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      Former Man City cult hero Shaun Goater lands manager job after boss is sacked following bizarre social media post

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      SHAUN GOATER has taken charge of Aston Villa’s women’s side following the sacking of Robert de Pauw.The Manchester City legend, 54, is managing the team in the interim following the departure of the Holland-born coach.Shaun Goater was a Man City player and coach, now he’s been promoted to interim women’s boss at Villa after being assistant head coachCredit: GettyDutchman Robert de Pauw has been sacked by Aston VillaCredit: ReutersAnd the former striker, who scored more than a hundred times for the Cityzens, oversaw his first game at the helm when Villa hosted Charlton in the Women’s League Cup on Wednesday night.De Pauw’s exit, announced by the club yesterday, came three days after the Villans fell to a fifth loss in nine top-flight games.The Dutchman is alleged to have made unprofessional remarks to players, including comments about their appearance.According to The Guardian concerns were raised in-house about the claims which the club are reported to have looked into.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe Sun has contacted Villa for comment on those claims.The Dutch coach left the club “with immediate effect” after just six months at the helm.Just 24 hours earlier the ex-Bayer Leverkusen chief posted what many regarded as a cryptic message on LinkedIn.De Pauw wrote: “Finding the balance between the short term and long term in the best interest for the team and club is not an easy thing. It comes with big sacrifices.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You need the backing of the club if you want the team to go from average, to good, to better, to top.”This reselecting and developing of a team is a necessary thing to do to make these steps. I did this in Leverkusen the past two seasons selecting on football, behaviour and characteristics of the players.Meet Aston Villa wonderkid Lamare Bogarde who has a famous uncle”I never shy away from difficult decisions and I will certainly not win the popularity contests. Because you can never satisfy everyone.”But always keeping standards high to get the best out of the team and each other.”Following a promising pre-season that included a friendly win against Man City, the Villans have endured a poor start to this season.The team were trounced 4-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday and have notched just ONE win in the WSL so far this term.Their dismal run has left them fourth from bottom and just one point above bottom-placed Crystal Palace before their final WSL game this year on Sunday.The team are due to host West Ham who are ninth with eight points and also battling to avoid the drop.De Pauw’s departure was announced in a brief written statement published on their web site.They say Goater will be in charge of their women’s squad “until a new manager is appointed and will be supported by the wider coaching team”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former Bermuda international joined Villa as assistant women’s team head coach in August.Before then Goater had worked as an assistant to Cityzens women’s side gaffer Gareth Taylor from April last year to June until this summer. More

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      Millie Bright hopes Chelsea maintain ‘monster mentality’ with team chasing European glory in her tenth year at the club

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      MILLIE BRIGHT wants Chelsea to maintain their “monster mentality” with the WSL leaders currently unbeaten so far this season. And taking on Barcelona in the 2021 Champions League final remains one of her standout memories despite her side’s 4-0 loss.Millie Bright says winning a Champions League trophy for the first time is one Chelsea’s “ultimate goals”Credit: GettyThe Blues captain and her team-mates hope to extend their winning run in Europe by beating FC Twente in their penultimate group stage gameCredit: GettyThe Blues are chasing an eighth WSL title are currently unbeaten so far this seasonCredit: GettyAt 8:00pm tomorrow the Blues skipper and her team-mates host FC Twente at Stamford Bridge with the aim of finishing top of group B While their place in the tournament’s knockout phase has already been booked, Chelsea hope to extend their winning streak to 14 games in Europe and the WSL this term.For Bright, 31, the idea of going unbeaten has sat in her mind. The centre-back, who sealed a Blues move ten years ago today, hopes the team retain its “winning DNA” will be one of her legacies.Read More Football Stories Bright, whose side are currently unbeaten this term, said: “I want my legacy to be winning. “I’ve always said that since day one and from lifting that first trophy. “I want Chelsea to keep that winning DNA and monster mentality. “I always joke about being a surprise signing. No one expected it and there were a lot of doubts.Most read in Football”I want everyone to look at that and know that if you have the right mentality, attitude and apply yourself properly, you can be successful in whatever environment you go into.”Since joining Chelsea from a Doncaster Rovers Belles side that were demoted in 2013, Bright has lifted seven WSL titles, four FA Cups and two Women’s League Cups. One major prize that has thus far eluded her is a Women’s Champions League trophy. And Bright hopes her tenth term at Chelsea could be the season she lifts one. She adds: “To be able to play in that Champions League final (against Barcelona three years ago) is a standing memory because I want to be able to go to one again. “I don’t have any regrets (about the result). I learnt so much from that experience.Bright wants Chelsea to maintain momentum by registering wins in their last three games for this yearCredit: Getty”Everyone knows that’s the trophy that we’re after. “We have been for so long and nothing changes in that mindset. “That’s the ultimate goal.” More

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      Sonia Bompastor praises ‘brave’ Chelsea display as WSL leaders extend winning run with defeat of Brighton

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR hailed Hannah Hampton for helping Chelsea snuff out Brighton despite a clearance leading to an Albion goal.The Blues goalkeeper pulled off some stunning saves as Sjoeke Nusken’s brace contributed to a 4-2 defeat of the Seagulls on Sunday.Chelsea’s win enabled them to maintain their five-point lead at the WSL’s summit following Man City’s 4-0 defeat of LeicesterCredit: PASome well-executed saves from Hannah Hampton helped Chelsea protect their advantageCredit: GettySjoeke Nusken bagged her first two WSL goals for this season netting twice for ChelseaCredit: ReutersBrighton had nine shots on target including one from ex-Blues ace Jelena Cankovic who scored their first-half equaliserCredit: PAThe hosts registered their ninth win in nine games to maintain their flawless run and five-point lead at the summit. Bompastor’s side also equalled Arsenal’s record of nine straight victories in the top-flight set during 2018 to 2019 campaignAnd the six-goal thriller at Kingsmeadow included two goals conceded by Chelsea and Albion following wobbly moments at the back. This included Hampton’s 71st-minute attempted clearance paving the way for Kiko Seike netting Brighton’s second goal. Read More Football StoriesBlues boss Bompastor said: “Hannah had a great game even when you analyse her performance and you can also see the (second) goal we conceded. “But I don’t care about that when we get a win. “For me it’s more important for my players to try even if they don’t succeed. I want them to be brave and confident enough to try again. “And when you look at her performance the balance is more positive.Most read in Football”She made some great saves that allowed us to stay in the game and that’s what I focus on.” The Seagulls, who had forward Fran Kirby absent due to a calf injury, pushed their hosts all the way as they mounted a late fightback. The visitors had nine shots on target during the match and prompted some quality saves from Hampton, including a close-range stop from a Seike strike late on. Bompastor added: “Before the game in the press conference, someone told me you are dominating the league and it was not good for the league “This game showed we have a competitive league. “We were expecting a difficult game with players returning from international duty. “And at this time of the year they are fatigued and at these times it’s important to focus on performance and having good energy to win”Ex-Blues midfielder Jelena Cankovic had a ninth-minute strike cleared off the line in a frantic first half. Jorelyn Carabali forced Hampton to save her headed effort with an outstretched leg at the half hour point. And the deadlock was broken when Nusken exploited Brighton’s attempts to pass out from the back, easing the ball across the line in the 35th minute. Albion goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley was caught dawdling by Aggie Beever-Jones as Chelsea took a 2-0 lead in 40 minutesBut the Seagulls rallied with Cankovic pulling a goal back with a swept-in effort close to half-time. The second half saw highly-rated forward Michelle Agyemang come on for the visitors.But their hosts took a 3-1 lead with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd netting after Baggaley’s 51st minute save of Lucy Bronze’s shot deflected off herBut Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal, gave Brighton hope of a possible draw as her charge down of Hampton’s clearance teed up Seike’s walloped finishThe Japan striker had a late shot stopped by Hampton before Chelsea put the game to bed with Nusken’s injury-time header. And the result saw Albion drop to fifth before their league clash with Tottenham on Saturday, as Arsenal moved up to third spot with Manchester United sitting fourth. Brighton boss Dario Vidosic said: “We knew we had to come out and we wanted to try to win. “We probably could have scored five or six. “We made a few little mistakes that we normally don’t make, but that’s all part of the process.”But I’m really proud (of the players’ performance) after a short period with disruptions leading into this. Kiko Seike netted her fifth goal in eight WSL appearances when she scored Brighton’s secondCredit: Getty “We lost three players in Fran (Kirby), Maisie (Symonds) and Madison (Haley to injuries) during the international break. READ MORE SUN STORIES”To put in the performance we did it would have been just that we got something out of it.”We didn’t but we’ll learn from this and we’ll be ready to go again on Wednesday night (in the League Cup against Bristol City).” More

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      Bizarre reason England star was BANNED from coming on to the pitch despite being stripped off and ready for substitution

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      SARINA WIEGMAN has revealed why England were BANNED from bringing on Lucy Bronze in their friendly win over Switzerland.The Lionesses treated fans to a 1-0 victory courtesy of an early Grace Clinton goal to follow up their 0-0 draw with the USA.Bronze was dressed and ready to come on to earn her 128th capBut the Chelsea star was sent back to the bench in the 83rd minuteIt came after a baffling administrative errorBronze was geared up to enter the contest, for what would’ve been her 128th cap, in the final 10 minutes of the contest at Bramall Lane.The Chelsea star, 33, was dressed and ready on the touchline before being asked to return to her seat.Wiegman was instead forced to bring on NJ/NY Gotham defender Jess Carter on Tuesday.It was later revealed that England had failed to include Bronze on their official team list.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWiegman explained: “That was the moment where she was not on the list. There had been a mistake, unfortunately, a human mistake.”We found out there and we still wanted to bring her on the pitch but unfortunately she couldn’t go so that was really frustrating, of course the most for herself but, we couldn’t change it anymore.”According to the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) laws of the game, “only the players and substitutes named on the team list may take part in the match upon their arrival”.For those who are not named on the team list as a player, substitute or a team official, they are classified as “an outside agent”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWiegman made ten changes from England’s stalemate with the US, managed by Emma Hayes.And Clinton, 21, repaid her faith with her third international goal in five appearances.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamThe Manchester United star had England in front within ten minutes, firing home from close range.She was on hand to smash home the rebound after Millie Turner headed the ball on to the post from a free-kick.The Lionesses return to action on February 21 when they take on Portugal in their first match of the Women’s Nations League.Grace Clinton scored the only goal of the evening More

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      Wiegman pleased with Clinton and Park ‘difference’ during England defeat of Switzerland but rues team sheet ‘error’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN praised Grace Clinton and Jess Park for making a difference during England’s 1-0 friendly defeat of Switzerland. And the Lionesses boss challenged Clinton to become even more consistent following the victory last night. Grace Clinton netted the Lionesses’ winning goal against Switzerland in the eighth minute of their match at Bramall LaneCredit: GettyJess Park and Aggie Beever-Jones also impressed in attack with Sarina Wiegman making ten changes to the team that drew with the United StatesCredit: AlamyThe Lionesses kept a clean sheet in their final match this year with the team looking ahead to the draw for next year’s EurosCredit: GettyLucy Bronze was unable to come on as a substitute due to an error that resulted in the full-back not being listed as part of England’s squadCredit: GettyAfter being benched for England’s 0-0 draw with the USA at Wembley on Saturday, Clinton delivered a sharp shift in response last night. The Manchester United midfielder broke the deadlock eight minutes into the game for Wiegman’s revamped side. Her first-half strike at Bramall Lane, for a youthful England team was her third goal in five senior international appearances. Wiegman said: “Grace is improving well. She had to do a couple of things too. She had a good game. Read More Football Stories”The next step (for her) is to get into the squad more often and get consistency. “I was really happy with her. You can really see that she’s developing.”But I also thought Jess Park made a difference today.”England found themselves under pressure at times during the second half with Pia Sundhage’s Switzerland applying more pressure in the final third. Most read in FootballAnd despite having just three shots on target, Clinton’s finish was enough to ensure the 2022 Euros champions rounded off this year with a win. And this followed some mixed results during their last camp, which included a 4-3 loss to Germany.  England will now look ahead to discovering who they face in next year’s Women’s Euros, with the draw scheduled next Wednesday. Of the team’s performance, Wiegman added: “We played really well in the first half, we challenged them all the time, played mainly on their half of the pitch, created chances, and scored one goal. “I was really happy with that because what we wanted to do with a very young team, some debuts and some starters for the first time in (a while) who hadn’t played for us. “In the second half our level dropped. We were more sloppy. “We didn’t find the pockets well enough. So that was a little bit harder. “I wanted to see many things. I wanted to try out things, but also manage loads of players, because there is a quick turnaround. “All of these things together make me take the (selection) decisions that I did.”On a night in which the head coach made ten changes to the team that drew with the USA, the only significant error was one concerning their team sheet. During the second-half Lucy Bronze was getting ready to come on for the hosts. But the full-back ended up having to retake her seat on England’s bench due to not being included on the Lionesses’ squad list.Wiegman said: “That was a human error from our side and that’s very frustrating of course, and very disappointing because we wanted to bring her in – mainly for her. “These things happen sometimes.”On Monday, Wiegman declared she would experiment and made ten changes to the team that faced the United States last time out.Senior debuts were handed to Leicester midfielder Ruby Mace and Man City forward Laura Blindkilde-Brown. In a nod to the future eight of Wiegman’s starting line-up was under the age of 25.Blindkilde-Brown and Mace the youngest at 21. Before last night, Wiegman urged Clinton to be switched on international shifts. And she wasted no time in showing her alertness, smashing England’s early opener into the roof of the net. Park dragged a shot wide shortly after the half hour mark before Maya Le Tissier had a tame shot comfortably claimed by Switzerland keeper Elvira Herzog. Alessia Russo almost doubled England’s advantage with a 51st-minute header after replacing Park. Wiegman’s players will find out who they will face in the group stage of next year’s Women’s Euros when the draw takes place on December 10Credit: AlamyAnd England keeper Hannah Hampton made a swift stop to keep out Iman Beney’s strike as the visitors upped their tempo. READ MORE SUN STORIESHer well-timed tipped ball over the bar denied Meriame Terchoun a long-range leveller with England holding firm.And substitute Georgia Stanway struck the post with a shot in injury-time before her team saw out the win.  More

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      England need to be ‘uncomfortable’ to get better, says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman ahead of Switzerland clash

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      SARINA WIEGMAN warns England stars must get used to feeling uncomfortable with their Euros title defence drawing nearer. Her remarks follow Leah Williamson reflecting on testing moments for the Lionesses in two intense end-of-year camps. Sarina Wiegman expects players to feel uncomfortable as England push to improve ahead of next year’s EurosCredit: ReutersThe Lionesses is planning to field a much changed England side against side Switzerland following a 0-0 friendly draw with the United StatesCredit: AlamyEngland skipper Leah Williamson told Sky Sports England’s most recent camps with games against Germany, South Africa, and the USA have been moulded to test themCredit: AlamyTomorrow the England skipper, 27, and her team-mates host Switzerland in an 8pm Bramall Lane clash in their last friendly before 2025.  The duel with next year’s Euros hosts comes seven months before the 2022 champs begin their quest to win the tournament back-to-back. Before then Wiegman’s side will resume their build-up with Nations League action in February with World Cup winners Spain among their group stage foes. And 51-capped Williamson reckons England’s recent camps have been moulded to test them.  Read More Football StoriesLionesses boss Wiegman, 56, said: “That’s what you need at moments. “At the end, before we go into a tournament, you want clarity and that everyone knows their role, which we know in top sport can also change very quickly. “But now you’re trying out things, you want everyone to compete at the highest level, compete against opponents, but also compete against each other. “That’s what you need to become better and that’s uncomfortable. Most read in Football”It’s also trying out new things and we’re not going to get everything right, but we’re learning and it gives us information.”With Wiegman due to whittle her squad down to 23 for the Euros, Jess Park expects the battle for squad spots to be more intense. The in-form Lioness forward, 23, added: “That’s the best way a team needs to be. “If there is no competition it’s never going to bring out the best in you.”Wiegman is likely to field a much-changed line-up to the team that drew with the USA on Saturday. However the England chief will be without the services of Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby with injuries forcing the duo to return to their clubs. The Manchester City and Brighton forwards came on as second-half substitutes against the United States. However Kelly sustained concussion during the match while Kirby picked up a calf injury. With Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone also injured, England’s forward ranks are depleted. Among the up and coming stars vying to start is midfielder Grace Clinton who did not feature in the 0-0 draw at Wembley. Along with Jess Naz, Grace Clinton (left) and Ruby Mace (right) are vying for a tarting spot for England against SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersWiegman added: “What we want is consistency and what I talk with Grace about a lot is she needs to stay switched on at all times. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She’s tight on the ball but she also shows she can come into the box. “Defensively her understanding needs to be improved, the consistency and to know what the bigger picture is than only her own task.” More

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      Emma Hayes ‘disappointed’ by criticism of Barbra Banda after Zambia star’s BBC Women’s Footballer award win

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      Emma Hayes hit out at “ridiculous” remarks aimed at Barbra Banda following her BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year triumph.The Orlando Pride and Zambia forward has been the target of hostile comments and abuse online following her award win. Banda’s BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award win follows her finishing as the NWSL’s second highest scorer this seasonCredit: APThe Zambia forward’s goals helped Orlando Pride with the NWSL Championship for the first timeCredit: GettyBanda, who captains her national side, helped Orlando win a National Women’s Soccer League title for the first time in their history this year. However the BBC’s decision to award her their Women’s Football of the Year has seen the forward face a torrent of abuse on social media. Criticism of the organisation awarding the prize to Banda follows the player being withdrawn from two Women’s Africa Cup of Nations contests amid claims she failed a gender eligibility test. This includes the tournament hosted in Morocco two years ago which was won by South Africa.Read More Football StoriesHowever her agent Anton Maksimov and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) say she did not take a test. They said her withdrawal was down to the Football Association of Association Zambia.Author JK Rowling and former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies have been among the public figures who criticised Banda’s BBC award win.  However some of the women’s game most powerful organisations and individuals have come to the forward’s defence. Most read in FootballThis includes Hayes, two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe and the NWSL Players’ Association. Hayes said: “It is ridiculous that she has to endure questions like this, she has our support. “She’s someone who’s done a tremendous amount, not just for her club but for her country, and what a brilliant season she’s had. “We should be talking about that, the impact she’s had on the NWSL, and we saw it firsthand in the Olympics (when she played for Zambia).””Quite frankly, I’m disappointed when I hear a lot of these things being said.”Banda, who made her senior international debut in 2016, has made 63 appearances for her countryThis includes featuring in three games at last year’s Women’s World Cup after Fifa deemed her eligible to play. This season Banda scored 13 goals in 22 NWSL games helping Orlando win the divisions title.Banda captained the Zambia team that competed in last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: GettyHayes added: “I speak so highly of her because in the women’s game, we talk about all top players that come from more traditional (football) nations. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think it’s great that we see such quality coming out of Africa and for her to make the impact that she has. “I know my assistant coach (Lisa Cole) coached her at Zambia, and talked about what an amazing person she is. She has our full support.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman eager to consign USA to first defeat under Emma Hayes with team unbeaten in 11 games

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      SARINA WIEGMAN will not be letting friendship get in the way of her determination to guide England to victory over Emma Hayes’ USA. The duo go toe-to-toe as coaches for the first time tomorrow when the Lionesses face the United States at Wembley. Sarina Wiegman is aiming to guide the Lionesses to friendly wins against the USA and SwitzerlandCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with the United States women’s team will see Wiegman pitted against USA boss Emma HayesCredit: GettyUSA captain Lindsey Horan says her side enjoy “the pressure moments” when facing teams like EnglandCredit: GettyThe 5:20pm Saturday clash will be Hayes’ first homecoming as USA chief this year. She began her role in June, after ending her reign as Chelsea boss leading the Blues to a seventh WSL title. Tomorrow’s fixture follows Hayes, 48, steering her US stars to a gold medal win at the Paris Olympics in August. And with the team unbeaten in 11 games since Hayes took charge, Wiegman is ready to give her rival her first taste of international defeat. Read More Football Stories The Lioness chief, 55, said: “Emma and I used to collaborate, but now we’re opponents and I’m really looking forward to that.”With friends, you really want to beat them, maybe even more than if they’re not your friends. “We play at Wembley, there’s going to be around 85,000 people there, plus the USA won at the Olympics, so it’s really exciting.”The Lionesses’ clash with the United States will be the first time the teams have faced each other since England’s 2-1 victory two years ago in October. Most read in FootballSince then the Lionesses reached a World Cup final for the first time last summer, falling to a 1-0 loss to Spain. Results for both sides in the last international window have been in contrast. While Hayes’ players saw off Iceland and Argentina with 3-1 and 3-0 wins, Wiegman’s team suffered a 4-3 loss to Germany before defeating South Africa 2-1.And though the USA have been the victors in 12 of their 19 duels with England, full-back Lucy Bronze believes the rivalry between both sides is respectful. The Lioness, who is a Fifa 2024 women’s player of the year nominee, added: “As much as there is a rivalry, there is that level of respect.”You get that when you have a rivalry with two teams that get to the highest level. “As an English team we’ve always understood that the US have had to do so much to get to where they are, “That’s something we really admire in them and something that they’ve inspired us to do as an England team after winning the Euros. “We’re rivals, we’re a community but at the same time we still want to beat each other. “With England and America, it’s always that high level of rivalry but also respect.”With more than 83,000 fans expected at Wembley, Hayes was asked her thoughts on how the women’s game is currently faring here compared to across the pond. However the USA chief believes the sport in both locations should be celebrated equally. The USA chief said: “It’s fair to say that both countries are committed to women’s sport and developing the women’s game. Lucy Bronze is among the five Lionesses who have been shortlisted for this year’s Fifa women’s player of the year awardCredit: Getty”As always, we talk about the things we need to keep doing to improve it, but I think we need to celebrate how far we’ve come. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having 80,000 paying fans to watch a great match-up is, again, not just a sign of progress, but shows that the Lionesses are sustaining a lot.”It’s about celebrating both countries and celebrating the work that’s being done, as opposed to picking it apart.” More