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      Manchester City sack head coach Gareth Taylor FIVE days before Women’s League Cup final clash with Chelsea

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      MANCHESTER CITY have brought the curtain down on Gareth Taylor’s reign as manager of their Women’s Super League side. Today the club announced their decision to part ways with the head coach, 52, just under a week before their League Cup decider duel with Chelsea. Manchester City have parted ways with Gareth Taylor with their WSL team currently fourth and 12 points behind leaders ChelseaCredit: GettyThe club’s decision to part ways with Taylor, 52, comes a day after the team reached this year’s FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: ReutersFormer City Women’s boss Nick Cushing will take charge of the WSL side on an interim basis for rest of this seasonCredit: GettyFormer City Women’s boss Nick Cushing will return to take charge of the side on a temporary basis. The Chester-born head coach managed City for seven years from 2013 guiding the team to their first and only WSL title triumph to date in 2016. Taylor’s departure comes with the Cityzens currently sitting fourth in the top tier after winning 10 of the 16 league games they have played so far this term. The team are fourth and one point and one place outside of the WSL’s top three spots for Champions League qualification. Read More Football StoriesThis follows them losing four and drawing two of their league games this season. In a statement, Man City’s women’s managing director Charlotte O’Neill said: “Manchester City prides itself on competing at the top of the WSL and on its outstanding record of qualifying for European competition. “Unfortunately, results this season have so far not reached this high standard.”With six games of the WSL campaign remaining, we believe that a change of management will breathe fresh life into our bid to ensure qualification for the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League.Most read in Football”We would like to place on record our thanks to Gareth for all of his efforts during his many years at City. “Our FA Cup and League Cup triumphs will remain special moments in the history of this football club.”“We wish him all the best for the future.”City’s decision to end Taylor’s reign comes just over 12 months after he signed a three-year deal with the club to remain in charge of their women’s side. During his tenure of almost five years at City’s helm, Taylor guided the team to an FA Cup win after a 3-1 defeat of Everton in May 2020. This was followed by a League Cup triumph in March 2022 when his side beat Emma Hayes’ Chelsea 3-1 at Plough Lane. This season Man City have lost ground in the race for the WSL title with leaders Chelsea 12 points ahead at the summit.  Recent results include a 1-1 draw with ninth-placed West Ham on March 5 with Manuela Pavi netting a stoppage-time equaliser following Khadija Shaw’s 80th-minute goal. Away from the pitch City were at the centre of a dramatic transfer saga this January with Chloe Kelly sealing a loan move to Arsenal. The departure of the forward, who netted England’s tournament-winning goal at the 2022 Euros, followed her struggle for minutes this term. After making six WSL appearances for the team this season, Kelly issued a bombshell exit plea before making her January 30 Arsenal switch. Her current contract with City, whom she joined in July 2020, is set to expire in June. Man City are due to play Chelsea in the Women’s League Cup final at Pride Park on March 15Credit: PASince joining the Gunners the forward netted her first league goal of the season in their 4-3 defeat of West Ham last weekend.  READ MORE SUN STORIESOn Sunday Man City reached the semis of this year’s FA Cup after beating Aston Villa 2-0 in the quarter-final. They will face neighbours Man United in the contest’s semi-finals next month. More

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      Rachel Yankey reflects on Chloe Kelly’s Arsenal return and her visit to Lauren James’ old school

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      RACHEL YANKEY wants Arsenal to remain a happy hunting ground for Chloe Kelly, with the forward back amongst the goals. And the Gunners legend hopes the club can return to trophy glory in Europe. Rachel Yankey hopes Chloe Kelly can continue shining for ArsenalCredit: GettyOn March 7 Yankey and Ian Wright took part in the FA’s and Barclays’ Biggest Ever Football Session event at Lauren James’ old school in TwickenhamAlong with fellow Gunners icon Yankey hopes to encourage more girls to participate in footballYankey, who took part in the FA’s and Barclays’ fourth Biggest Ever Football Session on Friday, was speaking before Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool. Today the Gunners host the Reds in a quarter-final duel with the Cup remaining one of their strongest chances of silverware this term. The clash comes seven days after Kelly, 27, netted her first league goal this this year during Arsenal’s 4-3 defeat of West Ham .It was also her first since sealing a January loan move from Manchester City in pursuit of more game time and a spot in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the Euros.  Read More Football StoriesYankey, 45, has fond memories of Kelly’s early days as a senior Arsenal player. The versatile winger, who won 22 trophies during her 15-year Gunners career, was on the pitch when she made her first Arsenal debut at 17 in 2015. In July that year Kelly scored during a 3-0 League Cup match defeat of Watford. Yankey, who also netted in that game, said: “I remember her as a youngster coming through and the potential that she had. Most read in Football”It was clear to see that she’s talented.”She’s made the move because she wants to get into the England team (for the Euros).”And I hope that she can get into that England team and perform because we all know what a fantastic player she is. “Chloe with a smile on her face playing football is where I see her at the moment. “If she’s happy, then that’s a good thing.”With Kelly cup tied her Gunners pals hope to reach this year’s FA Cup semis ahead of a WSL trip to Everton on March 14. While the forward cannot feature in today’s encounter she can play in the Champions League quarters as well as the Gunners’ last seven WSL fixtures this term. The team are set to face Real Madrid in the contest’s last eight with the first leg away on March 18.And Yankey, who helped Arsenal become the first English club to win the Women’s Champions League in 2007, hopes the team can triumph in Europe again. The former England play, who has 129 caps,  added: “We saw from the Lionesses’ Euros win, if you win a major tournament or if you win a Champions League or the league, success brings you an audience. “For me, historically, Arsenal Football Club is the biggest in women’s football, so they need to win something.”Before today’s match and ahead of International Women’s Day Yankey paid a visit to Lauren James’ old secondary school in Twickenham. Along with fellow Gunners icon Ian Wright, Yankey ran a football session encouraging girls to get involved in the sport.Last year 475,000 girls took part in similar events in 5,000 schools across the country.This year’s session took place a week after the FA’s launch of the Made for this Game campaign which aims to provide more chances for women and girls to participate in football.”If we don’t do projects like this then who knows where the next grassroots ethnic minority player will come from.Rachel Yankey James, who began her senior career at Arsenal in 2017 before joining Manchester United a year later and then switching to Chelsea in 2021, is one of the most high profile players in the WSL. Since her return to London almost four years ago, the forward has won three league title with the Blues and two FA Cups.  In 2023 James was part of an England side that competed in a World Cup final for the first time in the team’s history with the team narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain. Since that final was played in Sydney Australia she is one of five players from Black and mixed race heritage to have featured for the Lionesses. The other players are Brighton and Tottenham forwards Nikita Parris and Jess Naz and Man United and Gotham defenders Gabby George and Jess Carter. Yankey hopes events like the Biggest Ever Football Session will encourage  more girls from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds getting involved in the sport.  Yankey said: “If we don’t do projects like this then who knows where the next grassroots ethnic minority player will come from.”Sessions like this give girls the opportunity to get involved and that’s why it’s so important.”Aside from playing football Yankey hopes to see more girls get involved in other aspects of the sportCredit: Action Images – ReutersBy 2028 the FA hopes to have 90 per cent of schools providing girls with equal opportunities to play football in curricular and extracurricular set-ups.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd beyond encourage more girls to play the game, Yankey hopes the FA’s efforts can influence them to get involved in the sport in other ways. She adds: “We need to make sure we educate the young girls, their parents, and everybody, that football and sport can be so powerful in helping people in different ways in their life.” More

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      Fans’ concerns will not affect WPLL ‘perspective’ on Women’s Super League relegation options

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      FANS’ opposition to pausing relegation from the women’s top tier is unlikely to shift officials’ “perspective” on possible changes to the division.However, women’s game bosses say supporters will be consulted.The Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL) are “reviewing various options” in regard to speeding up the growth of the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: GettyAccording to the WPLL fans will be consulted on any changes to the structure and function of the women’s game’s top two divisionsCredit: GettyNikki Doucet, the chief of Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL), was speaking on Thursday following reports of a temporary scrapping of relegation from the WSL. The idea of a potential four-year suspension of the drop between the top-flight and the second tier, has been met with a backlash from some fans.This includes a group running an online petition opposing the idea, which has attracted more than 1,400 signatures. However Doucet, who is in charge of the WPLL, the independent company running the WSL and Women’s Championship, insists no decisions have been made on changes to the top league’s format. Read More Football StoriesShe told reporters: “We fundamentally believe promotion and relegation is an important differentiator and an important competitive advantage for us, relative to other women’s sport leagues globally.”It adds jeopardy and excitement. It’s something we all love about the game of football and that has never been under question.”It is really important for us to make sure we are considering all the possibilities to accelerate growth and to grow in the right way. “We wouldn’t be doing our job properly if we weren’t considering and reviewing the various options available to us.”Most read in FootballThe idea of (temporarily) scrapping relegation from the WSL has prompted mixed reaction from some of the sport’s influential figures.Former UK sport chair Baroness Sue Campbell reckons it could give the division “its own distinctive personality”. However Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor believes relegation is “good to have” in terms of competition. When asked if fans’ outcry over the possibility of scrapping relegation had affected the WPLL’s perspective, Doucet insists there has been no wavering.She adds: “Our perspective or analysis hasn’t changed. “We have been very thoughtful on the analysis of the different possibilities around us.”We have to look at the range of possibilities that are available to us and the pros and cons of all of those and be really thoughtful”We deeply understand the impact of decisions and the impact of everything done at the top, that it cascades down the pyramid.”One concern for supporters running the petition urging fans to voice their opinions on the WSL’s future was the idea of the top-flight becoming a closed league. However the Football Association, who hold certain powers to prevent such a move, are likely to oppose this. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We do have certain golden share powers, as we do in the Premier League.“I think over the last few years we’ve been asked a few times whether we would accept a closed league and our response has always been no. “The reason for that is not just a pure moral sporting point of view, we don’t think in the long-term that it’s smart commercially because you end up with a lot of dead rubbers. “However, we think that some of the ideas being put forward at the moment are worth considering on the proviso that there’s still promotion into the league. FA chief Mark Bullingham says the FA would be supportive of WSL changes that lead to improved academies, player pathways and minimum standards for clubsCredit: Getty“I think there’s a difference between not having relegation and allowing the league to grow through promotion with no relegation, versus having a closed league. READ MORE SUN STORIES“If we get presented with a package of changes that’s good for the women’s game overall, then we could potentially be supportive, but we would need to look at that overall package.“I’m talking about academies, minimum standards, player pathways, and within the context of that there’s a change to the number of clubs in the league brought about through having promotion and no relegation.” More

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      UK to make bid to host 2035 football Women’s World Cup as PM says tournament could be ‘monumental moment’ for country

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      THE UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said holding the biggest tournament in the sport on British soil will be a “monumental moment” for the country.The UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup following on from the Lionesses big win at Euro 2022Credit: GettyEngland’s players receiving the runners up medals at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: AFPThe Wembley Arch lit up red and white prior to the Uefa Women’s Nations League match between England and Spain last monthCredit: GettyEngland have an illustrious history with performing well at major football events held at home.The men’s side won the World Cup in 1966 with a thrilling final win in Wembley.Sarina Wiegman’s women’s side took home England’s second ever international trophy and its first ever Euros Championship when they “returned football home” in 2022.The FA has now officially registered their interest in the upcoming 2035 Women’s World Cup with hopes of again lifting a major trophy. read more in women’s footballEngland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are due to collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA for the right to host the tournament. The FIFA Council has already recommend the 2035 competition has European or African hosts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the historic bid as he said: “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity.”Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else. Most read in Football”That pride was on full display when England hosted UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. “It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy. Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly short”The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy.”He added that the bid will have his government’s full support. The declaration of interest will need to be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025 before a decision is made at some point in 2026.If the FA manage to land the lucrative deal then it will be the first ever Women’s World Cup held in Britain.It will also be only the second time a World Cup has been held in the UK since the 1966 men’s tournament.Several stadiums across the British Isles are expected to be used with the final set to be held at Wembley like usual.Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, said hosting the tournament would be an honour. He continued: “We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England. “We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums. “There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game.”One of the biggest competitors for the British bid is expected to come from South Africa. READ MORE SUN STORIESSimon Morton, UK Sport’s deputy chief executive, said last year: “The Women’s World Cup is the biggest sporting event that the UK has never hosted and so in that respect, it has a special appeal to us. “There is definitely an aspiration to host it in the 2030s.”England won the 1966 World Cup at Wembley almost 60 years agoCredit: GettyEngland captain Leah Williamson holding up the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSarina Wiegman with the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Unbelievable reverse scorpion kick goal sees ‘Puskas Award wrapped up already’

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      FANS reckon the 2025 Puskas Award is already decided after a stunning reverse scorpion kick in the Mexican women’s top flight.Lizbeth Ovalle left supporters in awe with her inventive flick as her side Tigres Femenil saw off Liga MX competitors Guadalajara 2-0.Lizbeth Ovalle scored a contender for goal of the year this weekCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOTeammate Jenni Hermoso whipped in a crossCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOThe ball seemed slightly out of Ovalle’s reachCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOThe Mexican winger flung her heel in an ambitious flick to reach the crossCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOShe made perfect contact with the ball and saw it fly into the top cornerCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOEven Ovalle seemed to be in disbelief with the finishCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOOvalle opened the scoring deep into the second half after Spain hero Jenni Hermoso – the star kissed by ex-Spain football chief Luis Rubiales – whipped in a dangerous cross to the front post.The curved delivery looked to be bending out of Ovalle’s reach, but the 25-year-old pulled off a spectacularly imaginative flick to find a way of directing the ball goalward.The winger stuck both legs out and twisted in the air to produce a reverse scorpion kick, seeing the ball make perfect contact with her heel and loop over Guadalajara goalkeeper Blanca Felix.Fans and pundits alike couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed, with many taking to social media to react.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “Close the Puskas Award, it’s over”.While another added: “Genuinely might be the best show of technique I’ve seen in a goal”.A third commented: “This is the greatest goal football has ever seen”.And a fourth posted: “Look no further, this goal should win the Puskas award”.Most read in FootballOvalle’s incredible acrobatic effort has been tipped to win the Marta AwardCredit: FOX SPORTS VIVOCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEven the Tigres Femenil official X account took the opportunity to direct a cheeky message to Fifa, posting: “Hey Fifa, we have a nominee for you for the Puskas Award. Correction, Marta Award”. The Puskas Award has long recognised the best goal in men’s football, named after Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas, it has been won by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami While the newly formed Marta Award focuses on Women’s football instead and was won by its namesake Brazilian icon Marta for the first time last year.You would imagine that Ovalle will be one of the favourites to take home the 2025 Marta Award thanks to her goal.But for now she will have to revel in the three points her side earned instead.The 58-time Mexico international set up her side’s second goal just four minutes later, securing the win and lifting Tigres above Guadalajara.Ovalle has starred for the Mexican national teamCredit: APBrazilian legend Marta is the namesake for Fifa’s new Marta Award, recognising the best goal in women’s footballCredit: ReutersOlivier Giroud scored an acrobatic scorpion kick himself to win the Puskas Award in 2017Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Concerned WSL fans launch petition opposing plan to scrap relegation from women’s top tier

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      A “concerned” WSL supporters  group has set up a petition opposing “the idea of no relegation” from the Women’s Super League.  Their online plea in response to proposals to put a pause on teams dropping into the second tier, went live on Monday.Clubs are set to be given a chance to vote on proposals to temporarily pause relegation from the WSL the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyAn petition calling for supporters to have their say on the proposal went live on Monday 3 FebruaryCredit: PAAs of 8:30pm this evening their petition on Change.org had attracted 892 signatures.Later this year WSL and Women’s Championship clubs are set to vote on plans for a temporary halt on sides dropping down into the second tier.  The aim would be to increase the top-flight from 12 to 16 sides. On Sunday The Guardian reported the suggestions were put forward by Women’s Professional League Limited, the football authority in charge of overseeing both divisions. . Read More Football StoriesA vote involving all 23 sides in WSL and the second tier is reportedly set to take place by the end of this term. The WPLL’s proposals would entail relegation from the top-flight being halted from the 2026-27 season and then returning for the 2030-31 campaign.  Promotion of one team per term from the Championship to the league would remain in place.  The motivation behind the proposal is to encourage more investment in top-flight women’s teams in a bid to make the top-flight more competitive. Most read in FootballHowever a group called Concerned WSL fans believe such a move would go against “all English football tradition”. They believe pausing relegation could go “against the interests of those outside the very top of the football chain”. And on its Change.org page, the group says it wants football fans to “voice their opinion”.It also stated: “This petition is for all those against this idea of no relegation and a closed league for any amount of years, in an attempt to be heard before having the rug pulled out from under our feet before we even have a chance.”In the first year of its existence in 2011 the WSL operated as a closed league of eight teams without promotion or relegation. A second tier was established in 2014 and was initially called WSL 2 before being renamed the Women’s Championship. Calls for the WSL’s expansion have been made in the past by some of the game’s most influential figures. These include ex-Chelsea boss Emma Hayes who now manages the United States women’s national team. Plans to expand the WSL from 12 to 16 teams would involve a pause on relegation for four seasonsCredit: AlamyBack in 2023 the then Blues chief stated more teams should be added in order to grow the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn October that year, Hayes said: “I think the question we should be asking is, ‘when are we going to make our league a little bit bigger?’ “It’s time to grow. It’s time to go from 12 to 16 or 18 teams.” More

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      Goodison Park could host new team after Everton’s move to £760million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock

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      GOODISON PARK could soon become the home of a new football team.Everton will bid an emotional farewell to its historic and world-famous home at the end of the season.Everton will leave Goodison Park at the end of the seasonCredit: GETTYThe Merseysiders will move to a brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore DockCredit: EPAGoodison coud soon become the new home of Everton WomenCredit: ALAMYCome the start of the 2025/26 campaign, the Toffees will play their football at the brand-spanking new 52,888-seat stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.The Merseysiders, who, barring a major collapse, will play Prem football next season, spent a whopping £760million building the new ground.Goodison, which has a capacity of 39,500, has been all many Evertonians have known.But it could become the home of the club’s Women’s Team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s according to The Athletic, who claim the departure of the men’s side has “opened the possibility ” of the Women’s Super League outfit moving into the stadium full-time.Everton Women’s current home is the 2,200 capacity Walton Hall Park Stadium – which is located FIVE MILES outside the city centre.Goodison, by comparison, is just under three-and-a-half miles away from Liverpool’s city centre.It’s unclear if a move to Goodison will materialise for Everton Women due to the Goodison Legacy Project, which was put to the local government in April 2020.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEverton have launched the Goodison Legacy ProjectCredit: UKGBCThe proposal included plans to provide affordable and social housing in the form of 10 new development blocks.The Legacy Project also includes the construction of a health centre, residential care and education facilities and new office spaces.Everton boss David Moyes gives his reaction to disallowed penalty against Man Utd The proposed moving of Everton Women to Goodison is said to be a way of “supplementing” the Legacy Project.A decision on the future of the historic ground, however, won’t be made until after the men’s team officially relocates to Bramley-Moore Dock.Everton will be back in action next Saturday, travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves. More

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      England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darkness

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      ENGLAND’s World Cup final rematch with Spain was halted following a floodlight failure at Wembley. The Home of Football was plunged into darkness during the Lionnesses’ Nations League clash on Wednesday night. England’s clash with Spain was halted as the lights went out at WembleyCredit: PAThe Home of Football’s floodlights failed midway through the second halfCredit: PAFans in the stands attempted to help by using their torch lightsCredit: ReutersJessica Park gave England a deserved lead in front of a packed house in the capital.But shortly after the break, the floodlights abruptly cut out. Play was suspended for several minutes as both teams gathered on the side of the field. Sarina Wiegman used the time to hold an impromptu talk with her team, who had been under pressure since the restart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe stadium’s advertising hoardings remained on despite the power failure.And the spectators attempted to play their part by waving thousands of phone torches in the darkness.Eventually, Wembley staff managed to get the lights turned back on to cheers from the terraces. One fan laughed on X: “Quick someone stick a quid in the meter.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another asked: “What would have happened if someone had made a shot at goal just as the lights went out? If the ball goes in but lights are out….what happens?”England were beaten 1-0 in the 2023 World Cup final, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the game. Sarina Wiegman gives ‘most honest answer from manager ever’ in post-match interview after England reach World Cup finalThe Lionesses got their own back on Wednesday, holding on after Park’s scrappy strike to go joint-top of Group 3 alongside Portugal. England are looking forward to the women’s Euros later this summer.The Sun on Sunday recently revealed pubs will be open later in July if England or Wales reach the finals.Weigman’s team are defending their crown in Switzerland after winning the Euros in 2022 with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany.Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “The Lionesses showed us in 2022 what it means to bring football home.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And now we want to make sure the whole nation can come together again to cheer on our teams. “These plans will help our pubs and bars stay open longer if England or Wales make it to the final stages, allowing friends and families to celebrate together and providing a welcome boost to our hospitality industry.”  More