tatiana Saunders and Abby Holmes have all signed new contracts with the Wildcats. News

Travel brand unveils ‘The Ellen White Cliffs of Dover’ ahead of UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 Euro's Information and News The Ellen White Cliffs of Dover Snaptrip 5 July 2022 Travel brand Snaptrip has projected an enormous 200ft (60m) tall image of England forward Ellen White onto The White Cliffs of Dover ahead of the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022. Rebranding the iconic landmark The Ellen White Cliffs of Dover for the night, England women’s leading goalscorer was seen defiantly staring France and the rest of the continent down ahead of the tournament. On a clear evening, the White Cliffs are visible from the French coastline. Snaptrip is also encouraging members of the public to sign its petition cheekily asking authorities to rename Kent’s most famous tourist destination The Ellen White Cliffs of Dover for the duration of the tournament. Photograph: Snaptrip White, who received her first senior England cap in 2010, is the Lionesses’ leading goalscorer, having netted 50 goals in just 107 international appearances. In her domestic career, she is one of England’s most decorated footballers, lifting 10 trophies in the past twelve years. The Lionesses kick off their Euro 2022 against Austria at the Theatre of Dreams: Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. Sarina Wiegman’s side are second favourites to win this summer's prestigious silverware. Snaptrip Group, the group behind the likes of LateRooms and Last Minute Cottages , has 60,000 holiday cottages, lodges & apartments across the UK, meaning fans up and down the country will have no problem securing a stay close to one of nine host cities for this summer's competition. Matthew Fox, CEO of Snaptrip Group said: “When Great Britain won gold at the Olympics, we painted post boxes. During the men's World Cup in 2021, we woke up to the news that Southgate Street in Gloucester had been renamed ‘Gareth Southgate Street’, and we wanted to add a little of that magic ahead of the Women’s Euros. With this summer's tournament taking place in England it seemed only right to celebrate one of the best footballers the country has to offer, at one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks. “The petition started out as a bit of fun, but it would be fantastic to see such a famous landmark embrace a temporary new identity in support of the national women’s team. I know all of us at Snaptrip are looking forward to cheering on the Lionesses; fingers crossed we’re all planning a trip to the open top bus parade in a few weeks time!” Sign the petition to rename the White Cliffs of Dover in honour of Ellen White for the Euro's here . The Lionesses kick off the Euro's against Austria at Old Trafford on Wednesday 6th July at 8pm.

Full season review of every team in the Women's Super League Barclays WSL: 2023/24 Season Review Saturday, 25 May 2024 By Paul Donegan Full season review of every team in the Women's Super League Ryan Asman The 2023/24 Women’s Super League season is over, and Chelsea claimed their 5th successive title in one of the closest finishes in years. The Blues lifted the trophy after finishing level on points with Manchester City but with a better goal difference. Winning it again seems a fitting way for Emma Hayes, the most successful manager in WSL history, to sign off her time at the club. Plenty else happened throughout the league so here is our look back at the 2023/24 WSL season. 1st Chelsea In November after their 6-0 win at Aston Villa, it was announced that Emma Hayes would be leaving the club in the summer after 12 years to take up the US women’s national team head coach position. After they had lost to Liverpool in May, it looked like their title chances might have gone but they won their last 3 games, scoring 15 and conceding 0 in those, and with a bit of thanks to Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius, they won their fifth championship in a row. The chances of winning the quadruple went when they lost to Arsenal in the Conti Cup final and they were also defeated in the FA Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals. The Blues scored 71 goals, a record amount in a WSL season, despite missing Sam Kerr, Mia Fishel, Catarina Macario and other attackers for spells, whilst defender and captain Millie Bright was also out injured for 5 months. Lauren James, who was voted PFA WSL Fans Player of the Year, and Aggie Beever-Jones stepped up to the mark though scoring 24 goals between them in the league whilst January signing Mayra Ramirez put in some impressive performances. It isn’t only Hayes leaving this summer but club legend Fran Kirby (who scored in her final appearance against Manchester United) and Maren Mjelde are also departing so things might look a bit different as they try to make it 6 in a row. 2nd Manchester City Manchester City took the title fight to the final game and only missed out on winning it on goal difference. This marks a big improvement after Gareth Taylor’s side finished last year in fourth place. Netherlands international Jill Roord was their only major summer signing so they had consistency in their squad going into this campaign. Roord though sustained an ACL injury in January, whilst leading goalscorer, and WSL and FWA Player of the Season, Khadija Shaw missed their last three games with a foot injury. The Cityzens might rue their home defeat to Brighton in November when looking back to how close they came to winning the league, as well as the late defeat to Arsenal in their penultimate game which gave Chelsea belief they could still win the title. In the cups, they reached the FA Cup quarter-finals and Conti Cup semi-finals. City players finished top of a lot of the WSL stats this season with Shaw finishing as top scorer with 21 goals, 19-year-old goalkeeper Khiara Keating won the Golden Glove, and Lauren Hemp got the most assists as well as scoring 11 times. In March, Manchester City and England legend Steph Houghton announced she would retire from playing football at the end of the season and made her final appearance as a substitute in their final game against Aston Villa. 3rd Arsenal It has been a bit of a mixed season for the The Gunner’s with highlights including defending their Conti Cup crown thanks to Stina Blackstenius’ extra time goal as they beat Chelsea 1-0, whilst in the WSL they beat the Blues 4-1 and did the double over Manchester City. Lowlights include an early exit from the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the first qualifying round, being knocked out of the FA Cup in the fifth round, and defeats in the league to Liverpool at home and away at Tottenham and West Ham. Off the pitch, the Arsenal continued to lead the way with attendances with a WSL record of 60,160 for their match at the Emirates against Manchester United, and an average home attendance of 29,999. With the majority of matches at the Emirates next season, this average might be even bigger then. Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson and Laura Wienroither all returned during the year after recovering from ACL injuries. Summer signing from Manchester United Alessia Russo finished up as the Gunners top scorer with 12 goals, whilst Lotte Wubben-Moy had some outstanding performances in defence and won the club’s Player of the Season award. In May, it was announced that WSL record top scorer and club legend Miedema would be leaving when her contract expires, and she scored her final goal for them with her first touch after coming on as a substitute in her last appearance. 4th Liverpool What a brilliant season Matt Beard’s Liverpool had as they finished in fourth place, their highest finish since they won the WSL in 2014 (though also finished fourth in the Spring Series)! This year’s achievements saw Beard named as WSL Manager of the Season. After failing to win away last time around, the Reds started this one by beating Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend, and good results continued to come including doing the double over Manchester United and beating eventual champions Chelsea 4-3 at Prenton Park late in May. In the end, they won half of their away games but there is still work to be done if they want to break into the top three. Marie Hobinger joined the Reds in the summer from FC Zurich, and the Austrian international midfielder has proved to be one of their players of the season by scoring 5 goals and assisting another 6 in the WSL. Others that have stared include Fuka Nagano, Gemma Bonner and Sophie Roman Haug. Liverpool reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup but didn’t get beyond the group stage of the Conti Cup. It has already been announced that Liverpool will be moving to play home games at St Helens Stadium next season and they will be looking to carry on the progress made there. 5th Manchester United The high point for Manchester United was winning their first major trophy, the FA Cup, with a 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur but in reality this masks what has been a poor season for the Red Devils. After finishing runners-up last year, more was expected of them but they had inconsistent form, failed to beat any of the top 4, and there is general unhappiness with manager Marc Skinner from supporters as they finished in their lowest position since they have been in the WSL. They lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying stage and didn’t make it through the group stage of the Conti Cup. Nikita Parris finished as top goalscorer, whilst Ella Toone got a combination of 10 goals and assists as well as scoring their goal of the season in the FA Cup final. Skinner has signed a new contract to stay with the club for next year but there is still uncertainty about some of their star players with contracts up, such as Mary Earps and Lucia Garcia, and apparent interest from other clubs for others. United will be looking for an improvement in the league next time around as their fans might not tolerate another unsatisfactory season on the pitch. 6th Tottenham Hotspur Robert Vilahamn joined Spurs as head coach from Swedish side BK Hacken in July last year, and he has led them to an amazing season. The highlight was reaching their first FA Cup final but they lost in that 4-0 to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. There was a big improvement in the WSL from flirting relegation last season to a comfortable mid-table finish this. They beat Arsenal for the first time, getting a 1-0 win in the North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December. But there were still heavy defeats to both Manchester sides so still some progress to be made. Manchester United loanee Grace Clinton was one of their best players this season, putting in some superb performances and finishing up with 4 goals and 4 assists in the league. The Lillywhites have already expressed an interest in signing her permanently in the summer transfer window. Martha Thomas finished as their top scorer in the WSL with 7 goals whilst Bethany England who missed the first part of the season with a hip injury scored in 4 of their last 5 league games. As well as reaching the FA Cup final, they also made it to the quarter-finals of the Conti Cup. Tottenham will be looking to carry on their upward momentum next year. 7th Aston Villa A lot was expected of Aston Villa, at least from quite a few on the outside, after they finished 5th in the league last year but, after the expectations, it finished up being a bit of a damp squib this time for Carla Ward’s side. The Villans lost their first five games, slipping to the bottom of the table after their 6-0 defeat to Chelsea in November. They had a bit of a problem of holding onto leads having gone ahead against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Manchester City in the first half of the season but finishing up losing all of them. Things picked up but their form was still inconsistent and they only won one home game. Rachel Daly was named as their Supporters Player of the Season for the second year in a row after she scored 8 goals in the WSL. Villa did suffer some injuries to key players with the likes of goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, Lucy Parker and Lucy Staniforth missing for spells. In the cups, they lost in the FA Cup in the fourth round to Everton, whilst in the Conti Cup they made it to the semi-finals despite playing an illegible player, Noelle Maritz, in their final group game. In May, manager Ward announced she would be leaving the club in the summer after three years there. 8th Everton Brian Sorensen led his side through a steady season, during which they had plenty of players out injured and not having money to spend in the transfer window, eventually finishing comfortably in 8th place. They only picked up one home win all season which was a 2-0 victory over West Ham in February. They did though draw against Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool at Walton Hall Park in the latter part of it. Away from home, they beat Liverpool at Anfield, and also won against most of the other sides around them in the bottom half of the table. With their hefty injury list, Sorensen literally brought a list with him to one press conference in April to remind him who was missing for that match, and in some matches they were missing up to 8 or so players. Megan Finnigan, Aurora Galli and Katja Snoeijs finished up as their joint top scorers with 3 goals each. One star of the future might be 16-year-old Isabella Hobson who scored the late equaliser against Arsenal in May and became the youngest ever goalscorer in WSL history. They lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter finals but finished bottom of their Conti Cup group after losing all four games. Manager Sorensen sign a new contract in April for another two years with the Toffees and he will surely be hoping for less injuries next season. 9th Brighton & Hove Albion After being appointed as manager in April last year, Melissa Phillips made some impressive signings for the Seagulls in the summer including Pauline Bremer from Wolfsburg, Vicky Losada and Portuguese international Tatiana Pinto. They won their first game against Everton, then drew against Manchester United at home and beat Manchester City away in successive weekends in November. Things seemed to going along okay for Albion but not well enough as Phillips was perhaps surprisingly sacked by the club on the 1st February. Mikey Harris took interim charge and he guided them to safety with two wins against Bristol City and Leicester City and a few draws including away at Spurs as well as being nominated for the March manager of the month award. Over the course of the season at home, they only won once against Bristol City. They had decent runs in the Conti and FA Cup’s, reaching the quarter-finals in both but then losing to Aston Villa and Manchester United. Their star player was Elisabeth Terland, with the Norwegian international scoring 13 league goals out of a total of 26 that Brighton scored. Her brilliant year led to her winning the clubs Player of the Season and being nominated for the equivalent WSL and PFA awards. 10th Leicester City Willie Kirk was suspended then sacked as Leicester manager in March following allegations of a relationship with a player with the club saying after an internal disciplinary process that he had “breached the team’s code of conduct”. Jennifer Foster took over as interim head coach until the end of the season but confirmed she will not be in charge after May. The highlight on the pitch was their FA Cup run where they reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history before losing to a goal late in extra-time from Spurs. They failed to get through the Conti Cup group stage though. They made a good start in the league, picking up 7 points in their first 3 games but then didn’t win again until the end of January. The only sides they beat were Bristol City and Everton home and away. They only got 2 points from their last 8 games but still finished with their highest points tally in the WSL and equalled their best finish. Finnish international Jutta Rantala joined in the summer from Vittsjo GIK and finished as the Foxes top scorer in the league with 6 goals but also assisted 5 others whilst also finding the net 3 times in their FA Cup run. Her performances saw her nominated for WSL Player of the Season as well as winning the clubs award. Captain Alieen Whelan announced that she will be retiring at the end of the season and made her final appearance against Liverpool in the last game in May. 11th West Ham United Former Tottenham boss Rehanne Skinner was named their new manager in July becoming the Hammers first female manager since they have been in the WSL. In the first half of the season, they only picked up only 5 points out of 30 and were in a relegation battle having only beaten Brighton away in their first 10 games. Skinner brought in Kristie Mewis, Shelina Zadorsky, Katrina Gorry and Marika Bergman in January and things improved on the pitch with a narrow lose in a high scoring game against Spurs (in possibly the wildest weather a WSL match has been played in), then the week after they beat fellow strugglers Bristol City 2-1 away. A week later they got their result of the season when they beat Arsenal 2-1 in Dagenham and then got a draw at home against Manchester United a month later. They did fail to win in any of their last nine games though and their only home win all year was against the Gunners. They had early exits in both cup competitions with going out in the group stage of the Conti Cup and the fourth round of the FA Cup. Viviane Asseyi and Riko Ueki both finished up as the Hammers joint top scorers in the league with 6 goals each. 12th Bristol City 2022/23 Championship winners Bristol City returned to the WSL after two seasons away. Manager Lauren Smith signed a new contract in August and brought in the likes of Amy Rodgers, Carrie Jones, Jamie-Lee Napier as well as Brooke Aspin back on loan after she had signed for Chelsea from the Robins. It was a struggle all year for Bristol City though with them only picking up one win away to West Ham and failing to get a single point at their new permanent home of Ashton Gate. Even January signings Lisa Evans and Sarah Stratigakis couldn’t help turn the tied and they lost a 6-pointer at the bottom to West Ham at the end of the month. They only got 1 point in the second half of the season and have failed to score a goal since the 3rd March. They were relegated back to the Championship after losing to Manchester City with a couple of games remaining. The cups didn’t bring much joy either, going out in the FA Cup fourth round and Conti Cup group stage. Amalie Thestrup won their Player of the Year and was top scorer after finding the net 9 times during the season and scoring half of the Robins goals in the WSL. A positive for Bristol City is the attendances at Ashton Gate with an average of 7,260, the highest outside the top four in the league.

London City Lionesses suffer heavy 4-1 defeat to the Hammers Back Match Report West Ham go to the top of Group C after triumph at Hayes Lane London City Lionesses suffer heavy 4-1 defeat to the Hammers Ryan Asman 27 November 2024 By Paul Donegan West Ham United beat their Women’s Championship opponents London City Lionesses 4-1 in the Women’s League Cup on Sunday afternoon. Viviane Asseyi scored a brace whilst Manuela Pavi and Riko Ueki also found the net for the Women’s Super League side. Sofia Jakobsson scored the Prides consolation goal late in the first half. There were no clear chances in the opening 10 minutes at Hayes Lane as both sides settled into the match and got used to conditions with the strong wind caused by Storm Bert. In the 14th minute, Asseyi opened the scoring for the Hammers when she was played in by Marika Bergman Lundin and finished low past Grace Moloney from the edge of the area. The next effort on target didn’t come until the 29th minute when Bergman Lundin’s strike for the visitors was held by London City’s goalkeeper. The closest the home side went to finding the net in the opening 30 minutes or so was a deep cross from Emma Mukandi that just went wide of the far post. A couple of minutes before half time, Mukandi’s lofted ball forward found Isobel Goodwin but her low shot rolled wide of the post for London City. In the final minute of the first half, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s 30-yard strike dipped just over the crossbar as the Pride came close to equalising. London City Lionesses did equalise in the first minute of stoppage time when a ball forward from Boye-Hlorkah found Jakobsson and her curling shot from 18-yards found the corner of the net. After London City’s half time substitute Miljana Ivanovic’s run forward, Boye-Hlorkah’s shot was rather tame and dealt with by Megan Walsh in West Ham’s goal early in the second half. Bergman Lundin shot from 25-yards for the Hammers in the 55th minute was easily saved by Moloney. West Ham retook the lead in the 71st minute when a loose ball from London City was picked up by Colombian international Pavi and she finished to score her first goal for the club. A minute later, the visitors made it 3-1 when Ueki played in Asseyi who went around the keeper and slotted low into an empty net to score her second of the match. Ruesha Littlejohn saw a shot deflected behind for the hosts in the 75th minute as they looked to get back into the match. Boye-Hlorkah’s strike from 25-yards was stopped by the visitors goalie in the 88th minute. In the fourth minute of additional time, Ueki scored West Ham’s fourth with a low shot from 12-yards. All four goals conceded by London City Lionesses could be seen as avoidable with the ball being lost fairly easily in midfield or from sloppy passes that the visitors benefited from. The Hammers top Group C with 6 points from their 2 games whilst the Pride are in 3rd place on 3 points, level with Southampton. Line ups London City Lionesses (4-2-3-1): Moloney, Neville, Meyong (Imuran 79’), Campbell (Littlejohn 57’), Mukandi, Scofield (Fitzgerald 79’), Brougham, Jakobsson (Wilde 69’), Asllani (c) (Ivanovic 46’), Boye-Hlorkah, Goodwin Unused substitutes: Orman, Goldie, Brown Goal – Jakobsson 45’+1 West Ham United (4-2-3-1 ): M. Walsh, Mengwen (Denton 63’), Cooke, Zadorsky (c) (Saez 46’), Smith, Brynjarsdottir, Bergman Lundin, Harries (Siren 63’), Piubel (Ueki 68’), Pavi, Asseyi Unused substitutes: Szemik, Tysiak, Houssein, S. Walsh Goals – Asseyi 14’, 72’, Pavi 71’, Ueki 90’+4 Referee – Grace Lowe

Aston Villa manager speaks to the media ahead of her sides WSL clash with Everton at the weekend. Back “We have shown an awful lot of character all season” says Villa boss Carla Ward Aston Villa manager speaks to the media ahead of her sides WSL clash with Everton at the weekend. Getty 3 March 2023 By Rosa Maitland Carla Ward confirmed that she has a fully fit and available squad for the match up on Sunday, “everyone is good, fit and available, obviously Rach [Rachel Daly] came off in the West Ham game with a knock, but she has come through training and she is fit and ready.” Sunday’s game will be a match-up between two sides who seem to be battling it out for 5th spot, with just one point separating one another. Ward admitted that Everton may be one of the hardest teams they have faced this season: “they are a good footballing side, I think what you will see this weekend is a good game of football, proper football is what I would call it. The two times we have played them what you have seen is an exceptional game of football, both teams want to play and look after the ball and attack in the right way, so credit to Everton they have had a really good season…I admire the way they play but they play in a similar way, so it will be a good matchup I think, it will be a tight one but hopefully a good one for the neutral.” When asked how much confidence she has taken following two positive away performances, ahead of another tough trip on the road Ward responded: “I think we have shown an awful lot of character all season. Last week we needed it more than ever. "We were tired mentally and physically after the international break, but we have shown that we have a lot of character in this dressing room. So yes we are a team that has played free flowing football and yes it creates opportunities, and we want to continue in that way, but we also know we are coming up against a team that has a lot of quality, so we are going to absolutely have to be at our best to try and take the three points.” When the two teams last met, in October last year, Everton came away with all three points. In this time Ward has strengthened her squad during the January transfer window. Ward was asked if this would give her side an edge over Everton as they will prep to play against a side who are playing in a slightly different set up. “They have changed the way they play as well in all honesty in the last five games, they have slightly adapted the way that they play, you can see that so I think it will definitely be a different game but still certainly it’s going to be two good footballing teams out there, so we are looking forward to it.” Following the FA Cup quarter-final draw midweek, Aston Villa will host Manchester City. When asked if they will be underdogs going into the game Ward responded: “Absolutely we are underdogs to City, not many teams take points off City. Not many teams take points off them in two games so that will give us a little bit of hope and a little bit of heart, but let’s be honest there is no beating around the bush when we saw that draw you want to avoid the top three.” Ward went on to praise Manchester City and manager Gareth Taylor: “City have been in unbelievable form and still I don’t think they are getting the plaudits they deserve; I think Gareth has done an unbelievable job and I think your starting to see a really tough team to play against so I think it will be a tough one but one we will certainly enjoy.” Aston Villa head to Walton Hall Park to face Everton on Sunday at 3pm (GMT). News

The Hammers earn another crucial point at home against top table team Manchester United Back Match Report West Ham fend off the Red Devils in another impressive display The Hammers earn another crucial point at home against top table team Manchester United West Ham United Women 20 April 2025 By Paul Donegan On Saturday afternoon at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, Manchester United missed the chance to close the gap at the top of the Women’s Super League to three points as they were held by West Ham United to a 0-0 draw. The Hammers came into this game on a three-match unbeaten run which included draws against Manchester City and Chelsea, and they had the first opportunity of the match in the 3rd minute when Eva Nystrom headed a free kick wide of goal. The visitors, who had won their last two league games as well as the FA Cup semi-final last weekend, first effort at goal didn’t come until the 18th minute when Grace Clinton’s half volley flew over the crossbar. A minute later, United went close to taking the lead when Celin Bizet’s shot from 8-yards hit the woodwork before the ball was cleared. After a fantastic run where she turned Maya Le Tissier inside out, Riko Ueki’s cross was headed clear by United’s defence as the half-hour mark approached. At the other end, Hinata Miyazawa’s shot from outside the area was blocked by Shelina Zadorsky before Elisabeth Terland’s strike was saved. In the 32nd minute, Terland had a good chance to give the visitors the lead but headed the wrong side of the post from close range. United had another chance shortly after when a whipped in free kick was deflected wide of her own goal by a Hammers defender. A dangerous corner from Gabby George for the away side clipped the top of the bar before going over. Leah Galton then saw her header saved by Kinga Szemik towards the end of the first half. The first chance of the second half came in the 47th minute and went United’s way when Terland’s header was saved low down. Clinton’s half volley from 15-yards for the visitors went wide in the 56th minute. Szemik pushed away United’s substitute Melvine Malard strike in the 66th minute as they had another chance. The Hammers own substitute Seraina Piubel put in a good cross which was caught by Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Katrina Gorry’s shot from distance took a slight deflection into the United States international goalkeepers hands. West Ham’s WSL Player of the Month for March, Shekiera Martinez, strike from 20-yards flew over the crossbar in the 74th minute. A minute later, Clinton’s fierce shot from 25-yards sailed over the bar for the visitors. With nine minutes remaining, Terland headed over. Martinez tried an acrobatic effort at goal for the hosts which came to nothing. Malard’s shot from 12-yards didn’t find the target for United in the 83rd minute. Both sides were having opportunities in the closing stages with Piuble having the next one for West Ham. As the match entered stoppage time, play on the pitch got a bit frantic with Ueki’s the long-range strike for home side going well over. Terland’s shot was blocked for United before Piubel saw an effort saved at the other end. These turned out to be the final chances of the match as neither side could break the deadlock and they took a point each. Line ups West Ham United (3-4-2-1): Szemik, Nystrom, Tysiak, Zadorsky, Mengwen, Siren, Gorry (c) (Brynjarsdottir 79’), Hanshaw, Martinez (Pavi 88’), Asseyi (Piubel 62’), Ueki Unused substitutes: Walsh, Smith, Harries, Saez, Denton, Ademiluyi Booked - Mengwen Manchester United (4-1-4-1): Tullis-Joyce, Riviere, Le Tissier (c), Turner, George (Sandberg 64’), Miyazawa (Janssen 83’), Bizet, Clinton, Toone (Williams 73’), Galton (Malard 64’), Terland Unused substitutes: Rendell, Middleton-Patel, Mannion, Awujo, Naalsund Booked – Turner, George Referee – Harrison Blair

Aston Villa v Leicester City Photographer Ryan Asman Points were shared at the Bescot Stadoum as Aston Villa and Leicester City drew 2-2. Goals from Adriana Leon, Rachel Daly, Yuki Momiki and Sam Tierney.