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    Alex Morgan reveals she could finally make her long-awaited Tottenham debut against Reading

    ALEX MORGAN revealed on Twitter that she could finally make her long-awaited Tottenham debut against Reading today.
    The USA World Cup winner has been named in Spurs’ team today, but most likely will not be starting.

    Alex Morgan signed for Tottenham Women on a short-term deal in September but still hasn’t played for the club

    The North Londoners are preparing to host the Royals at The Hive today.
    And Morgan, 31, wrote on Twitter: “Excited for my first match officially in with the squad.
    The strike sensation penned a short-term deal until the end of December in a bid for regular game time to win a place in the USA squad ahead of the postponed Tokyo Olympics.
    She has not played competitive football in over a year due to pregnancy, and she only gave birth to her daughter, Charlie, six months ago.

    Morgan was named on the bench for Spurs’ FA Cup quarter-final tie with rivals Arsenal at the end of September, but she hasn’t been included in the squad since.
    The clock is ticking, given that her contract only runs until the end of 2020.
    And the Orlando Pride ace dropped a huge hint that she won’t be sticking around in the WSL on a permanent basis after her loan deal expires.
    At the end of last month, she told AP Sports, “I have a plan to go back for the holidays, but you just don’t know if I’m planning to continue on here or not.

    “It all really depends on Covid, and the NWSL as well and what their plans are for next season so I feel like I’m taking it week by week.
    “One thing I know is that I want to go home and introduce Charlie to my family because I’ve kind of snatched her away and took her to England with me.”
    Orlando boss Marc Skinner reportedly hopes Morgan will return from her contract in England in time to join the Pride next spring for preseason ahead of the 2021 NWSL season.

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    Casey Stoney blasts decision to suspend the Women’s FA Cup and closure of WSL academies over lockdown

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Casey Stoney has blasted the decision to suspend the Women’s FA Cup as it “goes against equality”.
    The men’s competition will continue during lockdown and will kickstart from November 6-9 as planned, with ten non-elite teams in the first round, but the women’s competition has been put on hold.

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Man Utd boss Casey Stoney has voiced concerns over the suspension of the Women’s FA Cup and closure of WSL academies
    The women’s first round was originally set to take place on November 15, but the earliest return date possible for the competition will now be December 2.
    Stoney said: “How can the men’s FA Cup games go ahead and the women’s can’t? How?
    “I just don’t know how you can distinguish between the two and let one go ahead and one not, I just don’t understand it. So we talk about equality, we’re going against it.”

    The FA are said to be in talks with the government over resuming the women’s fixtures over lockdown.
    Former England captain Stoney was also left frustrated at the closure of WSL Academies and Girls Regional Talent Clubs over the lockdown period.
    Boys’ academy level is allowed to continue based on them being classed as “elite”.
    The United Women’s camp have brought two academy players, who are over 18, into the senior team’s bubble to keep their development ticking over amid the shutdown of their training.

    Stoney added: “I class my RTC and my academy as elite because they’re at Manchester United.

    Man City skipper Steph Houghton lifted the 2020 Women’s FA Cup trophy after their 3-1 extra-time success over WSL rivals Everton
    “They’re training to become professional players just like the boys are.
    “Unfortunately it’s not seen that way, in terms of governance so that’s one of the things that’s got to change.
    “It’s disappointing. It means that our players have another four weeks out of the game. It means that their mental wellbeing is affected.
    “It’s frustrating for Charlotte their head coach, who works tirelessly to try and make sure this programme going.
    “Everyone is trying to make sure this rate goes down and unfortunately this is a measure the government have taken.

    “It’s a real shame because young people need it, especially during this time.
    “I’ve got three children. Two play grassroots football, and they can go and sit in a classroom with someone, eight hours a day,
    “But can’t go over a park and play football and the outdoors. Hey I’m not a scientist. I’m not making the decisions.”
    Stoney’s side sit third in the top-flight and face table toppers Arsenal in a mouth-watering tie on Sunday.

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    Brighton axed League Cup fixture with Charlton after staff member tested positive for coronavirus

    BRIGHTON were forced to axe their League Cup fixture with Charlton on Wednesday night after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.
    The individual concerned reportedly does not have any symptoms but is now self-isolating.

    Hope Powell’s side were forced to axe their League Cup fixture after a unnamed staff member tested positive for Covid-19Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Other coaching and backroom staff who the individual came into contact during the previous week are also self-isolating in line with government guidelines.
    A statement by the Seagulls read: “Any areas around the club the individual has been in contact with will only be reopened once they have been deep cleaned and fully fogged.
    “The players within the women’s squad will continue to be tested in line with The FA’s testing regime with additional safety measures and mitigation in place.
    “The squad will resume training in line with The FA and government guidelines.”

    The South Coasters are still set to host Aston Villa on Sunday as normal.
    Wednesday’s postponement came after wind damage saw Everton and Manchester United’s game also called off earlier.
    Red Devils boss Casey Stoney was left “extremely frustrated” after being given less than 24-hours notice by the Toffees.

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    Watch Alex Scott jokingly shutdown Jamie Carragher saying ‘you couldn’t name the top five women’s footballers’

    ALEX SCOTT sent social media into meltdown after hilariously shutting down Jamie Carragher when he asked her to recall her playing days.
    The 140 capped England legend won the women’s top-flight SIX times with Arsenal.

    Alex Scott jokingly shut down Jamie Carragher, saying: “you couldn’t name five women’s footballers”Credit: CBS Sports

    The former Liverpool defender listed legends from the women’s game to win over Scott Credit: CBS Sports

    The CBS Sports studio was in fits of laughter during the exchange Credit: CBS Sports

    The duo were covering Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Rennes in the Champions League.
    On a video posted to CBS Sports’ Twitter account, Carragher says to Scott: “Remember those days?”
    Scott jokingly hit back, saying: “Jamie couldn’t even name top five women’s players so don’t tell me you watched me play!”
    Carragher replied: “I’ve got the number one – Mia Hamm.”

    In another clip posted later that evening, the former Liverpool defender goes onto compare Chelsea right-back Reece James to Lionesses star Lucy Bronze in a bid to win Scott over.
    He said: “When he got down the side and put that cross in it just reminded me of Lucy Bronze at her best when she was playing right-back.
    “Christie Rampone as well and Brandi Chastain as well, these women footballers were very similar when he struck that ball in.
    “Wendie Renard. My favourite centre-back is actually Kadeisha Buchanan.”

    Scott replies: “Canadian centre-back, I’m impressed, we’re mates again now.”
    The former Gunners captain has won the Women’s FA Cup SEVEN times with the North London club.
    And The Sun revealed in September that she is set to replace Sue Barker as the host of A Question Of Sport.

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    West Ham’s Gilly Flaherty surprises mum battling breast cancer with Michail Antonio signed vest

    A LIFE-LONG West Ham fan battling breast cancer has told of her joy at getting a surprise visit from Hammers skipper Gilly Flaherty.
    Siobhan McKeon, who was diagnosed with an incurable form of the disease, was stunned to be presented with a club shirt signed by Hammers frontman Michail Antonio.

    Gilly Flaherty and West Ham’s WSL players are helping to raise awareness of breast cancerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Siobhan, who lives in Romford, was told she had Stage 4 secondary breast cancer in April 2016. 
    This year the upbeat mother-of-two is attempting to complete a mammoth 22-mile fundraising swim for charity. 
    And on a fundraising site the East London mum – who has lost a close friend to the disease – revealed the condition had spread into her bones and other parts of her body.

    Irons fan Siobhan McKeon (centre) is undertaking a fundraising swim for Breast Cancer Now
    Tragically this means the Irons season-ticket holder will never be cured. 

    Siobhan wrote on her GoFundMe page: “I have been receiving chemotherapy to control and contain my cancer from spreading further into my organs and so far, thank God, my treatment has been working.
    “I have decided to swim the same distance as crossing the English Channel (22miles) to raise funds for future research to hopefully one day find a cure.
    “I have been swimming most mornings, averaging 45 lengths each session. 
    “This will be a tough challenge between chemotherapy sessions but I know I’m determined and strong enough for the challenge.”

    On the day the ardent Irons fan was due to receive a limited edition club shirt she won via competition, she was expecting her prize to arrive by postal delivery.
    However, Siobhan was stunned to see Hammers skipper Flaherty, 29, whose team play Reading in a Continental Cup group game tonight, show up at her home with the vest and gifts for her sons. 
    The Romford mum told West Ham’s official TV channel: “I honestly couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t expecting it at all.
    “I was really shocked when I opened the door. I couldn’t believe it when Gilly responded to me on Twitter anyway and this is just extra special because West Ham means everything to us. 
    “Our whole life revolves around West Ham. I am really touched.”

    This week Siobhan revealed she is just under three miles away from completing her fundraising swim. 
    However, with gyms and leisure centres to close from Thursday, the Romford mother has vowed to complete her attempt when the country emerges from lockdown.
    And Flaherty praised the Irons fan whose efforts she believes helps to put life into perspective. 

    West Ham family please support my sponcered swim for Breast Cancer ❤⚒I am raising money for Siobhan’s campaign for Breast Cancer Now. Click to Donate: https://t.co/XSW90XWrNa via @gofundme
    — Siobhan McKeon (@mckeon_siobhan) October 18, 2020

    Flaherty told West Ham TV: “It’s so heart-warming to meet Siobhan.
    “With what she’s going through, it’s amazing to be able to come and do something for someone like her. It puts things into perspective. 
    “With what she’s going through, for her to go out there and be thinking of others with her swimming when, if it was the other way around, someone else might not think of doing that.

    Gilly Flaherty (centre) and her team-mates will take on Reading in a league cup group stage game Credit: PA:Press Association
    “Her attitude is to go and raise some money. It’s brilliant and she’s a lovely woman.” 
    This week The Sun reported that one in two women in the UK could be missing deadly signs of breast cancer because they don’t check their boobs for lumps or swellings on a regular basis. 
    This is according to figures shared by Breast Cancer Now, a charity Siobhan has raised more than £2,300 for so far. 

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    Sky Sports set to seal WSL broadcasting rights from rivals BT Sport with deal to be announced in coming weeks

    SKY SPORTS are set to nick the Women’s Super League broadcasting rights from rivals BT Sport – with a deal to be announced in the coming weeks.  
    The broadcaster is said to be on the brink of sealing a contract that kick-starts from the beginning of the 2021-22 season.

    Sky Sports are on the brink sealing broadcasting rights for the 2021-22 WSL season

    The new deal is yet to be confirmed but SunSport understands that an announcement will be made soon.
    For the first time ever, the FA made fixtures available for tenure for the next campaign in a bid to rake in more profit for the women’s game.
    This is opposed to previous years in which they were provided for free to the likes of BT Sport and the BBC to cover at their own cost.
    It is believed that Sky Sports were attracted to the women’s top-flight after viewing figures in England more than doubled since 2017.

    A peak TV audience of 270,000 tuned in to watch Chelsea face off with Spurs in September last year.

    And more than two million people tuned in to watch the BBC’s Women’s Football Show after football returned after the coronavirus crisis.
    Arsenal snatched the North London bragging rights in front of a record WSL crowd of 38,262 last year at the Tottenham Stadium.
    The attendance far outstripped the previous record of 31,213 set at the Etihad for the Manchester derby at the start of the same season.

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    Casey Stoney left ‘frustrated’ as Everton call off League Cup clash with Man Utd due to stadium safety concerns

    CASEY STONEY has been left “frustrated” after Everton Women axed their League Cup fixture with Manchester United tonight with less than 24-hours notice.
    The Toffees called off the clash, with permission of the FA, due to safety concerns around the stadium at Walton Hall Park.

    Casey Stoney says it is “extremely frustrating” that Manchester United’s League Cup fixture with Everton has been called off

    The Merseyside ground has reportedly been damaged by high winds.

    A statement by United said: “While safety must come first, Manchester United is disappointed with both the process and the timing involved in this decision. 
    “Further details on the future of the fixture will be communicated in due course.”
    Boss Stoney, said: “I must make it clear that we as a club wanted this game to be played and were accommodating in the options that were put forward.

    “My players and staff have worked so hard in our preparation for this upcoming busy fixture period and it is therefore extremely frustrating to have it called off less than 24 hours before kick-off.”

    The Group C contest that due to kick off at 7pm and now both clubs are said to be waiting for The FA to be in contact regarding the future of the game.
    Everton’s next fixture will now be Sunday’s Women’s Super League trip to reigning champions Chelsea.
    While the Red Devils face table toppers Arsenal at home.

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    Man Ud’s Jess Sigsworth urges fans to keep ‘heads-up’ ahead of lockdown and Continental Cup clash with Everton

    JESS SIGSWORTH has talked of how much she misses playing in front of Manchester United’s boisterous supporters ahead of the team’s Continental Cup clash against Everton.
    And the Red Devils forward is urging fans to keep their ‘heads-up’ as the country prepares to enter a four-week nationwide lockdown from Thursday.

    Jess Sigsworth (right) says she misses playing in front of Manchester United’s boisterous fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The FA confirmed football in the top two tiers of the men’s and women’s game will continue under ‘the elite sport guidance and protocols’ of football’s ruling body.
    This includes the Continental League Cup competition which Manchester United hope to win for the first time in the side’s history.
    It has been almost nine months since the team played in front of spectators.

    Their last competitive game in front of crowds was a 3-2 WSL away match win against Everton.

    Ahead of Wednesday’s game Sigsworth, 26, said: “We know our fans are at home supporting us, and we really appreciate it.
    “Hopefully it (lockdown) won’t last too long and things will start to get better.
    “Everyone needs to keep their head up and hopefully we’ll see them in the stands again soon.”
    Casey Stoney’s United will take on a Toffees side eager to bounce back from their 3-1 Women’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester City on Sunday.

    Jess Sigsworth says United will be ‘wary’ of Everton looking to bounce back from their FA Cup final loss to Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And although wary of Everton’s quality Sigsworth, who signed a new club contract in June, is confident her team has the ability to overcome Willie Kirk’s tenacious Toffees.
    The United forward added: “They’re a great team now. Willie Kirk has got them in good shape, and they look good, so we’re not taking anything for granted.
    “We are wary of them and we know they can bounce back, but we believe in our own ability.
    “We know if we stick to the game plan, we can beat anyone.
    “I think it’s going to be a good game and we’re confident, so hopefully, we will get the win again.”
    Sigsworth and her team-mates, who are currently unbeaten and third in the league, are set for a tantalising WSL encounter this Sunday.
    The Red Devils, who strengthened their squad with the signings of Alessia Russo, and World Cup-winning duo Tobin Heath and Christen Press, will take on league leaders Arsenal.

    Everton, whose players include Rikke Sevecke, will be looking for a win against United Credit: Reuters

    Sigsworth says United are a much stronger side after signing Christen Press (pictured), Tobin Heath and Alessia RussoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And United will be looking to pick up their first game win in the league against the formidable Gunners.
    Sigsworth said: “I look back to last season and when we started we played Arsenal and they beat us 1-0.
    “I feel like we’re in better shape now. We’ve made some great signings and we’re looking forward to competing with teams like Arsenal.”

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