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      Hayes eyes a Chelsea Champions League double with Tuchel also bidding for glory in Europe

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      EMMA HAYES is dreaming of Chelsea sealing a historic Champions League double by becoming kings and queens of club football in Europe. And the Kingsmeadow chief hailed Thomas Tuchel, 47, for buying into the winning mentality being encouraged by the Blues. 
      Emma Hayes is urging her team to play the game of their lives against Bayern MunichCredit: PA
      Hayes’ WSL stars are bidding to become the first Chelsea team to reach the final of the Women’s Champions League by beating Bayern Munich. 
      And Tuchel’s Prem aces hope to dispatch Real Madrid in the men’s semis with a second leg decider set for Wednesday.  
      Should both sides win their competitions it would see Chelsea become the first English outfit to triumph in the men’s and women’s Champions Leagues in the same season.
      Hayes, 44, said: “I had a lovely encounter with Thomas Tuchel, he’s a fantastic guy, really open-minded and progressive coach. 
      “There’s a reason why the men’s team are performing like they are and to mirror that success, side by side, how fantastic that would be. 
      “I’ve always said this about Chelsea, we always talk about winning in this place, that’s what comes with the territory. 
      “We don’t mind the pressure, the expectations, the tags, the titles, whatever comes with it, we just know we’re a club that wants to be in winning positions.
      “It’s great to think that both the men’s and women’s teams have reached these stages. 
      “But as I’ll always say we’re about winning things, not just getting here.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea are hoping to reach their first ever Women’s Champions League final this seasonCredit: AP
      Tuchel’s side are aiming to defeat Real Madrid in their second leg Champions League semisCredit: PA

      Hayes believes her side has the quality to bounce back from the disappointment of their 2-1 first leg semis away defeat to German league leaders Bayern.  
      Hayes added: “I feel relaxed going into this. Everybody wants to win every game and we have enough quality to do that. 
      “What I think will make a difference is our ability to stay calm in every moment, even when it’s not where we want things to be.
      “We have to stay true to the reason we are in this position and have trust and belief in each other that the right things will happen at the right time.” 
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Kelly Smith backs Hayes and Chelsea to triumph in Europe just as she did with Arsenal Ladies

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      KELLY SMITH is backing Chelsea to steal Arsenal’s limelight by ending their spell of being the only women’s football club from England to conquer Europe. And the Gunners’ icon believes “energiser” Hayes will have her players “riled up” to knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League. 
      Kelly Smith helped Chelsea could triumph in the Women’s Champions League just as Arsenal did in 2007Credit: The FA – Getty Images
      Smith believes Emma Hayes will have Chelsea riled up and ready to defeat Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      It was 14 years ago this week that Arsenal made history by becoming the first women’s team from these shores to triumph in the contest.
      They did so with a gritty 1-0 aggregate win against Swedish outfit Umea with Alex Scott netting the winner and Smith becoming the tournament’s third-highest scorer. 
      Hayes was in the dugout for that victory during her stint as assistant manager to trailblazing Gunners Ladies boss Vic Akers. 
      And Smith, 42, who missed the finals due to a suspension, has fond memories of Hayes’ two-year tenure before her spell as Chicago Redstars boss from 2008 to 2010. 
      Smith told SunSport: “Emma was a young coach and still learning the trade when she was at Arsenal. 
      “But you could see she was hungry, passionate and a real energiser coach who really loved being out on the field. 
      “She got massive amounts of experience coaching in America after leaving the club and really developed Chelsea’s game. They are very lucky to have her.  
      “I hope they can perform, get to the final and try and take away Arsenal’s mantle of being the only team to lift the trophy.
      “And I’m sure Emma’s going to get them riled up and ready. 
      “It’s a huge opportunity for them to get to the final and they’re going to believe that they can do it being at home with that home advantage.” 
      Smith and her Arsenal Ladies team-mates won the Women’s Champions League 14 years ago this weekCredit: Getty

      Chelsea, who take on Bayern at Kingsmeadow, are looking to overturn a 2-1 first leg semi-final deficit by toppling the German league leaders. 
      And Hayes was tight-lipped on whether skipper Madga Eriksson will be available for selection after missing the first leg with a calf problem. 
      However Smith, who netted 144 times in 125 Arsenal appearances, thinks Eriksson’s presence could make a difference to Chelsea chances. 
      Smith added: “I do think, having watched little parts of the first leg that they really missed Eriksson at the back.
      “She’s the stalwart there, the leader and organises that whole backline. Hopefully she can come back into the mix for the game.”
      Smith, who is backing a smart meter campaign with sports stars including Nicola Adams, has been reflecting on the evolution of the WSL which turned ten this year. 
      And the former England forward, who is the Lionesses highest scorer with 46 goals, hopes to see the top flight become more lucrative in the next decade. 
      Smith hopes to see the Women’s Super League attract a bigger fan base in the next ten yearsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Smith said: “When I started playing we were only training two nights a week and trying to be full time athletes while juggling jobs. But now the game is professional.
      “I’d like to see teams playing in bigger stadiums and generating bigger fan bases. 
      “We’ve seen it with the special football weekends with derbies and where you get larger crowds coming to games such as Arsenal vs Spurs. 
      “I also hope the WSL becomes self-funding and for clubs not to lose money. We’ve got a long way to go but we’ve just got to keep pushing.”
      Smith, who won 20 trophies in three spells with Arsenal, is thought to be a strong contender to be an inductee into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame. 
      A panel of experts are due to decide on a shortlist from which the first Hall of Famers will be chosen.
      The former Gunner, who played for Arsenal between 1996 and 2017,  has ideas on who she would like to see inducted.
      And Chelsea’s Ji So-yun is among the names on her list.
      Smith added: “It’s going to be difficult for whoever’s on that panel to come up with the first couple of inductees. 
      Chelsea’s Ji So-yun is among the players Smith would like to see inducted into the Women’s Super League Hall of FameCredit: Reuters
      “The names that spring to mind for me are Rachel Yankey Alex Scott. Karen Carney and Faye White. 
      “There’s also Fara Williams who’s just retired, Steph Houghton, Katie Chapman and Jill Scott and Emma Byrne who was Arsenal’s goalie when I was there. She was a top-level player. 
      “Even Ji So-yun at Chelsea. She’s been around for a good number of years and been a high level performer for Chelsea.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Smith is supporting a national campaign encouraging people to learn about smart meters
      Kelly Smith is supporting the ‘Get Britain Energy Fit For The Future’ campaign. 
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

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      It’s powerful to see the WSL united alongside the Premier League and EFL in a stand against racism

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      I’M GLAD to see the four-day social-media blackout has included women’s football.Sometimes in the past when men’s football has taken a stand against issues, people haven’t considered how women’s football is affected.
      Alex Scott hopes football’s social media blackout is the start of things to come in regard to tackling onlineabuse
      Casey Stoney called out Mark Zuckerburg for failing to protect individuals from abuse on his social media platforms Facebook and Instagram
      It’s important to understand that female players are hit with the same horrific abuse that male players suffer.
      It’s powerful to see the WSL united alongside the Premier League, EFL and other sports in a stand against racism and discrimination on social media.
      Man United boss Casey Stoney recently called out Facebook and Instagram chief Mark Zuckerburg for not doing enough after Lauren James was racially abused again.
      She was hit with vile comments when she put up a picture of her hugging her little sister on Instagram last week.
      Liverpool’s Rinsola Babajide revealed she had been abused on Instagram, leaving her “feeling sick”.
      And after other users reported racist abuse on Babajide’s account they were stunned when Instagram replied: “We’ve reviewed the account and found that it doesn’t go against our community guidelines.”
      Horrific abuse like that shows how prevalent this issue is.
      Hopefully this weekend’s boycott sends a strong message but I just hope that come midnight on Monday things just don’t go back to normal.
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      We always need to think about how we can keep moving forward and progressing.
      This is the first step but I hope those higher up are planning for what action to take next.
      It shouldn’t just be on the likes of Thierry Henry’s shoulders, after he deleted his social media accounts five weeks ago in a stand against online abuse.
      When we come together it’s powerful.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Prince William joins football’s social media boycott over abuse More

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      FA charge Birmingham Women for playing suspended Ruesha Littlejohn against Reading

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      BIRMINGHAM WOMEN have been charged by the FA for fielding Ruesha Littlejohn in a WSL match when she was suspended. And the Republic of Ireland International has also been charged following her appearance in Blues’ 1-1 draw against Reading. 
      Birmingham have been charged with failing to ensure that Ruesha Littlejohn complied with an automatic suspensionCredit: Getty
      FA officials claim the team, who play Manchester City next, “failed to ensure that a player registered with the club complied with an automatic suspension”.
      And Littlejohn, 30, who has made 11 WSL appearances this term, has been accused of “failing to comply with an automatic suspension by participating in the fixture”.
      The BBC reports Birmingham have been under the impression that Littlejohn had fulfilled her ban in the match preceding the clash with Reading. 
      That game was Blues’ 5-1 trouncing of Coventry United in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup.
      Birmingham say the fielding of Littlejohn in the match against Reading, on April 25, was due to “an administrative error”. 
      The club says it “unequivocally supports” the midfielder and “will be making no further comments”. 
      An FA tribunal is set to review the case and the outcome could potentially have implications for Birmingham’s battle to remain in the top flight. 
      Should the team face points deduction it could leave them in danger of relegation from the WSL
      Carla Ward’s side will travel to Man City before their end-of-season home game against Tottenham on May 9. 
      The team, who are three points above the drop zone,  are hoping for a strong finish to their season following their draw with Aston Villa. 
      Birmingham are due to play Manchester City away in their next league fixtureCredit: Zuma Press

      And Ward praised the grit her side have shown in a season which has seen them battling with injuries and 
      The Birmingham boss said: “These players have got more resilience than any group I have ever worked with. 
      “They are a tough and tight knit group who look after each other.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Birmingham will play Tottenham in their final WSL game of the seasonCredit: Rex
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      Shiels extends reign as boss of Northern Ireland Women following Euros qualification success

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      KENNY SHIELS has extended his tenure as Northern Ireland’s Women’s manager following their fairytale Women’s Euros qualification.  The former Derry City gaffer has signed a two-year contract weeks after masterminding his side’s historic play-offs triumph over Ukraine. 
      Kenny Shiels has agreed to a new two-year contract as Northern Ireland Women’s bossCredit: Pacemaker
      On his contract extension Shiels, 65, said: “My job is to continue to build on the momentum we have generated and prepare for next summer’s Euros.
      “The success of the Northern Ireland senior women’s team has added to the interest in the women’s game from the grassroots level up. 
      “I’m delighted with this development and thankful to the Irish Football Association for making this happen.” 
      Shiels, whose managerial career has seen him take charge of clubs in Northern Ireland, England, Scottish giants Kilmarnock, was appointed as the senior women’s national team manager in May 2019. 
      His side, which includes Birmingham City’s Rebecca Holloway, defeated Ukraine 2-1 away in Kovalivka before securing their Euros spot with a 2-0 in a second leg win in Belfast. 
      Their 4-1 aggregate victory over their opponents – who are listed 25 above them in FIFA’s world rankings – saw Shiels’ squad become the first Northern women’s team to reach a major international football tournament.
      The former Kilmarnock manager’s decision to extend his contract has been praised by squad members including Durham ace Sarah Robson and Liverpool’s Rachel Furness.  
      It comes in the same month as the release of ‘A New Dream’, a short film looking behind the scenes of Northern Ireland’s 2022 Women’s Euros qualification journey. 
      And skipper Marissa Callaghan, who works as a Girls’ Participation Officer at the Irish FA, hopes her team’s success will encourage more youngsters to take up football.
      [embedded content]
      Northern Ireland Women are set to compete in the Women’s Euros for the first time in 2022Credit: Pacemaker

      Callaghan told the Irish FA’s web site: “We’ve spoken about how we need to do as much as we can for the community and young girls.
      “We need to make sure that we get out and about to the local clubs and schools – wherever we can go. 
      “We want the young girls to see us and get inspired. I think that’s the legacy we want to leave in the next year.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Marissa Callaghan hopes Northern Ireland reaching the Women’s Euros will inspire more girls to take up footballCredit: Inpho
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      Former Wales Women’s boss Ludlow ‘excited’ to take charge of Man City Girls’ Academy

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      JAYNE LUDLOW says she is thrilled to be taking up the reins of managing Man City Women’s rising stars.Ludlow’s appointment as the club’s Girls’ Academy technical director comes three months after she stood down as Wales Women’s manager after six years in charge.
      Jayne Ludlow wants to help Man City Women’s youth players reach the highest levels of the gameCredit: Rex Features
      The former Arsenal Ladies ace’s new position will see her identify and develop up and coming young players for the WSL giants.  
      Ludlow, 42, said: “I am excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to join Manchester City.
      “I look forward to ensuring that our academy prioritises personal and football development so that our next generation positively impacts the game and societies of the future. 
      “I am also committed to helping facilitate a creative, positive learning environment where both coaches and players can thrive and one that enables them to reach the highest levels of the game.” 
      First team talents who have risen through the ranks of Man City’s development squad include Jess Park and Esme Morgan. 
      Both were part of the side that triumphed in the 2018 WSL Development Cup Final.
      Other starlets who represented the club at youth level include Red Devils forward Ella Toone, Bristol’s Emma Bissell and Sheffield United’s Alethea Paul. 
      Ludlow, who managed Reading Women from 2013 to 2014 before her appointment as Wales Women’s boss, enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career prior to her move into management.  
      Esme Morgan rose through the ranks of Man City Women’s development squadCredit: Sportimage

      Silverware wins for the former Gunners midfielder include nine Women’s Premier League titles, six FA Cups, a Women’s Champions League trophy with Arsenal.
      The former Wales international spent 13 years playing for the North London giants following stints at Southampton Saints Ladies and Millwall Lionesses. 
      Gavin Makel, Managing Director of Manchester City Women, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jayne to the Manchester City family. 
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jayne Ludlow managed Wales for six years before being appointed as technical director of Man City Women’s Girls’ AcademyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

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      Bristol boss Beard says there is ‘no truth’ in Liverpool Women’s job talk ahead of Man United match

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      MATT BEARD has dismissed reports linking him with the manager’s role at Liverpool Women. And the interim Bristol City chief is expecting the scrap to beat the drop will go down to the wire in the WSL this term.
      Matt Beard says there is ‘no truth’ regarding reports he is due to be unveiled as manager of Liverpool WomenCredit: Rex
      Liverpool are third in the Women’s Championship and are due to play London City LionessesCredit: Rex
      Beard, 43, was speaking to journalists after The Athletic claimed Liverpool are due to unveil him as the boss of their Women’s Championship side currently managed by Amber Whiteley. 
      The news comes days before the Robins’ home game against Manchester United who are fourth in the WSL.
      Beard said: “Look I’m on maternity cover for Tanya (Oxtoby).
      “There’s no truth in the story anyway. But it is what it is, I can’t change that.”
      Former Reds boss Beard, who is in charge of Bristol until the end of the season, enjoyed a title-winning two-term spell at Liverpool in 2013 and 2014.
      The ex-Hammers manager led the team – who are currently third in the second tier – to back-to-back WSL title wins in both years.
      A Bristol City spokeswoman said: “Matt Beard is fully focused on the two remaining Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixtures and fully committed to retaining the club’s top-flight status
      “Speculation like this is not helpful and we will not be commenting further on the matter.” 
      Bristol, who are propping up the table of the women’s top-flight, are bidding to maintain their spot in the league ahead of the return of permanent gaffer Tanya Oxtoby. 
      And the Robins, who are the founding members of the WSL, face a tricky clash with the Red Devils who are battling for a place in the Champions League.
      Bristol City face Manchester United at home in their next WSL fixtureCredit: Rex

      The last encounter between the sides ended in a heavy 6-1 away defeat for the Robins in December, with Leah Galton and Tobin Heath both scoring braces.
      But Beard is backing his players to make things hard for their visitors. 
      Beard added: “It’s going to be a tough game. They’ve found a little bit of form in the last few games. 
      They’ve got got Galton and (Alessia) Russo back which is a blow for us because they’re two very, very talented players. 
      “From that perspective it’s this, it’s going to be tough but on our day I think we’ve proved we can compete with anyone. 
      “If you look at some of our games against top five teams – for instance the Man City game – we ran them very, very close in our second half performance and could have got back in that. 
      “We need to get as many points as we can to try and stay in the division and we’re not going to make it easy for them whatsoever.” 
      Bristol are currently a point behind Aston Villa and two points behind West Ham who are also battling to avoid relegation. 
      And Beard believes Villa’s draw with Birmingham and West Ham’s loss to Arsenal has given his side a boost. 
      Leah Galton, 26, was on target twice for Man United when they defeated Bristol in December 2020Credit: Zuma Press
      Beard said: “I think the results were the best that we could have hoped for, with regards to West Ham and Aston Villa playing each other this weekend. 
      “Obviously, someone’s going to drop points in that game.
      “If you look at the last two games of the season for West Ham and Aston Villa, I think it’s Arsenal and Manchester City if my memory serves me correct. 
      “So that’s probably the best scenario for us which is fantastic. It’s six points to play for.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Beard says Bristol be looking to make things tough for Man United at Twerton ParkCredit: Rex
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      Birmingham City 1 Aston Villa 1: Greece striker Sarri leaves Aston Villa feeling sorry after dramatic derby draw

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      VEATRIKI SARRI heaped injury-time misery on Aston Villa as Birmingham nabbed a 1-1 draw in the dying minutes of a tetchy Midlands derby.  The WSL ace sparked scenes of wild celebration with a jubilant Carla Ward hugging her players after they snatched a vital point in their bid to beat the drop.
      Birmingham City snatched a vital draw from the brink of defeat from their Midlands derby clash with rivals Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      Super sub Veatriki Sarri came on to rescue a point for Blues who are battling to stay in the WSLCredit: PA
      Just as it looked as if ex-Brum starlet Freya Gregory’s goal had given Villa’s top flight survival dreams a boost, super sub Sarri came on to spoil the visitors’ party.  
      Birmingham’s 1-1 home draw means they leapfrog West Ham to go ninth in the table ahead of a tricky trip to Manchester City. 
      Ward said: “Villa were the better team for large parts but the fact that we find a way tells you that this group has got character, desire, it’s got everything you need.
      “I said at the start of the season – and I said it all year – that no one gives us a chance. But these players do. I do. The staff do.
      “Honestly, I love working with them because they just don’t give up. They don’t want to roll over. Hence my knee slide to join in with them at the end!“I think we’re there in terms of safety. West Ham have got to play Villa at the weekend. If they both get a point, they both stay below us.
      “If one wins, the other one stays below us. Whichever one loses then has to beat Manchester City or Arsenal, so I think we’re there, barring an absolute miracle.”

      Villa, who were beaten 1-0 in the last league exchange between the sides, looked to dominate the possession from the get go. 
      They attempted to take the lead as early as the fourth minute with Chloe Arthur’s free-kick flying wide of Hannah Hampton’s goal. 
      Aston Villa have dropped points in the league in injury time for the second time in four daysCredit: Rex

      And they went close to scoring in the 11th minute with Mana Iwabuchi attempting to curl a right-footed shot into the far corner. 
      Moments later Birmingham suffered a minor scare with Hampton missing the chance to claim Anita Asante’s chipped free-kick.
      But following a scramble in the box, the hosts managed to hoof the ball out of danger.  
      Bignot’s players’ attacking efforts did not go unrewarded for too long with Gregory returning to haunt her old side. 
      And she put them ahead with a thumping strike for her first senior goal in a Villa shirt.
      Following a Birmingham corner, the visitors countered with the ball dropping to Iwabuchi who released Shania Hayles who squared it to Gregory
      And the Villa starlet saw her initial shot crash off the underside of the crossbar before smashing the ball into the goal with venom minutes before the half-hour mark. 
      Freya Gregory was on target for Villa in the 27th minute to net her first professional goalCredit: Getty
      The second period saw Birmingham attempt to fight their way back into the game, but having little joy in the final third. 
      Sub Emily Murphy, on loan from Chelsea, saw her strike from distance fly past Lisa Weiss’s far post close to the 60th minute. 
      Ward, who lost Ruesha Littlejohn to injury in the first half, made her final roll of the dice bringing on Sarri in place of Blues defender Emma kelly
      The switch came minutes after the forthright Birmingham boss was given a yellow card for her response to a decision given in Villa’s favour
      It was a substitution that worked wonders, with Sarri’s free-kick flying into Weiss’ goal through a huddle of players to seal a score draw.
      And the result combined with the Hammers’ 2-0 loss to Arsenal means just THREE points separate the bottom four sides in the Women’s Super League. 
      It could see the fight to remain in the top flight go down to the wire with Villa due to take on Olli Harder’s Irons next. 
      Bignot said: “I appreciate Carla’s words and I would echo them.
      Villa boss Marcus Bignot will be urging his side to bounce back by beating West HamCredit: Reuters
      “We were the better team. We deserved the three points but we haven’t got them.
      “It was disappointing in terms of the manner in which we didn’t get those three points.
      “We learned lessons from the Bristol game in terms of how we conceded – we were very deep – but this one was taken away from us. It’s a hard one to take.
      “Credit to Birmingham for taking advantage.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Villa will travel to Arsenal for their last game of the season after they play the HammersCredit: Getty
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