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      Lucy Bronze confirms Chelsea move and return to England’s top-flight after Barcelona exit

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      LUCY BRONZE has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving three-time Women’s Champions League winners Barcelona.The England defender’s move to the WSL title holders comes three weeks after her contract with the Catalan giants ended.Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea after a trophy-laden two-year stint with BarcelonaBronze’s move comes a day after the Lioness helped European champions England automatically qualify for next year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBronze, who has won five Champions League trophies, will hope to do so for a sixth time with ChelseaCredit: GettyHer switch was confirmed by Chelsea a day after she helped England automatic qualify for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandThe 125-capped right-back, 32, and her team-mates hope to win the tournament for the second time in a row following their 2022 triumph.Bronze’s transfer will see her return to the Women’s Super League for the first time since leaving Man City two years ago to play in Spain.It will also see her link up with her England team-mates Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones.Read More Football StoriesThe defender, who has won three WSL titles, describes her Chelsea move as “surreal”.Bronze said:  “I’m really excited to be back in England.”My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games. “I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.Most read in Football”To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. “It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time.”Over the course of a 17-year senior playing career which began in Sunderland in 2007 has lifted five Champions League trophies – two with Barcelona and three her former club Lyon.And the full-back has won three WSL titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016 during spells with Liverpool and Man City.  Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender.”She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea follows a busy month of transfers for the Blues since new boss Sonia Bompastor took charge of the club.The ex-Lyon head coach has bolstered her midfield options with Julia Bartel and Oriane Jean-Francois joining from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea’s new additions include France forward Sandy BaltimoreCredit: GettyThis follows Melanie Leupolz’s departure for Real Madrid after four years with the Blues. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have also strengthened their attacking options by signing of France and former PSG forward Sandy Baltimore following Fran Kirby’s move to WSL rivals Brighton.Next season the team will chase an eighth top-flight title win and as well pushing to win the Champions League for the first time. More

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      Sarina Wiegman wishes Gareth Southgate the very best despite England win hurting her ‘orange heart’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits it hurt her “orange heart” to see England knock her Netherlands compatriots out of the Euros.But the Lionesses boss, 54, wished Gareth Southgate and his men the very best before their battle to become Europe’s new football kings.Sarina Wiegman’s players will play the Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road and Sweden in Gothenburg in their Women’s Euros qualifiers this monthCredit: GettyWiegman and her players watched the Three Lions beat the Netherlands in men’s Euros semis to set up a clash with Spain in the finalCredit: GettyThe Lioness boss sayes watching Ollie Watkin’s bag England’s semi-final winning goal hurt her orange heartCredit: GettyWiegman and England Women’s stars gathered around the TV to watch the Three Lions book their place in the men’s final in Berlin, Germany.Their 2-1 semis defeat of her compatriots, with Ollie Watkins netting the winner in Dortmund, set up England’s Sunday night showdown with Spain.The Wednesday night triumph for Southgate’s side’s preceded Wiegman’s players resuming their bid to automatically qualify for next year Women’s Euros.The Dutchwoman, whose team play the Republic of Ireland in a Euros qualifier at Carrow Road on Friday, said: “Of course I wish the very best for Gareth and his team, of course we are colleagues.Most read in Football”But it did hurt a little bit, my orange heart hurt.”Among the Lionesses sat alongside Wiegman watching the men’s heroics was Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp.The in-form 57-capped forward, 23, joked it was odd to watch along with her Netherlands-born national team boss.Hemp, 23, said: “It was a great result. It was weird watching it (with Sarina) I guess but it was a really good game.Most read in Football”England left it to the last minute like they always do which is exciting.”They’ve got their game at the weekend and we’ve got two very important games coming up so it would be nice to share that success and get a couple of wins.”The Lionesses, who won the women’s contest two years ago, hope to become the first England side to win back-to-back European Championships.Seeing the Three Lions reach successive men’s finals has spurred on Hemp’s hope to help her side triumph in the women’s tournament again.She adds: “It’s so nice to see the men doing well and it does make us relive those special moments.”When we won the Euros that was probably the best day of my life and we want to do the same next year. “That starts from the qualifiers now.”Although level on points with second-placed Sweden, England are currently third in their group in League A.Only the top two teams automatically qualify for next year’s Euros.Their last two qualifiers resulted in a loss and a win against group A3 leaders France.For former Norwich youth player Hemp, an England victory at the Canaries’ home ground would be extra special.The in-form foward said: “Of course I’m so excited to be back home.”It’s obviously nice seeing the pitch again and training on it. “I’m really excited for the game and it’s sold out so that’s even better.”Wiegman says her squad is in a good place with all players training ahead of her team’s next two games.Lauren Hemp hopes she and her Lionesses team-mates will have the chance to relive the experience of winning the EurosCredit: GettyThe England chief has no fitness concerns regarding goalkeeper Mary Earps who has recovered following a minor hip injury READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever full-back Niamh Charles is unlikely to be able to play both matches.Wiegman added: “Coming from the place where Niamh comes, we know she can’t play two times for 90 minutes.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema seals three-year switch to Manchester City and hopes ‘best years are still to come’

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA hailed her stunning Manchester City move as the “best fit” for her after joining the WSL giants as a free agent today.And the former Arsenal star, 27, is hopeful her best years on the pitch are still to come after sealing a three-year move to the Cityzens.Vivianne Miedema sees Manchester City’s football style as a good fit for herThe Netherlands forward’s contract with Man City will run until the summer of 2027Miedema’s move as a free agent comes two months after her departure from Arsenal after spending seven years with the GunnersCredit: PAHer contract with her new club will run until the summer of 2027. The Netherlands all-time record goal scorer had been heavily linked with the Manchester giants following her departure from the Gunners in May, after seven years at the club.The prolific forward will wear City’s number six shirt previously donned by ex-Cityzens skipper Steph Houghton before her retirement at the end of last season.Her switch to a team, pipped to the WSL title on goal difference by champions Chelsea last term, is a huge coup for boss Gareth Taylor’s side.Read More Football StoriesIt is also one of the biggest moves in this summer’s transfer window A window that has also seen London City Lionesses sign Kosovare Asllani, England star Fran Kirby join Brighton, and Mary Earps sign for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Manchester United.In an interview for Man City’s web site, Miedema said:  “When I first heard Man City were interested, I thought, ‘ooh, that’s really interesting’.“They’re one of the clubs I’ve always followed to make sure they are doing well.Most read in Football“I’ve followed their development and with those two points together and the way they play football in the WSL made it, in the end, a pretty easy choice for me.”Having thought really hard about my future after leaving Arsenal, the main thing that popped up was that I want to be at a team that’s playing good football.”In women’s football right now City have got a clear philosophy.“They did really well last season and if I look at the way I want to play, it really suits this. “In the end it’s obviously a massive bonus that I do stay in the WSL. I think it was the best fit for me.”Miedema, regarded as one of world’s best strikers, is currently Arsenal’s all-time record scorer in the WSL having netted 126 goals for her old club.The player, is also currently the all-time top scorer in the WSL having netted 80 goals in the division.Last season saw Miedema’s game time hampered by injury following her return to match action last October from an 11-month spell out with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.She made 14 appearances for the Gunners last term and also underwent minor knee surgery in March which kept her sidelined for several weeks. If I get back to my best again we can achieve really nice things together.Vivianne MiedemaDuring her time with Arsenal, Miedema won four major trophies including a WSL title back in 2019.And the Dutch forward, who won the Euros in 2017 in a Netherlands side then managed by Sarina Wiegman, hopes to bring her best form to her new team.Miedema adds: “I’m only 27 and I haven’t played as much football as I have wished over the last two years, but I hope my best years are still to come and I hope that’s here at City.“I hope to be able to help the team as much as I can do. “I am just really excited to be part of the team and for the girls to hopefully help me and get me back to my best.”If I get back to my best again then we can achieve really nice things together.”Miedema’s Man City move will see her join Netherlands team-mates Jill Roord and Kerstin Casperij at the club.The forward is due to link up with her national team this month before their Women’s Euros qualifier games against Italy and Norway on 12th and 16th of July.Miedema’s switch sees her renunited with her old Arsenal team-mate Jill RoordCity Women’s boss Taylor said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Viv to City and seeing her flourish over the next three years. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Our ambition is to compete on the highest stage and for the highest honours, and Viv is aligned to this desire. “She’s a top talent that I’m excited to work with as she’s a player I’ve always admired. Viv will be a real asset to the team.”  More

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      Katie Zelem leaves Manchester United after six years with the Women’s Super League side

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      KATIE ZELEM is the second senior player to leave Manchester United Women with the midfielder departing this month.The England ace’s exit comes a day after forward Lucia Garcia’s departure with goalkeeper Mary Earps also reportedly set to leave.Katie Zelem captained the Man United side that won a Women’s FA Cup for the first time in the team’s history this yearCredit: GettyZelem played 161 times for the Red Devils after rejoining the club in 2018Credit: GettyThe midfielder, who has 12 England caps, was part of the Lionesses squad that reached the 2023 Women’s World Cup finalCredit: GettyEarlier today the club paid tribute to Zelem, 28, who made history last month becoming the first Red Devils skipper to lift the Women’s FA Cup.  The lifelong Man United fan, whose contract at the end of June, spent six years with the side making 161 appearances and netting 32 goals.Her departure comes in a week in which the Manchester giants have faced criticism over plans to move their WSL aces to portable buildings at their Carrington training ground. The training complex is undergoing a £50million renovation with club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe talking of wanting to “create a world class environment for teams to win”.Read More Football StoriesWith United men’s indoor facility being revamped, their women’s squad are reportedly being moved out of their state-of-art base which will be used by the club’s Prem side next season.Zelem, who was born in Manchester began her Red Devils’ journey in the club’s Girls’ Centre of Excellence at eight, playing in their academy until 2013.With United not having a senior women’s side due to the team being disbanded in 2005, Zelem joined rivals Liverpool whose players then included England ace Lucy Bronze.The midfielder went on to win back-to-back WSL titles under head coach Matt Beard during her four-year spell in Merseyside before joining Juventus for one season in 2017.Most read in FootballA year later Zelem returned to Manchester to join a Red Devils re-established back in 2018 with Casey Stoney appointed as head coach.She helped the team win promotion from the Championship to the women’s top-flight in 2019 and captained them to a 4-0 FA Cup final triumph over Tottenham last month.The midfielder’s England team-mate Earps, 31, is expected to leave United during the summer transfer window with the goalkeeper heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.England forward Nikita Parris is rumoured to be leaving Man United this summerCredit: GettyAnd Nikita Parris, 30, is rumoured to be another high-profile player linked with a summer move away from United.Last month The Athletic reported the Lioness had turned down a megabucks move to US top-flight club North Carolina Courage.It is claimed the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side wanted Parris to join before their division’s April 19 transfer deadline. More

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      Fans criticise Manchester United plans to move women’s side into portable buildings during Carrington revamp

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      MANCHESTER United have been criticised by fans over plans to move their women’s side to portable buildings with the men’s team using their base next season.United’s WSL aces are reportedly having make way for their Prem counterparts due to renovation of the men’s indoor training facilities.Manchester United WSL side will moved into portable buildings next seasonCredit: GettyUnited’s men’s squad are set to use the women’s and academy buildings due to renovation work on their indoor facilitiesCredit: GettyThe Red Devils’ men’s squad will have priority access to the £10million women’s and academy building whilst their facility is given a makeover, according to the Guardian.They say the portable spaces to be used by the club’s WSL players and their backroom staff will include changing rooms, meeting rooms and office spaces. Revamp work on the men’s facility at Carrington, which began on Monday, is being carried out as part of a £50million project of led by architect Norman Foster.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who purchased a stake in United via his company Ineos, says the aim is “to create a world-class environment” with the “training ground renovated to the highest standard”.Read More Football StoriesHowever news of their WSL side being from shifted from their £10million building to accommodate the men’s squad has angered some supporters.And scores took to social media platform X to question the move which comes a month after the team made history winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time.One fan described it as “two steps back” whilst another posted that United’s WSL squad “deserves respect”.Earlier this month Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke about transforming the club’s Carrington training complex in a bid to improve performance.Most read in FootballThe Man United owner said: “When we conducted a thorough review of the Carrington training facilities and met with our men’s first-team players, it was clear the standards had fallen below some of our peers.”This project will ensure ­Manchester United’s training ground is once more renovated to the ­highest standards.”Lord Foster, a fellow ­Mancunian, has brought some great inspiration to the design, in ­conjunction with the Manchester United team.”We look forward to seeing the improvement to the facilities but most importantly on the pitch.”Reports of the women’s side moving into portable buildings come in a week in which United bid farewell to versatile forward Lucia Garcia.Today the club confirmed the departure of the Spain ace who netted a brace during their 4-0 FA Cup final win against Tottenham last month.The player who joined the Red Devils from Spanish club Athletic in July 2022 is has been linked with a move to Mexican top-flight champions Las Rayadas.Of her departure from United, Garcia said: “I am going to miss every single piece of Manchester United.”All my friends, all the team, all the staff, all the workers here. I think one of the hardest parts is to leave the fans.”I feel the support they give to me. I can feel they love me and I love them.READ MORE SUN STORIESLucia Garcia is leaving the Red Devils after two years with the club for a summer move to Mexican side Las RayadasCredit: Getty”I just feel it in my heart like ‘boom, boom, boom’. They give me the power to keep going, to keep fighting.”But at the end of the day, I have to say goodbye. “That’s so hard for me, and the only thing I can say to you all is I love you [from] the bottom of my heart.” More

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      Mary Earps set for Paris Saint-Germain summer move with England star to leave Manchester United as a free agent

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      MARY EARPS looks set to bring the curtain down on her Manchester United spell with the goalkeeper due to join Paris Saint-Germain.The Euros-winning shot stopper, 31, who previously attracted interest from Arsenal, is claimed to be close to sealing a summer transfer as a free agent.Mary Earps is thought to be close to joining Paris Saint-GermainCredit: GettyThe England star is set to join the French club as a free agent when her Man United contract expiresCredit: GettyFrench newspaper Le Parisien claims Earps is expected to become the highest paid goalkeeper in women’s football following her move.The England star’s current contract is due to expire this summer with the player on the verge of joining the team that knocked Man United out of the Women’s Champions League last October.The Red Devils had hoped to keep the goalkeeper who is one of the club’s most popular stars and helped her side win the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history in May.Last season boss Marc Skinner spoke of his desire to retain Earps who was named Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper for 2023 in January.  Read More Football StoriesThe head coach, who signed a new deal in May extending his reign for another year, talked up the “huge role” Earps has played for the team.This includes helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time ever last year after they finished second behind Chelsea in the 2022-23 WSL season.However the 50-capped Lioness is set to become the third high profile international star to leave the club following the departures of Russo and full-back Ona Batlle last summer.Earps’ impending departure follows a season in which United slipped to fifth place a year on from pushing Chelsea all the way in a fiercely contested title race.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTheir fifth spot finish saw them miss out on a place in next term’s Champions League whilst also finishing below Liverpool in the WSL for the first time.According to Sky Sports PSG, who finished second in France’s top tier last season, had been interested in signing Earps back in January.Smiling Alex Scott looks awkward as BBC presenter is serenaded by adoring Arsenal fans while covering WSL clashThe Nottingham-born goalkeeper, who won the Golden Glove at last year’s Women’s World Cup, had previously been a target for United’s WSL rivals Arsenal.Aside from Earps, PSG are reportedly set to sign France centre-back Griedge Mbock from top-flight rivals Lyon.The 74-capped player was thought to be close to joining the club back in 2021 before opting to extend her stay at Lyon, according to Le Parisien.Her national side will face Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in the Women’s Euros qualifiers in July ahead of their bid to win gold at the Paris Olympics which start next month.Sandy Baltimore is reportedly due to join Chelsea from PSG this summer ending her eight-year run with the French clubCredit: ReutersLast week PSG forward Sandy Baltimore was reported to be close to joining Chelsea from PSG.The France ace, who bagged seven goals and four assists in 16 top-flight games last term, has undergone a medical according to Le Parisien.The move would see the 24-year-old striker join the club following arrival of new Blues boss and ex-Lyon head coach Sonia Bompastor. More

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      Reading’s Charlie Estcourt blasts ‘poor communication’ from club on future of women’s team

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      CHARLIE ESTCOURT has criticised a lack of communication from Reading officials over the future of the Royals’ women’s side.The Wales ace, 26, was sharing her thoughts a day after the launch of an online petition hoping to prevent the former WSL team and its girls’ academy from being axed.Reading and Wales midfelder Charlie Estcourt says she has not had much communication from the Royal concerning the situation facing their women’s teamCredit: AlamyPlayers and supporters fear the Royals’ girls academy and women’s side could be at risk of being axedEarlier this month it was reported the Royals’ women’s section, whose former players include England’s Fran Kirby and Mary Earps, could be at risk of being shut down.This follows the FA rejecting a proposed takeover bid of the club which is currently owned by businessman and entrepreneur Dai Yongge.According to The Guardian only two players from Reading Women’s senior side currently have contracts.Parents of players in the Royals’ girls academy say they have been warned “there is no guarantee for the women’s football club and academy for the 2024/25 season”.Read More Football StoriesAnd Estcourt, who helped her side finish tenth in the Women’s Championship last term, described the situation as a “worrying time” with costs being cut across the club.On Saturday, the 40-capped Wales midfielder told BBC Radio Berkshire: “We haven’t heard too much directly from the club, but have seen what everyone else has seen.”It doesn’t sound good. No kits being ordered for the women’s pre-season, threats of us dropping down to tier four or there not being a side at all, so it’s worrying times.”There had been whispers about it for a while. Most read in Football”I had never really taken them seriously and didn’t think there was any substance behind the rumours.”But as the off season has gone on we haven’t heard anything and with a couple of weeks left on people’s contracts, it feels as if it’s becoming very real.”As far as I know, no one knows anything but we haven’t heard from our staff so I don’t know whether that means they haven’t heard from anyone at the club.”The communication from all levels unfortunately has been very poor.”Estcourt’s comments in a BBC interview broadcast on June 21, came two days after the creation of an online petition call in support of Reading Women.The petition, which on Monday evening had 3,123 signatures, is calling on the FA to help avert “the permanent dissolution” of the side and its girls’ academy.Last term Reading’s Under-21s team won the Berks and Bucks Cup by beating the senior side of MK Dons.Although their Royals’ future is currently up the air, players who signed PGA academy contracts with Reading Women are currently restricted from contacting other clubs.  And one parent of a player says they will remain under contract unless the club were to lose its PGA academy status.It is claimed the FA will require confirmation of Reading’s academy status to be made by July 1.After this girls within the Royals’ academy will be free to contact other clubs.A parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “We were devastated to learn that there is an imminent threat to not only Reading Women’s football club, but also the girls’ academy too. “Reading FC have been pioneers in women’s football over the years and have had players such as Earps, Kirby and Fara Williams to name just a few. “Only last year, they were playing in the WSL. “Due to a cut in funding we’ve watched them struggle to maintain a place in the Championship which they successfully managed to do through sheer grit.”As the mother of a young player, I believe there is a huge discrepancy between how professional women’s football is portrayed and what it’s really like. READ MORE SUN STORIESLast season the Royals Under-21s women’s side won the Berks and Bucks Senior Women’s Cup”The FA narrative is that it’s a great time to be an elite young female football player in the UK, and that they can offer a clear and supportive pathway to become a Lioness. “However, the harsh reality on the ground is very different unless you’re signed to a club like Chelsea or Arsenal.” More

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      WSL clubs’ revenues double in season following the Lionesses’ historic Women’s Euros triumph at Wembley

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      WOMEN’S Super League clubs’ aggregate revenues rose by 50 per cent with teams generating £48million in the season before last (2022-23). And the collective revenues of top tier sides are expected to rise to £68million next term, according to finance firm Deloitte.WSL saw a growth in matchday attendance in the season following the Lionesses winning the 2022 Women’s EurosCredit: ReutersArsenal are among the clubs who have seen a rise in crowd numbers with the club set to host eight WSL games at the Emirates next seasonCredit: GettyThe company’s Annual Review of Football Finance, published today, says uplifts in commercial and matchday income have contributed to the growth in profits for WSL clubs.In the season that followed England winning the Women’s 2022 Euros, accumulative matchday revenues among WSL sides grew to £7m as they pushed to boost attendance.And last season, for the first time ever, collective attendance at games exceeded the one million mark across the top tier and Women’s Championship.Deloitte’s Sports Business insight lead Jenny Haskel, said: “WSL clubs are home to world-class players whose success on the international stage has drawn new fans to the domestic game.Read More Football Stories “Driving a loyal fanbase, habitual viewing and distinct commercial partnerships was a clear priority for WSL clubs in the 2022/23 season “The soaring revenue growth achieved demonstrates the strides that have been made. “However we’re still in the foothills of growth in the women’s game. “With NewCo set to step into the governance role in place of the FA this year, WSL clubs will be both participants in the competition and shareholders off the pitch. Most read in Football”As NewCo concentrates on growing the popularity, standards, and visibility of the women’s game in England, collaboration with clubs and other stakeholders will be an important element to continuing the efforts to attract the attention of commercial partners, investors, and crucially, fans.”Deloitte’s report outlined commercial earnings as the driver of income growth for clubs, representing 35% of total revenue (£17m) for top tier sides.Manchester United, their neighbours Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, all reported commercial revenues of over £1m.The Red Devils’ figure was £5.2m and Man City’s was £3.6m. Meanwhile Liverpool’s and Tottenham’s reported were £3m and Tottenham Hotspur £1.7m. However WSL sides also experienced pre-tax losses between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons with this figure rising from £14m to £21mThis is despite being alleviated by the inclusion of £17.4m of group income for certain clubs.Deloitte’s review found that while the average revenue for WSL clubs was £4m in the season before last (2022/23), up from £2.7m in the previous year, there remained a disparity across the league.The league’s top four revenue-generating clubs make up 66% of the total profit for the division.Deloitte Sports Business lead partner, Tim Bridge added:  “Many women’s clubs continue to rely on financial contributions from their wider group structure.Deloitte say continued investment is important for sustained growth across women’s footballCredit: Getty”However this is not a new revelation in football where many owners prop up the shortfalls of loss-making clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s important the industry does not hold women’s clubs to a profitability metric that the wider game has yet to consistently achieve.”We’re seeing significant growth across the women’s game and continued investment is key.” More