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      Renee Slegers ready to guide Arsenal to trophies after landing permanent Gunners Women’s boss role

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      RENEE SLEGERS hopes to “deliver something beautiful” with Arsenal following her appointment as their permanent women’s team boss. The Netherlands-born head coah helped the WSL side turn their season around whilst serving as stand-in gaffer following Jonas Eidevall’s departure. Renee Slegers’ team will take on Crystal Palace at Meadow Park on Sunday in their first game following the WSL’s winter breakCredit: GettySlegers had a sitdown chat with Arsenal legend Ian Wright following her appointment as the club’s women’s team permanent head coachCredit: GettyThe Gunners boss wants to continue to nurture a collective sense of responsibility amongst her players and staffCredit: GettySlegers, who was Eidevall’s number two, has guided a team on an 11-game unbeaten run which includes them qualifying for the Women’s Champions League knockout stage. The Gunners finished top of their group after beating German outfit Bayern Munich 3-2 last December in their final group stage match. This follows them enduring a difficult start to their season with mixed results that include three winless home games in a row at the Emirates and a 5-2 loss away to Bayern in Europe. Since Slegers has taken charge the team have registered 10 wins and one draw across all competitions conceding just five goals. Read More Football StoriesAnd the Arsenal boss has put this down to collective ownership amongst players and staffOf her appointment Slegers, whose team host Crystal Palace on Sunday, said: “I’m so excited to be continuing our journey together.“It’s a wonderful honour to represent this club as head coach and I have so much belief in what we can all achieve together.  “Over the past few months, I’ve felt such a powerful sense of collective ownership and responsibility across our players and staff. Most read in Football”That has been our strength and I know we will make sure we drive and nurture this feeling as we all move forward.   “It has meant the world to me to feel the closeness and passion of our supporters during this process, and I want to thank you all for that. “We want to deliver something beautiful that’s inspiring and leads to winning trophies.  We all have a big part to play in achieving that.” Prior to coaching, Slegers represented Arsenal as a player following a stint in the club’s youth academy between 2006 and 2007. Her playing career also includes stints with Dutch side Willem II before a 2011 move to Sweden where she played for Djurgardens IF before joining Linkopings two years later. Russo’s form in front of goal has improved this term with the Arsenal striker scoring six times in her last four gamesCredit: GettyOn the international stage Slegers won 55 caps for the Netherlands before retiring in 2016 a year before their first European Championship win. As coach she guided FC Rosengard to back-to-back top-flight title wins in Sweden in 2021 and 2022 before leaving to become Arsenal’s assistant manager. Gunners director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: “Renée has excelled during her time as interim head coach, bringing our team, club and supporters together and leading us to a hugely impressive run of results and performances. “We have undertaken a thorough recruitment process aimed at identifying the best candidate to lead our women’s first team at this exciting time. “Renée was the stand-out candidate throughout the process and we’re thrilled to be continuing our journey with her as our permanent head coach.”Under Slegers Arsenal have scored 31 goals in the WSL and Champions League this term.This includes Alessia Russo taking her goal tally to 11 this term READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the striker’s performances and her manager’s efforts led to both winning the Barclays WSL player and manager awards for December. Arsenal are currently seven points behind league leaders and London rivals Chelsea who they will face at Stamford Bridge on January 26. More

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      Footballer rushed to hospital and opponent arrested as shock ‘out of the blue’ attack sees match abandoned

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      AN amateur player was taken to hospital and an opponent arrested after an alleged attack during a women’s football match.The 24-year-old was injured as she played for Goytre Women’s FC last Sunday afternoon against home team Tonyrefail Welfare Ladies.An amateur player was taken to hospital and an opponent arrested after an alleged attackCredit: WNSThe footballer was injured as she played for Goytre Women’s FC against home team Tonyrefail Welfare LadiesCredit: Google MapsOfficials abandoned the game after the incident.South Wales Police confirmed a 25-year-old woman from Tonyrefail was arrested on suspicion of assault and is on bail pending further inquiries.The injured woman is from Newport. Goytre Women’s FC tweeted: “Everyone at the club is appalled at the violent assault inflicted on one of our players yesterday which saw the game abandoned, our player hospitalised and the attacker arrested.Read More on Football”If anyone is able to provide a witness statement or video footage to help with the police investigation please get in contact with us. “Our thoughts and well wishes are with our player and her family & friends as she begins her recovery.”We’d also like to thank the paramedics and staff at the @CwmTafMorgannwg Royal Glamorgan Hospital for taking care and treating our player for her injuries and @swpolice for responding so quickly to events yesterday and we await the results of their investigation.”Goytre FC club secretary Simon Ritter said the player was attacked suddenly about an hour into the game when the team was winning 6-0.Most read in FootballRitter added that she is now recovering at home after getting a scan at the hospital.He said: “I’ve been involved in football for 20 years and never heard of anything like this before. “The assault came out of the blue.” More

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      Chelsea star arrives at court accused of racially abusing police officer in row over taxi fare

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of racially abusing a police officer in a row over a taxi fare.The 31-year-old allegedly lashed out at the cop in Twickenham, South West London, in January 2023.Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of a racially aggravated offenceCredit: Twitter/@hansinclair9The Chelsea star allegedly abused a police officerCredit: AlamyKerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, was seen arriving at Kingston Crown Court today for a hearing.The Australia international has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment and is due to stand trial next month.Scotland Yard previously said: “Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.Most read in FootballShe has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie Mewis with the couple getting engaged last year.They announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisThe couple announced they are expecting a baby More

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      Miedema ready to move forward after goalscoring return for Man City in FA Cup tie following ‘frustrating’ injury spell

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA is relieved to be back in action and scoring for Manchester City after a “frustrating” three months out of action.  The prolific forward helped the Cityzens get their FA Cup charge motoring with a Sunday fourth-round win against Ipswich Town. Vivianne Miedema scored for the first time since last September as Man City cruised into the Women’s FA Cup fifth roundCredit: PAJill Roord broke the deadlock for City 20 minutes into their clash with IpswichCredit: GettyLaura Coombs doubled the hosts’ lead with her first goal of the season in their second half of the fourth round tieCredit: GettyHer first goal since September sealed a 3-0 victory with the Netherlands star back in action for the first time since her knee operation in October.A well-timed pass from Chloe Kelly was followed by Miedema’s bottom corner effort fired past Tractor Girls goalkeeper Natalia Negri. The result saw Man City return to winning ways after back-to-back losses to Barcelona and Everton in Europe and the top-flight before Christmas. The WSL record goalscorer and her team-mates will find out who they face in the contest’s fifth round with the draw taking place on Monday.  Read more football storiesMiedema said: “Obviously it’s been a while and it’s been frustrating for me to have to sit out“But I’ve come back in (and for the goal) Chloe played a really good ball into me, so I’m happy to start scoring again and hopefully I’ll stay fit now.“It now feels like that’s the end of my rehab and I can move on.“When you come back from injury, and especially for players like me, people expect you to score goals again, and I’m happy that I scored and I can move forward now.”Most read in FootballThe last FA Cup encounter between City and Ipswich ended with the latter on the wrong end of a 10-0 thumping five years ago. While all eyes were on Miedema, who started on the bench it was one of the hosts’ other Dutch stars who broke the deadlock. Stand-in skipper Jill Roord struck in the 20th minute netting the Manchester giants first goal of this year. The forward fired a low shot into the bottom corner beyond Tractor Girls keeper Natalia Negri after an assist from January signing Rebecca Knaak. It was the only shot the hosts had on target in the first half despite dominating possession and keeping the visitors pinned back. City, who handed starts to young trio Laura Blindkilde Brown, Gracie Prior and Lily Murphy, had chances to double their lead later in the half. Blindkilde Brown fired an effort into the side netting before Murphy saw her 40th-minute shot fly over the crossbar. The hosts cranked up the pressure in the second half with Laura Coombs tapping in after her flicked 54th-minute effort hit the crossbar. Gareth Taylor’s triple substitution saw Miedema enter the fray with just under half an hour of normal time left. She rounded off a comfortable shift for the Citizens with her first goal since September preceded by Kelly’s angled assist. Miedema and her pals will be aiming for victory at the Etihad against Man United on January Sunday with the WSL returning to action following the winter break. Gareth Taylor’s will host the Red Devils at the Eithad in their first league game of this year after the WSL’s winter breakCredit: GettyThe Cityzens are chasing a first title win since 2016 and a first Champions League crown as well as both domestic cups. READ MORE SUN STORIESMiedema added: “I’ve not always been there this year, and that’s sad. “Hopefully in the next few weeks or months I can be part of the team a lot more and help the team.” More

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      Major change to football stadium alcohol rules could be introduced if Women’s Championship trial is a success

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      FOOTIE fans could be a step closer to boozing in stands during matches if a trial at women’s games proves successful.Championship sides Newcastle, Southampton, Birmingham and Bristol City will allow drinking at select games, but not derbies, from January 19 to the season’s end.Football fans could be a step closer to boozing in stands during matches if a trial at women’s games proves successfulCredit: SportsfileThey were chosen due to safety procedures, geographical spread and Bristol’s Ashton Gate and Newcastle’s Kingston Park allowing alcohol at rugby matches.Soccer chiefs want to analyse how booze might improve fan experience at women’s football, which isn’t governed by the same strict anti-alcohol law.Women’s football is not governed by the Sporting Events Act 1985 which bans boozing while in view of the pitch in the top five men’s leagues.There were no arrests at women’s games last year and some of the chosen venues allow alcohol at top rugby matches.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNikki Doucet, of Women’s Professional League Ltd, has said: “I think our fan base and the behaviour is different.“Ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”It could then be rolled out more widely across the Women’s Super League and Championship and potentially influence future decisions on men’s football.Sun Sport was told in October that the Police position had not changed in terms of men’s football although there is no mechanism which would see local Forces able to prevent a women’s game trial.Most read in FootballDrinking in view of the pitch has been banned in the men’s top five divisions since 1985.Fans caught breaching the laws under the 1985 act can be banned from grounds, handed hefty fans and, in extreme circumstances, given three month prison sentences.Conference League clash suspended as police evacuate entire away stand after shameful scenes More

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      Newcastle and Bristol City among Women’s Championship sides to trial allowing fans to drink alcohol in stands

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      NEWCASTLE and Bristol City are set to allow fans to drink alcohol in their stands as part of a test involving four Women’s Championship clubs. The WSL promotion chasers are taking part in the trial to begin later this month along with Birmingham City and Southampton. Bristol City’s home fans will be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands at Ashton Gate at a select number of Women’s Championship gamesCredit: AlamyBirmingham CityWomen are among the teams taking part in trial scheme giving supporters permission to consume alcohol in view of the pitchCredit: GettyThe scheme backed by authorities overseeing the top two tiers of women’s football will run until the end of this season. Newcastle will do a test at their Kingston Stadium home while Bristol City will also allow alcohol consumption in the stands at Ashton Gate. And the Saints and Birmingham will be allowing supporters to do the same at their games at St Mary’s and St Andrew’s. At present supporters who flock to football matches in the top divisions of men’s football in England are banned from drinking alcohol in view of the pitch. Read More Football StoriesThis is due to the Sporting Events Act of 1985 introduced by the then Conservative government in a bid to thwart football hooliganismHowever the legislation does not apply to the women’s gameThe trial involving Birmingham, Bristol City, Newcastle and Southampton is being led by the Women’s Professional League Limited.Speaking at a sports business summit last October, WPLL chief Nikki Doucet said: “We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season. Most read in Football”We’ll see what we learn from that.”I think our fan base and the behaviour is different (to the men’s game). “I think ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”Newcastle will be taking part in the pilot project running until the end of this seasonCredit: GettyClubs involved in the trial will allow fans to drink alcohol in four or five of their Women’s Championship home games this season. Newcastle and Birmingham will start their test run in home clashes with Portsmouth and Bristol City on January 26 And the Robins and the Saints begin their trial in games against London City Lionesses and Sunderland one week before.  More

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      Jonas Eidevall says choice to leave Arsenal was ‘incredibly difficult’ and reflects on relationship with club’s fans

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      JONAS EIDEVALL reckons leaving Arsenal was an “incredibly difficult decision” following his departure from the club last October. The head coach, 41, who was yesterday confirmed as the new boss of San Diego Wave, believes his relationship with Gunners fans had soured. Jonas Eidevall felt his relationship with Arsenal fans was like “a cloud hanging” over towards the end of his time in charge of their women’s teamCredit: GettyEidevall has returned to coaching in top-flight football and has been confirmed as the new boss of NWSL side San Diego WaveCredit: GettyEidevall’s reflections follow the USA-based women’s team formally announcing his appointment three months after he resigned as manager of Arsenal’s WSL side. The Sweden-bon coach stood down after a reign of just over three years following a run of tough results in the top tier earlier this season and a hefty group stage defeat in the Champions League. A three-game winless run in the WSL at the Emirates along with a 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich away in Europe saw Eidevall come under pressure from Gunners supporters. While he led the team to back-to-back League Cup wins in 2023 and 2024, a 2-1 home loss to Chelsea on October 12 last year was followed by him resigning from his role three days later. Read More Football StoriesEidevall told Sky Sports: “I had decided personally before that Chelsea game that it would be the best decision for me to step away. “What I saw was a team that was only missing small details, but I saw at that moment my relationship with the supporters was like a cloud hanging over. “We needed to find a quick way to remove that cloud. “It was an incredibly difficult decision for me to take, because you have a part of you that wants to be a fighter and prove doubters wrong – that’s what I’ve been doing my whole career.”Most read in FootballEidevall reckons the decision to allow Vivianne Miedema to leave the club last May may have been a factor in the shift in relationship with Arsenal’s fans. The Netherlands forward, currently the WSL’s all-time top goalscorer, joined title-chasing Man City as a free agent last July, after seven years with the Gunners. Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music AwardsThe departure of a player, who was a firm fan favourite, left scores of the club’s followers dismayed. Eidevall adds: “It was evident I lost quite a lot of my relationship with the supporters when we decided not to renew Miedema’s contract. “All in all it was a decision that played hard on me but that’s life sometimes.”Following Eidevall departure, Arsenal’s have had an upturn in form under stand-in boss Renee Slegers. The team went 11 games unbeaten in the WSL and Europe and topped their Champions League group with a 3-2 home defeat of Bayern in their final game of last year. The Gunners, who face Bristol City this Sunday in the Women’s FA Cup, have conceded just five goals since Slegers first match at the helm on October 16. And Eidevall hopes Arsenal’s interim boss who was his assistant manager at the club will continue in her role on a longer term basis. Eidevall says Arsenal’s performances and results under Renee Slegers have made him pleasedCredit: GettyThe San Diego Wave boss told Swedish sports news outlet Aftonbladet: “I experience Renée as a great leader with a good foundation of values, strong football knowledge. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It makes me very happy to see the good results and performance that she, the team and the coaching team have put together. “I really hope that they see the possibility that they will be allowed to continue.” More

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      Kerr and Fishel included in Chelsea’s winter training camp squad as they step up recovery from ACL injuries

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      SAM KERR and Mia Fishel travelled with their Chelsea pals to a training camp in Portugal today to continue their push back to fitness. The Blues strikers have both been out of action since January and February last year after sustaining knee ligament ruptures. Sam Kerr’s and her Chelsea team-mates’ trip to Portugal comes ahead of their fourth round Women’s FA Cup clash with Charlton next SundayCredit: GettyMia Fishel (pictured) and Kerr have been working on their recovery from knee ligament tears they suffered last yearCredit: GettyKerr’s injury occurred during last season’s winter break at the WSL side’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.The Australia skipper, 31, is currently one goal shy of netting for the hundredth time for Chelsea with whom she has won 11 trophies including five WSL titles. USA forward Fishel, 23, suffered her injury in a training session with her national side in February 2024. On Friday Chelsea revealed the duo will not be in team training with the squad despite joining the trip to Portugal. Read More Football StoriesBlues forward Lauren James, 23, is nearing a return to fitness and has been included in the squad that travelled yesterday. The England star is recovering from a calf injury she sustained in October 2024. Her club’s trip to Portugal for training comes nine days before the team’s return to competitive action for the first time this year. Sonia Bompastor’s Blues will host Charlton in the Women’s FA Cup fourth round on Sunday 12 January in their first competitive match of this yearCredit: AlamyThey take on Charlton next Sunday in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup at their Kingsmeadow fortress. Most read in FootballSonia Bompastor’s side are currently the only team unbeaten in the WSL after ten games this term. The league leaders’ return to top-flight action on Sunday January 19 when they visit West Ham. More