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Information on the fan festivals that will be taking place across the UK. Euro's Information and News Women's Euro's: Fan Festivals Action Images By Paul Donegan 4 July 2022 All host cities will be holding free fan festivals during the tournament, although events vary between location, when they open and exactly what they will offer. Things you can expect at the festivals include music and entertainment, food and drink, football taster sessions, exhibitions and even a giant deckchair in Brighton & Hove! Below is a list of each fan festival and their opening times. Brighton & Hove Location: Victoria Gardens Open - Saturday 9th July to Monday 11th July (midday to 6pm) Friday 15th July to Sunday 17th July (midday to 6pm) Wednesday 20th July (midday to 6pm) London Location: Trafalgar Square Open - Saturday 23rd July to Sunday 31st July (11am to 6pm and also after the final whistle on 31st) Manchester Location: Piccadilly Gardens Open - Wednesday 6th July to Sunday 31st July (11am to 4pm) Milton Keynes Location: Station Square Open - Friday 8th July (midday to 5pm) Tuesday 12th July (midday to 5pm) Saturday 16th July (midday to 8pm) Wednesday 27th July (midday to 8pm) Rotherham Location: Town centre Open - Sunday 10th July (midday to 6pm) Thursday 14th and Monday 18th July (2pm to 6pm) Saturday 23rd July (midday to 6pm) Sheffield Location: Devonshire Green Open - Saturday 9th July (3pm to 9pm) Wednesday 13th July (2pm to 4pm) Sunday 17th July (2pm - 4pm) Tuesday 26th July (2pm to 7pm) Southampton Palmerston Park Open - Thursday 7th July (midday - 6pm) Monday 11th July (midday - 6pm) Friday 15th July (midday to 6pm) Trafford Location: Old Trafford Open - Wednesday 6th July (ticket holders only) Wigan & Leigh Location: Leigh Civic Square Open - Saturday 9th July (midday to 4pm) Wednesday 13th July (2pm to 6:30pm) Sunday 17th July (midday to 4pm) Friday 22nd July (2pm to 6:30pm)

Back Millie Bright Club Chelsea Position Defender D.O.B 21/08/1993 Bio Chelsea defender Bright is a steadfast figure at the back and encompasses every quality one would hope to find in a centre-back. Typically wise in her defensive actions, Bright is shrewd with a tackle and makes substantial interceptive movements. She is successful in applying pressure to divert attacking plays and forcing opponents onto the wrong foot. Bright also carries with her an exceptional ability to accurately play long balls that can spin a game on its head in seconds. via Getty Images B3

Quick guide to the teams in Group , the "group of death" Euro's Information and News Get to know: Group B Girls on the Ball By Paul Donegan 7 July 2022 Spain Spain won qualifying Group D to reach the finals. This will be their fourth appearance in the finals, and their best performance was reaching the semi-finals in 1997. Spain have a broad scope of talent within their squad, including Barcelona titans Mapi Leon and Aitana Bonmati. FIFA Ranking – 7th Manager – Jorge Vilda Squad 1. Lola Gallardo (Atletico Madrid) 2. Ona Batlle (Manchester United) 3. Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City) 4. Irene Paredes (Barcelona) 5. Ivana Andres (Real Madrid) 6. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona) 7. Irene Guerrero (Atletico Madrid) 8. Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona) 9. Esther Gonzalez (Real Madrid) 10. Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid) 11. Marta Cardona (Real Madrid) 12. Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona) 13. Sandra Panos (Barcelona) 14. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) (out with injury) 15. Leila Ouahabi (Manchester City) 16. Maria Pilar Leon (Barcelona) 17. Lucia Garcia (Athletic Club) 18. Teresa Abelleira (Real Madrid) 19. Olga Carmona (Real Madrid) 20. Andrea Pereira (Barcelona) 21. Sheila Garcia (Atletico Madrid) 22. Claudia Pina (Barcelona) 23. Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid) Denmark Denmark were runners-up last time, which was their best performance. This is going to be their 10th appearance in the finals. They qualified as a group winner with 9 wins and 1 draw from their 10 games. FIFA Ranking – 15th Manager – Lars Sondergaard Squad 1. Lene Christensen (Rosenborg) 2. Sara Thrige (Milan) 3. Stine Ballisager (Valerenga) 4. Rikke Sevecke (Everton) 5. Simone Boye (Arsenal) 6. Karen Holmgaard (Turbine Potsdam) 7. Sanne Troelsgaard (Reading) 8. Sara Holmgaard (Turbine Potsdam) 9. Nadia Nadim (Racing Louisville) 10. Pernille Harder (Chelsea) 11. Katrine Veje (Rosengard) 12. Stine Larsen (BK Hacken) 13. Sofie Junge Pedersen (Juventus) 14. Sofie Bredgaard (Rosengard) 15. Kathrine Kuhl (FC Nordsjaelland) 16. Katrine Svane (AGF) 17. Rikke Marie Madsen (Madrid CFF) 18. Luna Gevitz (BK Hacken) 19. Janni Thomsen (Valerenga) 20. Signe Bruun (Lyon) 21. Mille Geji (BK Hacken) 22. Laura Worsoe (Odense Q) 23. Sofie Svava (Real Madrid) Germany The most successful side in the Euros having won it eight times, including six in a row between 1995 and 2013. They qualified for this year’s finals as a group winner in which they had a perfect 8 out of 8 wins. FIFA Ranking – 5th Manager – Martina Voss-Tecklenburg Squad 1. Merle Frohms (Eintracht Frankfurt) 2. Sophia Kleinherne (Eintracht Frankfurt) 3. Kathrin Hendrich (VfL Wolfsburg) 4. Lena Lattwein (VfL Wolfsburg) 5. Marina Hegering (Bayern Munich) 6. Lena Oberdorf (VfL Wolfsburg) 7. Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich) 8. Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich) 9. Svenja Huth (VfL Wolfsburg) 10. Laura Freigang (Eintracht Frankfurt) 11. Alexandra Popp (VfL Wolfsburg) 12. Almuth Schult (VfL Wolfsburg) 13. Sara Dabritz (Paris Saint-Germain) 14. Nicole Anyomi (Eintracht Frankfurt) 15. Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich) 16. Linda Dallmann (Bayern Munich) 17. Felicitas Rauch (VfL Wolfsburg) 18. Tabea Wassmuth (VfL Wolfsburg) 19. Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich) 20. Lina Magull (Bayern Munich) 21. Ann-Katrin Berger (Chelsea) 22. Jule Brand (1899 Hoffenheim) 23. Sara Doorsoun (Eintracht Frankfurt) Finland Finland won their qualifying group to reach England. This is going to be their fourth appearance in the finals with their best performance being in 2005 when they reached the semi-finals. FIFA Ranking – 29th Manager – Anna Signeul Squad 1. Katriina Talaslahti (FC Fleury 91) 2. Elli Pikkujamsa (KIF Orebro DFF) 3. Tuija Hyyrynen (Juventus) 4. Ria Oling (Rosengard) 5. Emma Koivisto (Brighton & Hove Albion) 6. Anna Auvinen (Sampdoria) 7. Adelina Engman (Hammarby) 8. Olga Ahtinen (Linkopings FC) 9. Juliette Kemppi (IFK Kalmar) 10. Emmi Alanen (Kristianstads DFF) 11. Nora Heroum (Lazio) 12. Anna Tamminen (Hammarby) 13. Jenny Danielsson (AIK) 14. Heidi Kollanen (KIF Orebro DFF) 15. Natalia Kuikka (Portland Thorns) 16. Anna Westerlund (Aland United) 17. Sanni Franssi (Real Sociedad) 18. Linda Sallstrom (Vittsjo GIK) 19. Essi Sainio (HJK) 20. Eveliina Summanen (Tottenham Hotspur) 21. Amanda Rantanen (KIF Orebro DFF) 22. Jutta Rantala (Vittsjo GIK) 23. Tinja-Riikka Korpela (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Eagles pinch a win in their last home game of the season. Back Match Report FAWC: Crystal Palace v Watford The Eagles pinch a win in their last home game of the season. Paul Donegan 25 April 2022 By Paul Donegan Crystal Palace won 2-1 against relegation threatened Watford on Sunday at Hayes Lane. Watford’s loss along with Coventry United’s win over Lewes means that the FA Women’s Championship relegation place will be decided on the final day when the bottom two play each other. Watford had a few early corners, one of which was eventually scrambled wide. Palace’s first chance in the 17th minute was a long range shot from Siobhan Wilson that was easily saved. Two minutes later, Palace took the lead when Molly Sharpe collected a long ball forward and saw her lob from an angle go over the goalkeeper and in off the post. A couple of minutes later, Sharpe had an opportunity to double the lead but headed wide. In the 27th minute, Millie Farrow shot well wide as Palace continued to look the more threatening of the sides in the opening half hour. Watford’s best chance of the half came in the 34th minute when Andria Georgiou sent a lob from the edge of the penalty area just over and onto the roof of the net. Shortly after, Amber-Keegan Stobbs sent another shot over for the visitors. The hosts made it 2-0 in the 39th minute when Sharpe got her second as she got onto a long ball first and lobbed the ball over Watford keeper again and into the net. Watford became a bit sloppy just before half time and Sharpe had a couple of opportunities to score again but both were blocked by Watford defenders. The final chance of the half saw Gracie Pearse head a corner wide for the home side. Watford had a few chances early in the second half with a Corinne Henson shooting wide and then Georgiou’s shot from the edge of the area going straight at the Palace keeper. Palace almost scored a third in the 53rd minute when another long ball found Farrow but she saw her shot bounce back off the post and into the goalies hands. Watford did have the ball in the net in the 60th minute but Helen Ward’s effort was ruled out for offside. Stobbs then sent a long range shot well over as Watford looked to get back into the game. Palace had an opportunity of their own to increase their lead as well with Sharpe sending a powerful shot wide in the 70th minute. Watford had two chances in quick succession to get a goal back when in the 76th minute Chiara Meola put an effort just wide, and a minute later Jenna Legg saw her shot from outside the area also go wide. The visitors did score in the 81st minute when from a corner, the ball fell to Gemma Davison whose low shot from about 6 yards found the corner of the net. It was Palace who had the next couple of opportunities as Bianca Baptiste shot wide in the 82nd minute and then Wilson sent a dinked effort inches wide five minutes later. Watford had the last chances of the game as they went looking for an equaliser with Davison seeing her cross land on the roof of the net and Georgiou sending her shot go into the hands of the Palace goalkeeper. The win leaves Crystal Palace fourth in the Championship but with a chance of finishing second still. Watford and Coventry United are now only separated by two points at the bottom of the league with one game left. They face each other next Sunday in what will be a huge match at Vicarage Road. Line ups: Crystal Palace: Orman (GK), Johnson (c), Everett, Pearse, Sibley (Nichol 74’), Haines, Wilson, Waldie, McClean (Clifford 74’), Farrow (Baptiste 74’), Sharpe (Hennessy 84’) Unused substitutes: Smith, Churchill, Coombs Goals – Sharpe 19’, 39’ Booking – Farrow Watford: Ferguson (GK), Stobbs (c), Chandler, Meiwald, Henson, Ali (Legg 67’), Georgiou, Kmita, Ward (Meola 67’), Fatuga-Dada, Fyfe (Davison 46’) Unused substitutes: Smith, Vyse, Hector, Wiltshire, Vassell, Rogers Goal – Davison 81’ Referee – Jade Wardle Attendance - 464

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall speaks to the press ahead of this weekend's game against Everton Back Eidevall confirms Rafaelle and Williamson are fit to play Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall speaks to the press ahead of this weekend's game against Everton Arseblog 2 December 2022 By Paul Donegan Jonas Eidevall confirmed that Leah Williamson and Rafaelle are in the matchday squad for the Everton match. Eidevall said “it is pleasing for us, starting to get players back from injuries and improving numbers in the squad” . When asked if they would start, he said “they are in the matchday squad, so starting eleven everyone will know tomorrow” . Added it “helps a lot having two more players of very high quality into our environment and that it would boost any team”. Said that Leah is “very motivated about getting back onto the pitch, helping the team to achieve things”. Also said that players coming back from injury work hard to get back into the team and help them. As well as getting players back fit, they have also prioritised a mental break, have some time off and some more freedom. Eidevall said Lina Hurtig and Kim Little are progressing well but not ready for matchday squad. Said Hurtig will hopefully be back before Christmas but no date given for Little's return. When asked about recalling Gio from Everton, Jonas said “they will evaluate where Gio is at and what will be the best place for her to continue her development when the transfer window opens up” . Added they have all possibilities open still and “[it's] almost certain we will need to replace Beth Mead this season, but we will have to wait to see what that replacement looks like”. On Everton, Eidevall said they “have a very good team” but not having expectations on them this season, he thinks, has helped their performances. On facing Brian Sorensen, Eidevall said “he is trying to build something long-term, they are consistent in how they are doing things almost regardless of opponents they have been playing”. Added they have asked some interesting tactical questions to sides they have faced. About going back to Meadow Park. Eidevall said he “really enjoy when we play at the Emirates, I also really enjoy playing and being near and seeing us play in front of the fans at Meadow Park”. With not having a game for 10 days, Eidevall said they had last weekend off “which was the right thing to do”. Said they have had some good quality training sessions during the week. When asked about players having time off during the season if they ask for it, Jonas said it is individual and about the support system. He added “it is important in any job, even if you love it and it is your passion, no one of us doesn’t have any vacation, because we know we need that, it is a human thing where you need to switch off and reconnect”. On team moral with playing in front of record crowds but then the injuries. “I think moral is great” Eidevall answered, “they are working so well together, they are engaged, they work hard on the pitch, we look at the games and see where we can develop no matter what the result” he continued. News

All you need to know ahead of this weekend's Conti Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea Conti Cup: Bumper Guide Friday, 29 March 2024 By Paul Donegan All you need to know ahead of this weekend's Conti Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea Getty ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

All you need to know ahead of the record breaking Vitality Women's FA Cup 2023 A Guide to the FA Cup Final 2023 Saturday, 13 May 2023 By Paul Donegan All you need to know ahead of the record breaking Vitality Women's FA Cup 2023 The 2023 Women’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 14th May (kick off 2:30pm BST). Chelsea have won the last two FA Cups and will be looking to win it for the fifth time in total. This will be Manchester United’s first appearance in the final. These sides are currently the top two in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The match has sold-out and will set a new attendance record for the final and cup. How they got to the final Both sides entered the cup in the fourth round. In that round, Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-2 at Kingsmeadow with Sam Kerr scoring a hat-trick. The Blues took on London rivals Arsenal in the fourth round. They won that match 2-0 with Sophie Ingles and Kerr scoring the goals. In the quarter-finals, Chelsea overcame Reading, beating them 3-1. The goals were scored by Jess Carter, Maren Mjelde and Guro Reiten. Kerr scored the only goal in the semi-final as they beat Aston Villa 1-0 to reach their third consecutive final. Manchester United started their FA Cup campaign with a 2-1 win away at Sunderland with Nikita Parris scoring both goals. In the fourth round, they beat Durham 5-0. Vilde Boe Risa, Leah Galton, Hannah Blundell, Alessia Russo and Parris scored the goals. They travelled to The Dripping Pan in the quarter-finals where they beat Lewes 3-1. The goals were scored by Russo, Boe Risa and Parris. Galton, Russo and Rachel Williams scored as they reached Wembley for the first time by beating Brighton 3-2 in the semi-finals. Past Meetings In the WSL meetings this season, Chelsea won the meeting at Leigh Sports Village in November 3-1. Kerr, Lauren James, and Erin Cuthbert scored for the Blues whilst Russo scored United’s consolation goal. In the return fixture at Kingsmeadow in March, Chelsea won 1-0. Kerr scored the only goal of the game during the first half. Manchester United have never beaten Chelsea in any competition. Photo: Edward Payne Chelsea Chelsea are currently second in the WSL. Emma Hayes normally lines them up in a 4-2-3-1 formation but has also recently also used a 3-4-1-2 formation, even swapping between them during matches. Starting in goal will either be Ann-Katrin Berger or Zecira Musovic. In defence, Eve Perisset, captain Magdalena Eriksson, Kadeisha Buchanan, Jess Carter, Maren Mjelde and Niamh Charles have been regular starters throughout the season. Alsu Abdullina is another defensive option whilst Millie Bright will miss the final with a knee injury. Erin Cuthbert, Sophie Ingle, Melanie Leupolz, Jessie Fleming and Jelena Cankovic could be used in the midfield. In the attacking midfield positions, Lauren James, Guro Reiten, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Katerina Svitkova have been used. In the number 10 role, Fran Kirby is out injured for the rest of the season so Pernille Harder, Fleming or Cankovic could start there. Sam Kerr will probably start up front with Harder, James and Reiten as a back-up in this position. Photo: Ryan Asman Manchester United Marc Skinner’s side currently sit top of the WSL. He normally sets United up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and has kept a fairly settled starting line-up throughout the season. Mary Earps will probably start in goal with Sophie Baggaley as back-up. In defence, Ona Batlle normally starts as right-back, Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner in the centre, and Hannah Blundell on the left side. Aoife Mannion has started some recent games as a centre-back. Other defensive options include Jayde Riviere, Aissatou Tounkara and Estelle Cascarino. Maria Thorisdottir is out injured for the rest of the season. Captain Katie Zelem and Hayley Ladd have been regular starters in midfield, with Nikita Parris, Ella Toone and Leah Galton playing in more attacking roles. Other players who can play in midfield include Vilde Boe Risa, Lisa Naalsund and Lucia Garcia. Alessia Russo is the normal starter in forward position with Rachel Williams and Martha Thomas as other options in attack. Stadium and transport information The final, as it has done since 2015, will take place at Wembley Stadium. Following national rail strikes on Friday and Saturday, there may still be some disruption on Sunday. NO TRAINS WILL BE STOPPING AT WEMBLEY STADIUM STATION. The closest stations to the stadium that will be open are Wembley Park (Jubilee and Metropolitan Underground lines) and Wembley Central (Overground from Euston station in London and Bakerloo Underground line). A number of TfL buses stop close to the stadium including the numbers 83, 92, 182, 223, 440, 483. National Express coaches have direct event day services to Wembley. Car Parking has to be pre-booked and is limited. Blue badge parking is available but again has to be pre-booked. General admission turnstiles open at 12:30pm (BST) with hospitality turnstiles opening an hour earlier at 11:30am (BST). Wembley has a restricted bag policy with each person allowed to take in one small bag no bigger than A4 size. All bags will be searched before entering the stadium as well as security checks and searches on supporters. Wembley Stadium is a cashless venue with only card/contactless payments accepted throughout. Wembley Stadium has a no-street-drinking zone on Olympic Way and surrounding streets. Fans found drinking alcohol in this area will be asked to hand it over. There are bars and restaurants in the local area or alcohol will be available in the east fan zone. Fan Zones There will be two fan zones to the east and west of the stadium. They will be unsegregated but you must have a match ticket to enter and they have limited capacities. The west fan zone will have things such as table football and football darts as well as food and soft drinks. The east fan zone will have a resident DJ as well as food, soft and alcoholic drinks (alcoholic ones will stop being served at 1:30pm (BST). Both fan zones will be open from 10:30am to 2pm (BST). Match Officials The referee for the final is Emily Heaslip and she will be assisted by Georgia Ball and Chloe-Ann Small. The fourth official will be Abigail Byrne and the reserve assistant referee is Sophie Dennington. For the first time in a Women’s FA Cup final, VAR will be used. Michael Salisbury and Sian Massey-Ellis will be the officials in charge of that. TV/Radio coverage In the UK, the final will be shown live on BBC One/Sport Website/iPlayer with coverage starting at 1:50pm (BST). There is live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra (coverage starting at 2:15pm (BST)) and coverage on talkSport from 2pm (BST). Outside of the UK, in countries without broadcast deals for the final, it will be shown on the FA Player (check local listings).

Ebony Salmon Position Forward D.O.B 27/01/2001 Club Racing Louisville Jon Super

Our writer Finley Chung reflects on his time watching Spurs, from regional football to the FA Cup Final From Cheshunt to Wembley - My journey supporting and covering Spurs Women Friday, 10 May 2024 By Finley Chung Our writer Finley Chung reflects on his time watching Spurs, from regional football to the FA Cup Final Ryan Asman The 29th April 2018, a day that I had no idea would be the start of a fantastic journey watching Tottenham Hotspur Women, or Spurs Ladies back then as they were known. With the club then playing their home matches at Cheshunt Football Club, which is a convenient ten minute walk from my house, I thought to myself one day, why not go over! It was a thrilling game, Spurs went 3 up inside the first seven minutes thanks to goals from Wendy Martin and a Bianca Baptise double. Despite being pegged back to three each by Durham, Sarah Wiltshire, Ronnell Humes and Lucia Leon eventually sewed up a 6-3 win for Karen Hills’ side. That was my only experience of the girls in person, until the then record North London Derby in 2019 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I left the ground that day, despite a 2-0 loss hell bent on going to more games, then Coronavirus happened and that was the end of that. Before I knew it, Euro 2021 was around the corner and excitement gripped the nation. I had always kept an eye out for the Lionesses scores, but never actively searched out places, or people to watch games with… until Georgia Stanway’s right foot changed all of that against Spain. For that goal, I screamed so loudly that I woke up my neighbours kids, which tells you enough about the emotion I felt. Of course, England went on to win the Euro’s on that magical day under the Wembley arch, but that catapulted my interest into wanting to watch and cover the women’s game in greater detail. 2021/2022 was Spurs’ best in the WSL, finishing fifth and taking league points off Arsenal and Manchester United for the first time in the clubs short professional history at that stage, the future looked really bright for Rehanne Skinner’s side, but as I grew further into covering the WSL in 2022/2023, that bright future certainly was not what it seemed earlier on. The run that ultimately decided Skinners fate was a nine game winless run between game weeks six and fifteen, when Vicky Jepson took interim charge of the side. Thanks in huge part to Bethany England, Spurs stayed up at the expense of Reading and beat the Royals 4-1, my most memorable press box experience at that time, thanks in no small part to an England double, secured the club’s WSL status. Photo: Ryan Asman I, much like many other Spurs fans at the end of last season, wondered where we might be without Bethany England and I do believe, the answer is in the Championship and not in an FA Cup final, however, over the summer, a period of change happened in N17, a period which has catapulted the club to heights it has never seen. Appointing the loveable Swede, Robert Vilahamn was the clubs seeming first step into putting right the wrongs of the previous campaign, and Spurs haven’t looked back since. In the summer, Vilahamn strengthened hugely, with Martha Thomas, Olga Ahitnen, Luana Buhler, Barbora Votikova and most notably, Grace Clinton joined the Lilywhite revolution. Following an opening day defeat to Chelsea in the WSL, the club went on a six game unbeaten run in the league which truly set the tone for the rest of the term. I covered Vilahamn’s first competitive game, the loss at Stamford Bridge and it gave me the first opportunity to see ‘Bobby Ball’ as its now heralded by the clubs fans in full force. I had zero idea what to expect, but from the first interviews Vilahamn did with Spurs’ in house media team, it was clear he matched the key ethos, play exciting football that wants the fans combing back for more, embodying in full force the club’s Latin Moto, “Audere est Facere’, meaning ‘To Dare is To Do’ in English. Spurs lost 2-1 on that brisk September evening, but had it not been Martha Thomas’ first game for the club, she could’ve so easily had one or two more to the consolation goal she got in SW6. Thus season has been full of highs and historic moments, with the Cup Semi-Final, and the historic North London Derby Win over Arsenal two games that give any Spurs fan goosebumps. Martha Thomas was the name at the centre of both of those moments. She sent the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into a frenzy when finishing off a lightning quick counter attack to seal a 1-0, first ever win over Arsenal in the last game before Christmas, with the Scott writing more headlines in the Cup Semi-Final a few weeks back when Spurs overhauled a one goal deficit, to clinch their place in their first ever FA Cup Final courtesy of Thomas’ 118th minute extra time winner against Leicester City. Being at both these games felt like a genuine full circle moment for me watching this side, who have grown from Regional Football, to compete and beat some of the very best in Women’s Football in this country. On the morning of Wednesday April 24th, I secured my tickets for the FA Cup final, with Spurs selling out the allocation of over 11,800 within three days. The journey for Spurs to get here has been sort of similar to my own personal journey, which I documented for On Her Side just under a year ago now. The feeling of pure elation when Martha Thomas’ header looped over Leicester keeper, Lize Kop and nestled into that net infront of the South Stand of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was simply put, magical. As the days tick closer and the weather gets warmer, whatever happens on Sunday, is going to be a special day for Tottenham Hotspur Women.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Sandy MacIver Sandy MacIver (Mac-EEver) has been in and around the England camp for a number of years having made her senior debut back in 2021. The goalkeeper played as Everton’s number one between 2020-22 and has since moved to Manchester City in a bid to share duties with Ellie Roebuck. MacIver could be described as a brave or bold goalkeeper. When it comes to one-on-one situations, she is unafraid to come off her line, “get big” and is more likely to employ defensive action outside of the area than most. Whilst it would be fair to say MacIver is perhaps not as light-footed as Ellie Roebuck or as vocal as Mary Earps, she is a solid organiser with a favourable save ratio and will do well to get a few more international minutes under her belt. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

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