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Aston Villa boss Carla Ward questions the impact the World Cup and Nations League will have on international players as the domestic league kicks off Back "We need to start looking after players physically, mentally and emotionally" says Ward after successive international breaks Aston Villa boss Carla Ward questions the impact the World Cup and Nations League will have on international players as the domestic league kicks off Getty Images 30 September 2023 Paul Donegan Carla Ward spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Aston Villa’s opening Women’s Super League game of the season against Manchester United on Sunday. Ward was first asked about the concerns about the kit (which has been getting very wet during matches). She responded by saying they have similar concerns as the men have but it is over to the club and Castore (kit manufacture) to deal with as her focus is on the weekend. She added the club have been superb with communication about how they can help the players, what will make them feel better and there is a genuine care from the club. Looking ahead to the match on Sunday, Ward feels her side are ready after a strange pre-season. “ The girls have been sensational since they have been back in” Ward added. As a group they are looking forward to playing in front of a record attendance (12,000) at Villa Park. She thinks it will be a tight, technical game of football and the two sides that will go for it. In terms of team news for the Manchester United match, Kenza Dali is unavailable after coming back from the World Cup with a knock and not trained since then (still a couple of weeks away), whilst Maz Pacheco is a major doubt after picking up a bug. Apart from those two, everyone is fit and available. Asked about what would be seen as success this season after finishing fifth in the WSL and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals last season, Ward said success was retaining key players and players that were on loan signing permanently as well as adding a few extra into the squad. Ward said apart from that, success would be “ continuing what we have been building, and trying to better what we did last season (not necessarily top four) and try to close the gap”. Speaking about new signing Ebony Salmon, Ward said along with other signings it gives them different attacking options which is something they didn’t have last season. “Ebony’s pace and power is phenomenal and to have that added is massive to us” the Villa manager continued. “I have never seen pace like it”, and “there is no-one in the WSL like her” Ward added. Ward thinks Sunday’s opponents Manchester United will be up their challenging again after an unbelievable 22/23 season when they finished runners-up in the WSL and FA Cup. She thinks they have had one of the best transfer windows in the WSL with a lot of money spent and quality coming in. With the World Cup not finishing until five weeks ago and another international break last week, Ward doesn’t think that those who played in each have had a long enough break. She added we need to start looking after players physically, mentally and emotionally. The Villa manager also said there are plans to give those who have been playing lots of international football some rest during the season (Conti Cup weeks). When speaking about Maddy Cusack who tragically passed away last week, Ward, who had managed Cusack at Sheffield United, got emotional saying she had an “ unbelievable relationship” with her and she was an “exceptional human being”. Another new Villa signing over the summer is Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, and Ward thinks “she has the potential to be the best in the world” . Ward continued by saying they have been tracking her since the Euro’s last year but she is young still and they will have to take care and look after her as she develops in the WSL. Ward said she would love to sale out home games at the Bescot Stadium this season as the place bounces when there are more than 3,000 in attendance. “The fans have been unbelievable” and Ward hopes they can put on a show at Villa Park on Sunday. Kirsty Hanson signed permanently from Manchester United over the summer after being on loan last season, and Ward commented that it was all about if United could replace her which they did. Ward thinks the transfer works for all parties and Hanson fits what Villa want to do. Ward thinks anothe r new signing Adriana Leon “needs to be told what she is actually good at and reminding what she is good at” . Ward said they will look after her and hopefully get the best out of her. Asked about fine margins in games, and Ward thinks Villa has more squad depth this season which should help, and they are more used to the elite level of game management. Ward noted it is important Villa keep developing youngsters. “Laura Brown is a sensational young player, someone I have high hopes for” Ward said and “we see her playing a huge part this season”. Rachel Corsie is the Villans captain this season and Ward was asked why. “She is one of the greatest leaders you will meet, she is a natural leader who understands the game, experienced, I can rely on, trust and will lead the team” the Villa manager concluded. Aston Villa v Manchester United is live on BBC Two (12:30 kick off BST) on Sunday in the UK (check local listings/FA Player around on the world ). News

Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn is encouraged by Spurs' experience in the FA Cup final Back "It's not the end, it's actually just the beginning" says Vilahamn Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn is encouraged by Spurs' experience in the FA Cup final Eddie Keogh 12 May 2024 By Charlotte Stacey Tottenham Hotspur manager Robert Vilahamn spoke to the media after Spurs' 4-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Here is what he had to say... On his feelings at the final whistle: It's not fun to lose a final in big numbers but on the other hand I think Manchester United played a really good game. They hurt us, had really good quality so sometimes you just have to think 'ok, they've just had a really good day.' That first goal was a little bit tough for us just on the half time break because the first half was still quite competitive. We tried to find ways in the second half but they scored two goals quite quickly and we are all over the place. It's really hard to play 3-0 down and when they are shining of course. On the other hand we need to look at the whole FA Cup and realise we played at Wembley today. We are here to get an experience and a love for this game so even if it's really tough now we know that we're going to be really proud when we finish this season. On players feeling the pressure of a big occasion: Most of the players of Man United were here last year, they had experience of that. And I think most of our players were still performing to their best so that first goal [hurts us]. We had chances as well, but we're going to learn from this and the players will learn much about how their bodies are working in these kinds of games. That's what we want, we want these big games and to be able to perform. And also for me, I've never been here as a coach before so it's a great experience. How you communicate with the players, it's so loud, so hard to reach them,. So very, tough to lose but it's a learning process and this is the first step . On moving forward as One Club: We've got this experience this year to play at the [Tottenham Hotspur] stadium two times and a final here. It's not only the players, the coaches, it's the media team, it's the whole club and how we get around stuff and prepare stuff. It's a really good journey we've done this year. If we want to continue, to be a top team, this experience will help us. We couldn't do it today and I'm sad for the fans but I also know that we will come back. it's not the end, it's actually just the beginning. On supporting players after the game: The main thing I said that this is not the end. We have learnt so much this year and actually reached the final. Yeah, we could've won it as well, but on the other hand, Man United deserve it. So we also need to look at it like 'what a performance they've had, they've had experience in the big stadium as well.' It's ok to have feelings. It's ok to feel angry, sad, whatever they want to be because that's part of football. You should feel that today because you want to win next time. We're going to close this year and we're going to realise we were in the final, we were top six in the league and we're probably going to feel like we've had a good year. On goalkeeper Becky Spencer's error that led to Lucia Garcia's first goal: I'm taking that goal on me actually. Because that's how I want her to play. The goalkeeper will make mistakes every year when you play the style we do, it's just unfortunately she did it in the final. But on the other hand she showed us that she will be brave so I'm going to make sure I'm going to support her on Tuesday. Make sure she knows. She's a very mature woman and a cool girl, she will solve this, I know that. It's no problem. Of course I'm going to make sure that I tell her that she is a great goalkeeper. Very on the ball and she should continue dictating the build-up for us because she is great with that. News

Adam Salter is an Arsenal superfan and a blogger extraordinaire. We caught up with Adam to chat about his journey into women’s football and why it is has become so important to his everyday life. Back Hand over the mic: Adam Salter Adam Salter is an Arsenal superfan and a blogger extraordinaire. We caught up with Adam to chat about his journey into women’s football and why it is has become so important to his everyday life. Adam meeting Arsenal players Jill Roord, Daniëlle van de Donk, Lia Wälti and Beth Mead. 2 August 2021 By Charlotte Stacey What was apparent from the onset was Adam’s unconditional commitment not only to Arsenal, but to women’s football as a whole, and so his very first statement upon being asked how this came to be was a rather surprising one. “I hated football” he reveals, “I couldn’t stand it. I grew up in a house that had no interest in football. I didn’t come from a family of Arsenal fans who inducted me into it. The only sport we watched was Wimbledon tennis or perhaps the Olympics. Sport really had no place in our house.” Adam goes onto recount his schooldays describing himself as an academic with little aptitude for playground sports. His parents’ decision to enrol him in after school football paired with the rather relatable conundrum of playground popularity only served to deepen his dislike of the beautiful game. Yet, as the familiar tale goes, school politics demanded something of Adam. He applied himself to chancing football once again, this time trying his hand between the sticks. It was here, during his first match in goal, that Adam recognises a lightbulb moment. “The first match, I did it. I saved a penalty and everyone went mad because they knew I was rubbish at sport. It was that moment where suddenly everything just clicked. I understood why football was great and I understood why it was such an amazing sport and I knew I wanted more of it.” Adam's first visit to Meadow Park. Interest piqued; Adam invested his curiosity in to Arsenal football club. However, it wasn’t until 2007 after flicking through the television channels and finding a match being broadcast on the BBC, that he was exposed to Arsenal’s women’s team. The match Adam recalls is Arsenal’s FA Cup final against Charlton Athletic, in which the Gunners beat the Addicks 4-1. He honestly recalls that, at the time, it was “strange” to see a women’s side being shown on terrestrial television. “I thought I’ll watch it. Arsenal is Arsenal, it doesn’t matter, man or woman.” From that point, with a connection to women’s football born, Adam sought to follow the progress of both Arsenal men and Arsenal women. However, his newfound fondness of the women’s team was a frustrating venture compared to the easily accessible men’s side. “I wanted to know more about them. But I didn’t because there was nothing out there. You’d go online and resources weren’t there to find out [about them]. You’d look on the TV and think, well, where are they playing, where are these games? The only games you saw were Lionesses games, and only occasionally.” Adam recounts that this first exposure to women’s football turned out to be an exasperating affair. Admitting that he did not keep up with proceedings as much as he would have liked, Adam speaks in depth at the lack of televised coverage and archived reading material. “Because there was never the coverage, I never really followed the leagues, never really followed the WSL. There’s a whole history that feels missed because the coverage wasn’t there.” Moving on to speaking about the Lionesses, Adam notes that even for the national team, although exposure was marginally better, information was hard to come by. The 2009 European Championships, in which England reached the final, was a struggle to keep up with without personal research in sourcing the streaming of matches. “Even then I couldn’t really watch it because it was all news reports after the event. It was a momentous achievement to get to the final. [They were] much more successful than the men’s side who, at the time, couldn’t even qualify for the European championships. It was almost like ‘secret football’ and we were doing really well but no-one really knows about it.” After loosely following the Lionesses and their international successes for a number of years, Adam stumbled back into league football just as Joe Montemurro’s Arsenal were on the cusp of winning the Women’s Super League in 2019. “I knew they were doing well. They had beaten Chelsea 5-0, gone to Brighton and won 4-0. And so, I followed their running and I thought, that’s it, I’m going to follow them properly now.” This just so happen to coincide with coverage of the WSL. A handful of matches could be found on the BBC Red Button, BT Sport and occasionally on social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. As Adam recommitted, he reports a conscious effort to re-learn his team. Gone were Arsenal staples Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey and Alex Scott, in their place were Gunner legends in the making Vivianne Miedema and Daniëlle van de Donk. He thrust himself into every opportunity that presented itself, amongst them a meeting with four Arsenal players and a group zoom call with Kelly Smith. Research complete, in the winter of 2019 Adam attended his first game at Meadow Park; Arsenal versus Birmingham City. Arsenal at Meadow Park. “It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. It was incredible. I’d been to Arsenal men’s games and you turn up and you get a win, it’s great, a good atmosphere, but there was something different about going to a women’s game at Meadow Park.” “There was a closeness that you don’t get going to watch a game at the Emirates….it was like being part of a secret family, everyone was nice to each other, there was no nastiness. I thought it would just be local Arsenal fans, but there were people that had come over from other countries as well and I just thought, I need to do this again. An incredible experience.” Of course, just a few months later the Covid-19 pandemic meant that the season, and indeed the country, were shut-down. Yet, with the magic of Jordan Nobbs’ wonder goal still fresh in his mind, Adam turned his attention to Twitter. After rejuvenising his account, Adam first entered a ‘pub quiz’ competition in which the winner would receive a follow from Arsenal football club. “I won”, Adam recalls, surprise still evident on his face, “it was madness, I got a follow from Arsenal. It gave me confidence, and I thought maybe I can get some movement here. I started to talk about Arsenal, follow people who I knew liked Arsenal and just got some communication out there.” With honesty, Adam identifies the negativity Twitter can dump on to one’s lap, yet earnestly appreciates the importance of the social media platform and its surface function to keep connected during the initial lockdown. Through his connections on Twitter, Adam was invited onto a podcast to discuss his thoughts regarding Arsenal’s one upcoming game, their Champions League quarter final clash against PSG. “I ended up doing a few episodes with them and it was fantastic. I realised that I could actually have a valid educated opinion on women’s football.” Adam’s developing knowledge left him with the feeling that Twitter no longer allowed him the space to stamp down his opinions. After seeking guidance from established writers, Adam set up his own website and has been regularly blogging ever since. Reflecting on his experiences so far Adam monologues with great appreciation, sincerity pouring from every word. “I owe women’s football a great deal of gratitude as it’s really taken me out of my shell. I’ve gone from doing my own thing, going to work and staying at home, to talking to people all over the world." "I owe it to these small moments, passing moments that could’ve gone like dust in the wind. It’s just twisted my life in such subtle ways to put me where I am now. Now I just want to get back to Meadow Park and watch a game!” As our interview drew to an end, Adam touched on where he thinks the future of women’s football is heading. “Do I think it should be as good as the men’s? No. I think it should be better. Women’s football is a game that has its heart, there is a purity to it that I would hate to see tarnished, but at the same time it needs money.” “We either need owners that put enough in to make it sustainable or the women’s teams [of affiliate clubs] will have to become separate entities, similarly to the London City Lionesses who were once part of Milwall. There needs to be a proper funding system in place moneywise to make it financially stable.” “When you think talented players go [to other clubs] on a free. Van de Donk, which is madness. If Ronaldo left Juventus on a free the world would lose their mind. If women’s football is to remain sustainable, it needs to become so not just from a football perspective but from an economic perspective.” “The new TV deals are great. Sky are on board and games on the BBC which is good so we can still watch some games live on a terrestrial channel. I want to see it grow, I want to see them playing in the big stadiums, I’m loving that the Champions League is getting bigger. I would love to see more teams in the WSL. Maybe 15 or 16 as the season sometimes feels too short. But clubs like Leicester I’m really excited to see, they [owners] really care about the club and are taking them forward. I’m hoping in the next 5-10 years we will have well run clubs that have investment and players have value, but I wouldn’t want it to get to the high financial price of the men’s because I think that would ruin it. But I think it’s a positive future.” Rounding up his time in the women’s game so far, Adam eloquently wraps up his journey in women’s football with one touching statement. “It’s been a heck of a ride from catching a glance at the TV to now, I wonder how things could’ve been different, but really I’m so glad things are as they are.” Check out Adam's blog here: https://adamsarsenalblog.wordpress.com/ Womens Football, Adam Salter, Arsenal Women, Arsenal, Women's Super League

Arsenal have confirmed that Leah Williamson has signed a new contract at the club. Back Leah Williamson signs new contract with The Arsenal Arsenal have confirmed that Leah Williamson has signed a new contract at the club. Via Arsenal Women FC 12 January 2022 By Josh Bunting The 24 year old defender who can also operate in midfield was out of contract this summer however , the Milton Keynes native has decided to put pen to paper on a new deal. Williamson who is currently out with a hamstring injury has been with the Gunners since she was 9 ,and has gone on to make 179 appearances to date for the north London side. Williamson signed a new contract last summer but only for one more year seeking that the club improved its all round structure. With Nikita Parris , Tobin Heath and Frida Maanum signing and with the Gunners currently top of the WSL, it shows a real sign of ambition with the defender deciding staying at her childhood club was the right decision. Williamson has also been capped by England 24 times and has captained her country on four occasions including against Northern Ireland at Wembley Stadium in October. She made her Arsenal debut against Birmingham City in the UEFA Women’s Champions League at the age of 16 ,and has become a crucial member of the squad as well as a fan’s favourite. During her time at the club Williamson has helped the club win the 2018/19 Barclays FA Women's Super League, two Continental Tyres League Cups and two Women's FA Cups. On signing the new deal Williamson told Arsenal.com “It was a dream come true the first time that I signed here and the feeling hasn’t changed. I’m as grateful as ever to have the opportunity to do what I do here – at home – and I’m very proud to continue to represent my family playing for Arsenal and to wear the badge.” Jonas Eidevall went on to add “It’s wonderful news that Leah has signed a new deal, as well as being a key player for us right now, she is also an integral part of our plans for the future – a player for us to build Arsenal around and show the young women in our academy what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and passion. I know Leah has a special bond with the fans too – it’s so important for the supporters to identify with the players and they certainly have that in Leah.” Head of women’s football at Arsenal Clare Wheatley also went on to explain “Leah is a crucial member of our squad and we are all delighted that she will be staying with us moving forward. This is an ambitious club and Leah has always been a vital part of our plans – I’m sure all the fans will be thrilled with the news that she has signed a new contract.” News

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Aileen Whelan notes a positive shift in the Foxes as they head into this weekend's match against Manchester City Back Leicester have "more belief" after getting points on the board says Whelan Aileen Whelan notes a positive shift in the Foxes as they head into this weekend's match against Manchester City Girls on the Ball 2 February 2023 By Paul Donegan Leicester City captain Aileen Whelan spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Women’s Super League game against Manchester City. How do you think January went for the side? “It was a good one, first points on the board and a positive performance, three goals as well and given us some momentum” W helan said. Added they also had a couple of friendlies in which they got wins, goals and clean sheets. Do you see the fight, spirit and quality for Leicester to stay in the WSL this season? Whelan responded by saying “there has definitely been a shift in the environment, passion and enthusiasm in training and the games, and getting the fans to stick with us as going in the right direction now”. Is there a feeling there has been a change? “It is a lot more positive and a lot more belief in what we are trying to achieve, and definitely going in the right direction” Whelan said. As out of the cups, is only focusing now on the WSL a good thing? Whelan said it is disappointing to have gone out of the FA Cup as want to play as many games as possible, “but league to focus on and that is priority and will be until end of the season”. Do you feel any result against Manchester City will be massive in survival hopes? “Yeah absolutely, to climb the table we need points on the board, anything one or three points, we are going out to make sure we leave with something” Whelan responded. What lessons did you learn from the Conti Cup game against Man City in January that you can take into this one? Whelan answered by saying “I think Man City play the same sort of game plan whoever plays so we have got enough analyst on that so we can try and counteract and attack their weaknesses as best as possible, it doesn’t matter who we are playing, we go out with the same mentality”. How important can the home fans be at the King Power Stadium on Saturday? “Ever week the fans turn up and we can hear them from the start till the final whistle, and I am sure Man City will be bringing a big group of fans so the more we can get there to overshadow that noise will be the best for us as players” Whelan concluded. News

Georgia Stanway Position Midfielder D.O.B 03/01/1999 Club Manchester City via The Telegraph

Katie Zelem Position Midfielder D.O.B 20/01/1996 Club Manchester United Matthew Ashton

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Lotte Wubben-Moy Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy continues to gain senior international experience after representing the Lionesses at U15, U17, U20 and U21 levels. Much like Millie Bright, Wubben-Moy offers a testing physical presence at the back and uses her height, fitness and strength to deny strikers scoring opportunities. Wubben-Moy is still one of England’s youngest trade defenders, however the North London native plays with maturity and demonstrates sensible judgement. Aside from being a dependable central defender, Wubben-Moy is also developing into a skilled ball player. She typically likes to dribble toward the half way line before releasing passes through the central channels, by doing so, encouraging positive forward movement from those around her. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Team Information: West Ham West Ham Website https://www.whufc.com/teams/women/squad Manager Olli Harder - NZL Captain Gilly Flaherty Squad West Ham Hawa Cissoko Photographer: Girls on the Ball Dagny Brynjarsdottir Photographer: Girls on the Ball West Ham 1/5 Player Position Number Nationality DOB Mackenzie Arnold GK 1 AUS 25/02/1994 Gilly Flaherty DF 5 ENG 24/08/1991 Lucy Parker DF 15 ENG 18/11/1998 Lois Joel DF 20 ENG 02/06/1999 Grace Fisk DF 22 ENG 05/01/1998 Hawa Cissoko DF 23 FRA 10/04/1997 Grace Garrad DF 25 ENG 19/06/2003 Zaneta Wyne MF 2 USA 03/08/1990 Abbey-Leigh Stringer MF 4 ENG 17/05/1995 Katerina Svitkova MF 10 CZE 20/03/1996 Kate Longhurst MF 12 ENG 02/05/1989 Tameka Yallop MF 13 AUS 16/06/1991 Yui Hasegawa MF 14 JPN 29/01/1997 Melisa Felis MF 17 ENG 20/07/2002 Brooke Cairns MF 24 ENG 11/06/2003 Dagny Brynjarsdottir MF 32 ISL 10/08/1991 Lisa Evans (on loan from Arsenal) FW 7 SCO 21/03/1992 Claudia Walker FW 9 ENG 10/06/1996 Nor Mustafa FW 11 SWE 29/11/2001 Adriana Leon FW 19 CAN 02/10/1992 Ground Chigwell Construction Stadium, Dagenham, RM10 7XL

Mary Earps reflects on Manchester United's historic FA Cup victory Back Why not spray everyone with champagne? says Earps Mary Earps reflects on Manchester United's historic FA Cup victory Adam Mitten 13 May 2024 By Paul Donegan Mary Earps spoke to the media in the mixed zone at Wembley Stadium after the Red Devils FA Cup win on Sunday. Here is what United’s goalkeeper said. Earps response to being asked about celebrating by spraying champagne over her teammates whilst they were having a photo was that it is “just important to enjoy it, it is really special to win here, and all been working for this for a long time, so yeah why not spray everyone with champagne.” After not conceding nor having that much to do during the final, Earps noted it is “tough to get a clean sheet in a final, the girls were brilliant in front of me, we managed the game well on a hot day, and we got what we deserved, so really proud of the girls.” With Wembley being sold-out for the final and all the signs for and fandom around her, Earps was asked if she can take all that in? “I don’t really know what to make of that, but it is so nice, something I am trying to take in and it is a big responsibility trying to inspire” Earps concluded. News

Arsenal make their first signing of the window Back Arsenal sign new goalkeeper Arsenal make their first signing of the window Arsenal FC 5 August 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese on a permanent deal from Danish side HB Koge. Marckese twice featured against the Gunners during last season's Champions League and will provide competition for current number one Manuela Zinsberger. News