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      Alex Scott nervously laughs and delivers ‘cutest commentary ever’ as BBC cameras spot girlfriend Jess Glynne at FA Cup

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      ALEX SCOTT produced the “cutest commentary ever” after BBC cameras spotted her girlfriend Jess Glynne in the crowd.The former England international presented coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.
      Jess Glynne was spotted by the BBC cameras at Arsenal vs Manchester CityCredit: BBC Sport
      Alex Scott produced the ‘cutest commentary ever’ after her girlfriend was spottedCredit: BBC Sport
      City progressed 1-0 thanks to Laia Aleixandri’s goal but it was a celebrity fan who caught the eye during the match.
      Cameras picked out Scott’s girlfriend and singer Glynne in the stands at Meadow Park.
      As she was shown on screen, Scott could be heard laughing nervously as she explained the match could go to penalties if it remained level.
      She continued by referencing one of Glynne’s songs, saying: “Jess Glynne right there, there’s no place she’d rather be.”
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      The pun, which was a nod to Glynne and Clean Bandit’s 2013 single Rather Be, was met with more laughter from Scott and the pundits.
      Her commentary was later shared to Instagram by a fan, who wrote: “Cutest commentary ever.”
      Scott reposted the video, adding: “You lot are killing me with these, going to go crawl under a rock now.”
      She had earlier shared a snap of Glynne at the ground as she took her place in the presenting booth and holding a microphone.
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      Glynne showed her support for Scott as she presented the BBC’s coverage of the matchCredit: PA
      The pair were seen together before the match at Meadow ParkCredit: GettyInside Alex Scott and Jess Glynne’s RomanceBy Jon Boon

      Alex Scott and Jess Glynne reportedly began dating in the summer.
      Initially, they kept their romance private – enjoying secret dates, away from scrutiny.
      However, they have since confirmed their romance in public.
      It is understood they began a courtship before and after the Women’s World Cup which ran from July to August.
      Right before Scott took on her presenting duties at the Women’s World Cup, the pair enjoyed a pub lunch together in North West London.
      That same month, in August, the famous two both attended a Coco Der Mer party.
      Work commitments meant Alex and Jess were a ‘slow burn’. Their romance was formed organically over time.
      Just a month after they were pictured sitting next to each other at the 2023 Attitude Awards at the Roundhouse in Camden we had confirmation.
      Photographers pictured them walking arm-in-arm with each other in London.

      Alongside the snap, Scott joked: “A new presenter for today’s FA Cup game.”
      The couple, who enjoyed a loved-up holiday in Mexico last month, are understood to have been dating since last summer.
      Alex Scott braves wind and torrential rain as she stuns in tartan jacket on BBC
      Their relationship, which was described as a “slow-burn”, began around the time of the Women’s World Cup between July and August
      Scott and Glynne were later spotted at multiple events and parties, having previously sat side-by-side at Wimbledon.
      After keeping their relationship private and out of the public eye, their romance was confirmed in November after they were snapped walking arm-in-arm and sharing a kiss.
      Scott and Glynne are understood to have started dating last summerCredit: Getty More

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      ‘It doesn’t matter who we get’, says Willie Kirk after Leicester’s trouncing of Birmingham in Women’s FA Cup

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      WILLIE KIRK  insists Leicester are up for a quarter-final battle with any of the FA Cup’s big guns after trouncing Birmingham 6-2 on Saturday.Shannon O’Brien netted twice as the Foxes filled their boots in the contest’s fifth round.
      Five different players netted for Leicester in their FA Cup fifth-round defeat of Birmingham CityCredit: Getty
      Saori Takarada, Yuka Momiki, and Shannon O’Brien impressed for the FoxesCredit: Getty
      Willie Kirk hopes Leicester will continue having a mix of Foxes names on the scoresheet in gamesCredit: Getty
      Five different players were on the scoresheet for Leicester who were ruthless after going 1-0 behind.
      Japanese pair Saori Takarada and Yuka Momiki shone for Kirk’s side with Takarada among the hosts’ scorers at Pirelli Stadium.
      When asked if this was the highest-ever scoring win for Leicester in the Cup’s fifth round, Kirk said: “We don’t like to look too far back in terms of records.
      “We want to keep focus on creating our own history. 

      “And that’s been a big thing this year – we’ve achieved a lot of firsts, and we’ll continue to try to do that. 
      “We’re a young club still with a young history. The thing that pleased me most is the five different goal scorers for the six goals.
      “That’s been a feature for us this season.  I think our highest goal scorer might have only five (goals), but we’ve had double figures in terms of the different players who’ve scored. 
      “It’s important this continues and that we’re unpredictable in terms of where goals come from. 
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      “You would hate it if someone bagged four goals and you’re always relying on that single (number) nine.”
      Arsenal, Manchester City, holders Chelsea and last year’s beaten finalists Man United, are among the WSL giants targeting a place in the contest’s last eight.
      The Gunners and City will go head-to-head on Sunday lunchtime with Chelsea facing Crystal Palace and United up against Southampton.
      And Kirk has no qualms about Leicester facing a top tier rival including those fighting it out for the league crown. 
      The Foxes chief added: “At this stage of the competition you would take anybody (on).
      “I look at the last time I went to an FA Cup final (when I was managing Everton) and we got Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
      “I’ll make sure I say to the players that it doesn’t matter who we get. If those big teams are going to lose a game, it’s normally a quarter or a semi-final.”
      The hosts found themselves behind after two minutes Birmingham captain Ellie Mason’s free-kick bouncing in off Missy Goodwin’s head for an own-goal. 
      And after Momiki and Takorada tested Birmingham stopper Lucy Thomas, Janice Cayman levelled from close range in the 19th minute.
      The hosts took a 2-1 lead four minutes later through O’Brien’s top corner finish before Blues’ Libby Smith levelled with a stylish chip. 
      O’Brien’s slotted close-range strike restored the lead close to half-time. 
      Leicester took things up a notch in the second half bagging three more goals. 
      Takorada headed them 4-2 in front before subs Deanne Rose and Aileen Whelan got in on scoring to wrap up the win. 
      Following their exit Birmingham’s focus will be back on their fight to return to the top tier with five Championship teams in promotion contention. 
      The team are sat fifth in the second tier but just four points off leaders Charlton with a game in hand.
      Birmingham City face promotion rivals Southampton next in the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      Brum boss Darren Carter said: “I love this competition (the FA Cup) and I’m gutted (we’re out but) everyone knows our aim this year.
      “That’s to go and challenge and get this team back to the WSL.
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      “We’ve got eight games to go now, and everyone is going to be huge. The players will be hungry, and they’ll be focused and ready.”
      –  More

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      Chelsea women’s clash with Sunderland STOPPED after assistant referee goes down with injury as fans left concerned

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      CHELSEA’S clash with Sunderland was temporarily suspended tonight after an injury to assistant referee Ceri Williams.The Blues were taking on the Black Cats in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup when the incident occurred.
      Assistant Referee Ceri Williams went down in agony during Chelsea’s clash with SunderlandCredit: Getty
      Play was temporarily halted while medics rushed to treat herCredit: Rex
      Williams suffered the injury just after the ten minute mark of the quarter final at Kingsmeadow.
      In worrying scenes, the Welsh official was spotted laid flat on her back as the referee called for medical assistance.
      Play was stopped as Williams received treatment, before she was eventually replaced by the fourth official while appearing to support her left arm as she left the pitch.
      “I hope it’s nothing serious,” wrote one concerned viewer.
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      While another echoed those sentiments by stating they too “hope the problem is not serious”.
      The 28-year-old began refereeing in her hometown of Swansea.

      Williams worked her way up through Welsh grassroots football before then pushing ahead in her career as an assistant referee which has led to her being listed by Fifa.
      She has refereed at international level and also appeared on the line in the Uefa Women’s Champions League.
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      Williams was the first Welsh woman to officiate in a Uefa men’s competition when Celtic took on Real Madrid in the Uefa Youth League last season.
      And she also recently officiated in the Uefa Women’s U19 European Championship Final.
      BBC suffer huge technical error just seconds into Chelsea vs Man Utd as already-limited coverage descends into farce
      No update or confirmation of her issue tonight has yet been announced.
      Williams was spotted holding and supporting her left arm as she left the actionCredit: Rex
      The Welsh official made history last season in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Chloe Kelly lined up for stunning transfer that would see her become the highest-paid women’s player in Europe

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      CHLOE KELLY has emerged as a summer transfer target for Paris Saint-Germain.The French giants are said to want to make the England and Manchester City ace the highest-paid female player in Europe.
      Kelly could become the highest-paid player in Europe if she joins PSGCredit: Getty
      Their interest, reported by Mail Sport, comes two years on from Kelly signing a three-year contract extension with City which expires next February.
      The winger currently earns £933,500-a-year.
      The WSL ace has flourished for club and country since scoring the match-winning strike that helped the Lionesses win the Euros in 2022.
      This season the London-born forward has helped her side keep pace with Chelsea in the league title race, notching up five goals and four assists in 13 games.
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      The team, who visit Arsenal on Sunday, are currently second in the WSL and chasing their first top-flight crown since 2016.
      The Citizens are just three points off the league leaders and will be hoping to keep the pressure on Emma Hayes’ side going into the business end of the season.
      But, victory for Arsenal would see them move level with City, albeit behind on goal difference.
      The Daily Mail claims City hope Kelly will pen a new deal with the club before the final year of her contract.
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      However, the Lioness is thought to be pausing discussions concerning her future until the end of this season.
      PSG’s reported interest would see Kelly become the highest paid female footballer in Europe – only out-earned by stars playing in the USA.
      England’s Chloe Kelly joins in with Sweet Caroline after they’re crowned Women’s Euro 2022 champions
      The Mail also claim that other European clubs could be tempted to outbid PSG should it become clear that Kelly is set on leaving Manchester City. More

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      England Lionesses star Rachel Daly slapped with three-match BAN for elbowing opponent in face

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      RACHEL DALY has been hit with a three-match ban following an incident during Aston Villa’s clash with Bristol City on Saturday. Video footage shows the Villans striker appearing to elbow Robins captain Megan Connolly in the face during the WSL duel. 
      Rachel Daly’s three-match ban follows the Aston Villa ace being penalised for violent conductCredit: Getty
      Daly appeared to elbow Bristol defender Megan Connolly in the face during Villa’s clash with the RobinsCredit: Getty
      The incident, which occurred in the 39th minute of the match, was not initially spotted by the referee.
      But it was captured on camera during the encounter which ended as a 2-2 draw with the FA deciding that it constituted violent conduct.
      Daly, who has made 13 appearances for Villa this term, has admitted to the FA’s charge and will serve the suspension.
      The ban means the player will miss her side’s Conti Cup quarter-final duel against Brighton this evening.
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      She will also be absent from their next two WSL games against Tottenham and Liverpool.
      An FA statement on the incident said: “Her behaviour during the 39th-minute wasn’t seen by the match officials at the time but it was caught on camera.
      “The FA alleged that it constitutes violent conduct.
      “Rachel Daly has subsequently admitted this charge and accepted the automatic penalty for violent conduct.”
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      Last term Daly was awarded the WSL’s Golden Boot after finishing the season as top scorer with 22 goals in 22 games.
      Carla Ward’s side will face Brighton in the Conti Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Reuters
      Her efforts helped Villa achieve their highest finish in the top-flight to date with the team claiming fifth spot.
      This season has seen them initially struggle in the league losing eight of their 13 matches played.
      However, Carla Ward’s side have picked up two wins and a draw from their last four WSL games. More

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      Frank Lampard tipped to become new Chelsea women’s manager just eight months after leaving Stamford Bridge

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      FRANK LAMPARD has been tipped to become the next Chelsea women’s manager.Legendary boss Emma Hayes will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season to take over as USA women’s head coach.
      Frank Lampard has been tipped to return to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Lampard has been tipped to replace Chelsea women’s boss Emma HayesCredit: Rex
      Chelsea are rigorously looking for a new women’s managerCredit: Rex
      Izzy Christiansen is adamant Lampard would be the perfect candidateCredit: Getty
      That will cap off a glittering 12-year stint for Hayes who won a staggering six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two Continental Cups, the Spring Series and the Community Shield.
      The Blues are now rigorously searching for the 47-year-old’s replacement, who will surely have some massive boots to fill.
      However, former England international Izzy Christiansen is adamant Lampard would be the perfect candidate.
      That is because the men’s team’s record goalscorer knows the club inside out and his character would lead to a smooth transition to a new and prosperous era.
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      Christiansen told Live Score: “I do have a name in mind but I’ve never heard anyone throw it out there… Frank Lampard.
      “He’s somebody who knows the club inside out. From my experiences at Everton, listening to him speak, he’s the right type of character.
      “His level of communication and knowledge of the game could be really effective and I think you’ve got someone well accustomed with what it means to be Chelsea.
      “I don’t have any knowledge on whether he’d want it or not but it makes sense to me.
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      “To be honest, I sit in a party where it doesn’t have to be a female, doesn’t have to be a male — it just needs to be the right person for the job.
      “There’s no gain in Chelsea going, ‘Right, let’s pigeonhole this, it has to be a female’.
      Frank Lampard reveals who is blocking Mason Mount from thriving at Man Utd and slams club for lack of plan
      “If they want to continue or attempt to continue the dominance they’ve had domestically, it has to be the correct appointment.”
      That would mark Lampard’s third return to Stamford Bridge after his stunning 13-year playing career came to an end in 2014.
      The legendary midfielder first came back as manager in 2019 and enjoyed a successful debut season as the Blues finished fourth despite a transfer embargo.
      However, the 45-year-old tactician’s second season was marred by poor results and he was swiftly replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who went on to win the Champions League.
      Lampard returned as caretaker boss in April for an abysmal second stint that saw him losing eight out of 11 matches, of which he won only one before his departure in June. More

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      Emma Hayes left shocked by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips and shares thoughts on Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool

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      EMMA HAYES was stunned by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips after less than ten months managing their women’s side. The Chelsea chief also empathised with Jurgen Klopp’s reasons for standing down as Liverpool boss and leaving at the end of this term. 
      Emma Hayes reckons Brighton’s decision to end Melissa Phillips’ reign as head coach was a “little bit quick”Credit: Getty
      The USA-born coach was relieved of her duties just two days before the Seagulls’ league duel with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Hayes, 47, was speaking to reporters on Friday less than 24 hours after the Seagulls announced the departure of Phillips. 
      The American head coach’s exit came five days on from Chelsea’s 3-0 away defeat of Albion.
      It follows a run of seven losses in 12 WSL games this term with the Seagulls sitting second from bottom. 
      Brighton say their decision was “vital for the progress” they want to see the team make in the WSL with the club harbouring top three ambitions. 
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      Hayes, whose team host Everton next, said: “The manager has only been in place since last April, she’s just brought players in the window this January. 
      “I thought they were a very organised team when we played them last week, but there are a lot of young players in there that take a while (to develop). 
      “Getting into the top three is tough for anyone.
      “We’ve since the challenges it has posed for Manchester United and they’ve developed a much more experienced squad than Brighton. 
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      “I was shocked by that decision to be honest. 
      “Yes the game is going that way but no one is being paid a million pounds here (in women’s football) to make that decision. It seemed a little bit quick.”
      Hayes’ side are currently top after 10 wins from 12 league duels so far this term. 
      And they hope to win a seventh WSL title under their boss who will leave Chelsea at the end of the season to take charge of the US Women’s team. 
      Hayes’ departure after 14 trophy-laden years in the Blues’ hot seat will coincide with Klopp bidding farewell to Liverpool later this year . 
      The German, 56, leaves at the end of this season after nine successful years in which he led the Reds to seven major trophy wins including Champions League and Prem titles. 
      And “running out of energy” was among the reasons Klopp gave for his decision to leave the club he loves. 
      Of his motivations to stand down from his role, Hayes said: “I related to everything he said, and I don’t think maybe enough attention and time is put on the mental health and wellbeing of staff in football. 
      “Everybody expects the most from us (manager). 
      “Players expect everything from us, clubs expect everything, everyone expects everything. But the volume of hours you have to commit to this job is unsustainable.”
      Hayes admits she can relate to the reasons by Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool after nine years in chargeCredit: Alamy
      On Klopp’s candid explanation, Hayes added: “He articulated it better than me. 
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      “He articulated it really, really well. I don’t have his luxury though, that’s the difference
      “Nonetheless, I also get to go to an Olympics and a World Cup (with the USA) so I just have to maybe reflect on that or keep myself as fresh as possible.” More

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      Former Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi seals short-term Arsenal move

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      ARSENAL have strengthened their goalkeeper options by adding Sarah Bouhaddi to their ranks on a short-term deal.The ex-Lyon ace 37, who won the Women’s Champions League eight times with the French giants, has joined the WSL side as a free agent.

      Sarah Bouhaddi’s Arsenal move follows the club signing United States defender Emily Fox earlier this month
      Bouhaddi’s move follows her one-year spell playing for Lyon’s rivals Paris Saint-Germain up until the end of last season.
      The arrival of the Cannes-born player also comes two weeks after Arsenal number one Manuela Zinsberger signed a new contract with the club.
      The side, currently third in the Women’s Super League, have been previously linked with Manchester United ace Mary Earps.
      Of her move to the Gunners who face West Ham in the top-flight on Sunday, Bouhaddi said: “I’m delighted to be joining Arsenal and to become part of this great club,”
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      “Arsenal has so much history across both the men’s and women’s teams and I’ve always admired the club.
      “I’m excited to get the opportunity to play in a league that is going from strength to strength.
      “I want to bring my experience to help the rest of the squad. I can’t wait to get started.”
      Bouhaddi’s temporary switch until the end of this season will see her provide cover for Sabrina D’Angelo.
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      The Gunners shot stopper is due to compete for Canada in the Gold Cup next month.
      Prior to signing for the WSL title-chasers the highly-rated veteran goalkeeper’s career included a trophy-laden 13-year with Lyon.
      She joined the French top-tier outfit in 2009 following spells at Toulouse and Juvisy from 2002 until that year.
      Whilst at Lyon Bouhaddi established herself as one of top shot stoppers in the world helping the club to win 11 top-flight titles and eight French Cups.
      Her performances for one of the most successful sides in women’s club football in European also helped her win Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper award back in 2020.
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “There aren’t many goalkeepers in world football with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Sarah has.
      “We’re delighted to bring her in to supplement our goalkeeping options.”
      Bouhaddi won eight Champions League trophies with Lyon

      Gunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley added: “She has a proven track record at the highest level of the game and we believe she is the perfect player to come in for this period.”
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      Bouhaddi, who began her senior club career with CNFE Clairefontaine in 2002, has made 149 appearances for France.
      Three years after helping her Les Bleues win the SheBelieves Cup in 2017, Bouhaddi decided to take a break from international duty. More