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      Manchester United ace Ella Toone pays tribute to late father and reflects on grieving his passing

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      ELLA TOONE has opened up on her grief following the death of her father Nick who passed away in September last year. The Manchester United midfielder, 25, paid an emotional tribute to her dad in a candid piece written for the Players Tribune. On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast Ella Toone revealed she returned to training the day after her father Nick passed awayCredit: ReutersThe Man Utd midfielder hopes that by opening up on her grief, she can help others going through a similar experienceCredit: PAToone has been in clinical form for the Red Devils netting four goals in their last two WSL gamesCredit: AlamyNick Toone had been a huge influence on the Women’s Super League ace on and off the pitch. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after watching the Lioness star score in the 2022 Euros final with England defeating Germany 2-1 at Wembley And Toone wrote of her Dad informing her in May last year that the cancer had returned.This was soon after the midfielder helped Man United make history scoring her team’s 4-0 triumph over Tottenham in their first Women’s FA Cup final appearance. Read More Football Stories Last September her father passed away three days before his 60th birthday.Toone wrote: “We win the FA Cup, last May. Dad texted after the game. “When I went to the house, everyone sat down in the living room, and Dad said, ‘I’m doing some tests. And I’m not well.'”I just remember thinking: ‘Tests? What tests? What?Most read in Football”It’s come back. I’ve got cancer.” “I said, ‘What do you mean it’s come back?’ “And he said the day after we won the Euros, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “He’d fought it for a whole year without telling us, and it had gone. And then it came back.”But he didn’t let on how bad it was. I tried to ask questions, but he’d just palm it off.”In a way, I totally get it because I’m exactly like that. “I’ll sit in a room, and someone will be talking to me, and I’ll just shut down. “And when it came to talking about the diagnosis, that was Dad.”He didn’t want anything to be different. He didn’t want people to mither about him, none of that. “So he went about it the way he wanted, and that was that. “I feel like he kissed me and hugged me more. He became a bit softer, which was sweet. “But other than that, he was just the same really.”Toone, who like her father, is a lifelong Man United started her football journey at Astley and Tyldesley Girls’ team at age five.Two years later she joined Manchester United’s Centre of Excellence at seven. Following senior club career stints at Blackburn Rovers and Man City from 2015 to 2018, the midfielder returned to the Red Devils.On the international stage Toone helped England win the Euros for the first time in 2022 and started for the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final which they narrowly lost 1-0 to Spain.The midfielder, who hopes to help England retain their Euros crown this summer, has fond memories of her father taking her to watch their local team Hindsford FC during her childhood. In July 2022, Toone told England.com: “I just used to play all day with the lads. “I have loads of cousins and me and my brother would play with them all day on the sidelines while the club were playing. “Those were my first footballing memories when I was really young.”Toone, who has been in fine form for second–placed Man United this month, described her father as the person who always kept her “grounded”. She admits writing about the feelings that followed his passing was also about helping “anyone grieving and feeling alone”. The 53-capped England midfielder wrote: “When he passed, it was a big shock, even to some of the people closest to him, because no one hardly knew he was ill. “I’m still processing. This is my first try at really talking about it. Like Dad said, The Toones are not great at feelings. “But I wanted to write this, for anyone grieving and feeling alone.“Friends who also have experienced the uniquely awful feeling of losing a parent have helped me massively in the worst part of my life. “Now, when people ask, “Who do you look up to?” I say it’s people like Beth Mead and Rach Daly, who’ve continued to play football and be an inspiration after losing someone they love.”They’ve helped me, massively. I hope that in the future I can do the same for people in my life who might be going through the same thing. Toone and her Man United team-mates are currently second in the WSL and seven points behind leaders ChelseaCredit: Alamy“Grief takes a different shape for everyone. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But maybe if someone sees me sharing a small piece of my own grief, it might make it a tiny bit easier for them to know that I know what they’re going through is brutal. “It’s messy. And that’s alright. Trust me, it’s alright.” More

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      Chelsea set to seal Naomi Girma transfer with USA star due to sign for WSL leaders for world-record fee

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      NAOMI GIRMA is set to join Chelsea for a world-record transfer fee from NWSL side San Diego Wave.The deal for the USA international is thought to be around £900,000 ($1.1m), surpassing the £685,000 fee Bay FC paid for Zambia ace Racheal Kundananji.Naomi Girma is set to become Sonia Bompastor’s first January signing for ChelseaCredit: GettyThe USA ace helped San Diego Wave to win the NWSL Shield in 2023 and was named the division’s Defender of the YearCredit: GettyGirma also helped the USA win gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024 following their triumph in the women’s football tournament at the gamesCredit: GettyChelsea’s swoop for the player, who is 24, comes two months after their centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during their defeat of Liverpool. It will also see them beat Lyon to Girma’s signature with the eight-time Champions League winners believed to be keen on the defender. According to ESPN Chelsea are thought to have agreed terms with Girma, who is a key figure in the USA team managed by former Blues boss Emma Hayes. The California-born ace is one of the sport’s most highly-rated defenders and a player ex-San Diego Wave boss Casey Stoney believes will be a “massive gain” for the club. Read More Football Stories The centre-back played a significant role in helping her national side to win a gold medal in the women’s football tournament at last year’s Olympics in Paris. Hayes, who guided Chelsea to seven WSL title wins during her 12-year reign, described her as a player who is “unbelievable” on the pitch.Last August, the USA Women’s boss said: “She’s got everything, poise, composure, she can defend, she anticipates, she leads. She’s unbelievable.”Girma performances led to her being included in Fifa’s 2024 Best Women’s 11 side. Most read in SportThis line-up, which is dominated by Barcelona stars, also includes England and Blues right-back Lucy Bronze. Chelsea’s move for Girma follows the club breaking the British transfer record to sign Mayra Ramirez last January. The Colombia striker joined the WSL leaders from leaders from Spanish side Levante for a fee of £384,000 along with add-ous of up to £42,600. Chelsea will host Durham in the Women’s FA Cup ahead of their WSL game against ArsenalCredit: GettyChelsea, who host title rivals Arsenal in a WSL clash this Sunday, are currently top of the league after 10 wins and one draw so far this term. So far this season, under Sonia Bompastor, the Blues are currently unbeaten across all competitions. The Stamford Bridge duel will be Arsenal’s first away trip to the league leaders since Renee Slegers became the Gunners’ permanent head coach.  More

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      Daphne van Domselaar says Arsenal ‘are on a roll’ under Renee Slegers as they aim to extend unbeaten run 

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      DAPHNE VAN DOMSELAAR relishes putting her goalkeeping talents to the test. The upbeat Arsenal star, 24, and her club pals have come through some testing moments in the WSL and Champions League this season. So far this season Daphne van Domselaar currently has the second highest number of clean sheets (six) in the WSLCredit: GettyManuela Zinsberger, Van Domselaar and their team-mates hope Arsenal’s form will lead to trophy wins under Renee SlegersCredit: GettyVan Domselaar and her Gunners pals have conceded just five goals in their past 11 games across competitionsCredit: GettySome mixed results — which included three winless matches at the Emirates — were followed by ex-Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall departing last October. Those early-season hurdles have since been overcome by the resurgent Gunners, who are third and seven points off leaders Chelsea. Following their clash with Crystal Palace this afternoon an away duel with the Blues awaits them next Sunday. In the past three months under their now permanent head coach Renee Slegers, the WSL giants have been on an unbeaten run of ten wins and one draw in the top flight and Europe. Read More Football StoriesMatches in which Van Domselaar, who this term has made 12 WSL and Women’s Champions League appearances, has started in goal. The Dutch international, who began her senior career at FC Twente in 2017, said: “Earlier this season we didn’t feel we were playing as well as we can. “After the change in October, we have a common goal. We’re on a roll. “We kept on winning and have grown in every single game as a team and as individuals. Most read in Football”That’s been great and everyone is on the same page. “Especially from our home win against Valerenga (in the Champions League). “In that moment we got that extra percentage and fire that brought through this streak of winning.” That togetherness and clearness Renee provides gives us more confidence individually as players but also as a team.Daphne van Domselaar A breath of fresh air is how Arsenal’s England forward Beth Mead described Slegers, who has been in charge since that win against Valerenga and earned the respect of fans.It’s a view shared by Van Domselaar who also sees similarities between the Arsenal boss and her Dutch compatriot the Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman.Van Domselaar adds: “Renee is a really calm coach to have on the sidelines. “That togetherness and that clearness she provides gives us more confidence individually as players but also as a team. “When I speak to the girls here at Arsenal who play for England, they’re really happy with Sarina and her approach in being direct, straightforward and providing clarity. “That’s also what Renee does. She’s really clear and gives us good guidance around things to work on. “That’s something they have in common.”Renee has good staff around her who support her and they are really doing it together.”With four trophies including the WSL title up for grabs, Arsenal hope to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions when they host Palace at 2pm today. And then at Stamford Bridge next Sunday against title holders Chelsea. A match that could see Van Domselaar face her friend and national team-mate Wieke Kaptein.The midfielder, 19, has impressed for the Blues this term in her seven WSL appearances following a one-season loan spell at her former club Twente. The Gunners stopper, who is an avid photographer in her spare time, added: “It’s hard to see Wieke as a Chelsea player. “She’s new to the club and there’s a rivalry but we’ve been friends for longer — I played with her for about four years at Twente. “I just see Wieke as Wieke and it’s great to see her get minutes — but I also want to win against her.Victory against Palace at Meadow Park today would push Arsenal up to second above Manchester City before the Cityzens’ clash with Man United at the Etihad tonight. The matches are two of three derby duels taking place today with West Ham hosting Chelsea. Of course you want to win every cup and competition. Let’s see what the next few months will bringDaphne van DomselaarOf the Gunners derby clash today, Van Domselaar said: “Crystal Palace will be a hard team to play against. “We need to win that and every game.”We’ll give our best against them and from there we’ll go and see what will be at Chelsea. “We’ll do everything to be our best in that moment.”With Arsenal unbeaten under Slegers, Gunners fans will be dreaming of a first title win since 2019.Van Domselaar adds: “Hopefully we can win prizes. That’s what we want to do and what we work for every day”We want to win the Women’s Super League but we’ll go game-by-game and from there we’ll see. “We’d love to win the Champions League one day. “Of course you want to win every cup and competition. Let’s see what the next few months will bring.”Van Domselaar’s first coach at Twente, Tommy Stroot, described the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominee as a pure, natural talent. Her journey to becoming one of the most talented goalkeepers in Europe began at 11 with Dutch club LSVV before joining Telstar’s Academy ahead of a Twente move.And standout performances at the 2022 Euros paved the way for a June 2023 move to Aston Villa before Arsenal triggered a release clause to sign her last July. Reflecting on her Euros performance and move to England, Van Domselaar said: “You have these tournaments where you’re on a roll, you’re in the moment and everything goes well. “I was in that place where I felt like the best version of myself. “After that moment I chose to stay in the Netherlands for an extra year at Twente to see if I could continue having that form. “I’m really happy that I did that and had a year to think about what I wanted to do after”I still had to grow a lot especially coming from the Eredivisie to the WSL. “But I’ve grown a lot in the past season and the past two years. You can only test yourself if you’re put in a harder environment. “The league here is the most competitive in Europe so that was a big step. I said to myself, ‘Let’s see how good I actually am’.Along with club team-mate Victoria Pelova Van Domselaar, is one of 13 Dutch aces currently playing in the Women’s Super League.Her national team are one of England’s group stage rivals at this year’s Women’s Euros taking place in Switzerland in July.Both sides were steered to glory in the contest by Wiegman who led the Netherlands to the title in 2017 before lifting the trophy with the Lionesses five years later. Van Domselaar is looking forward the Netherlands’ battle with England in this year’s EurosCredit: GettyThe Gunners star added: “It’s always good to play against England because you know it will be a hard game but also an exciting one especially after the last Euros. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It will be a good check of where we are as a team. “It’s good we’ve had players coming back from injury like Jill Roord. Hopefully Victoria (Pelova) will be back as well and we’ll be full force.” More

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      Renee Slegers ready to guide Arsenal to trophies after landing permanent Gunners Women’s boss role

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      RENEE SLEGERS hopes to “deliver something beautiful” with Arsenal following her appointment as their permanent women’s team boss. The Netherlands-born head coah helped the WSL side turn their season around whilst serving as stand-in gaffer following Jonas Eidevall’s departure. Renee Slegers’ team will take on Crystal Palace at Meadow Park on Sunday in their first game following the WSL’s winter breakCredit: GettySlegers had a sitdown chat with Arsenal legend Ian Wright following her appointment as the club’s women’s team permanent head coachCredit: GettyThe Gunners boss wants to continue to nurture a collective sense of responsibility amongst her players and staffCredit: GettySlegers, who was Eidevall’s number two, has guided a team on an 11-game unbeaten run which includes them qualifying for the Women’s Champions League knockout stage. The Gunners finished top of their group after beating German outfit Bayern Munich 3-2 last December in their final group stage match. This follows them enduring a difficult start to their season with mixed results that include three winless home games in a row at the Emirates and a 5-2 loss away to Bayern in Europe. Since Slegers has taken charge the team have registered 10 wins and one draw across all competitions conceding just five goals. Read More Football StoriesAnd the Arsenal boss has put this down to collective ownership amongst players and staffOf her appointment Slegers, whose team host Crystal Palace on Sunday, said: “I’m so excited to be continuing our journey together.“It’s a wonderful honour to represent this club as head coach and I have so much belief in what we can all achieve together.  “Over the past few months, I’ve felt such a powerful sense of collective ownership and responsibility across our players and staff. Most read in Football”That has been our strength and I know we will make sure we drive and nurture this feeling as we all move forward.   “It has meant the world to me to feel the closeness and passion of our supporters during this process, and I want to thank you all for that. “We want to deliver something beautiful that’s inspiring and leads to winning trophies.  We all have a big part to play in achieving that.” Prior to coaching, Slegers represented Arsenal as a player following a stint in the club’s youth academy between 2006 and 2007. Her playing career also includes stints with Dutch side Willem II before a 2011 move to Sweden where she played for Djurgardens IF before joining Linkopings two years later. Russo’s form in front of goal has improved this term with the Arsenal striker scoring six times in her last four gamesCredit: GettyOn the international stage Slegers won 55 caps for the Netherlands before retiring in 2016 a year before their first European Championship win. As coach she guided FC Rosengard to back-to-back top-flight title wins in Sweden in 2021 and 2022 before leaving to become Arsenal’s assistant manager. Gunners director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: “Renée has excelled during her time as interim head coach, bringing our team, club and supporters together and leading us to a hugely impressive run of results and performances. “We have undertaken a thorough recruitment process aimed at identifying the best candidate to lead our women’s first team at this exciting time. “Renée was the stand-out candidate throughout the process and we’re thrilled to be continuing our journey with her as our permanent head coach.”Under Slegers Arsenal have scored 31 goals in the WSL and Champions League this term.This includes Alessia Russo taking her goal tally to 11 this term READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the striker’s performances and her manager’s efforts led to both winning the Barclays WSL player and manager awards for December. Arsenal are currently seven points behind league leaders and London rivals Chelsea who they will face at Stamford Bridge on January 26. More

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      Miedema ready to move forward after goalscoring return for Man City in FA Cup tie following ‘frustrating’ injury spell

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA is relieved to be back in action and scoring for Manchester City after a “frustrating” three months out of action.  The prolific forward helped the Cityzens get their FA Cup charge motoring with a Sunday fourth-round win against Ipswich Town. Vivianne Miedema scored for the first time since last September as Man City cruised into the Women’s FA Cup fifth roundCredit: PAJill Roord broke the deadlock for City 20 minutes into their clash with IpswichCredit: GettyLaura Coombs doubled the hosts’ lead with her first goal of the season in their second half of the fourth round tieCredit: GettyHer first goal since September sealed a 3-0 victory with the Netherlands star back in action for the first time since her knee operation in October.A well-timed pass from Chloe Kelly was followed by Miedema’s bottom corner effort fired past Tractor Girls goalkeeper Natalia Negri. The result saw Man City return to winning ways after back-to-back losses to Barcelona and Everton in Europe and the top-flight before Christmas. The WSL record goalscorer and her team-mates will find out who they face in the contest’s fifth round with the draw taking place on Monday.  Read more football storiesMiedema said: “Obviously it’s been a while and it’s been frustrating for me to have to sit out“But I’ve come back in (and for the goal) Chloe played a really good ball into me, so I’m happy to start scoring again and hopefully I’ll stay fit now.“It now feels like that’s the end of my rehab and I can move on.“When you come back from injury, and especially for players like me, people expect you to score goals again, and I’m happy that I scored and I can move forward now.”Most read in FootballThe last FA Cup encounter between City and Ipswich ended with the latter on the wrong end of a 10-0 thumping five years ago. While all eyes were on Miedema, who started on the bench it was one of the hosts’ other Dutch stars who broke the deadlock. Stand-in skipper Jill Roord struck in the 20th minute netting the Manchester giants first goal of this year. The forward fired a low shot into the bottom corner beyond Tractor Girls keeper Natalia Negri after an assist from January signing Rebecca Knaak. It was the only shot the hosts had on target in the first half despite dominating possession and keeping the visitors pinned back. City, who handed starts to young trio Laura Blindkilde Brown, Gracie Prior and Lily Murphy, had chances to double their lead later in the half. Blindkilde Brown fired an effort into the side netting before Murphy saw her 40th-minute shot fly over the crossbar. The hosts cranked up the pressure in the second half with Laura Coombs tapping in after her flicked 54th-minute effort hit the crossbar. Gareth Taylor’s triple substitution saw Miedema enter the fray with just under half an hour of normal time left. She rounded off a comfortable shift for the Citizens with her first goal since September preceded by Kelly’s angled assist. Miedema and her pals will be aiming for victory at the Etihad against Man United on January Sunday with the WSL returning to action following the winter break. Gareth Taylor’s will host the Red Devils at the Eithad in their first league game of this year after the WSL’s winter breakCredit: GettyThe Cityzens are chasing a first title win since 2016 and a first Champions League crown as well as both domestic cups. READ MORE SUN STORIESMiedema added: “I’ve not always been there this year, and that’s sad. “Hopefully in the next few weeks or months I can be part of the team a lot more and help the team.” More

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      Major change to football stadium alcohol rules could be introduced if Women’s Championship trial is a success

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      FOOTIE fans could be a step closer to boozing in stands during matches if a trial at women’s games proves successful.Championship sides Newcastle, Southampton, Birmingham and Bristol City will allow drinking at select games, but not derbies, from January 19 to the season’s end.Football fans could be a step closer to boozing in stands during matches if a trial at women’s games proves successfulCredit: SportsfileThey were chosen due to safety procedures, geographical spread and Bristol’s Ashton Gate and Newcastle’s Kingston Park allowing alcohol at rugby matches.Soccer chiefs want to analyse how booze might improve fan experience at women’s football, which isn’t governed by the same strict anti-alcohol law.Women’s football is not governed by the Sporting Events Act 1985 which bans boozing while in view of the pitch in the top five men’s leagues.There were no arrests at women’s games last year and some of the chosen venues allow alcohol at top rugby matches.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNikki Doucet, of Women’s Professional League Ltd, has said: “I think our fan base and the behaviour is different.“Ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”It could then be rolled out more widely across the Women’s Super League and Championship and potentially influence future decisions on men’s football.Sun Sport was told in October that the Police position had not changed in terms of men’s football although there is no mechanism which would see local Forces able to prevent a women’s game trial.Most read in FootballDrinking in view of the pitch has been banned in the men’s top five divisions since 1985.Fans caught breaching the laws under the 1985 act can be banned from grounds, handed hefty fans and, in extreme circumstances, given three month prison sentences.Conference League clash suspended as police evacuate entire away stand after shameful scenes More

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      Newcastle and Bristol City among Women’s Championship sides to trial allowing fans to drink alcohol in stands

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      NEWCASTLE and Bristol City are set to allow fans to drink alcohol in their stands as part of a test involving four Women’s Championship clubs. The WSL promotion chasers are taking part in the trial to begin later this month along with Birmingham City and Southampton. Bristol City’s home fans will be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands at Ashton Gate at a select number of Women’s Championship gamesCredit: AlamyBirmingham CityWomen are among the teams taking part in trial scheme giving supporters permission to consume alcohol in view of the pitchCredit: GettyThe scheme backed by authorities overseeing the top two tiers of women’s football will run until the end of this season. Newcastle will do a test at their Kingston Stadium home while Bristol City will also allow alcohol consumption in the stands at Ashton Gate. And the Saints and Birmingham will be allowing supporters to do the same at their games at St Mary’s and St Andrew’s. At present supporters who flock to football matches in the top divisions of men’s football in England are banned from drinking alcohol in view of the pitch. Read More Football StoriesThis is due to the Sporting Events Act of 1985 introduced by the then Conservative government in a bid to thwart football hooliganismHowever the legislation does not apply to the women’s gameThe trial involving Birmingham, Bristol City, Newcastle and Southampton is being led by the Women’s Professional League Limited.Speaking at a sports business summit last October, WPLL chief Nikki Doucet said: “We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season. Most read in Football”We’ll see what we learn from that.”I think our fan base and the behaviour is different (to the men’s game). “I think ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”Newcastle will be taking part in the pilot project running until the end of this seasonCredit: GettyClubs involved in the trial will allow fans to drink alcohol in four or five of their Women’s Championship home games this season. Newcastle and Birmingham will start their test run in home clashes with Portsmouth and Bristol City on January 26 And the Robins and the Saints begin their trial in games against London City Lionesses and Sunderland one week before.  More

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      Glam footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild with ‘unapologetic’ pic as they say ‘you’re just something else’

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      MADELENE WRIGHT took social media by storm once more with another raunchy snap.This time, Madelene donned a tiny black top and a pair of trousers that led to a very daring pose.Madelene Wright took social media by storm once moreCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Madelene shared an ‘unapologetic’ snap for her followersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Madelene shares a number of glam pics on social mediaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Madelene is very active on social media and OnlyFansCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_The footballer’s latest glam pic led to over 11,000 likes on her Instagram.Madelene issued the following caption: “Unapologetic.”The Chesham United player’s 321,000 followers were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan commented: “Wow Maddie just something else you really are.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “Beautiful.”A third wrote: “Gorgeous, Ravishing.”This fan said: “Really beautiful.”And that one gushed: “My favourite.”Most read in FootballMadelene has previously played for Charlton and Leyton Orient before joining Chesham.She has been juggling her football career with her social media and OnlyFans activities.Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic That led to a strong fanbase with whom she shares a raft of glam pics.A glimpse into the life of the OnlyFans star…Madelene regularly posts colourful snapsShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe footballer also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has played for Leyton Orient and CharltonCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More