Women’s football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Beth Mead says Arsenal are “moving in the right direction” under interim women’s team boss Renee Slegers

      by

      BETH MEAD reckons Renee Slegers has been a “breath of fresh air” for Arsenal ahead of their Champions duel with Juventus tomorrow. The Gunners star, 29, was speaking before their 5:45pm clash with the Serie A side with Slegers taking charge of the side for the second time in the contest. Beth Mead says Arsenal work with Renee Slegers on “small details” in the final third has been positiveCredit: GettyThe Gunners are hoping to win their third group stage game when they take on Juventus awayCredit: GettyMead and her team-mates have registered three wins and a draw in the WSL and the Champions since Slegers became interim bossCredit: GettyThe Dutch coach, 35, was handed the responsibility of being Arsenal Women’s interim boss after former gaffer Jonas Eidevall resigned last month.Before she took charge the Gunners endured a tough start in the WSL this term and their first group stage outing in the Champion League.Results included a hefty 5-2 loss to Bayern in Munich in Europe and three winless games at the Emirates that preceded Eidevall’s exit.Since then, the team have gone unbeaten under Slegers, winning three of their last four games across all competitions including a 5-0 trouncing of Brighton in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesMead, who broke the deadlock in that game four nights ago, said: “It’s been a breath of fresh air with Renee and I’ve been enjoying it so far. “We’ve been working really hard alongside Renee in training. “We’ve really tried to hone in on the small things that we’re not getting quite right in front of goal at the moment. “Sometimes those small details can win you games and that’s what we did (on Friday).Most read in Football”We’re heading in the right direction and it puts us in good stead for Tuesday night and we’re looking forward to that challenge.”Slegers, who is interim head coach until at least the November international break, guided Arsenal to a 4-1 defeat of Valerenga last month in the Champions League. The head coach has refused to be drawn on whether she would consider the role on a permanent basis. Former Manchester City Women’s boss Nick Cushing had been heavily linked with the job last month. However Cushing, who manages New York City FC, dismissed the speculation and stated he will be with the MLS side in 2025. Before joining the Gunners’ as their women’s team assistant Slegers was head coach of Rosengard from She led the side to back-to-back top-flight title wins in Sweden 2021 and 2022. When asked if she would like to see Slegers remain at Arsenal, Mead added: “In some capacity. “We love having Renee here and will be happy with whatever she chooses to do.Juventus are good form having won eight of their nine top-flight games in Serie A this seasonCredit: Getty”We’ve worked with Renee for quite a while now in different roles to the one she’s in now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think she’s taken to it like a duck to water. “It’s been easy for us as a group. We know what she gives us and the confidence she gives us.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Awkward moment Sky Sports pundits drenched and forced to run for cover after sprinkler gaffe on live TV

      by

      A SKY SPORTS presenter couldn’t resist joking as two pundits got a soaking – just as she had gleefully predicted.Caroline Barker’s pre-match analysis went beyond tactics when she took to the Etihad pitch with ex-Lionesses Steph Houghton and Izzy Christiansen.Houghton and Christiansen take evasive action after a belated Barker warningThe trio were discussing how Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City would fare against Tottenham on Friday night.But Barker suddenly spotted some ominous sprinklers springing into action behind the trio as they stood with their microphones.Pointing at the two ex-City stars, she smiled and told them: “You’re about to get soaked and I’m about to laugh.”Almost in the same breath, and just as the sprinklers took aim on their surprise new targets, Barker added: “There we go!”READ MORE TOP STORIESHoughton and Christiansen turned open-mouthed and moved as swiftly as they did at their peak of their playing careers – but this time to run for cover behind the Sky Sports table.Even the broadcaster joined in the fun at the duo’s expense.Sky noted on social media that the pair suffered “a surprise when one of the pitchside sprinklers attacked mid analysis!”Tottenham then faced an unwarranted torrent of their own – looking all over the place as City poured forward early on.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKhadija Shaw bagged a double early on for Gareth Taylor’s team.Jill Roord’s thumping third goal in three games put City in command midway through the second half before Shaw completed her hat-trick in a 4-0 win.TV presenters Alex Scott and Jules Breach stun on red carpet for PFA awards night in daring outfitsFormer centre-back Houghton, 36, and ex-attacker Christiansen, 33, were each at the Etihad the last time City picked up the title.But that was way back in 2016.Chelsea have lifted every crown since then – bar Arsenal’ s 2018-19 triumph.But for Houghton such matters as titles are trivial compared to her husband’s battle with motor neurone disease.Former Liverpool, Bradford and Bolton defender Stephen Darby, 36, is now eating through a tube following a “life-changing” procedure.Steph told The Guardian it was the best thing for him during a “tough ride” and would allow him to relax a bit more. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Renee Slegers sticks up for Arsenal after fixture clash ‘dilemma’ forces women’s match move from Emirates

      by

      RENEE SLEGERS has defended Arsenal after the club was forced to shift a Women’s Champions League match from the Emirates. Some Gunners fans were left angered by the December duel with Bayern Munich being moved from the stadium due to a fixture clash.Renee Slegers reckons Arsenal have been presented with tough problem due to the clash of club fixtures at the EmiratesCredit: GettyTheir WSL side’s Women’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich is set to be moved due to a rescheduled men’s Carabao Cup fixtureCredit: GettyYesterday the EFL confirmed a Carabao Cup quarter-final game involving Arsenal’s men’s team would be rescheduled for December 18. However the timing of the midweek game coincides with the club’s WSL stars hosting Bayern in the Champions League. Gunners officials have opted to change the venue for the women’s match with the team forced to make way for their men’s side hosting Crystal Palace. This is despite the club committing to hosting all their women’s side’s home games in Europe at the Emirates.Read More Football Stories The Arsenal Supporters Club expressed their disappointment in what they described as a “change in priorities” for the fixture with the date and venue for having been known for weeks. However, Slegers feels Gunners officials are dealing with “a hard dilemma”. The WSL team other home ground Meadow Park is being considered as a possible alternative venue for match.Interim Arsenal boss Slegers whose team hosts Brighton tomorrow night, said:  “It has been a very hard dilemma for the club with two great teams competing in competitions. Most read in Football”What Arsenal have been doing really well is pushing the growth of women’s football for a very long time. “This is a bump in the road but what Arsenal has been doing is very strong.”The Gunners’ battle with Bayern being shunted from the Emirates comes three weeks after the departure of former Arsenal Women’s gaffer Jonas Eidevall. The Sweden-born head coach resigned from his role on October 15 after the team won just one of their opening four WSL games this term. Since Slegers took charge the Gunners have gone unbeaten in three games across all competitions with two wins and a draw. And she insists hers and the team’s focus is on their football. She added: “With what we are doing, you could say we live in a little box with the team and the staff. “For us, obviously Jonas leaving was a change. “But all the other things of what we are doing are not impacted by those external things. “What we need to do is work on our football and group dynamics. “That’s what we do day-in, day-out and that’s where focus is.” Tomorrow night’s WSL duel between the Gunners and Brighton will be the first between the sides this term. The Seagulls have had an impressive start under head coach Dario Vidosic and are four points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.The team, who have Gunners striker Michelle Agyemang on loan for one season, have lost just one of their first six opening games this term. Arsenal could go a point behind third-placed Brighton if they defeat them in the WSL tomorrowCredit: GettyBrighton, who are third, currently occupy one of the WSL’s top three spots for qualification to compete in the Champions League.  READ MORE SUN STORIESOf if their duel could be a big one in terms of the battle to reach next term’s tournament, Slegers adds: “It’s still early in the season, but I think all games are important. “This is going to be an important game for us.” More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Football commentator slammed for ‘sexism’ after saying England Lionesses star had ‘face like a slapped bum’

      by

      A FOOTBALL commentator has been slammed for “sexism” after saying that Ella Toone had a “face like a slapped bum”.The unnamed male was covering Manchester United’s WSL clash against Arsenal on Sunday.A male commentator has been slammed for ‘sexism’ after a comment about Ella TooneToone is a fan favourite after netting in England’s Euro win over GermanyCredit: GettyLioness star Toone, 25, lined up for the Red Devils as they lost the crunch game 1-0.She was taken off on 61 minutes and the camera picked her up in the 74th minute watching the match from the bench.Toone, who scored in England’s Euro 2022 final win against Germany, was sat with her arms folded across her body.The commentator, who was working for an alternative world feed rather than the BBC’s dedictated coverage, then said: “Ella Toone, still got a face like a smacked bum.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe unnamed male is now believed to be under investigation by the Women’s Super League.His words came two months after Toone’s father Nick passed away.And fans were left outraged by the commentator’s quip.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “Hearing the commentator say ‘Ella Toone has a face like a smacked bum’ when she got taken off today, all while showing her on the verge of tears has absolutely enraged me.Most read in Football“She’s 25 f*****g years-old and has just lost her Dad. Cut the girl some slack she f*****g trying…”Uefa chief slammed for warning England Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman her trophy is ‘heavy’-Toone’s father Nick passed away in SeptemberAnother declared: “You could just not comment on anything except the football… Rather than pick on someone who just lost her Dad.”One noted: “Omg I just saw the clip of the commentator saying ‘Ella Toone, still got the face like a smacked bum’ wtaf man. “The whole commentary was unbearable but that is just out of order.”Another added: “No empathy, absolutely unnecessary and typical rubbish from some of the misogynistic male commentators towards women footballers.“She has just lost her father so I guess we all would be looking and feeling the same when at work. And I am not a Man Utd fan.”The WPLL have spoken to the commentator and production company regarding the matter and they have both apologised. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal looking for solutions after fixture clash forces move of Women’s Champions League game from Emirates 

      by

      ARSENAL have been forced to shift their Women’s Champions League battle with Bayern Munich from the Emirates due to a rescheduled Carabao Cup game. Fixture clash issues have left the Gunners seeking new alternatives for the December 18 match with the German giants. Meadow Park is being looked at as a potential alternative for Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League clash with BayernCredit: AlamyIn May Arsenal announced plans to host all its Women’s Champions League home games at the Emirates, should the team progress beyond the contest qualifiers.However they are facing a venue dilemma. Earlier today the EFL confirmed December 18 as the chosen date for their men’s team’s League Cup quarters battle with Crystal Palace. This means the club have the dilemma of looking for a new venue for their clash with Germany’s top-flight leaders. Read More Football StoriesSunSport understands officials are looking into solutions including the possibility of using Meadow Park as an alternative. The stadium, which is home to National League South side Boreham Wood FC, does not meet Uefa Infrastructure Regulations for Women’s Champions League group games.  However it is thought the extenuating circumstances of their match being moved from the Emirates could lead to use of the ground being considered. One Gunners fan group expressed dismay at the match being moved from the Emirates. Most read in FootballThe Arsenal Women’s Supporters Trust stated they were “really disappointed by the change in priorities for this game”. In a post published on the social media platform X they wrote: “It’s been set in stone for a while. “Now shifting the date affects so many people, especially travelling and international Gooners who have already booked flights and hotels.”Arsenal will face Brighton in the WSL on Friday 8 DecemberCredit: GettyAside from their European fixtures Arsenal are hosting all their WSL home games at the Emirates this term. Last May the Gunners drew the largest ever crowd to a women’s club match in England. A crowd of 60,063 attended their Champions League semi-final second leg defeat of Wolfsburg. More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fixture chaos eased as crunch Carabao Cup quarter-final clash confirmed but women’s fixture moved

      by

      ARSENAL’S fixture nightmare involving the Carabao Cup quarter-final has been eased after it was announced the game would be played on Wednesday, December 18.The Gunners’ progression into the final eight of the competition – where they drew Crystal Palace at the Emirates – caused a horribly congested schedule in the middle of the month.Mikel Arteta has seen Arsenal’s men handed an eased fixture scheduleCredit: RexThey will face Crystal Palace on Wednesday, December 18Credit: ReutersBut it will force Arsenal Women to have their Champions League game with Bayern Munich moved elsewhereCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side were fearing a two-day turnaround with an Arsenal Women’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at the Emirates meaning a Wednesday clash was not possible.This would have either led to Crystal Palace being left with a two-day turnaround after playing Brighton on Sunday if the game was played on Tuesday 17 or both sides facing a two-day turnaround before their Premier League clash with the Eagles on Saturday evening if the game was played on Thursday.However, a twist to events has seen Arsenal men given priority to play the fixture at the Emirates on Wednesday.The EFL have confirmed that the fixture will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 18.READ MORE IN FOOTBAL;A club statement on the matter of the moved women’s game said: “We are liaising with UEFA, and further details regarding our UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich will be announced in due course.”Arsenal Women normally play all of their European home games and eight of their 11 home games in the Women’s Super League at the Emirates.Tickets for the Bayern game have been on sale since September 28.But Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park, where the women’s team play the rest of their home games, does not meet Uefa stadium regulations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport understands that a new venue, rather than a new date, is being targeted for Arsenal on the moved fixture.Fans of the women’s team were furious with the announcement and the priority given to the men’s team over the women’s.Huge Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard returns to training ahead of Inter Milan clash Taking to social media, the Arsenal Women Supporters Club said: “Really disappointed by the change in priorities for this game. “It’s been set in stone for a while, and now shifting the date affects so many people, especially traveling and international Gooners who have already booked flights and hotels.”A second fan said: “Not that the women’s team didn’t already have a champions league game being played here the same night that fans have already booked tickets, days off work, travel and hotels for or anything… Do better Arsenal.”A third said: “This is ludicrous.”Carabao Cup quarter-final in fullQuarter-final fixture dates and times confirmed:Arsenal v Crystal Palace – December 18, 7.30pmNewcastle v Brentford – December 18, 7.45pmSouthampton v Liverpool – December 18, 8pmTottenham v Manchester United – December 19, 8pmAnother said: “Really disappointing that the women’s game against Bayern has been shifted for this.”A fifth added: “A UEFA game is surely more important than an EFL game, no matter whether it’s the men’s or women’s team?”Arsenal men’s clash with Crystal Palace will be the early kick-off that evening.It will be shown on Sky Sports football.Newcastle’s clash with Brentford will commence at 7.45pm on Wednesday and will not appear on live TV, but rather Sky Sports+.Southampton against Liverpool will start at 8pm that day and be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Tottenham’s clash against Manchester United will take place on Thursday, December 19 at 8pm.It will be aired on live TV with Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mary Phillip reflects on hall of fame tribute and Peckham Town’s battle for floodlights and promotion 

      by

      MARY PHILLIP is used to blazing a trail of football firsts having done so in the past with England.The former Lioness and Arsenal centre-back’s achievements led to her entry into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.Mary Phillip hopes her football journey will inspire more girls to take up the sportCredit: National Football MuseumPhillips was capped 65 times during an England career that included her becoming the first Black player to skipper the Lionesses’ senior teamCredit: AlamyPhillips, who is the manager of non-league men’s side Peckham Town FC, hopes to see more women get into coachingCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskNow the first Black player to ever captain a senior Lionesses side wants to fulfil an ambition held by a London-based non-league men’s side. That is having floodlights installed on the Dulwich Common pitch used by Peckham Town FC, a team Phillip, 47, has managed since 2019.The challenge that has seen them miss out on promotion from the division they compete in within step seven of the National League system. It is one Phillip hopes the club can overcome by gaining permission from Southwark Council to have the lights installed. Read More Football StoriesPhillip said: “For the past eight years we’ve been denied going up because we don’t have the floodlights available within our area. “Putting floodlights up at the common would be fantastic for the club. “And not just the club but the community as a whole. “To have lights that would just shine on the football pitch we use and not affect the houses around us, would be key going forward. Most read in Football”If we can get permission to do that and finish within the top five of our league and apply for promotion, that would be amazing. “Hopefully, within the next five years we can get this in place and push ourselves up the league.”Four years ago, Peckham-born Phillip became the first female manager to steer a men’s side to cup success in England, taking Peckham Town to a London FA Senior Cup triumph.During her 19-year club career which started at Millwall Lionesses aged 12 before she joined Fulham as a pro in 2000, she won 19 major trophies and three Community Shields. When my granddaughter grows up she will see not just other women who made history in football but also that her grandmother has been a part of thatMary PhillipSome of Phillip’s biggest successes were with Arsenal, where she played from 2004-2008 making 135 appearances.The mum-of-four and grandmother helped them make history in 2007 when they became the first English side to win a Women’s Champions League trophy under Vic Akers. Phillip, who earned 65 England caps, adds: “As a young girl, I didn’t see that many women playing football. “When my granddaughter grows up she will see not just other women who made history in football but also that her grandmother has been a part of that. “She can imagine, ‘I can do this. It’s in my blood’. It’s important for people to see that and think they can do this.Phillip competed in England’s first Fifa Women’s World Cup 29 years ago And in 2007 she helped a side then managed by Hope Powell to reach the tournament’s last eight.It’s among the many successes that has seen her join Powell in being celebrated by the National Football Museum. She received: “I was looking (at the message) I received which mentioned the Hall of Fame, and then it dawned on me that it’s the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. “It’s amazing because so many players have been put in there. “To be a part of this with people like Hope is a great achievement and I’m proud.”Phillip’s induction took place four days after the Government’s relaunch of the Football Governance Bill.The amended Bill includes a push for clubs to provide better transparency around their efforts to meet equality, diversity and inclusion standards. Phillip hopes this is something that will lead to more women building careers in the game including coaching. She adds: “If it’s on equal terms, it’s then for someone to be open enough to say, ‘this woman has the exact same qualities and qualifications, I’m going to go for her and see how it works out’. “I’ve been given that opportunity at Peckham Town. Bryan Hall (the club’s founder) said he wanted a coach in. “He let me come in and do my (Uefa) A licence with the boys there.”He could see that it was working and the guys were relating pretty well to it.“To have someone willing to give me that opportunity was a key factor for me.”Back when Phillip was part of an England squad that competed in the Women’s World Cup in 1995, five of their players were of Black and mixed raced heritage. The former centre-back hopes to see more talents from minority ethnic backgrounds breaking into the Lionesses side with just two –  Lauren James and Jess Carter – playing at last summer’s World Cup. Phillip said: “When I was playing for England the team had broader diversity. Phillip hopes to see more talented Black players, like Tottenham’s Jess Naz, break into England’s senior sideCredit: PA”At the senior England level the manager is mostly going to look at players in the WSL and other top-flights. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So unless you get more homegrown players (from minority ethnic backgrounds) coming through in the WSL and other top leagues, you are not going to see that representation in the senior team. “But there has been a little shift in there and it’s slowly changing.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Our aim is to challenge to try to win the WSL’, says Manchester United Women’s boss Marc Skinner

      by

      WHILE  Manchester United have parted company with two senior men’s team bosses in the last three years, one Red Devils gaffer is set to reach a new milestone. Today against Arsenal Marc Skinner will oversee his hundredth game at the helm of their Women’s Super League side. Man United are currently unbeaten having registered four wins and a draw from their first five WSL games this termCredit: GettyMarc Skinner hopes to guide his side to victory on his 100th game in charge of the Red Devils’ WSL teamCredit: AlamyIt is the first time in a top-flight coaching career, that began at Birmingham City in 2015, that Skinner has reached this mark across all contests at one club. And the head coach has another target in his sights – a first WSL title win for the club. Skinner, 41, who was appointed in July 2021, said: “There’s been lots of ups and downs as a manager reaching 100 games here. “It’s the first club I’ve achieved this for and I’m really proud. I want to be successful and be here for another hundred games.Read More Football Stories”Regardless that it’s a great milestone, we’ve got to try and win this game. “We’ve got to win trophies and keep progressing this team and that’s what I’m here to do. “I’ve got to make sure I maintain focus on every single game and see where we go. “Our aim is to be challenging to try and win the WSL. Most read in Football”But we also have to understand the competition we’re up against and that it’s not a give-me.”In May Man United made history under Skinner winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time following a 4-0 defeat of Tottenham. The Red Devils boss also faced criticism at times from some supporters following losses to Liverpool and Chelsea preceding a fifth-place finish last term. This season his side have got off to a flying start and are currently third and three points off leaders Man City with a game in hand. Along with Chelsea and the Cityzens, they are the only top-flight side yet to lose a league game this term. So far they have been defensively solid, conceding just once in four WSL games this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce impressing in goal. However today’s game will see the American shot stopper come up against a side in the top five for the first time this term. Skinner adds: “We’re looking to test ourselves. It’s a big test on game five, so we’ll see where we’re at”.Arsenal’s visit comes after their return to winning ways before the international break under interim boss Renee Slegers.One win from their first four WSL games was among the results that led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning on October 15.However, Slegers, 35, has backed the Gunners to remain on track following their 2-0 win against West Ham last month. Arsenal’s stand-in gaffer said: “I can imagine how you can look at it from the outside. “We know what’s happening on the inside and we’ve seen a lot of positive things”We’re very positive about what’s ahead of us, but we know a lot of hard work and ownership is going to be needed.”Slegers hopes to help Arsenal remain unbeaten since the team picked up two wins in the WSL and Champions League before the October international breakCredit: GettyDespite their mixed results in the league Skinner believes Arsenal will be a threatREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe adds: “We’re going to face a team that could either be wounded and really want to show that or hopefully a team we can take advantage of. “But they’re a fantastic team and one that will be difficult to play against.” More