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      Olli Harder becomes West Ham Women’s new boss following Matt Beard exit despite Jayne Ludlow speculation

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      OLLI HARDER has taken up the reigns as West Ham’s new manager just over a month after the departure of former Irons boss Matt Beard. 
      The New Zealander’s appointment ends weeks of speculation surrounding the role with Wales manager Jayne Ludlow among those linked with the job. 

      Olli Harder has signed a two-year contract to manage West Ham Women

      Harder has recently been plying his trade as assistant coach of Sandnes Ulf, a second division men’s side in Norway. 
      The 34-year-old has international experience under his belt as Norway’s Under-23 assistant manager. 
      And the tri-lingual coach has worked in Norway’s women’s top division, leading Klepp IL to top four spots between 2017 and 2019. 
      West Ham says Harder has signed a two-year contract to manage the club’s Women’s Super League side.

      The team, who picked up three points from their last WSL encounter before Christmas, have struggled at times in the league this season.  
      And they have won just twice so far this term leaving them third from bottom. 
      Irons managing director Jack Sullivan says he is confident Harder is the right fit for West Ham.  
      Sullivan said: “He has lots of new ideas that we are looking forward to implementing and I can’t wait to work with Olli, who I believe will help us to continue the positive progress we have made in the WSL so far.

      “We had a huge number of incredibly strong candidates for this role, but Olli stood out predominantly due to his progressive coaching style and exceptional attention to detail, which is backed by strong experience and achievements in the women’s game.
      “I’m confident Olli will ensure a work ethic and an organisation from the team to accompany his track record of giving young players a chance which aligns with the club’s values.” 
      Harder’s first game in charge will be a tricky encounter against title-chasers Manchester City. 

      West Ham are due to take on Manchester City in their first game in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

      Jack Sullivan is confident Harder will help to nurture West Ham’s youth playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the New Zealander, who is fluent in German and Norwegian, is ready to get stuck in.
      Harder said: “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of not only working with such a historic club but, more importantly, a club that has committed itself to the development and progression of the women’s game.
      “I’m relishing the challenge of moving forward the West Ham United women’s team into what will no doubt be a bright future.”

      Watch Vivianne Miedema kick a ball over her head and perfectly into a basketball hoop More

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      No Covid test frequency change for elite women’s sides despite ramp up in Premier League

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      WOMEN’S TOP-FLIGHT sides are to continue being tested just once a week for coronavirus, despite plans to step up tests for Premier League clubs in Tier 4. 
      Despite a Covid surge leading to the axing of games in the women’s top two divisions the FA says the frequency of tests for elite sides will remain unchanged.

      WSL and Women’s Championship sides will continue to be tested once a week for Covid-19Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Six London Prem clubs are due to be tested twice a week for the virus in a bid to prevent severe disruption to the men’s top-flight season.   
      The new system will see Prem players and staff at Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Spurs and West Ham return to the 72-hour sampling regulations introduced as part of Project Restart in the summer. 
      However, the rollout of more virus checks does not currently apply to women’s teams at these clubs, some of whom have seen the cancellation of their final games of the year. 
      Just three WSL clashes went ahead in the weekend leading up to Christmas with the virus being the primary cause of disruption for two fixtures. 

      A spate of positive results put the kibosh on Chelsea’s derby with Tottenham and led West Ham to call off their clash with Aston Villa. 
      Elsewhere Crystal Palace were forced to cancel their trip to Women’s Championship rivals Charlton with a number of Addicks players having to self-isolate.  

      Chelsea are one of four WSL sides who saw their games before Christmas postponed due to CovidCredit: Rex Features
      The FA says it will continue to assess its existing protocols with the current arrangement being for WSL and Championship talent to be tested once a week.  
      In a statement, the FA told SunSport: “To ensure transparency, The FA will continue to release Covid-19 testing results each week across both the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship.

      “Protocols are currently in place for testing once a week and players will be tested before they return to training. 
      “These protocols will continue to be regularly reviewed and we will provide any further updates in due course.”  
      Latest figures from the FA reveal a huge spike in the number of individuals testing positive across the women’s game’s top two divisions

      Today it was confirmed that 32 Covid test results have come back positive from 864 carried out in the third week of December. 
      This is the largest number of positive results returned so far this season.
      From early January additional testing of Premier teams is expected to be extended through the entire men’s top-flight in anticipation of the new coronavirus strain spreading through the country. More

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      World Cup-winning Japan star Iwabuchi set for Aston Villa and women’s top-flight switch

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      ASTON VILLA have made one of the biggest signings of their season with a stunning swoop for Japan skipper Mana Iwabuchi. 
      The former Bayern Munich forward is set to join the side in January in a bid to boost their firepower as they battle to avoid the drop.

      Mana Iwabuchi is set to join her Aston Villa team-mates in January Credit: Alamy Live News

      Villa, who have been prolific up top in league cup clashes, have struggled to find the net in some of their games in their debut WSL season.  
      The club, who are second from bottom, are set to face title-chasers Arsenal in their first WSL game in January.
      Their current highest scorer in the top-flight is Ramona Petzelberger who has netted three times across eight league encounters. 
      It is hoped Iwabuchi, a former Arsenal target who has scored 29 times in 72 appearances for her country, will give the Villans a sharper edge. 

      Villa boss Gemma Davies said: “We are exceptionally excited that a player of Mana’s calibre will be joining us in January. 
      “Not only will she bring a wealth of experience to the squad, but she will also add a different dimension to our attacking play. 
      “She is a very technical player that thrives in tight spaces and we cannot wait to see her continue to develop at Aston Villa.”
      Iwabuchi, 27, cemented her reputation as one to watch when she burst onto the international stage at the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2008. 

      Mana Iwabuchi was part of Japan’s 2011 World Cup-winning side Credit: Getty – Contributor

      The then 15-year-old starlet won the tournament’s Golden Ball after wowing fans with her attacking displays for Japan, who eventually lost to England in the quarter-finals.
      Iwabuchi would later go on to represent her country’s senior side at the 2011 Women’s World Cup.
      There Japan made history by becoming the first Asian team to win the tournament by defeating the United States.
      And this year Iwabuchi sent fans wild when she netted an outstanding volley against Spain after slipping on the pitch at the SheBelieves Cup.

      Ramona Petzelberger (right) is Aston Villa’s top scorer in the WSL after eight gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Iwabuchi, who plied her trade with Japanese club INAC Kobe Leonessa, will wear the number 20 vest when she makes her Villa debut.   
      Villa Women’s sporting director Eniola Aluko said: “Mana is an exciting and creative goal-scorer who will bring World Cup-winning experience to the Club. 
      “I am delighted Mana has chosen to join Aston Villa Women to drive us forward in our Barclays FA Women’s Super League journey.”

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      Brighton 1 Reading 3: Fishlock on fire as Reading as sink Seagulls to claim their third win this season

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      JESS FISHLOCK hailed Reading for snuffing out Brighton’s momentum to seal a feisty victory on the Seagulls’ home turf.
      A brace from the Wales star was among the goals that helped the rampant Royals grab a gritty 3-1 win. 

      Jess Fishlock was outstanding in Reading’s midfield alongside team-mate Natasha HardingCredit: phcimages.com

      Jess Fishlock’s brace helped the Royals secure their third away win this seasonCredit: phcimages.com

      And the result saw the visitors – who consigned Albion to their third league defeat on the bounce – move a point behind fifth-placed Everton.  
      Fishlock told BT Sport: “Our performances have perhaps not got the result they deserved, so today was all about the result – and we got that – so we can go into Christmas now feeling a little bit happier.
      “We were really disappointed that we conceded the goal. It kind of came from us and our own mistakes and that is frustrating. 
      “I thought we deserved to go (into halftime) up and I’m glad we got the second goal at that time because it kills a little bit of their momentum.”

      Kelly Chambers’ players, who have picked up 9 points from 15 on the road, showed their intent to overwhelm their opponents from the get-go.
      And at the heart of their swashbuckling attack was OL Reign loanee Fishlock, who was on fire for the visitors in midfield. 
      It was the Wales ace who put the Royals ahead with a bottom corner strike in the 17th minute. 
      But the hosts gave as good as they got winning a penalty four minutes later following Deanna Cooper’s foul on Ellie Brazil. 

      And it was Dutch ace Inessa Kaagman who levelled from the spot for Albion. 
      However, the 1-1 scoreline did not last too long with Fishlock latching on to a deflected cross to smash in her second close to half-time. 
      The early stages of the second spell were a different affair with Hope Powell’s players pressing high in an attempt to pull the game level.
      But Reading wrapped up the win with Rachel Rowe’s stoppage-time effort adjudged to have crossed the goal line before bouncing off the post. 
      Albion boss Hope Powell said: “The result is pretty demoralising because at times we played well.  
      “We came back 1-1, but then we gifted them their second goal from overplaying at the back. 

      The Royals are now a point behind Everton who lost 4-0 to ArsenalCredit: Jane Stokes/News Images
      “At this level, you have got to be smart enough to know when to play under pressure and when not to.
      “They’re (Reading) a good side but we created a lot of our own errors. 
      “I think in spells we played quite well, but it’s just that final pass and that final execution which we’ll have to keep working on until we get it right.”

      Watch Vivianne Miedema hit her 50th WSL goal to become the league’s all-time record scorer More

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      Arsenal hit FOUR past Everton with Jen Beattie scoring first goal since opening up about shattering cancer diagnosis

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      MIKEL ARTETA could learn a thing or two from Arsenal’s high-flying women on how to do the business over Everton.
      Goals from Jordan Nobbs, Caitlin Foord, Jen Beattie and Beth Mead sent the Gunners to second in the table and snapping at the heels of leaders Manchester United.

      Jen Beattie (far right) hit her first goal since opening up about her breast cancer diagnosis Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Australian superstar Caitlin Foord found the net as Arsenal demolished Everton Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was just one day after the hapless men dropped ever closer to the relegation zone after a trip to Goodison Park.
      There has been a rot at the club among both sides, with Arteta’s team suffering their worst start to a campaign since 1974-75.
      While the women had limped to just one win in their last five games prior to hosting the Merseysiders – having been used to dominating the division’s elite for over three decades.
      But a crucial victory today handed boss Joe Montemurro’s title ambitions a major boost.

      He joked: “Ah we’ve always got to save the club us girls don’t we?
      “We love representing the club and it’s more important that we represent it with style, class and the integrity it deserves.
      “Win, lose or draw we will always go out there and be the best we can be and we hope the fans appreciate that.
      “Would I have liked a couple of extra points by Christmas which were there? Yes, I would love them.

      “But it’s a great league to be part of and Everton are a very good team.”
      For most of the afternoon Montemurro benched all-time WSL scorer Vivianne Miedema – who came on with half-hour to go.
      The Australian manager added: “It wasn’t about a statement of intent, it’s about having the squad that understands the way we want to play.
      “You have the options to make certain tactical adjustments you need to make per game.”

      Jodan Nobbs scored on her first start since October having been dogged with injuries Credit: PA:Press Association

      Gunners boss Joe Montemurro was thrilled to give Arsenal fans something to cheer about before Christmas Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Gunners got the breakthrough just FOUR minutes in after Mead broke free on the right flank and fired an inch-perfect cross to Nobbs who slotted home.
      It was the England superstar’s first start since October, having been dogged with injuries for much of the season.  
      Kim Little then came steaming down the right again, with Caitlin Foord meeting her cross to send a rocket past Toffees stopper Sandy MacIver on 10 minutes.
      Everton were gifted a golden opportunity to pull one back after Hayley Raso pounced on a kamikaze clearance from Leah Williamson – but she flashed her shot agonizingly wide.
      Willie Kirk’s side have looked like a wounded animal since their bitter FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at the start of November, having failed to pick up a top-flight win since.
      Jill Roord stung the hands of MacIver after the break and the young England keeper was made to pay.
      A sublime Katie McCabe corner fell to an unmarked Jen Beattie, who nodded beyond MacIver on 61 minutes.
      The Scot’s teammates poignantly huddled around her, as it was her first goal since opening up about her shattering breast cancer diagnosis a week ago.
      The defender found a lump in her breast in October which left her fearing she would die – but that header was the best possible riposte to the debilitating disease.
      Three minutes later Beth Mead tucked into the goal fest up as she sent a strike dipping and curling sweetly into the top corner.
      Everton almost grabbed a late consolation as substitute Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah rattled the woodwork with a fierce drive.  
      Toffees boss Willie Kirk refused to speak to the media after the final whistle.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Watch Vivianne Miedema hit her 50th WSL goal to become the league’s all-time record scorer More

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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

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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.

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