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      Fara Williams says Lucy Bronze’s Man City transfer proves WSL is best in the world – but pay gap must be addressed

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      FARA WILLIAMS reckons Lucy Bronze’s return to the Women’s Super League proves the English top-flight is the best in the world.
      But the Lionesses icon, 36, says the pay gap between the top and bottom women’s clubs MUST be addressed before searching for equality with the men’s game.

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      Lucy Bronze signed for Man City after winning three consecutive Champions League trophies with LyonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Reading ace Fara Williams believes the WSL is the best division in the world following the arrival of star signingsCredit: Rex Features
      Bronze signed for her former club Manchester City on a free transfer from European top dogs Lyon, on Tuesday.
      The 28-year-old won her third consecutive Champions League trophy with the French outfit last month.
      The result extended Lyon’s hold over the continent’s biggest women’s competition – as they nabbed the title for the seventh time in nine final appearances since 2010.
      But despite the French champ’s ever growing trophy cabinet – Bronze was tempted back to the Academy Stadium.

      She enjoyed her first stint with City in 2014 and helped the club win the WSL and Continental League Cup in 2016, as well as FA Cup a year later.
      Reading star, Williams, told SunSport: “The fact that Lucy Bronze wanted to come back highlights that our league has gone to a different level again.
      “I think she left to get better and to win trophies. And now she’s come back. I think that demonstrates where the league is at now.
      “There is a bigger attraction for those top players to want to play in our league.

      “I think we were very amateur when we started out and labelled professional really early on because people were trying to transition the game.
      “In terms of actually being professional and understanding it, I think the league was a bit behind, but now it has grown and developed.
      “You can see how professional all the teams and players now are and that attracts the big players.”
      Bronze is Gareth Taylor’s fifth summer signing, following the arrival of USA World Cup winners, Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, Chloe Kelly from Everton, and Lyon’s Alex Greenwood.
      Chelsea bagged Denmark’s deadliest striker, Pernille Harder, for around £250,000 – a record-breaking fee in the women’s game.
      While Wales legend Jess Fishlock swapped stateside for the Madejski as part of a loan deal with Reading from OL Reign.
      But despite these new, glitzy, signings, Williams believes there are still players at smaller clubs struggling to make ends meet.

      “Before we start talking about bridging the gap between the men and the women, I think we have to bridge the gap between the top and the bottom women’s teams.
      Fara Williams

      England’s most-capped player said: “There’s a massive gap in the women’s game between salaries that are given at the top to middle and bottom clubs.
      “Before we start talking about bridging the gap between the men and the women, we have to bridge the gap between the top and the bottom women’s teams, so that females aren’t struggling.
      “I think the problem is that there’s talk about being professional, but we’ve got players on salaries that can’t afford maybe to pay for their own car, mortgage or rent.
      “Or, for example, eat the correct food away from training.
      “So there are lots of things still to be done with with the teams that have a lesser budget.
      “And if we can bridge that gap, I think we’re starting to see a real difference.”
      The Reading star featured in her side’s 6-1 loss against Arsenal last time out, having recovered since undergoing thigh surgery in February.
      The Royals are hoping to bounce back from their drubbing at Meadow Park, as prepare to host Aston Villa at Madejski on Sunday.
      This season BT Sport is showing more Barclays FA Women’s Super League matches than ever before. Sign up contract free with a BT Sport Monthly Pass for just £25 per month. 

      Watch Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema score incredible goal against Reading More

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      Footballer Rebecca Quinn comes out as transgender in emotional Instagram post to help inspire ‘queer folx’

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      CANADIAN international footballer Rebecca Quinn came out as transgender via an emotional Instagram post.
      The 25-year-old midfielder made the announcement to help inspire ‘queer folx’ while challenging others to be more accepting.

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      Rebecca Quinn plays for CanadaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      They wrote on Instagram: “Coming out is HARD ( and kinda bs).
      “I know for me it’s something I’ll be doing over again for the rest of my life.
      “As I’ve lived as an openly trans person with the people I love most for many years, I did always wonder when I’d come out publicly.
      “Instagram is a weird space. 

      “I wanted to encapsulate the feelings I had towards my trans identity in one post but that’s really not why anyone is on here, including myself.
      “So INSTEAD I want to be visible to queer folx who don’t see people like them on their feed.
      “I know it saved my life years ago.
      “I want to challenge cis folks (if you don’t know what cis means, that’s probably you!!!) to be better allies.

      “It’s a process, and i know it won’t be perfect, but if I can encourage you to start then it’s something.”

      Quinn plays for Washington-based OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League and is currently on loan to Swedish side Vittsjo GIK.
      They went to both the 2019 World Cup and 2016 Olympics with Canada.
      And finished their post with five tips for cis people – those whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth.
      They added: “1) put your pronouns in your bio.
      “2) follow/ listen to other trans/nb voices ( @janetmock , @ashleemariepreston , @alokvmenon to name a few :)).
      “3) practice using gender neutral pronouns with friends/ in a mirror. 4) vote.
      “5) start to catch yourself making assumptions about people in public/ bathrooms/ any space.”

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      Quinn attached this photo to their emotional coming out post online

      Megan Rapinoe delivers inspiring speech at the Fifa Awards after winning Best Fifa Women’s Player 2019 More

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      Bristol City ace Ella Mastrantonio handed nickname ‘The Maestro’ after her idol Andrea Pirlo

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      BRISTOL CITY ace Ella Mastrantonio has been nicknamed “The Maestro” after her idol Andrea Pirlo.
      The Robins ace, 28, only arrived at Twerton Park in the summer, but is already hoping to channel “even the tiniest pinky toe” of the Italian legend’s skill.

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      Ella Mastrantonio (right) made her WSL debut for Bristol City on Sunday

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      Pirlo won four league titles during his time as a player for Juve 
      Bristol boss Tanya Oxtoby, 38, spent the summer recruiting after her side just about kept their heads above the danger zone last term.
      Oxtoby came calling on Mastrantonio in July from W-League club Western Sydney Wanderers – where she was first handed the nickname.
      The affectionate name is a nod to Juventus legend Pirlo for his ability to pull the strings in midfield and his sublime passing skills.
      Mastrantonio told SunSport: “The nickname came from Western Sydney last year.

      “It was mainly by my team mates and people around the club, they just gave me that nickname one or two games in.
      “I’ll take it because my favourite midfielder is Pirlo and they used to call him that so I’ll happily take that.
      “I like to get on the ball and try and pull strings and make our team tick and be an important player for the way we play so I hope that was the reason why. ”

      The Australian midfielder made her WSL debut on Sunday in the Robins’ 4-0 defeat to Everton.

      And while Mastrantonio is still a Twerton Park newbie, she hopes to continue to live up to her affectionate nickname
      The Robins ace added: “I think technically he’s just incredible.
      “His first touch, his vision and obviously his passing, it’s a very similar style to the way I like to play.
      “I like trying to see things that other players can’t maybe see on the pitch and pick out those little passes and pip into pockets.
      “I just think he was just incredible like that.
      “His set pieces, he was one of the most technically gifted players probably ever and I think one of the best holding midfielders ever to play the game.
      “If I can have any type of skill of his small pinkie toe then I’ll be happy. I just love watching him play and it’ll be interesting to see how he does at Juventus.”
      Pirlo was named the new Bianconeri manager after being selected by club president Andrea Agnelli in August.
      The retired legend replaced Maurizio Sarri, who was axed following Juve’s Champions League exit.

      Pirlo confirms Higuain’s Juventus contract will be terminated with striker free to find a new club this summer More

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      Brighton and England defender Fern Whelan announces retirement in emotional statement after two-year injury battle

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      BRIGHTON defender Fern Whelan has called time on her playing career after posting an emotional message on social media.
      The Albion Women centre-back, who has been battling with knee and ankle injuries, announced her retirement following advice from medics.

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      Brighton’s Fern Whelan, who made three appearances for England, announced her retirement after a battle with injury Credit: Rex Features
      In a Twitter post today Whelan told of her “love-hate” relationship with the game and her “amazing experiences” within it 
      The former England player, 31, also reflected on the “anger” and “loss” experienced on her “football journey” and her excitement for the future. 
      The ex-Everton defender told her followers: “It is with a heavy heart that I can finally announce my retirement from the beautiful game. 

      “This decision has not been easy, and has not been taken lightly, but I feel that now is the right time to end the ongoing love-hate relationship that myself and football have. 
      “I am thankful for the amazing experiences the sport has given me, the players I have been lucky enough to play with and against, and the friends I have made along the way. 
      “Mo Marley and Hope Powell gave me highlights I will never forget; playing for England and winning my first FA Cup.” 

      “But it’s no secret that my football journey is filled with anger, loss and what ifs due to having such a nasty injury that unfortunately kept me from the game for two years. 

      Fern has been an outstanding professional during her time with the club and we’re going to miss her ability on the field and her experience in the dressing room
      Hope Powell

      Whelan, who signed for Albion in 2017, played an influential role in their transition into a Women’s Super League side.
      The three-cap Lioness, who started out in football playing for a schoolboys team, made 17 appearances for the club scoring on two occasions. 
      And Brighton boss Hope Powell, whose side play Manchester City on Sunday,  paid tribute to the player. 

      On the club’s web site Powell said: “Fern has been an outstanding professional during her time with the club and we’re going to miss her ability on the field and her experience in the dressing room. 
      “She has played a big part in our development over the last three years.
      “I know from speaking to her that the decision to retire was not easy for Fern, but she is embarking on a new phase of her life and everyone at Brighton wishes her all the best for the future.” 

      Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium More

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      Arsenal fans joke Vivianne Miedema is ‘ice cold’ as striker barely celebrates wonder-goal against Reading

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      ARSENAL fans have been drooling over “ice cold” Vivianne Miedema – after the Dutch international scored a wondergoal against Reading and barely celebrated.
      The 24-year-old took social media by storm after bending a brilliant strike into the near corner in the Gunners’ 6-1 thrashing of the Royals.

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      Vivianne Miedema unleashed a fierce drive from the edge of the area

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      The Dutch international found the net twice as Arsenal thrashed Reading 6-1

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      She walked off casually after scoring the wonder-strike and barely celebrated

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      Miedema was last season’s WSL top scorer, hitting 16 goals before the league was curtailed amid the coronavirus crisis
      The deadly Dutch striker netted twice on Sunday, after Kim Little got the first for the three-time WSL champions, while Jill Roord completed a hat-trick.
      And fans were left in hysterics when the unfazed Netherlands ace casually walked off after scoring her second goal like nothing had happened.
      A fan wrote on Twitter: “Please when will she celebrate her goals.”
      Another jokingly said: “Ice cold.”

      One roared: “For Vivianne, it’s like a walk in the park…what a strike.”
      While another fan added: “Cold blooded.”
      And one wrote: “A nice strike. She doesn’t even look concerned, normal day in the office.”
      Miedema was last season’s WSL top scorer after hitting 16 before the top-flight was axed amid the coronavirus crisis.

      And if her performance against Reading is anything to go by, she could easily be in contention for the award again.

      For Vivianne, it’s like a walk in the park… What a strike.
      — Claude Wu (@claudewuAFC) September 6, 2020

      Reading’s Danielle Carter grabbed a late consolation when she stole the ball off Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger.
      Ballon d’Or winner Miedema made headlines last season for netting SIX and adding four assists in the Gunners 11-1 drubbing of Bristol City.
      However, Arsenal were knocked off their perch last term as they failed to retain their title after finishing third in the table.
      The season was axed in May and determined on points-per-game – with the Blues crowned champions and Liverpool relegated.
      Elsewhere in the WSL, Manchester United saved a point against Chelsea on Sunday thanks to Leah Galton’s late leveller.

      Gabriel Magalhaes says he is very happy to be joining Arsenal More

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      Jill Roord stars as Arsenal hammer Reading 6-1 to kick-off WSL title hunt

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      JOE MONTEMURRO hailed hat-trick hero Jill Roord’s “special” display as Arsenal’s title hunt got off to a superb start.
      The Netherlands midfielder, 23, helped her team thrash Reading after Kim Little got the first for the three-time WSL champions.

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      Jill Roord scored a hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed Reading 6-1 in the WSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Roord was called ‘special’ by boss Joe MontemurroCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gunners boss Montemurro said: “When I signed Jill, I saw someone special.
      “I saw a player who had immense ability in finding space, but also her ability to play higher up, protect the ball, and find the pass.
      “And the big thing we are looking for with Jill is to find a level and ascertain that level because she can float in and out of games at times and can get complacent because she is talented.
      “So I’ve given her that challenge.”

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      The Gunners used all five substitutes after last month’s rule-change

      Among the Royals’ starters was Wales veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock, 33, and former Gunners golden girl Danielle Carter, returning from a lengthy ACL injury lay-off.
      After Little’s early volley, Ballon d’Or nominee Vivianne Miedema slotted home in the 33rd minute, while Roord clocked her first before half-time.
      Second-half goals from Roord and a 78th-minute rocket from Miedema made it a rout, before Carter hit an 89th-minute reply.

      Santi Cazorla scores stunner as Arsenal legend nets two on league debut for Qatari side Al-Sadd More

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      Brighton boss fears ‘middle class’ structures are blocking minority talent

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      HOPE POWELL  fears ‘middle class’ structures in women’s football are blocking new black and ethnic minority talent.
      The Brighton women’s boss made history by becoming the first black female manager of an England side when she was Lionesses chief.

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      Hope Powell believes hybrid football centres could help unearth more talented black and ethnic minority playersCredit: PA:Press Association
      But Powell believes the current structure at grassroots level is limiting access for aspiring footballers from minority backgrounds.
      She said: “The representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic players on the pitch isn’t as great at the moment.
      “I couldn’t really tell you the numbers, but it is all about opportunity.

      “There are some real challenges in order to make sure that girls’ football, and the women’s game, has a far enough reach so more players with potential can play it.

      My concern is the game is becoming a little bit middle class with the structures.
      “The local grassroots game is so important to access.”
      Powell’s comments came after the Telegraph revealed black  footballers make up an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of Women’s Super League players.
      It says this percentage is incredibly low, considering the number of black and non-white stars in the Premier League.

      BAME players account for roughly a third of footballers in the men’s top flight.
      Powell believes having more training centres in diverse areas and affiliated with top clubs could help the women’s game unearth more talent.

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      Hope Powell’s Brighton side face Birmingham in their first game of the new Women’s Super League seasonCredit: Rex Features
      And the Peckham-born boss admits she was fortunate 40 years ago — when a  football coach spotted her potential as  a kid.
      Powell, 53, said: “I was playing at a very young age and fortunately there was a local club where I lived.

      For some who can just about afford to feed their family, they might not be able to afford to send their young daughter to our wonderful training centre, because it’s an hour away
      Hope Powell

      “The reason I managed to get to training is because the guy who was a coach went out of his way to take me home.
      “At Brighton, we’re a tier-one club for finding regional talent in girls’ football. To be able to get to us can be a problem for players’ parents who can’t afford to drive, or put their kid on a train.
      “For some who can just about afford to feed their family, they might not be able to afford to send their young daughter to our wonderful training centre, because it’s an hour away.
      “I know that from my own experience as a kid. When you have got less money, it’s hard.
      “Hybrid centres would be a help. Our club may be based in Brighton, but that doesn’t mean that we couldn’t have a centre based in Peckham, for instance.
      “I think there needs to be more work on that, but then it’s finances as well.”
      Diversity and race equality in the game is always a major talking point.
      In June, Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling led calls for more management opportunities for black stars.

      The Premier League and PFA are funding a scheme this season for six BAME players to be put on a 23-month coaching placement at EFL clubs.
      Powell, whose Brighton side face Birmingham today, hopes this helps.
      She added: “I guess the argument would be it makes you more ready for an opportunity which would be a good thing.”

      Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium More

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      Chelsea star Fran Kirby set for emotional return to WSL after being told she may not play again

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      FRAN KIRBY is set for an emotional return to the WSL after being told she may never play football again.
      The Chelsea star, 27, has been out of league action since last  November  when she learned she had a rare heart condition.

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      Fran Kirby is set to return for Chelsea after being told she may have to retireCredit: Rex Features
      Pericarditis — an inflammation of the lining around the heart  — left Kirby with severe chest pains and unable to do even basic  tasks.
      She was sofa-ridden at her home during the long, crippling months she battled the illness.
      The England forward revealed: “There was a period where I was told by the cardiologist that if I didn’t slow down, I could become chronic and never play again.
      “I remember reading about the illness because I had no idea what it was when I was diagnosed.

      “I never read any stories where someone had overcome it.

      It has been a tough journey but it’s definitely shaped me into who I am now. It made me realise how precious these moments when you play are
      Fran Kirby

      “But I wanted to show to myself that I could get over this and I had a positive story to give.
      “It has been a tough journey but it’s definitely shaped me into who I am now. It made me realise how precious these moments when you play are.”
      The forward hailed Chelsea boss Emma Hayes for being her “rock” as she struggled to recover.

      And her Chelsea pals, who would visit her for a cuppa, bring her snacks and even helped her build a puzzle to take her mind off things.  
      Kirby added: “Emma made sure that I was protected from everything. At the beginning, I wanted my illness to be very private.

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      Fran Kirby’s team-mates say she looks like a ‘new signing’ for the WSL title-holdersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      She was the one who was questioning the doctor all the time, saying, ‘Can we try this? Can we try that?’ She was always trying to find answers.
      “They also respected when I wanted to be left alone.
      “They knew if I went to lie on the physiotherapy bed in training, that was my time where I needed to be left alone.”
      “When I wasn’t feeling great, I could just go into her office and cry in front of her and not feel embarrassed about it.
      “And my team-mates would always make an effort to come round, even if I wasn’t in the best frame of mind.”
      Kirby says she feels good as she turns her attention to facing Manchester United  for Chelsea’s opening fixture.
      Her team-mates reckon she looks like a “new signing” alongside the likes of Sam Kerr, Beth England and now Pernille Harder in the Blues’ star-studded attack.
      She said: “They were definitely the reason I kept pushing.

      “I wasn’t a player any more, I was a fan of them, and I really enjoyed going through that switch with them.
      “There was nothing that made me think, ‘Well, this is going to be chronic’.  I knew I was going to get over it, whether it took two weeks or six months.
      “And If I’m honest, I actually feel better.”

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