Women's Football

Birmingham Live • 24th November 2023

Remi Allen lifts lid on ACL recovery, Blues move and coaching ambitions

Remi Allen returned to Birmingham City this summer determined and ready for a fresh start.

The 33-year-old midfielder first joined the Blues in 2014 and spent two years with the club until 2016. In the years that followed, she went on to have spells at Reading, Leicester and, more recently, rivals Aston Villa.

However, Allen’s two seasons in Claret and Blue only amassed to 25 appearances across all competitions. Despite assuming the captaincy role in her first campaign, a cruel ACL injury cut

Nottinghamshire Live • 18th November 2023

Inside story of Nottingham Forest Women's 33-year rise

Lisa Dawkins envisioned the day Nottingham Forest Women would grace the turf at the City Ground and share the facilities and support of their male counterparts.

She was involved with the women’s set up right from its inception in 1990 through until 2019. In just under 30 years, she wore many hats as a player, manager and director of football.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, the club had a women’s team in various forms, but this one had the backing of the club. They were operating solely on a volun

Birmingham Live • 22nd October 2023

Inside Darren Carter's new Birmingham City challenge as Blues target return

Few know what it means to represent Birmingham City better than Darren Carter.

A childhood Blue, youth team product and now women’s team manager — the 39-year-old’s life, and career, has always circled back to one club. It all started back in 1988 when his father took him to his first game and from that point forward he was hooked.

Fast forward 14 years, Carter became a club hero in his own right when, at just 18 years of age, he scored the crucial spot-kick against Norwich City in the 2002 pl

Nottinghamshire Live • 7th October 2023

Freya Thomas is relishing fresh Nottingham Forest challenge in second stint

It’s been quite the journey for 21-year-old Freya Thomas.

Born in Coventry, the youngster has represented clubs across the Midlands, which includes a brief stint with Nottingham Forest in 2021. She was part of Leicester City’s promotion-winning squad only a few years ago and, more recently, she played for Rugby Borough W.F.C. (formerly Coventry United before their relegation) in the Championship - but it's in red with Forest where she's felt most at ease.

“Forest has always been where I’ve enj

The Mirror • 6th September 2023

Jill Scott highlights key issue that needs addressing despite Lionesses' success

As the dust settles on what was a captivating, yet heartbreaking, World Cup campaign for the Lionesses, there's a renewed desire to create a lasting legacy and transform the landscape of women's football in England.

Off the back of the Euros win last year, young girls up and down the country were inspired to pick up a football and give the sport a go for the first time. England's run to a World Cup final this summer, before they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain in the final last month, was ano

Leicestershire Live • 13th August 2023

Lena Petermann outlines Leicester City ambition as WSL move explained

New Leicester City Women signing Lena Petermann has opened up on her move to the club and outlined what she hopes to offer Willie Kirk's side.

The Foxes have had a busy summer as they prepare for a third campaign in the English top flight. Loanees Carrie Jones and Ruby Mace returned to their parent clubs, while defender Ashleigh Plumptre was among those to depart following the end of her contract.

There's been plenty of movement in terms of incomings, however, with Courtney Nevin and goalkeepe

The Mirror • 21st July 2023

The making of Rachel Daly - from US university to England's great World Cup hope

Amidst the jubilation on the final day of the Women’s Super League season, as Chelsea were crowned champions for a fourth consecutive year and Leicester City valiantly fought off relegation, a smaller - but no less noteworthy celebration - unfurled at Meadow Park.

Aston Villa had just beaten Europe-chasing Arsenal 2-0 away from home and Rachel Daly was on the scoresheet to not only claim the Golden Boot ahead of Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, but match Vivianne Miedema ’s record for the most g

The Mirror • 20th July 2023

Lioness icon Fara Williams calls for more resources to support women's football

Former Lioness and BBC pundit Fara Williams has joined forces with M&S Food to help female players improve their nutrition and show why it’s so important they fuel themselves properly.

With the 2023 Women's World Cup now underway, the Eat Well, Play Well campaign aims to shed light on an issue rarely talked about in the development of the game. Research shows that female athletes, including footballers, are often under fuelled when participating in sport due to a number of factors, including bo

The Mirror • 16th May 2023

Eni Aluko hails 'incredible' Man Utd progression in verdict on WSL season

Former England and Chelsea striker Eni Aluko has praised Manchester United's rapid rise in the Women's Super League - and says the nail-biting title race this season is important for the game.

Aluko had successful 18-year playing career representing the likes of Chelsea, Birmingham City and Juventus. Since hanging up her boots in 2020, she's gone on to work as a pundit and taken on sporting director roles with Aston Villa Women and Angel City over in the United States.

The former striker was p

Nottinghamshire Live • 28th April 2023

FAWNL title in sight for Nottingham Forest - but it is only the beginning

Regardless of what happens this weekend, Andy Cook hopes this is just the beginning for his Nottingham Forest Women side.

The Reds clinched the FA Women's National League Cup last weekend with a 3-2 victory over Watford, but there was no time to bask in the glory as attention quickly turned to another huge week for the club. Forest are 90 minutes away from securing the FA WNL Northern Premier Division title ahead of rivals Wolves, provided they beat Stoke City this Sunday.

It's been a relentle

Birmingham Live • 27th April 2023

On this day: From Vantaa to Tyreso - Birmingham City’s unlikely UWCL run

When Birmingham City began their 2013/14 European campaign, few could’ve predicted the journey that would follow.

The Blues are not a club synonymous with the Champions League in the women’s game with the competition largely dominated by the likes of Lyon, Barcelona, Wolfsburg and Frankfurt. In England, only Arsenal have claimed the prize while Chelsea came agonisingly close in 2021.

Birmingham City have enjoyed just two campaigns in Europe - one in the 2012/13 season and the other only a year

Football London • 21st April 2023

Niamh Charles opens up on UWCL 'dream' as Chelsea target Barcelona revenge

It's hard to imagine a team so dominant domestically has struggled so agonisingly on the European stage. Chelsea have won five Women's Super League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups under manager Emma Hayes, but the Champions League is the one title that has always evaded them.

In 2021, they were 90 minutes away from finally being crowned Champions of Europe but Spanish giants Barcelona ran riot in a 4-0 win at the Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg, Sweden. Chelsea weren't ready and they were c

The Mirror • 12th April 2023

'Original Lioness' Pat Mitchell-Firth awarded legacy cap 50 years on from debut

More than 60 former Lionesses visited St George's Park last week to be awarded their individual legacy caps by the current squad. For Pat Mitchell-Firth, it was 50 years on from her debut against Scotland where she scored a historic hat-trick, becoming the first female player to do so for England.

Ms Mitchell-Firth, now 66, was just 16 years of age when she represented the Lionesses for the first time in June 1973. After discovering a love for the game following the 1966 World Cup, she played f

Birmingham Live • 25th March 2023

Stourbridge to 'embrace the challenge' against Leeds as silverware up for grabs

The 2022/23 season is already shaping up to be one to remember for Stourbridge Women, with promotion in sight and two cup finals on the horizon.

The Glassgirls, who currently play in the fourth tier of the women's game in the FA Women's National League Midlands division, take on Leeds United this Sunday in the FAWNL Plate final. Leeds are also in the fourth tier, but operate in the northern division.

Stourbridge may be seven points clear at the top of their league with six games to go, but man

Birmingham Live • 18th March 2023

Brighton clash will be a 'great test' for Birmingham City says Christie Murray

Birmingham City Women host Women's Super League opposition Brighton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday and Christie Murray says the team are relishing the test.

The Blues' form has been mixed in recent weeks with FA Cup progression and a league win over Blackburn Rovers. However, last time out against Charlton they lost a two-goal lead and had to settle for a point.

Sunday's fixture against the Seagulls will provide a much-needed break from the pressures of the Championship. It will

Leicestershire Live • 1st March 2023

Sophie Howard on the mindset shift at Leicester as fight for survival ramps up

Leicester City defender Sophie Howard has outlined the impact of new signings in January and given a glimpse into the squad's mindset ahead of a crucial period in the season.

The Foxes have endured a challenging campaign so far and were rock bottom of the table without a single point heading into the Christmas break. Since the new year, they've picked up two wins against Brighton and Liverpool and have looked like a much stronger outfit as they close the gap on the teams above them.

They curre

Stoke on Trent Live • 16th February 2023

Stoke City Women's 'diabolical' home ground facilities addressed after backlash

As the Lionesses gear up for the first international break of 2023 and the second edition of the Arnold Clark Cup, this week has also been a stark reminder of the challenges women’s football continues to face and the work that still needs to be done to improve standards across the entire pyramid - not just in the professional game.

Stoke City Women currently play in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division - the third tier of the women’s game. Other clubs in the division include

Birmingham Live • 14th November 2022

Wolves Women manager Dan McNamara on balancing coaching and military service

On May 21, 2022 Wolves boss Dan McNamara huddled over a small computer screen over 7,000 miles away in the Falkland Islands, to watch his side play their biggest game in recent history.

The manager, who is also a Corporal in the Royal Air Force, was undertaking an Out of Area overseas and had to watch his side from afar as they took on Southampton in the hope of clinching promotion to the FA Women’s Championship.

McNamara was due to be flown home in order to make the game, but unpredictable we

Liverpool Echo • 25th September 2022

Everton defender sends Liverpool warning as aims for season outlined

Everton Women will look to bounce back from their opening weekend defeat to West Ham United when they take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Blues had a disappointing start to their 2022/23 campaign under new manager Brian Sorensen as Lisa Evans' goal on the brink of half-time separated the two sides on the day. After a 10th-placed finish in the Women's Super League last term, it's been a summer of change for Everton as the new boss was tasked with bringing a new identity to the team.

Des

Liverpool Echo • 19th August 2022

Merseyrail Ladies to begin new era after remarkable rise prompted Mane message

Gemma Lancaster, captain of Merseyrail Ladies, smiles as she reflects on the success of the team last season.

A club that was only formed in the summer of 2013, they’ve risen through the leagues at an impressive rate and they’re now about to embark on a new campaign in the fourth tier of the women’s game. But last season’s success is yet to be forgotten as they were crowned champions of the North West Women’s Premier Division and earned their promotion to the FA Women’s National League Division

Football London • 6th December 2023

England must put Olympic heartbreak to one side and use it to their advantage

The disappointment etched across the faces of the England players at full-time against Scotland on Tuesday night told the story. "They've scored," Lauren Hemp uttered to her teammates before Lucy Bronze dropped to the floor, head in her hands in despair.

Sarina Wiegman's squad had, quite literally, given everything against their bitter rivals to secure a 6-0 win. Minutes earlier, Bronze had risen above everyone in the box to head home England's sixth and what should've been the goal to take the

Leicestershire Live • 23rd November 2023

Willie Kirk's new look Leicester City still have major problem to fix

If Leicester are to truly become a force in the Women’s Super League this season, there’s one aspect of their game they desperately need to fix.

The Foxes’ start to the season has been impressive. They sit seventh in the standings after seven league games - for context, at this stage last term they were bottom without a single point.

They’re deserving of their current position and it’s a testament to the work Willie Kirk and has staff have put in over the last 12 months that the team look comp

Birmingham Live • 10th November 2023

Aston Villa’s season could be defined by next three WSL fixtures

Aston Villa’s start to the 2023/24 Women’s Super League season has been a rollercoaster, to say the least.

Despite their opening day loss to Manchester United at the beginning of October, there were ample positives to take. Yet, they followed that up with a poor performance against Liverpool and a disappointing defeat.

A week later, they showed up at the Emirates with a point to prove. They appeared to be on their way to their first win of the season after Mayumi Pacheco fired them in front in

Football London • 24th October 2023

Robert Vilahamn given selection headache as Spurs await Bethany England return

The start to the 2023/24 Women’s Super League season couldn’t have gone much better for Tottenham and Martha Thomas.

The Scotland international completed a move to North London on deadline day from WSL rivals Manchester United and has been a resounding success in the early stages of the campaign. The 27-year-old already leads the league’s goal-scoring charts with six to her name, ahead of Brighton’s Elisabeth Terland in second with four goals.

Spurs themselves sit third in the league standings

Leicestershire Live • 6th October 2023

Leicester City got off to dream WSL start but patience is still needed

A little over 30 minutes had gone at Ashton Gate and concern started to creep in.

Last Sunday was Leicester City’s opening game of the new WSL season and they found themselves a goal down away at Bristol City. Carrie Jones, who spent last season on loan with the Foxes, fired the home side in front.

While a defeat would’ve been by no means catastrophic, it was imperative the team laid down a marker in some way. Not least to continue the impressive form that saw them claw their way back last ter

Football London • 5th October 2023

Arsenal will trust Eidevall contract is a risk worth taking after Arteta success

Eyebrows were raised on Thursday afternoon when Arsenal announced manager Jonas Eidevall had signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Understood to be a three-year deal, it takes the Swede’s tenure with the Gunners to 2026 following his initial appointment in 2021. But, reaction on social media suggests the fanbase is very much split over whether it was the right call to offer Eidevall a new deal.

Frustration stems from the team’s recent form. Arsenal ended last season with a 2-0 defeat

Birmingham Live • 4th October 2023

Ward’s post-Man Utd comments point to why calls for VAR in the WSL are premature

VAR has been at the centre of the headlines this week following Saturday’s clash between Tottenham and Liverpool in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s side wrongfully had a goal ruled out for offside, which was subsequently put down to ‘human error’ and a lapse in concentration by the officials at Stockley Park.

It has understandably brought into question the usefulness of the technology, with some sections of fans and the media calling for it to be scrapped all together. It’s probably fair to

Birmingham Live • 2nd October 2023

I watched Aston Villa’s WSL opener against Man Utd and three things stood out

All eyes were on Villa Park on Sunday afternoon as the new Barclays Women’s Super League season kicked off with a blockbuster match-up between Aston Villa and Manchester United.

There was a real buzz around the ground before kick-off. With an anticipated club-record crowd for the women’s side, it felt like a huge game. It proved to be exactly that across the 98-odd minutes that were played.

My biggest question, or concern, heading into this game was whether Villa would be able to replicate the

The Mirror • 4th August 2023

Adam Boulton's 'kick around' remark is ignorant and belittling to women's game

If there was ever any doubt over FIFA’s decision to increase this year’s Women’s World Cup from 24 participating teams to 32, what we witnessed in the group stages will no doubt put an abrupt end to such questions.

Over a drama-filled 15 days, we have watched some of the biggest upsets the tournament has ever seen. Favourites Germany, Canada and Brazil have been dumped early, the USA needing a goalpost to keep their hopes alive and a team backed by crowdfunding have reached the knockout stages

Football London • 12th April 2023

Sarina Wiegman may already have answer to England problem after Australia defeat

There's less than 100 days to go - 99 to be exact - until the World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand, with the Lionesses hopeful of adding to their impressive trophy haul so far under Sarina Wiegman.

Winning has become part of England 's DNA over the last 18 months under the current manager, but their last two matches against Brazil and Australia have potentially presented more questions than answers. The below-par performance on Tuesday night against the Matildas - which saw the Lion

The Mirror • 4th April 2023

Why the Mirror was proud to sponsor the Women’s Copa Del Cure Leukaemia

Twelve teams and over 100 female players took to the pitch at St George’s Park for the first ever Women’s Copa Del Cure Leukaemia tournament.

Women from companies and organisations across the country battled it out in the six-a-side competition alongside a host of ex-pros boasting 695 England caps between them, including Sue Smith, Siobhan Chamberlain, Eartha Pond, Claire Rafferty and the nation’s record appearance holder Fara Williams MBE. The Mirror’s very own team were paired with Birmingham

The Mirror • 13th December 2022

Sarina Wiegman has already shown England managers don't need to be English

Sarina Wiegman may not be English, but she made history with England earlier this year when she guided the Lionesses to glory at the Euros, and she did it after less than a year in charge.

The Dutch football coach was appointed manager of the women’s national side back in 2020 and formally took charge in September 2021. She arrived with an exceptional CV, having previously won the European Championship with the Netherlands in 2017.

Not only did she guide the women’s side to their first-ever vi

Nottinghamshire Live • 19th November 2023

Nottingham Forest denied City Ground win as Newcastle edge close encounter

Nottingham Forest Women were edged 1-0 by title rivals Newcastle United in front of 4,955 supporters at the City Ground.

Sunday’s clash was Forest’s second fixture at the City Ground this season, with their fixture against East Midlands rivals Derby County played on Trentside only last month. On that occasion, Carly Davies’ side were beaten 2-1, so they desperately wanted to avoid a similar scoreline this time around.

Newcastle, though, are one of the strongest teams in the Women's National Le

Birmingham Live • 12th November 2023

Aston Villa secure crucial three points as Ebony Salmon haunts former club

Aston Villa Women beat Bristol City 2-0 at Ashton Gate on Sunday to secure their first win of the 2023/24 Women's Super League season, with an own goal from Megan Connolly and a strike from second-half substitute Ebony Salmon.

It was a quiet start to the game with neither side able to carve out any clear-cut chances. In the 25th minute, the hosts earned their first glaring opportunity as Rachel Furness forced a decent save from Villa goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar with a strike from range.

On

Leicestershire Live • 28th October 2023

Lionesses end 43-year wait as England mark Leicester return with victory

The last time the Lionesses played in Leicester, the King Power didn’t exist. You have to rewind 43 years to when Eileen Foreman scored in a 1-1 draw against Sweden at Filbert Street in September 1980.

England, on the back of the heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain back in August, are now deep into their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign with an eye on qualification for next summer’s Olympics in France. Only the top two teams in the entire competition will qualify, making it no eas

Birmingham Live • 22nd October 2023

Birmingham City must keep momentum going after latest Championship win

Birmingham City Women made it four league games unbeaten on Sunday afternoon with a big 5-2 victory at home to Watford in the Barclays Women's Championship.

Summer signing Ivana Fuso opened her goalscoring account for the club on 22 minutes as she headed home from a corner. Watford attempted to clear her effort off their line, but the referee deemed the ball had crossed the line and pointed to the centre circle.

20 minutes later, Ellie Mason was brought down in the box and won a spot-kick for

The Mirror • 26th September 2023

6 talking points as England suffer last-gasp Netherland defeat in Nations League

After a positive start to their Nations League campaign against Scotland last week, England were beaten 2-1 by the Netherlands on Tuesday evening.

After a rather cagey opening half an hour, it was the hosts who fired themselves in front just after the 30-minute mark. Some sloppy play from the Lionesses was punished by the Netherlands and it's fair to say it had been coming.

England attempted to play it out from the back but Georgia Stanway's ball ricocheted off Jackie Groenen and into the path

Birmingham Live • 24th September 2023

Toussaint shines as Wolves cruise to victory against AFC Fylde

Destiney Toussaint was the standout performer as Wolves cruised to a 5-0 victory against AFC Fylde in their FA Women's National League clash at New Bucks Head.

Dan McNamara's side took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes as Toussaint's cross was headed over the goalkeeper by Tammi George. Two minutes later, Toussaint got herself on the scoresheet with the first of three goals in the first half before Beth Merrick made it five minutes before the break.

It was a far more evenly contested seco

Birmingham Live • 17th September 2023

Errors prove costly for Birmingham City as new club-record signing shows promise

Birmingham City Women made it four games without a win this season in the Championship as they were edged 1-0 by Charlton Athletic on Sunday afternoon at St Andrew's.

After picking up their first point of the campaign last time out in a 0-0 draw against Lewes, the Blues would've hoped to finally put three points on the board. It appeared to be going in that direction in the opening stages as they dominated possession and had the greater chances.

However, it was the visitors who put themselves

The Mirror • 1st July 2023

Lionesses have defensive decisions to make as World Cup send-off proves big test

Sarina Wiegman still has some big decisions to make ahead of the England's first World Cup game in three weeks time.

The Lionesses faced Portugal in a friendly match prior to them flying out to Australia at a sold-out Stadium MK which gave some well-needed minutes under the belts of players.

Wiegman made several changes to a starting XI that did not include replacement captain Millie Bright who is still nursing a knee injury. Mary Earps took the captain's armband for the friendly, while Alessi

Leicestershire Live • 22nd May 2023

Leicester City fail to make dominance count as judgement day looms

Leicester City Women fell to a disappointing 2-1 loss at the hands of West Ham on Sunday in what was their final home game of the 2022/23 season.

The hosts started brightly, but it was their opponents who landed the first blow early in the first half. For all of City's possession, they were caught out by a swift counter-attack from West Ham and Anouk Denton's cross was turned into the net by City defender Sophie Howard.

Willie Kirk's side regrouped and were arguably the better side throughout

Nottinghamshire Live • 21st May 2023

Nottingham Forest Women proud of remarkable season despite play-off final defeat

Nottingham Forest boss Andy Cook says there is a sense of pride among the disappointment of losing out on promotion to the Women's Championship.

The Reds were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Watford at Stadium MK in the Women's National League play-off final on Saturday afternoon. A single header from Poppy Wilson was the difference on the day with Forest unable to produce a response.

Despite an extraordinary campaign that saw them win a league title and league cup, it's ultimately ended in heartbreak

Leicestershire Live • 30th April 2023

Leicester City Women starting to believe as Foxes boost survival hopes

Leicester City returned to Women's Super League action in style on Saturday with a comfortable 4-0 win over Liverpool at the King Power boost their survival hopes.

The Foxes started brightly and almost caught their opponents out in the opening few minutes with a well-worked set-piece routine. Hannah Cain's eventual effort couldn't make its way through the body of red shirts and was eventually cleared.

15 minutes in, another set piece routine proved more fruitful as this time it fell to Josie G

Birmingham Live • 29th April 2023

Aston Villa left to rue missed chances as Man Utd prove WSL title credentials

Aston Villa Women were beaten 3-2 by title contenders Manchester United at the Poundland Bescot Stadium despite twice leading through Rachel Daly.

The striker opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half, but their lead didn't last long before Leah Galton levelled a few minutes later. Villa, though, restored their lead shortly before the break when Daly found the back of the net for a second time. And Villa's top goalscorer almost bagged the perfect hat-trick early in the second half but

Birmingham Live • 16th April 2023

Aston Villa edged by Chelsea in FA Cup semi-final but progress is clear

Aston Villa Women were edged out 1-0 by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Sunday.

Despite a positive start to the game, it was Chelsea who took control of proceedings in the first half. Lauren James was lively for the visitors with a handful of chances, the closest whistled wide of the post on the 30-minute mark.

Villa, though, fought their way into the game and both Rachel Daly and Lucy Staniforth saw efforts saved before half-time. But, neither side were abl

Football London • 6th April 2023

Lionesses edge out Brazil in first women's Finalissima to make it 30 unbeaten

England's Lionesses extended their unbeaten run to 30 games after a 1-1 draw against Brazil at Wembley Stadium in the first-ever Finalissima after a dramatic penalty shootout.

Chloe Kelly did what she does best and won the match once again to secure more silverware for England after Mary Earps did her bit in the shootout with a save.

England got off to a flying start as they looked to pin Brazil back and dominate possession. On 23 minutes, they found a breakthrough after some patient build-up

Birmingham Live • 16th March 2023

Wolves keep title hopes alive with Black Country derby victory over West Brom

Wolves Women came from behind to beat West Brom 3-1 in the Black Country derby at the Hawthorns on Thursday night.

It was the hosts who gained an early advantage, however, as Maria Timms fired West Brom in front inside the opening 10 minutes. Wolves didn't deal with a corner and she fired home from the edge of the area.

The visitors hit back quickly, though, as Beth Roberts scored her first-ever goal for Wolves to put them back on level terms on 17 minutes. Beth Merrick played it through to th

Liverpool Echo • 3rd April 2022

Liverpool Women celebrate title glory as next big challenge emerges

Liverpool’s two year absence from the Women’s Super League will come to an end next season after they secured the FA Women’s Championship title and promotion back to the top flight with two games to spare. It wasn't straightforward and it was nervy at times, but a 4-2 win over their closest challengers Bristol City was enough to see them surge over the line.

The squad gathered on the touchline as the clock ticked into additional time, waiting eagerly to flood the pitch and celebrate their achie

Leicestershire Live • 9th October 2023

Sam Tierney is thriving at Leicester City as dream start to the season continues

Nobody looked happier walking off the King Power pitch after the full-time whistle on Sunday than midfielder Sam Tierney.

Leicester City made it back-to-back wins in the Women's Super League when they edged Everton 1-0 in what was their first home fixture of the campaign. Janina Leitzig was the hero at one end of the pitch with a first-half penalty save, while summer signing Lena Petermann put the hosts in front with a composed finish in the second half.

There were plenty of performances worth

Leicestershire Live • 30th September 2023

Leicester City's WSL opener must break early season trend

Leicester City kick off their 2023/24 Women’s Super League campaign on Sunday afternoon with a visit to newly-promoted Bristol City and will be hoping to secure points on the opening day for the first time since they themselves made the step up to the top-flight two years ago.

The Foxes have struggled in the early stages of the season in both of their first two WSL campaigns - a trend manager Willie Kirk will be desperate to break this time around. In 21/22, they lost their opening game against

Birmingham Live • 29th September 2023

Aston Villa can replicate last season’s opening day heroics and lay down marker

Aston Villa Women at Villa Park on the opening day of the Women’s Super League season against a Manchester club… we’ve seen that one before.

Last term, Carla Ward’s side kicked off the 2022/23 season with a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester City in front of 6,785 supporters in B6. This year, they take on Manchester United in front of a crowd expected to be upwards of 12,000.

Opening day tests don’t get much greater than United, who finished second in the WSL last term and pushed champions Chels

Birmingham Live • 15th September 2023

Aston Villa transfer strategy suggests consistency is key amid long-term project

Summer is over and Aston Villa have been the talk of the transfer window once again - and for all the right reasons.

Under Carla Ward's stewardship, the Midlands club have recruited extremely well. Rachel Daly and Kenza Dali were among their new additions last year, Jordan Nobbs and Lucy Staniforth signed in January and this summer has been no different for the club as they eagerly look to bridge the gap between themselves and the infamous top four in the Women's Super League.

For years, that

Liverpool Echo • 9th September 2023

Liverpool begin new era as Melwood move a sign of huge progress

Liverpool’s return to Melwood represents more than just a change of location for Matt Beard’s team, but it’s a statement of intent from a club painfully familiar with the consequences of not keeping up with those around them.

Following their relegation at the end of 2019/20, the Reds faced two seasons in the Championship before they were bound for the heights of the WSL once again. Beard’s arrival in that time was significant and, slowly but surely, things off the pitch started to fall into pla

Birmingham Live • 7th September 2023

Daly, Van Domselaar and the players that could shape Aston Villa's season

The 2023/24 WSL season kicks off in a little over three weeks and Aston Villa will be hoping to build on what was a hugely positive campaign last term.

Carla Ward's side finished fifth in the league table, 10 points off Manchester City in fourth. They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup before they were narrowly edged 1-0 by Chelsea in the last four.

Villa have had a busy summer in terms of transfers with the aim of building a squad able to compete with the top teams in the division. Ne

Birmingham Live • 4th September 2023

Where Aston Villa may look to strengthen ahead of WSL transfer deadline

Pre-season is well underway and it has quietly been a positive summer for Carla Ward and Aston Villa as they look to build on their top five finish in the Women's Super League last term.

It was Villa's best ever campaign in the women's game and attention swiftly turned to how they ensure they're battling at the top end of the table once again. A question that, in part, would need to be answered in the transfer market.

Following the departure of England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, Villa moved qu

Football London • 8th July 2023

Robert Vilahamn in profile as Swedish coach appointed Tottenham women's manager

Tottenham’s search for a new manager to lead their women's team came to an end on Friday when the club announced that Swedish coach Robert Vilahamn is set to take charge ahead of the 2023/24 season, having signed a two-year deal.

It’s been a turbulent year for the Lilywhites as former manager Rehanne Skinner was sacked in March following eight straight defeats. Spurs were toying with relegation and interim boss Vicky Jepson was just about able to steer them to safety with a ninth-placed finish,

The Mirror • 3rd July 2023

Sarina Wiegman faces England selection headache as Women's World Cup looms

In front of another packed out crowd at Stadium MK on Saturday afternoon, England took to the pitch for their final match on home soil before they jet off to Australia for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Lionesses battled to a lacklustre 0-0 draw against Portugal, seemingly still shaking off the cobwebs from their brief break after the conclusion of their club seasons. England dominated possession and controlled the game with 67% possession and they created promising chances, but thei

Birmingham Live • 17th June 2023

Aston Villa's 2019/20 Championship winning team and where they are now

Aston Villa's championship-winning season in 2019/20 was about as bittersweet as a title win could get. Gemma Davies' team had been storming the FA Women's Championship and were unbeaten after 14 games.

The Villains had drawn just once in the first half of the season and sat six points clear of second-placed Sheffield United when football was brought to a staggering halt in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Uncertainty followed, but, come June, they were crowned champions on a points-per-game

Birmingham Live • 10th June 2023

Aston Villa season ratings as Rachel Daly inspires unforgettable campaign

The 2022/23 season has been one to remember for Aston Villa Women. They started as they meant to go on with an opening day victory over Manchester City at Villa Park and they showed no signs of slowing down as the campaign went on.

Carla Ward’s side secured their highest ever finish in the top flight in fifth place with 37 points, 10 behind Manchester City and Arsenal. Their progress has been undeniable and the success hasn’t just been limited to the WSL, as they also reached an FA Cup semi-fin

Leicestershire Live • 30th May 2023

Willie Kirk transformed Leicester City's fortunes to complete great escape

The R-word has clouded Leicester City this season as both the men’s and women’s sides have found themselves battling it out at the wrong end of their respective league tables.

It’s been an extremely difficult few days for the club as the Foxes’ nine-year stint in the Premier League came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, despite the fact they did all they could and got the result they needed against West Ham. However, just 24 hours earlier, there were far more jubilant scenes as the women’s team

Leicestershire Live • 3rd April 2023

Wes Morgan talk inspired WSL win as Foxes look to replicate great escape

Rooted to the bottom of the table for the majority of the campaign, written off by the media and rival fans, results not reflecting performances and in desperate need of something to turn - it's the story of a season Leicester City aren't unfamiliar with.

The Foxes' time in the Women's Super League has been far from straightforward, but the club has navigated its way through murky waters before. Following the men's promotion to the Premier League in 2014, City looked destined to return straight

Birmingham Live • 28th March 2023

Top four a step too far but something special is brewing at Aston Villa

Sunday afternoon could've been a banana skin for Aston Villa after Carla Ward's side put everything they physically had into their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City a little over a week ago.

They booked their place in the last four and lined up a crunch semi-final clash with holders Chelsea, but it came at a cost as a handful of senior players were forced to watch on from the side lines at Villa Park. Legs were tired, but you wouldn't have known it as those in Claret and Blue cruised to a com

Leicestershire Live • 7th March 2023

Man Utd defeat highlights key Leicester City problem Willie Kirk must fix

As we enter the final few months of the 2022/23 Women's Super League season, the fight for survival has once again taken another turn.

The Foxes came into Sunday's match against Manchester United with the mindset it was a free hit. There was no pressure, and they had no right to get anything from the team at the top of the table.

That's exactly how things panned out as Alessia Russo, Leah Galton and Lucia Garcia fired Marc Skinner's side to a comfortable 5-1 win at Leigh Sports Village. A seco

Leicestershire Live • 5th February 2023

Janina Leitzig impact could be key for Leicester City's WSL survival

If Leicester City Women were to turn their disappointing start to the season around, the January transfer window would prove to be a crucial period. The Foxes, unsurprisingly, were extremely active in the market last month as Willie Kirk looked to give his squad the shakeup it desperately needed.

City brought five players in and parted company with five others, some on loan and some permanently. In terms of incomings, the signing of goalkeeper Janina Leitzig is already proving to be worthwhile

Birmingham Live • 30th January 2023

Wolves Women must use West Ham experience to fuel title charge

On this day in 2018, Wolves announced the appointment of Dan McNamara as head coach of their women’s team.

Despite sending in his CV for a role with a youth side in the women’s and girls section of the club, he was asked to apply for the senior role instead. After careful consideration, McNamara took the challenge, and in the five years that followed, he’s taken Wolves to the third tier and was 90 minutes away from securing promotion to the Championship last season.

On Sunday, the team reached

Leicestershire Live • 16th January 2023

Willie Kirk admission hints at key to Leicester City's WSL revival

Leicester City Women really said "new year, new me" when they stepped onto the pitch at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

From minute one until the final whistle, every single player put in a performance deserving of all three points. They stayed patient, they fought for every ball, they attacked with purpose and it paid off with three excellent goals to round off a fantastic performance.

If you had switched on to watch Leicester City for the first time this season, you wouldn’t believe it was

Birmingham Live • 5th January 2023

Jordan Nobbs arrival highlights Aston Villa progress as Carla Ward gets wish

The January transfer window has been open just five days and Aston Villa have already confirmed a statement signing with the addition of Jordan Nobbs from Arsenal.

The 30-year-old scored Arsenal's fourth goal in Villa's 4-1 defeat to the Gunners at Villa Park back in December, now she'll be part of Carla Ward's side for the remainder of the season and beyond in another major coup for the club. Nobbs joins on an initial 18-month deal with the option to extend, ending a 12-year spell in north Lon

Liverpool Echo • 29th September 2022

Liverpool looking for repeat of turnaround that ended Arsenal dominance

When manager Matt Beard took charge of Liverpool Women for a second time in May 2021, it wasn’t the first time he was tasked with completing a huge turnaround at the club.

Ahead of his second spell on Merseyside last year, the Reds were still battling in the Championship after a disappointing first season in the second division. It was his job to get them back onto the big stage and he duly delivered as they secured promotion last term.

In 2012, after three years at Chelsea, Beard was brought

Birmingham Live • 20th October 2023

Carla Ward plays down ‘pressure’ claim as Aston Villa target first WSL win

Aston Villa boss Carla Ward has played down suggestions the team are under pressure after a disappointing start to the 2023/24 Women’s Super League campaign.

Villa lost their opening three games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal and are one of just two teams yet to pick up any points so far this term. It is hoped that will change on Saturday when they welcome Tottenham to the Poundland Bescot Stadium, but Ward insists they are not under any pressure just yet.

"The reality is, we

Liverpool Echo • 1st October 2023

Everton can compete with WSL's elite forces by emulating De Zerbi’s Brighton

Everton boss Brian Sorensen has detailed how he spent years studying Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and how the Premier League manager’s philosophy has inspired his team’s identity.

Sorensen has been in charge of the Blues since the summer of 2022 and he guided them to a sixth-placed finish in the table last term, seven points behind Aston Villa in fifth. This term, they will hope to challenge in the top half of the table once again and join Villa in pushing the WSL’s established elite.

The

Birmingham Live • 29th September 2023

Aston Villa boss addresses Castore kit concerns ahead of WSL opener

Aston Villa boss Carla Ward has addressed issues with the club's kit ahead of this Sunday's Barclays Women's Super League clash against Manchester United.

The women's side return to Villa park this weekend for their league opener, but pre-match talk has been overshadowed by concerns surrounding the kit, which is manufactured by Castore. There have been reports of complaints from both the men's and the women's side about the strip retaining sweat and making life uncomfortable on the pitch for pl

Football London • 28th September 2023

New Spurs manager Vilahamn reveals Levy talks and England plan

Newly appointed Tottenham boss Robert Vilahamn has opened up on his move to North London, the conversations he's had with Daniel Levy and the need for them to become a consistent force in the WSL.

The Lilywhites endured a tough campaign in 2022/23 that saw a previous manager Rehanne Skinner sacked in March after nine straight defeats. She was replaced by interim Vicky Jepson, before the permanent appointment of Vilahamn was made at the end of the season.

Spurs just about steered themselves to

Birmingham Live • 27th September 2023

Carla Ward opens up on Aston Villa transfer strategy as WSL plan becomes clear

Aston Villa boss Carla Ward has opened up on the club's summer recruitment strategy, revealing one deal had been wrapped up as early as Christmas.

Villa made some key additions this summer, including the permanent signings of Kirsty Hanson and Anna Patten following their successful loan spells last term. Lucy Parker, Adriana Leon and Ebony Salmon were the other recruits in a window that proved consistency is the focus of the club.

After securing their highest-ever finish in the Women's Super L

Liverpool Echo • 26th September 2023

Roman Haug the ‘final piece’ of puzzle as Beard outlines WSL ambition

Liverpool boss Matt Beard believes the signing of Norway striker Sophie Roman Haug, who was brought in for a club record fee for a women's player towards the end of the summer window, is the final piece of the puzzle as they look to kick on this season.

The 2022/23 campaign was the Reds' first back in the top flight following their promotion from the Championship. They finished an impressive season in seventh, just seven points behind Merseyside rivals Everton in sixth.

Liverpool's long-term a

The Mirror • 21st September 2023

Xabi Alonso speaks out on Luis Rubiales scandal in support of Spain's players

Liverpool legend and current Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has praised the Spain women's national team for their ongoing battle to incite change in the country's football federation (RFEF).

The World Cup -winning squad were set to boycott this month's international fixtures following the federation's handling of the fallout from Luis Rubiales kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso during the trophy presentation. Despite the resignations of both Rubiales and former manager Jorge Vilda, Spain's pla

The Mirror • 21st September 2023

Ertz outlines family reasons for retirement as USWNT star set for final outing

USWNT legend Julie Ertz has explained her decision to retire from the game at 31, highlighting that her priorities have shifted from football to her young family.

Ertz announced her retirement at the end of last month following the USA's shock early exit from this year's FIFA Women's World Cup in the round of 16. She concluded her club career in August having only recently joined Angel City in the NWSL as a free agent following a year-and-a-half break from the game for the birth of her son, Mad

Football London • 19th September 2023

Ashley Lawrence opens up on Chelsea move and 'full circle' moment with teammate

Chelsea summer signing Ashley Lawrence has opened up on her decision to join the Women's Super League champions, the team's ambitions to win the Champions League and reuniting with Canadian national teammate Kadeisha Buchanan.

Lawrence, 28, made the move to London earlier this summer after a six-year spell with French outfit Paris Saint-Germain. The defender put pen to paper on a three-year deal until the summer of 2026 as Emma Hayes looked to bolster her already star-studded squad.

She played

Leicestershire Live • 18th September 2023

Hannah Cain fires WSL warning as Willie Kirk praised for Leicester City revival

Hannah Cain has warned the WSL will see a ‘completely different’ Leicester City team this season after they narrowly evaded relegation from the top flight last term.

The Foxes clinched safety on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign with a 1-0 win over Brighton, ensuring they would play a third season in the WSL. After a challenging couple of years following their promotion 2021, Cain believes the team are finally ready to make their mark on the league.

“I think we've struggled the last two se

Leicestershire Live • 18th September 2023

Willie Kirk makes Leicester City transfer admission as hopes for season outlined

Leicester City boss Willie Kirk has outlined the identity shift that helped his side move off the bottom of the table with no points, to 10th with five wins and a draw from their remaining 13 games last season - and how he hopes they can build on that this term.

Kirk’s side achieved something no other WSL team has done before when they overturned a seven point deficit to secure safety on the final day of the 2022/23 season. But after he took charge in November last year, he admits it wasn’t eas

Birmingham Live • 18th September 2023

Maz Pacheco lifts lid on Aston Villa mentality shift and UWCL ambition

Aston Villa defender Maz Pacheco has opened up on the mentality shift that helped the team secure a top-five finish last season and the ambitions to eventually clinch Champions League football.

The Midlands club took the WSL by storm last term as they secured famous wins over the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal and gave Chelsea a run for their money in the FA Cup semi-finals. From an outside perspective, Villa appear the closest threat to the traditional ‘top four’ in the women’s game.

Wh

Football London • 7th September 2023

Jonas Eidevall drops Arsenal transfer hint after UWCL qualifying victory

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall has outlined where he hopes to strengthen his squad ahead of next Thursday's WSL transfer deadline.

The Gunners have had a busy summer already with the additions of Alessia Russo, Laia Codina, Amanda Ilestedt and Cloe Lacasse. Three of the four were in action against Linkopings FC in their UEFA Women's Champions League first round qualifier on Wednesday night, with Codina watching on from home having only recently made the move to North London from Barcelona.

Caitli

Manchester Evening News • 2nd July 2023

Man City's Esme Morgan on new England partnerships and competition for places

Manchester City defender Esme Morgan has offered an insight into England's World Cup preparations as the competition for places heats up and new partnerships are forming.

The 22-year-old was named in the Lionesses' starting line-up to face Portugal in their send-off match on Saturday afternoon, partnering Jess Carter in the heart of the defence. Despite the stalemate at Stadium MK, the fixture offered some insight into manager Sarina Wiegman's thinking heading into another major tournament.

En

Birmingham Live • 21st June 2023

Rachel Daly opens up on Aston Villa role in 'best year' of her career

England star Rachel Daly says the happiness she feels at Aston Villa has played a key part in what she describes as the best season of her career.

After winning the Euros with the Lionesses last summer, albeit playing at left back, the 31-year-old returned to England and joined Villa after 10 years in the United States. Daly took the Women's Super League by storm and ended the campaign as the golden boot winner with 22 goals.

Her scintillating form in Claret and Blue couldn't be ignored and En

Football London • 21st June 2023

Bethany England opens up on 'risky' Chelsea exit and Lionesses recall

Lionesses striker Bethany England admits it was a 'big risk' swapping her comfort zone at Chelsea for pastures new at Tottenham in January - but it was a risk she needed to take.

The 29-year-old was part of Sarina Wiegman's EURO winning squad last summer but opportunities were becoming increasingly hard to come by at club level under Emma Hayes. The forward's lack of playing time was impacting her place in the England set-up and she wasn't named in Wiegman's squads for the October or November i

Berkshire Live • 10th May 2023

Kelly Chambers addresses Reading's survival hopes after Villa thumping

Reading manager Kelly Chambers admits it's a tough ask for her side to survive relegation this season following Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa, as they will now rely on results elsewhere to go their way.

It's by no means a foregone conclusion with two games remaining but the heavy 5-0 loss at the hands of Carla Ward's side over the weekend has certainly put a dent in their hopes. However, if they were to get something from their final two games against Tottenham or Chelsea - there's an element

Leicestershire Live • 8th May 2023

Willie Kirk on Chelsea approach as Janina Leitzig future addressed

Leicester City boss Willie Kirk has outlined what his side must do against Chelsea if they're to avoid a similar defeat to the 8-0 loss at the King Power back in December.

The Foxes take on Emma Hayes' side in the reverse fixture on Wednesday night but recent results suggest it will be no walkover for the London club. City were unlucky not to get anything from Arsenal last time out as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Meadow Park, but they did secure a crucial 4-0 win over Liverpool in their

Leicestershire Live • 29th April 2023

Ruby Mace confident of Leicester City survival as relegation battle ramps up

Leicester City star Ruby Mace believes they have what it takes to survive the drop this season and they have a huge opportunity to boost their survival hopes this weekend with a home clash against Liverpool.

The Foxes were out of action last weekend due to Chelsea's involvement in the UEFA Women's Champions League and results elsewhere meant they returned to the foot of the table. However, just three points separates City in 12th and Tottenham in ninth - meaning the fight for survival is closer

Leicestershire Live • 11th February 2023

Willie Kirk addresses 'added significance' of WSL meeting with Liverpool

Leicester City will hope to make use of one of their games in hand this weekend when they take on Liverpool at Prenton Park on Sunday.

The fixture was initially scheduled to take place before Christmas but was postponed as a result of weather conditions. The Foxes now go into the game in a far better place, having already picked up their first WSL points of the season with a 3-0 home win over Brighton last month.

City are still bottom of the table and four points behind Reading, but Sunday's m

Football London • 26th October 2023

Lionesses suffer injury blow as Lauren James ruled out of Belgium double-header

Chelsea and England star Lauren James has been ruled out of the Lionesses' UEFA Women's Nations League double-header against Belgium due to concussion.

Sarina Wiegman's side are set to take on Belgium for the first time since their Arnold Clark Cup triumph earlier this year and will be hoping to put right a disappointing defeat to the Netherlands in September. England currently sit third in their group, behind both the Dutch and Belgium.

However, Wiegman will now be without James for their upc

Manchester Evening News • 23rd October 2023

Mary Earps hits back at accusations of being 'too busy' to meet fans

Mary Earps has hit back at a fan who accused her of being 'too busy and important' to meet supporters after Manchester United's Women's Super League victory over Everton.

The England shot-stopper showed her quality once again in their 5-0 rout at Walton Hall Park on Sunday. United's Melvine Malard, Nikita Parris and Rachel Williams were among the goalscorers in an emphatic win.

Earps also played a key role in the win, first with a huge stop to deny Hanna Bennison's effort from range in the fir

Football London • 5th October 2023

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall has signed a new long-term contract with the club, understood to be three years.

Eidevall joined the club from Swedish side FC Rosengard in June 2021. In his first season with the Gunners, he guided them to a second-placed finish in the Women's Super League.

Last term, Arsenal finished third in the standings but secured silverware in the form of the Conti Cup trophy after they beat London rivals Chelsea in the final back in March.

"I'm full of pride to have sign

Birmingham Live • 14th September 2023

Birmingham City confirm signing Ivana Ferreira Fuso for women's club-record fee

Birmingham City have confirmed the signing of Brazil international Ivana Ferreira Fuso for a women's club-record fee.

The 22-year-old joins the Blues from Manchester United on a two-year deal, subject to league approval. The forward spent last season on loan in the Frauen Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, scoring once in 12 appearances.

Ferreira Fuso, born in Brazil and raised in Germany, began her youth career with SV Boblingen before joining SC Freiburg's academy. She made the step up to the

Gloucestershire Live • 23rd August 2023

Dad creates football team for daughter as Lionesses inspire next gen

The Lionesses may have fallen agonisingly short of clinching the most coveted prize in football, but they continue to create a lasting legacy off the pitch.

England's heartbreaking 1-0 loss at the hands of Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday will certainly not be in vain as they have once again inspired thousands of young girls up and down the country. Their Euro triumph on home soil last summer transformed the outlook of women's football across the nation and their World Cup campaign this y

Manchester Evening News • 23rd August 2023

Mary Earps hits back at Nike statement amid row over replica goalkeeper shirts

Manchester United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps has slammed Nike's latest statement amid the row over not manufacturing replica goalkeeper shirts.

The shot-stopper raised the conversation before the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup when she confirmed the global retailer would not be selling her shirt for the tournament, a decision which has been heavily criticised herself and fans alike. Earps made a further mockery of Nike's stance by claiming the golden glove, rounding off another outstanding

Football London • 22nd August 2023

Arsenal youngster suffers injury setback months after recovering from ACL injury

Arsenal have confirmed youngster Teyah Goldie has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament, just months after recovering from the same injury.

The 19-year-old England youth international returned to the fold in May after spending 14 months on the sidelines recovering from a brutal ACL injury. She was on the bench for their final four league games last term and played a few minutes of their 4-0 win over Brighton.

Goldie made her debut for the club at just 16 years of age back in 2021 in a FA Cup

Birmingham Live • 20th July 2023

Birmingham City Women make key appointment as Blues target promotion

Birmingham City have confirmed the appointment of Hope Powell as technical director of their women's team in what is a huge statement of intent ahead of the new season.

Darren Carter's side narrowly missed out on promotion back into the top flight at the end of last season, with Bristol City victorious by just a single point. Next term, the Blues boss will hope his side can go one step further and make the step back up into the WSL and the addition of one of the most experienced figures in the

Leicestershire Live • 7th July 2023

Leicester City confirm permanent Janina Leitzig transfer in huge show of intent

Leicester City have confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Janina Leitzig from Bayern Munich following a successful loan spell last season.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper joined the Foxes on loan from the German club in January and played a crucial role in the team's survival fight last term. Supporters were keen to see her remain at the club moving forward, with chants of 'Leitzig, we want you to stay' ringing around the crowd at women's matches.

Fans now have their wish as the former Ge

Leicestershire Live • 4th July 2023

Leicester City sign Courtney Nevin on permanent deal after successful loan

Leicester City Women have signed Courtney Nevin on a permanent deal after the defender spent the second-half of the 2023/23 season on loan with the Foxes.

Nevin initially joined on a temporary basis from Swedish side Hammarby IF in January but will remain a permanent member of the squad, subject to international clearance. The Australia international made 12 Women's Super League appearances for City in the second half of the campaign and registered four assists.

The defender already has 20 cap

The Mirror • 20th June 2023

England injury latest as Lionesses begin pre-World Cup training camp

England kicked off their pre-World Cup training camp at St George's Park on Tuesday morning with a month to go until the tournament kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.

Sarina Wiegman named her squad at the end of May and there was room for Chelsea's Millie Bright as she makes her return from injury, while Bethany England, Laura Coombs and Katie Zelem were also called-up. The squad were in good spirits as they emerged onto the Sir Bobby Charlton pitch and were put through their pa

Manchester Evening News • 19th June 2023

Ona Batlle to leave Manchester United as next club confirmed

Manchester United defender Ona Batlle will leave the club at the end of the month upon the expiry of her contract and is set to re-join Barcelona.

The 24-year-old spent her youth career with the Spanish giants before she had spells at Madrid CFF and Levante. Batlle joined United in the summer of 2020 and made 77 appearances in total for the Reds across all competitions.

She scored three goals in that time and played a key role in this season's historic campaign, which saw United earn a second-

The Mirror • 16th June 2023

Alessia Russo confirms Man United departure with emotional letter to fans

Manchester United forward Alessia Russo has confirmed she will leave the club this summer upon the expiry of her contract.

The 24-year-old joined the club in 2020 and has gone on to play 46 league games for club, scoring 22 goals and registering seven assists. She also played a key role in the Lionesses ' journey to Euro glory last summer.

In an emotional letter to supporters, the England forward said: "If I ever picture myself as a little girl, I'm wearing a United shirt with a ball glued to

Football London • 21st April 2023

Arsenal star Leah Williamson releases emotional statement after ACL injury

Leah Williamson has released an emotional statement following confirmation she sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United this week.

The defender limped off early in the first half at Leigh Sports Village and everyone's worst fears have since been confirmed after Arsenal released a statement on Friday confirming the news. She's now set to face the a lengthy spell on the sidelines and will miss the remainder of the campaign for the Gunners, as wel

The Mirror • 4th April 2023

UEFA Women's Euro 2025 hosts confirmed as Lionesses look to retain title

The road to UEFA Women's Euro 2025 is about to begin as Switzerland has beaten France, Poland and a joint bid from Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden to host the competition in two years time.

The 2021 tournament, which took place last summer, was hosted by eventual winners England at stadiums across the country including Old Trafford, Brighton's Amex Stadium and Wembley. The Lionesses will hope to retain their title in 2025 and the host country has now been announced following a UEFA Executiv

Leicestershire Live • 25th February 2023

Former Leicester City manager Lydia Bedford joins WSL rival

Former Leicester City boss Lydia Bedford has joined Women's Super League rivals Arsenal months after parting ways with the Foxes.

Bedford, who was appointed first team manager in November 2021 after the club parted ways with Jonathan Morgan, helped steer City to safety after they lost their opening eight WSL matches last season. They finished 11th in the table, two points clear of Birmingham City who were relegated.

The former Foxes boss signed a new two-year deal in July last year which was d

Manchester Evening News • 15th February 2023

Ella Toone wins red card appeal in major Manchester United boost

Manchester United star Ella Toone will be available for their next three fixtures following a successful appeal of the red card she received against Tottenham on Sunday.

The 23-year-old was given her marching orders after she appeared to hit out at Spurs' Eveliina Summanen during a tussle on the ground. United went on to win the game 2-1 after Leah Galton opened the scoring and an own goal from Molly Bartrip restored their lead after Beth England levelled the scoreline in the second half.

Toon

The Mirror • 11th February 2023

Canada women's national team announce a strike after funding cuts

The Canada Women's national team has announced it will go on strike over funding cuts and equal pay issues ahead of next week's SheBelieves Cup.

In a statement released on Friday, the team said they are outraged and deeply concerned by news of significant cuts to national team programs for 2023. With the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand only a matter of months away, they believe their preparation and chances of success have been compromised.

They wrote: "Despite our strong track record o

The Mirror • 31st January 2023

Carragher confirms Liverpool Women approach over club's Melwood training ground

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has confirmed the club have made an approach to re-buy their old Melwood training ground for their women's team.

The Reds departed their old base in West Derby in November 2020 to move to their brand new £50m AXA Training Centre in Kirkby. Affordable housing developer Torus bought the site from Liverpool and later teamed up with club legends Carragher and Robbie Fowler in 2021 to retain it for community work.

Now, the former Reds defender has confirmed the base

The Mirror • 20th October 2022

West Ham issue statement after Hawa Cissoko sent racist abuse following red card

West Ham have reported a number of racist and abusive messages directed at defender Hawa Cissoko after she was sent off in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend.

The France international was involved in an altercation with Villa’s Sarah Mayling where she appeared to strike her opponent in the face. Cissoko was subsequently dismissed and involved in a further melee with the Villa bench as she made her way towards the tunnel.

In the aftermath of the game, the 25-year-old has been subjected