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      Jen Beattie’s brave battle against breast cancer will raise awareness of the disease — and save lives

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      FANS have got to understand that Arsenal have been battling on and off the pitch after Jen Beattie’s shattering breast cancer diagnosis.
      The Gunners are third in the table and have been struggling to reclaim the crown they’ve worn for so many years at the top of the division’s elite.

      Arsenal stalwart Jen Beattie is fighting cancerCredit: Rex Features

      They have suffered bitter Cup defeats by rivals Manchester City and Chelsea and a first league loss to the leaders, Manchester United, last month.
      They lost to the Citizens 2-1 last time out after a sucker punch Caroline Weir goal in the dying moments. Supporters have piled the pressure on Gunners boss Joe Montemurro — with some even calling for him to be axed.
      But there’s a lot more going on at the club away from the 90 minutes at the weekend. Fans have got to take a moment and think of everything the girls have been going through so far this season while supporting Jen — who found a lump in a breast in October.
      She was brave enough to open up about her shock diagnosis to raise awareness of the debilitating disease — and to save lives.

      Every year around 11,500 women and 85 men die from breast cancer in the UK — that’s nearly 1,000 deaths each month, 31 each day or one every 45 minutes.
      Having received the news on the evening of Thursday  October 8, she played and scored against Brighton the following Sunday, and the team emotionally embraced her.
      Last weekend, City and Arsenal players united before the match to wear warm-up shirts with Jen’s name and number on the back  which was so touching.
      She arrived at the club in 2009 and was my team-mate in my time in North London.

      Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro has been under pressure of lateCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      She is such a great character and so caring in terms of what she does for the team — and I think that’s exactly why the players rallied around her in such a supportive way.
      It’s just so brave for her to speak out about an incredibly personal experience which is something a lot of people may feel too scared to talk about.
      Sadly, the coronavirus crisis has put a lot of people off getting checked. But Jen’s story may  encourage that one person to do it.
      Footballers may be in the spotlight but they are human beings as well and fans have got to realise that sometimes our personal lives are more important than what is happening on the pitch.
      It would be extra special and so emotional if Arsenal won the title this year with Jen’s cancer battle.
      And I would urge the club to stick with Joe as head coach.
      I think sacking him would be a bad move.
      Sometimes people just look at results and they don’t look at the environment but I would urge fans to remember the bigger picture and be kind.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Alex Scott attends special International Women’s Day event to inspire school girls  More

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      Chelsea forced to axe Tottenham fixture after surge of positive coronavirus tests in women’s camp

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      CHELSEA have been forced to axe their WSL clash with Tottenham tomorrow after a rise in positive Covid-19 tests among the women’s side.
      The decision was agreed between both teams and the FA after a number of positive cases for Covid-19 were returned after the last round of testing.

      Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side have scrapped their fixture with Tottenham after a rise of Covid-19 cases in the women’s camp

      Those affected immediately began a period of self-isolation in accordance with Government guidelines.
      The women share the Cobham training base with the men’s side and the academy squad – which have reportedly not been effected by the outbreak.
      The women use different facilities at the Surrey hub and a separate canteen to Frank Lampard’s side.
      In a statement, the club said: “The health and safety of our players and support staff remain paramount.

      “The women’s squad will now begin their winter break, returning to training in the New Year.
      “A revised date for the match will be confirmed in due course.”
      The Blues will now have to wait until January 10 for their next game, when they will travel to Reading for a league tie.
      Chelsea’s game with Spurs could have been the last chance for WSL fans to see USA superstar Alex Morgan in action.

      She arrived at the North London outfit on a short-term loan deal until January 1 from Orlando Pride.
      The WSL is now the destination for many elite American players in search of regular minutes in a bid to win a place in the US squad for the delayed Tokyo Olympics.
      But there is huge doubt over whether she will extend her contract,
      And Pride boss Marc Skinner reportedly hopes she will return in time to join his side next spring for preseason ahead of the 2021 NWSL season.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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      Former Tottenham boss Karen Hills opens up on ‘sad’ sacking and hints at WSL return

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      KAREN HILLS has admitted she was “the end line was a sad moment” after she ruthlessly axed midway through November.
      The surprise sacking of head coaching duo, Hills and Juan Amoros, came just two months after the club renewed their contracts until 2022.

      Juan Amoros and Karen Hills were sacked by Spurs in NovemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The North London outfit had failed to pick up a win before the pair were axed, leaving them second from bottom in the table at the time.
      Hills told the BBC: “The end line was a sad moment,
      “We were in a better place as a team and a coaching team than we were last year, so the expectation was, ‘What can we do next?’
      “We were a big-name club but we were building for something incredible and it wasn’t going to happen overnight.

      “We organically grew it. It was a process that we were working through. Our work showed that throughout the years.”
      The night before Hills and Amoros’ departure, they lost to rivals Arsenal on penalties in the League Cup after drawing 2-2 in normal time.
      World Cup-winning striker Alex Morgan missed the decisive spot-kick.
      Hills added: “Alex Morgan nearly scored the winner for us in that game.

      “That moment is one that will bring closure to my Spurs career and I’m very proud of what we have achieved.

      “I can only see [the women’s game] excelling. I want to be a part of that. There are options to explore so I’m keeping them open.”
      Phil Neville’s former No2, Rehanne Skinner, has since taken charge of the club.
      She toasted Spurs’ first win of the season on her debut and a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the following game.
      Tottenham have recently allowed the women’s side to train at the men’s Hotspur Way base on a full-time basis for the first time ever.

      A look back at Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur as it happened from the Premier League More

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      Manchester City ace Lucy Bronze targets Olympic gold glory after Fifa award win

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      LUCY BRONZE says she is gunning for Olympic glory in Tokyo after being named Fifa’s Best Women’s Player of 2020. 
      The Manchester City star beat off fierce competition from Chelsea’s Pernille Harder and Lyon’s Wendie Renard to claim one of football’s top prizes. 

      Lucy Bronze is targeting glory with Team GB at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      And the England full-back says winning gold with Team GB under incoming coach Phil Neville is another sporting dream she is eager to achieve. 
      Bronze, 29, said: “I have never ever been part of an Olympics before. 
      “I have been to Euros and World Cups, but my eyes are firmly fixed on the Olympics and wanting to do well there and get a gold medal. 
      “I think it’s a realistic target to have because the talent we have in the Great Britain team will be outstanding.”

      Bronze, who won the treble in France with Lyon before signing for Man City in the summer, says she is thrilled to be joining the ranks of footballing greats who include Brazil legend Marta. 
      Bronze added: “Marta is someone who has won this award and it’s crazy I’m up there with her.
      “I don’t think I’ve really thought about that until just now, but it’s exciting to be alongside Marta. My name is on that plaque forever now, for the rest of history.
      “This award is quite young in women’s football so pretty much all the previous award winners have messaged me to congratulate me.

      Lucy Bronze (left) beat Pernille Harder and Wendie Renard to Fifa’s 2020 Women’s Player awardCredit: AFP or licensors

      Bronze says she is ‘proud’ to be recognised for her defensive performancesCredit: AFP
      “They are basically all players that I’ve looked up to throughout my career, so it’s surreal.”
      Bronze, whose accolades include two PFA Player of the Year gongs, joked that some of her past awards have rarely been outside of her attic or storage boxes.
      And the former Lyon star says she is pleased to see top defenders in the women’s game being recognised for their contribution to world football. 
      Bronze added: “I’m really proud to be representing defenders who don’t always get the limelight”
      “I think it was quite special to be nominated alongside Wendie Renard who is one of my favourite players in the world. 

      Lucy Bronze and her Man City team-mates hope to add Champions League silverware to their trophy cabinetCredit: AFP and licensors

      “I think the standard of women’s football has gone through the roof and the standard of players that get nominated and are performing on the big stage is getting crazier each year. 
      “Pernille Harder and Wendie Renard are not bad players to be alongside.
      “Either one of them would have been just as deserving of this award.” 

      Lionesses in training More

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      Chelsea sign Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic on a two-and-a-half-year deal

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      CHELSEA have landed Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic  on a two-and-a-half-year deal from FC Rosengard.
      The 24-year old will start at Kingsmeadow from January 1 and will be in contention to face Reading at Madejski Stadium for the Blues’ first game of the year.

      Chelsea sign Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic on a two-and-a-half-year dealCredit: Rex Features

      The stopper has played for Malmo, which was renamed Rosengard, since 2012, lifting four league titles and three Swedish Cups along the way.
      She even starred against Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League in three-years ago.
      Musovic nabbed her first senior cap in March 2018 against Russia at the Algarve Cup and was called up for last year’s World Cup.
      On penning a deal with the Blues, the Swedish keeper said: “It is a huge honour to be representing one of the biggest clubs in the world.

      “The women’s game is developing fast, especially in England, and Chelsea is one of the top teams that are driving that process forward.
      “I am always striving to be the best and therefore, I am happy to be joining one of the best.
      “I cannot wait to continue my journey in London and hopefully help the club to reach even greater heights in the future.”
      Boss Emma Hayes, added: “We first saw a young Zecira in our pre-season friendly against Rosengard nearly four years ago.

      “We spotted she had potential right from the start and after monitoring her over a number of years, we are confident she fits the profile of a Chelsea goalkeeper well.
      “Zecira is driven, hungry to be the best and also has international and Champions League experience.
      “I have no doubt her best is yet to come and we really look forward to welcoming her into the team in the New Year.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea’s Charlie Webster shows off his goal scoring talent More

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      Who is Alex Scott? BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020 presenter and former Arsenal footballer

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      ALEX SCOTT takes to the presenter role this weekend for 2020’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony.
      The 36-year-old will present alongside TV stalwarts Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan.

      Here’s everything you need to know about Scott…

      Who is Alex Scott?
      Born October 14, 1984, Alexandra Virina Scott is an English footballer who retired in 2017.
      Scott was welcomed on to the Emirates pitch to a standing ovation after announcing her retirement as part of Arsene Wenger’s leaving party after the men’s last home game.
      During her career she has won eight league titles, three WSL Cups and seven FA Cups, the Champions League once and two Community Shields.

      The 34-year-old made 148 appearances for the Gunners.
      She also put in 140 appearances for England.
      Scott made her debut for the national side in 2004 where she went on to become England’s second-most capped player, winning a silver and bronze medal at the 2009 Euros and 2015 World Cup respectively.
      She was named in Great Britain’s 18-player squad for the 2012 London Olympics and was awarded an MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list for her services to football.

      What has Alex Scott said about presenting SPOTY 2020?
      “Now more than ever it will be amazing to champion those who have stood out this year in their field,” she said.
      “As well as highlighting the unsung heroes who have made a positive difference in 2020 despite how challenging the year has been for so many.”

      Arsenal full-back Alex Scott was awarded an MBE for her services to football in 2017Credit: Instagram

      The 35-year-old is on social media and can be found on Twitter @AlexScott.
      The ex-footballer has 244,000 followers on the social media platform.
      She can also be found on Instagram @alexscott2.
      The former Strictly contestant boasts an impressive 339,000 followers on the popular social media website.

      Alex having the time of her life whilst performing on Strictly Come Dancing

      Alex announced her retirement in 2017 to focus more on her broadcasting careerCredit: Instagram
      How did Alex Scott make TV history?
      Outside of her playing career, Alex is also a TV presenter and pundit for the BBC and Sky.
      Scott retired from football at the end of the 2017 season to focus on her burgeoning broadcasting career.
      She regularly appears on BBC’s Final Score and presents Sky’s Goals on Sunday with Chris Kamara and in 2016, she featured and ended up winning Bear Grylls’ TV show, Mission Survive.
      Aside from media, she started the Alex Scott Academy in 2011 for female footballers aged 16-19.
      Scott became Sky Sports’ first female pundit in 2018 after her time on the BBC team at the Summer 2018 World Cup.

      Footballer Alex Scott plays Balls Up! with Fabulous Magazine More

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      Stevenage ace Sherrie Evans almost in tears after finally seeing her name on a shirt thanks to huge Burger King sponsor

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      FOR many women in the football pyramid having their name and number on the back of their shirt is often a luxury.
      That’s why Stevenage midfielder and full-time postie Sherrie Evans, almost broke down in tears when she finally saw her name on her kit after 13-years at the club.

      Sherrie Evans was overcome with emotion after seeing her new Burger Queen shirt

      Burger King are now sponsoring Boro women

      It was a landmark moment, that was only made possible by fast-food giants Burger King.
      In the summer of 2019, the creators of the Whopper made the astonishing move to sponsor lowly League Two club Stevenage FC.
      They paid a reported £50,000 to the men, and this year they decided to plough the same investment into the women, as well as creating a unique Burger Queen logo.
      Life-long Boro fan Sherrie told SunSport: “They delivered a special package to our door with a shirt inside with the Burger Queen logo and our names on the back – which we’ve never had.

      “I just couldn’t believe it. I nearly cried to be honest, you could hear the emotion in my voice.
      “It’s a huge moment for us to have the same deal as the men.
      “I turned the shirt around and saw my own number and my name. I’ve always dreamt about that since I was a kid.
      “I know it sounds silly but to have your own name on the back your shirt as a woman is massive.

      “I was so proud and for a worldwide company to sponsor a little club like Stevenage that no one really knows about is mental!”

      The Boro, who are coached by Dave Potter, play in the Women’s National League South East Division.
      The fourth-tier club is made up of teachers, carers and policewomen, who all juggle their full-time jobs with training twice a week.
      Sherrie works six days a week delivering post and admitted it has been a struggle coping with the long hours while fighting for a spot in Potter’s starting XI.
      The midfielder continued: “What I find hard is if I get an injury, because I’m a postie if I was to hurt my leg or foot, its detrimental to my work.
      “If I’ve got a long term injury my bosses could turn around and tell me to stop playing football or I could lose my job.
      “When I was younger there wasn’t really any money in women’s football so that wasn’t a viable career path.
      “It would have been difficult to just concentrate on football, as you could never reach your full potential with work.”
      This is why Burger King’s sponsorship is offering a crucial lifeline to keep Stevenage’s women’s side up and running.
      Many of the inspiring staff work on a voluntary basis and the women still pay to play, however the club are working hard to get this changed in the future.
      Sherrie added: “We can’t just commit to training all the time and with there being less money in the game, we’re self funded.
      “We still pay to play to cover training facilities, linesmen, referees, the pitch and transport to the game.
      “The sponsorship is going to help massively. The funding alone takes pressure off of us because before we were struggling to run as a team.
      “Coronavirus has destroyed businesses left, right and centre so it just means so much to us as a club.
      “I can’t thank Burger King enough for being brave enough to make this step. We are so proud to be Burger Queens.”

      Burger King began sponsoring Stevenage men in 2019

      Stevenage FC have become one of the most well marketed teams in the world
      Within one year, by utilising a video game, Burger King helped make the men’s side one of the most marketable teams in football.
      The fast-food giants cleverly tapped into the FIFA 20 world, offering free Whoppers and chips in return for gamers completing challenges, while playing as the The Boro.
      They sold out all their club shirts, are the most played FIFA 20 team on live streaming platform Twitch, and are known around the world.
      Now the women’s side has also gone viral, with their Burger Queen shirts already selling out across the globe.
      And Sherrie hopes this inspires young girls to become the next Boro superstar or England captain, like Steph Houghton.
      She said: “Twenty years ago women’s football was so different.
      “At Stevenage being a footballer is now a realistic option.
      “I’d like to think that girls can look up to us and to professional players like Lucy Bronze and Steph Houghton, and realise it’s an option for them now.
      “Burger King have set a precedent for other big companies to sponsor smaller women’s teams in the future.”

      Burger King challenges players of FIFA 20 to play as Stevenage and win free food More

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      Man Utd ace Christen Press reveals she has ‘never been so sick’ after mystery illness but insists it wasn’t coronavirus

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      CHRISTEN PRESS revealed she has “never been so sick” after she was struck down with a mystery illness which left her sidelined for a month.
      The World Cup winner hasn’t played for United since November 19 in their League Cup win over rivals Manchester City.

      Christen Press was hit with a mystery illness which left her out of the Man Utd squad Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And while she did not reveal what the illness was, she insists it was not Covid-19.
      She told the club’s website: “Thanks for all the well wishes and love these last few weeks. I’d never been so sick in my life – no I did not have Covid,
      “Happy to report I’m feeling much better.
      “I’m back training with the team and I’m getting stronger every day. I’m looking forward to the next time I play.”

      The positive news comes as a major boost to Old Trafford fans.
      One supporter wrote on Twitter: “She’s back baby!!!! Can’t wait to see her back on the pitch. Hopefully this Sunday. It would be a great way to end 2020.”
      Press is a huge favourite among fans of the club, and her and Tobin Heath’s shirt sales outstripped every male player in the first three days of their release.
      The American superstars arrived at the Red Devils in September, in a major coup for the Women’s Super League.

      The pair have made a combined 306 appearances for their country and were both members of the 2015 and 2019 World Cup-winning squads.
      Los Angeles-born Press opted for the number 24 shirt in homage to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
      The last time Press featured in a match was in a USA friendly against Holland on November 27.
      If she has fully shaken off her illness she could play this weekend against rockbottom Bristol City.
      A win would keep United top of the table but if she doesn’t play on Sunday then she will have to wait until January when the Red Devils face Everton.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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