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      Wales Women’s boss Jayne Ludlow leaves role by mutual consent after six years in charge

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      JAYNE LUDLOW has departed as head coach of Wales Women’s football team and sparked a search for a new boss.
      The ex-Arsenal star’s exit comes a month after speculation linking her with the manager’s role of West Ham Women’s Super League side.  

      Football chiefs are on the hunt for a new Wales Women’s manager following Jayne Ludlow’s departureCredit: PA:Press Association

      Football chiefs in Wales confirmed Ludlow is leaving the role which she took on in 2014. 
      Now the former Gunner, 42, who coached the side in more than 50 games, is free to consider other managerial options. 
      However, it is reported the ex-WSL midfielder is not in the running for the interim England Women’s manager role with Phil Neville due to become boss of Inter Miami.
      In a statement, Ludlow said: “It has been an honour and an absolute pleasure to have worked with the staff and players across our age group and senior teams.

      “It has been a fantastic learning environment for me personally and I am proud of what we have achieved over the last six years as a group of staff and players, whom I want to thank.
      “I am looking forward to the next challenges, one of which is an exciting opportunity I have to be part of a technical leadership team at FIFA.
      “I wish the squad well in the future and I feel that qualification for a first major final is not far away.”
      Ludlow came close to helping Wales reaching the Women’s European Championship, which will now be staged in England next year.

      But the team fell narrowly short with Northern Ireland beating them to second place in their qualifying group last year.
      Wales stars in the Women’s Super League have been paying tribute to Ludlow. 
      In a post on Twitter Reading ace Jess Fishlock said she would miss the ‘tears, laughs, arguments and high fives’ with her former international boss. 

      I am Sad.I was Sad when Jarmo left, I am sad now Jayne has left.So many memories .. tears, laughs, arguments, high fives.Some unbelievable moments.We are a better nation for you Jayne Ludlow.Thank youDiolch.❤️. https://t.co/f2gWJq2DlK
      — Jessica Fishlock MBE (@JessFishlock) January 18, 2021

      Jayne Ludlow is reportedly not in the running to become interim boss of the Lionesses following Phil Neville’s exitCredit: PA:Press Association
      FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: “Jayne has played a huge part in the progress of the Women’s game in Wales over the past six years, managing the side through three qualification campaigns.”
      “The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign enhanced the profile of the game throughout the country, inspiring young girls across Wales to play football for the first time.
      “Off the field Jayne has been a role model for the women’s game in Wales, regularly visiting schools across the country and attending the National Eisteddfod to inspire future generations.
      “We thank Jayne for all her hard work, dedication and vast contribution to Welsh football both on and off the field. We wish her well in the future.”

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      Man City skipper Steph Houghton hails Abby Dahlkemper’s move to Women’s Super League giants

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      STEPH HOUGHTON has given Abby Dahlkemper a virtual warm welcome after the USA ace confirmed her Manchester City switch.
      The England Women’s captain is among the City stars looking forward to seeing the World Cup winner in action in the WSL this term. 

      Abby Dahlkemper is the third USA international to join Man City this term Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Dahlkemper, 27, signed a two-year deal to join Gareth Taylor’s squad having spent three years at North Carolina Courage. 
      Houghton, 32, told her 144,000 Twitter followers that she “can’t wait” for the defender’s arrival.
      And City forward Janine Beckie, 26, was equally enthusiastic with the Canada star sharing fire emojis in her tweet in reaction to the news. 
      Dahlkemper is the third USA player to join the 2020 FA Cup winners this term, following Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle signing in August. 

      Dahlkemper told City’s website: “Sam [Mewis] and Rose [Lavelle] have been saying nothing but brilliant things about the Club and hearing them speak so highly about the facilities, the staff and the players, as well as their experience of a new technical and tactical challenge, is something that was really appealing to me.
      “With all the talent in the FA WSL, I know that each game will present a new challenge and the opportunity to grow both as a player and as a person in England is going to be amazing, alongside having the chance to play Champions League football too.
      “I just can’t wait to get over and help the team in whatever way I can and be successful on the field.”

      Head coach Gareth Taylor said: “Abby is a very talented defender who has been successful both domestically and internationally – with her desire and hunger for victory, we know she’ll fit into our team ethos perfectly.
      “We’re really looking forward to working with her over the coming seasons.”

      Abby Dahlkemper played in every game for the USA during their triumphant 2019 World Cup campaignCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Dahlkemper, who made 64 appearances for the Courage, is set to join her new team after the USA play Colombia in a friendly on January 22.
      And City – who are fourth – take on Aston Villa in their first WSL game of the year.
      The team are also due to face Chelsea in a rescheduled Conti Cup quarter-final clash. 

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      Birmingham boss Carla Ward ‘confident’ of replay after club defy FA to call-off Tottenham clash

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      CARLA WARD expects Birmingham to be granted a replay against Tottenham after they defied football authorities to call off the game. 
      And the Blues boss hopes her side will be treated in the same manner as Everton – who had their WSL match postponed due to Covid and injuries. 

      Carla Ward hopes Birmingham City’s match against Spurs can be replayed Credit: PA:Press Association

      Ward’s team, who face Brighton on Sunday, have struggled with injuries this season and had just TEN players fit in the first week of January. 
      And the Blues boss says a long chat with her team doctor led the club to drop the axe on their league clash with Spurs.
      Ward, 37, said: “I would expect the outcome for us to be our game being rescheduled. 
      “To be honest, I would have been happy to go there with ten players. 

      “That’s just the sort of manager I am and I think the players were quite content with going there with ten players and to be honest part of me wishes we did. 
      “But from a welfare point of view, the club doctor and I had lengthy discussions and as much as I didn’t want to (call off the game) it probably was the right decision. 
      “But that decision wouldn’t have been taken if I thought there would be even a two per cent chance that we wouldn’t get to replay that game.
      “So I’m fully confident that it will be replayed. 

      “For me as far I am concerned it’s the same outcome as Everton and Man United.
      “I’ll expect the same treatment as the other clubs  and I expect that (game against Tottenham) to be played in due course.”
      Blues – who are currently seventh – host Hope Powell’s Seagulls who are hunting for their first win in the WSL since November.
      However, the team are likely to be without new striker Veatriki Sarri with Ward revealing the Greece forward had arrived at the club with an injury. 

      Birmingham are likely to play Brighton without new striker Veatriki Sarri who is injuredCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ward added: “We are currently assessing Veatriki and we’re not really sure what the injury looks like yet. 
      “We’ll have to see how today, the weekend and Monday goes, but she’s not been on the pitch yet. 
      “She’s nowhere near being ready. It’s not something we knew anything about, so we’re just gonna have to manage as we go.” 

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      Ex-West Ham boss Matt Beard set to take over Bristol City Women as Tanya Oxtoby’s maternity cover

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      MATT BEARD will take charge of Bristol City Women until the end of the season as Tanya Oxtoby takes maternity leave.
      The ex-West Ham boss left the East London club ‘by mutual consent’ midway through November.

      Ex-West Ham boss Matt Beard will cover Robins boss Tanya Oxtoby for maternity cover

      Tanya Oxtoby’s baby boy is due in March

      Oxtoby has been in the Robins’ top job for two-and-a-half years after taking charge in the summer of 2018.
      But she will step away from her role temporarily to focus on the birth of her baby boy – who is due in March.
      Beard won back-to-back WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014.
      He has also managed at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea and, most recently the Hammers.

      City Women Board Chairman Mark Ashton said: “Everyone at Bristol City wishes Tanya all the best as she and her partner look forward to the birth of their baby boy.

      “It has been a challenging season so far and credit to Tanya, who despite contracting COVID-19, has remained focused and determined to drive the team forward.
      “Allowing her to take a step back now will allow a significant handover period for Matt and we are delighted to have secured his services for the rest of the season during Tanya’s maternity leave.”
      Beard’s first task is taking rockbottom City on a trip to face high-flying Everton on Sunday.

      Oxtoby said: “Given the circumstances and where we are with the pandemic, I think it makes sense for the transition to begin and I’m fully supportive.
      “I know Matt well. At the forefront of my mind when I knew this process was going to start was the playing group and making sure the transition was as seamless as possible.
      “The Board have decided Matt is the right person to come in and I’ll support him 100 per cent.
      “However he needs the players as well because I want them to reach their potential.
      “I want us to stay in the Barclays FAWSL and I’ll support, however I can, to make that happen.”

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      Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro warns players to consider role model status after Dubai trip backlash

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      JOE MONTEMURRO admits he is disappointed in his Arsenal players whose Dubai trip sparked anger within the women’s game. 
      And the Gunners boss wants his players to consider their positions as role models – and warned of zero tolerance of similar actions in future.

      Arsenal Women’s boss Joe Montemurro says his players have apologised for their actionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Montemurro, 51, was speaking for the first time since three of his players jetted off to Dubai during the festive break. 
      It was revealed the club, whose stars were residing in areas under Tier 4 restrictions at the time, had permitted their journey for business purposes. 
      However, a positive Covid test result for one of the players led to the axing of Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa and a number of Gunners having to self-isolate.

      For me, it’s all about actions now and making sure players understand that under these situations and circumstances they are role models
      Joe Montemurro

      Montemurro said: “We had some official scenarios of players going to Dubai, and I think in the madness of that last week, when things locked down and everything went the way it did, yes, there’s obviously disappointment in the situation and the way it panned out.

      “From my perspective, it’s about the moral compass and the consequences of these situations and the players have apologised for their actions.
      “They are people in the public eye, and we won’t be able to tolerate these sorts of decisions, not just from a sporting perspective, but from a global morality one. 
      “From my perspective it’s about the moral compass and the consequences of these situations, and the players have apologised for their actions.
      “And for me, the real important thing, going back to the morality of making these decisions, when you’re faced with them is that it doesn’t happen again.”

      Montemurro, whose third-placed Arsenal side are due to take on Reading, says he understood the criticism his three unnamed aces have faced.
      And club legend Ian Wright is among the figures who called for a public apology.
      When asked if players would be disciplined the Gunners boss stated the situation is being dealt with in-house.
      And the gaffer insisted the squad members had learned from their actions. 
      Montemurro added: “I totally understand the reaction of the greater public. 
      “And I just go back to the moral compass of the individual to understand that there are bigger things, there are greater things out there that have consequences. 
      “As much as I understand the greater public and the greater football public, and the anger they have, it’s something that we just have to be better at. 
      “For me, it’s all about actions now and making sure players understand that under these situations and circumstances they are role models.” 

      Arsenal will take on Reading in their first game of the yearCredit: Alamy Live News
      “We have to make sure that these situations don’t happen again.”
      All the Arsenal players who have been self-isolating have returned to training ahead of the clash with the Royals who are sixth in the table.
      And Montemurro has been boosted by the Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz returning from injury.

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      Former Man City ace Carli Lloyd reflects on ‘bloodbath’ competitive edge in US women’s team

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      CARLI LLOYD has opened up on the ‘no mercy’ mentality she encountered as a rising star in the USA women’s team. 
      And the former WSL ace reckons the current crop of starlets in the US national side have it much easier than the players of her generation. 

      US women’s captain Carli Lloyd says there was ‘no mercy’ shown during some of the national team’s practice sessionsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Lloyds, 38, best known to Man City’s fans for scoring during their 4-1 Women’s FA Cup final win in 2017, made 294 international appearances.
      And the two-time World Cup winner believes the current USA squad is far more welcoming. 
      Lloyd told The Players’ Podcast on BBC Sounds: “Small-sided five-v-fives were ultra-competitive and I would say the US team has always been competitive. There was no mercy. 
      “When I first got on to the national team – I think it was a camp in 2004 – I remember it was Mia Hamm, Briana Scurry, (Julie) Foudy, it was all of them. 

      “With the five-vs-five sessions, nothing can prepare you for the moment when you give the ball away or don’t pass to them and get yelled at. 
      “It so much harder back then and I tell these young players, ‘you guys have it much easier’ because it is a much more welcoming environment for them to come into now. 
      “Whereas before you were like fighting and clawing your way on your own island, but that is what made the team great for so many years.” 
      Lloyd, who made six appearances for City, believes the US team has still retained the competitive streak that helped them win four World Cups between 1991 and 2019. 

      But the US skipper believes the current set-up allows younger players to ease their way into the side. 

      Carli Lloyd believes the current US squad is more welcoming to its younger playersCredit: Reuters

      Lloyd added: “It’s different now, but it is still great. The competitiveness is still there, but it’s a little bit different and a little bit of an easier transition for some of the younger players. 
      “I think the older players make them feel a bit more welcome.”
      “But once we step in between those lines, it can get chippy.” 

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      Women’s FA Cup paused as Covid crisis wreaks havoc in football following axed WSL clashes

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      WOMEN’S FA CUP clashes have become the latest sports events to be halted by the coronavirus crisis. 
      Football authorities say second and third round fixtures – currently classed as ‘non-elite’ sport by the government – will be paused during lockdown.

      Women’s FA Cup fixtures are being paused during the national lockdown

      And the announcement comes after 17 second round ties were cancelled in December due to Covid-19 restrictions.
      Officials say they will monitor and review the situation before making a decision over the resumption of the competition. 
      In a statement on its web site the FA says: “We can today confirm that, following the latest national lockdown enforced by the government, the 2020-21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup will not resume during this period and will remain on pause.
      “With all sport across the country outside of the elite level currently shut down, the competition is not in a position where the second and third rounds can be played, with clubs currently in the competition not permitted to train or play due to being at amateur level. 

      “Whilst it would have been possible to play elite-versus-non-elite fixtures under elite criteria with Government support, as seen in the Emirates FA Cup fixtures involving all non-elite teams do not meet elite criteria and cannot currently go ahead.
      “Therefore, the competition will remain paused during the current lockdown, with a number of options currently being explored on how best to complete it.
      “The health and wellbeing of players and staff are of paramount importance and we are not prepared to put any individual at risk during this pandemic.
      “It remains our preference to complete the 2020-21 competition with all clubs having the opportunity to play their fixtures, however the developing situation will continue to be closely monitored and will be reviewed before any further decisions are made.

      “We will now enter a period of consultation with all clubs that remain in the competition – alongside those who are due to enter from the fourth round – to discuss the options available. 

      Second and third round Women’s FA Cup clashes have been paused due to being classed as ‘non-elite’ sportCredit: PA:Press Association

      “We will look to make a further announcement in due course.” 
      The postponement of the competition is the latest blow to hit the women’s game in recent weeks.
      It comes a week after SEVEN games were axed in the Women’s Super League and Championship following a spate of positive Covid-19 test results.

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      Ian Wright hails Fran Kirby for overcoming personal tragedy and heart condition to become Chelsea legend

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      IAN WRIGHT has hailed Chelsea icon Fran Kirby for overcoming personal tragedy and a rare heart condition to become the club’s all-time top scorer.
      The Arsenal legend reckons Kirby should be a regular starter for England and picked for the Team GB squad at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

      Ian Wright said he cannot praise Fran Kirby ‘high enough’ for overcoming personal tragedy to become a Chelsea legend

      The 27-year-old was diagnosed with Pericarditis — an inflammation of the lining around the heart, and told she may never play football again last November.
      But she hit FOUR goals in Chelsea’s 5-0 romp at Reading last time out as a two finger salute to the rare heart condition, having made an emotional return to the WSL this season.
      On Wrighty’s House podcast, the Gunners hero said: “She gave up at 16-years-old.
      “So when you look at what she’s gone through there with the Pericarditis and losing her mum, giving up again.

      “And then you’re looking at Chelsea they’re signing Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, Pernille Harder, and the emergence of Beth England.
      “We know she’s been very vocal on mental mental health but she’s got to get flowers simply because of what she’s been through.
      “People don’t realise what the journey takes, because now maybe her scoring four goals is for people to understand what she’s done to get to this place.
      “She has had to fight to get back to get into that team to score those four goals.”

      The Chelsea forward – dubbed the ‘Mini Messi’ – filtered through the youth ranks at her hometown club, Reading, but almost quit football as a teenager after the tragic death of her mother, Denise.
      Her mum had suffered a brain haemorrhage and sadly died the next day in hospital when Kirby was age 14.

      She has gone on to become one of England’s best players, a winner of PFA and FWA awards and a Ballon d’Or nominee in 2018.
      But long before she became a star of two World Cups, Kirby admitted it all could have been so different when grief consumed her and left her unable to get out of bed.
      Wright added: “She should be in and around the England side.
      “She should be in and around that GB side now as a starter, after her form.
      “I literally cannot praise her high enough from what she’s been through because being a player whose been fortunate enough to not get the injuries that some people get,
      “But real health condition and come back from it and do what she’s doing now. I don’t think I’ve got enough flowers.”
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