Women’s Super League

WEST HAM says Jack Sullivan will stand down as their women’s team managing director in June. The news comes eleven days after the side narrowly avoided relegation to the second tier from the WSL. 
Jack Sullivan (right) , 21, has been working with West Ham Women since the age of 16Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Sullivan will stand down as managing director of West Ham Women in JuneCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Sullivan was appointed as club chief of the Hammers’ women’s side in 2017 by his father David, joint chairman of the Irons. 
The 21-year-old, who has been working with the team since leaving school at 16, gained fame for his work whilst starring in BBC Three fly-on-the-wall series Britain’s Youngest Football Boss. 
The show, which explored his running of the club and the day-to-day experiences of West Ham players, attracted more than 1.3 million viewers.
On the Irons’ web site Sullivan said: “This has been a very tough decision but, after much consideration, I believe it is the right time to move on. 
“My time working with the women’s team has been a fantastic and hugely rewarding experience.
“When I look back on where we were four years ago, I am extremely proud of the team and the progress and improvements that we have all made since then. 
“I feel we have put foundations in place that will give the women’s team a great chance of going on to bigger and better things in the future.
“I want to thank every single one of the players, coaches, staff, fans and the partners who have been alongside me on this journey. 
“We have missed the supporters so much this year and we cannot wait to welcome them back to our games on a regular basis – your support makes such a difference to the team.” 
Sullivan was the star of BBC Three TV series Britain’s Youngest Football BossCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures’ Digital Picture

In 2020 The Sunday Times listed Sullivan as the third richest young person under 30 in the UK. 
After taking over West Ham Women in 2017, the football chief led the c;in through a successful application for a licence to compete in the WSL in the 2018-19 season.
The team reached their first ever Women’s FA Cup final in their debut season under former gaffer Matt Beard losing 3-0 to Manchester City. 
They finished seventh in the table in their inaugural top tier season, one place above former Women’s Super League giants Liverpool. 
Sullivan oversaw West Ham’s successful application to become a Women’s Super League sideCredit: West Ham United FC – Getty
But the Irons finished ninth in the women’s top tier this term and three places and three points above the drop zone.
Club officials say Aidan Boxall, West Ham Women’s general manager will take on the responsibility of the day-to-day management of the WSL’s side set-up 
 And staff will be targeting a higher-placed finish for the team in the WSL next season.
Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
West Ham who finished ninth this term will be aiming for higher finish in the league next seasonCredit: Rex
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JESS SIGSWORTH has been singing the praises of team-mate Katie Zelem after the Man United captain treated her to a birthday night out at Old TraffordSigsworth, who turned 27, was surprised with a trip to the Theatre of Dreams to see the Red Devils’ Prem stars draw with Fulham
Sigsworth was treated to a trip to Old Trafford for her birthday by Katie ZelemCredit: Getty
And the clash between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s aces and the relegated Cottagers was the first fans had been allowed to attend at Old Trafford since 8 March 2020.
Up to 10,000 Premier League club fanshave been allowed back into the home stadiums of their teams this week.
And a buoyant Sigsworth took to Instagram to thank Zelem for her gift and to say how “great” it was to be back in United’s famous home surrounded by thousands of fans.
The Doncaster-born striker wrote: “What a lovely surprise from my bestie today!
“It was great to be back in the stadium supporting again!”
To which Zelem warmly replied “You deserved it” with love heart emojis.
The WSL duo appeared very happy to be watching the game in style as Sigsworth posted snaps from the supporters’ box surrounded by delicious grub.

But the food could not keep her away from the action with United eager for a strong finish to their 2020-21 campaign.
A final Prem game of the season against Wolves precedes a Europa League final clash with Villarreal for Solskjaer’s side.
And Sigsworth shared several snaps from their 1-1 draw with the Cottagers.
In one clip the former Doncaster Rovers Belle wrote: “Just brilliant.”
And when hotshot Edison Cavani scored a wonder strike after 15 minutes, Sigsworth beamed: “What a goal!”
Being in the stands must have felt surreal for the pair who themselves played at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time this term.
Sigsworth thanked her ‘bestie’ Zelem for the birthday surprise
Sigsworth was blown away by Edinson Cavani’s wonder-goal against FulhamCredit: AFP
The duo were in United’s WSL side in their 2-0 defeat of West Ham.
Sigsworth, who moved to Man United in 2018 from Doncaster Rovers Belles, has been grabbing attention with her attacking displays for the club this term.
She netted three goals and provided one assist in 14 top tier games this season.

And the striker has reportedly been linked with a summer move to WSL debutants Leicester City.
The Athletic claims the former England Under-23 player is in advanced talks with the Foxes.
And Sigsworth was given a taste of what life could be like with Jonathan Morgan’s outfit after they beat Man United 3-2 in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round.
Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Sigsworth and Zelem helped Man United secure a fourth place finish in the WSLCredit: Getty
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EMMA HAYES is reportedly set to extend her tenure as boss of Women’s Super League giants Chelsea. Telegraph Sport claims the Blues boss is ready to put pen to paper having led her side to their fourth WSL title and their first-ever Champions League final. 
Emma Hayes is reportedly set to agree to a new deal to extend her Chelsea reignCredit: Prime Media
Hayes has led the Blues to nine major trophy wins including the 2020-21 WSL titleCredit: PA
Hayes, 44, is regarded as one of the most high-achieving WSL managers having won nine major trophies including two Women’s FA Cups and two league cup trophies. 
The Camden-born coach led Chelsea to this term’s Women’s Champions League final where they fell to a 4-0 defeat to Spain’s top-flight giants Barcelona.  
Hayes, who has been at the helm of the Kingsmeadow side since 2012, was on a three-and-a-half-year contract agreed in 2017-18 which was due to expire this year. 
However, the former Arsenal assistant manager is determined to build a legacy at the Blues. 
And Telegraph Sport reports she has the wholehearted backing of the Chelsea hierarchy.
It is claimed Hayes – who had reportedly not put pen to paper earlier this term – had wanted to focus leading her side on a successful campaign in Europe and retaining their Women’s Super League crown. 
Chelsea, who face Everton in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round, have lost just one game in the WSL this term. 
And Chelsea, who lost to the Toffees in the quarter-finals of last season’s FA Cup, are targeting a treble trophy this year. 
Hayes decision to lengthen her reign as Chelsea boss will come as a welcome boost to the club who are looking to bounce back from their first ever Champions League defeat.
The charismatic Blues boss is highly regarded by Blues owner Roman Abramovich, the club’s fans, senior figures and followers of the women’s game. 
Hayes, who joined Chelsea in 2012, is highly regarded by the Blues hierarchy including club owner Roman AbramovichCredit: PA:Press Association

Prior to joining Chelsea Hayes enjoyed a two-year spell working as an assistant manager to legendary Arsenal Ladies boss Vic Akers from 2006 to 2008
It was there that the Kingsmeadow gaffer got her first taste of European glory, helping the North London giants become the first English side to win a Champions League trophy in 2007. 
Hayes went on to do a two-year stint as manager of National Women’s Soccer League side Chicago Redstars from 2008 to 2010 before her appointment as Chelsea manager in 2012.
Chelsea hope to win the treble this year having claimed their fourth WSL title and a second league cup under HayesCredit: Getty
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LAURA COOMBS pledged her immediate future to Manchester City by signing a two-year contract extension with the club.The inner workings of the contract have not been revealed but the 30-year-old veteran will remain with WSL giants until 2023.
Coombs has pledged her immediate future to Man City with a two-year contract extension
The midfield ace, 30, joined City from Liverpool in 2019.
And the former Arsenal player, who made 13 WSL appearances this term, says extending her Academy Stadium stay was an ‘easy choice’.
Coombs told Man City’s website: “It feels great to have signed a new contract – it was an easy choice for me to make.
“I feel settled and happy, both on and off the pitch, so it was a natural decision for me to stay.”
After a difficult first season with Gareth Taylor’s side, Coombs revealed she has now found her feet and wants to help the team grow over the next couple of years.
The former Reds ace added: “In my first season, I felt as though it was a bit of an adjustment period for me.
“But this past year, I think I’ve shown what I can bring to the team, both technically and tactically.
“And doing that within such a high-quality squad has been amazing.
“Moving forward though, I’m determined to keep on developing and improving to help the team.”
Coombs, 30, says her decision to extend her Man City career was an “easy choice” for her to makeCredit: Getty

Taylor was as equally ecstatic about Coombs’ stay and keen to nurture the WSL star’s progress on the pitch.
The City boss said: “She’s a great person to work with, she’s very coachable, always wants to improve.
“And I’m really looking forward to continuing that over the coming seasons.”
Coombs, born in Gravesend, Kent, made her senior professional debut in 2007 at Arsenal at 16 before moving to Chelsea in 2011.
The WSL ace made 52 appearances across all competitions for the Blues before switching to Liverpool in 2017
And the midfielder played 44 times for the Reds, winning two Women’s Super League titles before her move to the Citizens in 2019.
Coombs’ new deal will be welcomed by Man City Women’s fans following a mini-exodus from the club in the past few days.
First, Megan Campbell announced she was leaving in search of a “new challenge” following her injury problems.
Coombs made 18 WSL and Champions League appearances for Man City this termCredit: Getty
And then USA pair Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle confirmed their departures to resume playing their playing careers in America’s National Women’s Soccer League.
Lavelle, who made 20 WSL and Champions League appearances for City will be moving to OL Reign.
The USA forward had her playing rights traded to OL Reign by her old club Washington Spirit for £71,000.
And Lavelle’s international buddy Mewis will rejoin North Carolina Courage.
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USA star Sam Mewis is among a trio of players who left have Man CityCredit: PA
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PAUL KONCHESKY will join Olli Harder in West Ham Women’s dugout with the club confirming his appointment as a new number two to the Irons gaffer. The former Hammers and Charlton Athletic star says his decision to take on the role permanently was a ‘no brainer’
Paul Konchesky will work as Olli Harder’s permanent assistant at West Ham Women from next season
Konchesky made 59 top flight appearances for West HamCredit: PA:Press Association
West Ham says Konchesky – who made 59 Prem appearances for the Irons during a two-year spell – began assisting Harder with the women’s team in January. 
The former Fulham and Liverpool left-back has been juggling his role for the New Zealand-born coach with a job within the Academy of  West Ham’s Prem side.
And Konchesky – who runs a pie and mash shop in Brentwood, Essex – says he is relishing the chance to help the Hammers progress in the top tier next season.  
The club, who finished ninth, won their fight to avoid a drop into the Women’s Championship following their struggles this term.  
Konchesky told the club’s web site: “It’s been different for me because I’ve been helping Olli out over the last five months since his arrival. 
“I’ve had the chance to get to know the environment and how everything works, and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“When the opportunity came through from Olli to be his assistant manager, it was a no-brainer for me to work in a top league with some great players in a first-team environment.
“This is a new and exciting opportunity for myself, and I’m really excited to get going.”
Harder added: “I’m delighted to have Konch in the building with us. 
“He’s been a fantastic asset for us since I arrived in January, which is why I’m so pleased that he’s been able to move across and work within the women’s team on a more permanent basis. 
“The players have loved working with him this season and his knowledge and experience will be a huge help moving forward.”
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Konchesky has worked as an Under-15s boys coach for the Irons

Prior to coaching, Konchesky enjoyed a 21-year playing career representing 12 clubs, including the Irons, Fulham, Liverpool and Leicester City. 
The retired Barking-born defender made 359 Premier League appearances for seven different clubs between 1997 and 2015 netting 13 goals. 
Konchesky initially began his career as a schoolboy at Sunday League side Senrab FC.
He then joined Charlton in 1997 as the team’s youngest ever player at 16, before a Tottenham loan spell in 2003 and then a £1.5million move to the Hammers in 2005.
And the boyhood Irons fan scored for West Ham in their 2006 FA Cup finals against Liverpool with the Reds winning 3-1 on penalties after a 3-3 finish in normal time. 
Konchesky has been working as a West Ham academy coach since 2017.
Konchesky aims to help West Ham finish higher than ninth in the WSL next termCredit: Getty
The ex-England full-back has overseen training of the Irons Under-15s as well as the player loans department of the Prem side who play West Brom next. 
And the former Billericay Town assistant manager revealed he has been advising Harder on West Ham Women’s defence work. 
Konchesky added: “When Olli first arrived, he spoke to academy manager Ricky Martin about bringing me on board.
“Olli came to West Ham on his own and wanted to add to his coaching team, and he said that there would be no better person to give some advice to his defenders. 
“The last seven or eight games have been great, and we’ve seen the results of what we’ve been practising out on the training pitch.”
West Ham won their fight for WSL survival after securing three draws and one win from their last six WSL gamesCredit: PA
The Irons finished two places above the drop zone in the 2020-21 Women’s Super League seasonCredit: Rex
“I still love being out there day today, I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in the sessions. 
“It makes things easier because I can get hands on and help the players with extra sessions and can actually show them things rather than just telling them. 
“It’s going to be a busy summer and we can’t wait to get going next season. 
It all starts with a lot of hard work in pre-season and then making sure that we start the league campaign well and improve on where we finished this time around.”
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Konchesky says West Ham will be working hard in pre-season as they look to improve in the WSLCredit: Zuma Press
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