Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      FA charge Birmingham Women for playing suspended Ruesha Littlejohn against Reading

      by

      BIRMINGHAM WOMEN have been charged by the FA for fielding Ruesha Littlejohn in a WSL match when she was suspended. And the Republic of Ireland International has also been charged following her appearance in Blues’ 1-1 draw against Reading. 
      Birmingham have been charged with failing to ensure that Ruesha Littlejohn complied with an automatic suspensionCredit: Getty
      FA officials claim the team, who play Manchester City next, “failed to ensure that a player registered with the club complied with an automatic suspension”.
      And Littlejohn, 30, who has made 11 WSL appearances this term, has been accused of “failing to comply with an automatic suspension by participating in the fixture”.
      The BBC reports Birmingham have been under the impression that Littlejohn had fulfilled her ban in the match preceding the clash with Reading. 
      That game was Blues’ 5-1 trouncing of Coventry United in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup.
      Birmingham say the fielding of Littlejohn in the match against Reading, on April 25, was due to “an administrative error”. 
      The club says it “unequivocally supports” the midfielder and “will be making no further comments”. 
      An FA tribunal is set to review the case and the outcome could potentially have implications for Birmingham’s battle to remain in the top flight. 
      Should the team face points deduction it could leave them in danger of relegation from the WSL
      Carla Ward’s side will travel to Man City before their end-of-season home game against Tottenham on May 9. 
      The team, who are three points above the drop zone,  are hoping for a strong finish to their season following their draw with Aston Villa. 
      Birmingham are due to play Manchester City away in their next league fixtureCredit: Zuma Press

      And Ward praised the grit her side have shown in a season which has seen them battling with injuries and 
      The Birmingham boss said: “These players have got more resilience than any group I have ever worked with. 
      “They are a tough and tight knit group who look after each other.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Birmingham will play Tottenham in their final WSL game of the seasonCredit: Rex
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Shiels extends reign as boss of Northern Ireland Women following Euros qualification success

      by

      KENNY SHIELS has extended his tenure as Northern Ireland’s Women’s manager following their fairytale Women’s Euros qualification.  The former Derry City gaffer has signed a two-year contract weeks after masterminding his side’s historic play-offs triumph over Ukraine. 
      Kenny Shiels has agreed to a new two-year contract as Northern Ireland Women’s bossCredit: Pacemaker
      On his contract extension Shiels, 65, said: “My job is to continue to build on the momentum we have generated and prepare for next summer’s Euros.
      “The success of the Northern Ireland senior women’s team has added to the interest in the women’s game from the grassroots level up. 
      “I’m delighted with this development and thankful to the Irish Football Association for making this happen.” 
      Shiels, whose managerial career has seen him take charge of clubs in Northern Ireland, England, Scottish giants Kilmarnock, was appointed as the senior women’s national team manager in May 2019. 
      His side, which includes Birmingham City’s Rebecca Holloway, defeated Ukraine 2-1 away in Kovalivka before securing their Euros spot with a 2-0 in a second leg win in Belfast. 
      Their 4-1 aggregate victory over their opponents – who are listed 25 above them in FIFA’s world rankings – saw Shiels’ squad become the first Northern women’s team to reach a major international football tournament.
      The former Kilmarnock manager’s decision to extend his contract has been praised by squad members including Durham ace Sarah Robson and Liverpool’s Rachel Furness.  
      It comes in the same month as the release of ‘A New Dream’, a short film looking behind the scenes of Northern Ireland’s 2022 Women’s Euros qualification journey. 
      And skipper Marissa Callaghan, who works as a Girls’ Participation Officer at the Irish FA, hopes her team’s success will encourage more youngsters to take up football.
      [embedded content]
      Northern Ireland Women are set to compete in the Women’s Euros for the first time in 2022Credit: Pacemaker

      Callaghan told the Irish FA’s web site: “We’ve spoken about how we need to do as much as we can for the community and young girls.
      “We need to make sure that we get out and about to the local clubs and schools – wherever we can go. 
      “We want the young girls to see us and get inspired. I think that’s the legacy we want to leave in the next year.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Marissa Callaghan hopes Northern Ireland reaching the Women’s Euros will inspire more girls to take up footballCredit: Inpho
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Wales Women’s boss Ludlow ‘excited’ to take charge of Man City Girls’ Academy

      by

      JAYNE LUDLOW says she is thrilled to be taking up the reins of managing Man City Women’s rising stars.Ludlow’s appointment as the club’s Girls’ Academy technical director comes three months after she stood down as Wales Women’s manager after six years in charge.
      Jayne Ludlow wants to help Man City Women’s youth players reach the highest levels of the gameCredit: Rex Features
      The former Arsenal Ladies ace’s new position will see her identify and develop up and coming young players for the WSL giants.  
      Ludlow, 42, said: “I am excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to join Manchester City.
      “I look forward to ensuring that our academy prioritises personal and football development so that our next generation positively impacts the game and societies of the future. 
      “I am also committed to helping facilitate a creative, positive learning environment where both coaches and players can thrive and one that enables them to reach the highest levels of the game.” 
      First team talents who have risen through the ranks of Man City’s development squad include Jess Park and Esme Morgan. 
      Both were part of the side that triumphed in the 2018 WSL Development Cup Final.
      Other starlets who represented the club at youth level include Red Devils forward Ella Toone, Bristol’s Emma Bissell and Sheffield United’s Alethea Paul. 
      Ludlow, who managed Reading Women from 2013 to 2014 before her appointment as Wales Women’s boss, enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career prior to her move into management.  
      Esme Morgan rose through the ranks of Man City Women’s development squadCredit: Sportimage

      Silverware wins for the former Gunners midfielder include nine Women’s Premier League titles, six FA Cups, a Women’s Champions League trophy with Arsenal.
      The former Wales international spent 13 years playing for the North London giants following stints at Southampton Saints Ladies and Millwall Lionesses. 
      Gavin Makel, Managing Director of Manchester City Women, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jayne to the Manchester City family. 
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jayne Ludlow managed Wales for six years before being appointed as technical director of Man City Women’s Girls’ AcademyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bristol boss Beard says there is ‘no truth’ in Liverpool Women’s job talk ahead of Man United match

      by

      MATT BEARD has dismissed reports linking him with the manager’s role at Liverpool Women. And the interim Bristol City chief is expecting the scrap to beat the drop will go down to the wire in the WSL this term.
      Matt Beard says there is ‘no truth’ regarding reports he is due to be unveiled as manager of Liverpool WomenCredit: Rex
      Liverpool are third in the Women’s Championship and are due to play London City LionessesCredit: Rex
      Beard, 43, was speaking to journalists after The Athletic claimed Liverpool are due to unveil him as the boss of their Women’s Championship side currently managed by Amber Whiteley. 
      The news comes days before the Robins’ home game against Manchester United who are fourth in the WSL.
      Beard said: “Look I’m on maternity cover for Tanya (Oxtoby).
      “There’s no truth in the story anyway. But it is what it is, I can’t change that.”
      Former Reds boss Beard, who is in charge of Bristol until the end of the season, enjoyed a title-winning two-term spell at Liverpool in 2013 and 2014.
      The ex-Hammers manager led the team – who are currently third in the second tier – to back-to-back WSL title wins in both years.
      A Bristol City spokeswoman said: “Matt Beard is fully focused on the two remaining Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixtures and fully committed to retaining the club’s top-flight status
      “Speculation like this is not helpful and we will not be commenting further on the matter.” 
      Bristol, who are propping up the table of the women’s top-flight, are bidding to maintain their spot in the league ahead of the return of permanent gaffer Tanya Oxtoby. 
      And the Robins, who are the founding members of the WSL, face a tricky clash with the Red Devils who are battling for a place in the Champions League.
      Bristol City face Manchester United at home in their next WSL fixtureCredit: Rex

      The last encounter between the sides ended in a heavy 6-1 away defeat for the Robins in December, with Leah Galton and Tobin Heath both scoring braces.
      But Beard is backing his players to make things hard for their visitors. 
      Beard added: “It’s going to be a tough game. They’ve found a little bit of form in the last few games. 
      They’ve got got Galton and (Alessia) Russo back which is a blow for us because they’re two very, very talented players. 
      “From that perspective it’s this, it’s going to be tough but on our day I think we’ve proved we can compete with anyone. 
      “If you look at some of our games against top five teams – for instance the Man City game – we ran them very, very close in our second half performance and could have got back in that. 
      “We need to get as many points as we can to try and stay in the division and we’re not going to make it easy for them whatsoever.” 
      Bristol are currently a point behind Aston Villa and two points behind West Ham who are also battling to avoid relegation. 
      And Beard believes Villa’s draw with Birmingham and West Ham’s loss to Arsenal has given his side a boost. 
      Leah Galton, 26, was on target twice for Man United when they defeated Bristol in December 2020Credit: Zuma Press
      Beard said: “I think the results were the best that we could have hoped for, with regards to West Ham and Aston Villa playing each other this weekend. 
      “Obviously, someone’s going to drop points in that game.
      “If you look at the last two games of the season for West Ham and Aston Villa, I think it’s Arsenal and Manchester City if my memory serves me correct. 
      “So that’s probably the best scenario for us which is fantastic. It’s six points to play for.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Beard says Bristol be looking to make things tough for Man United at Twerton ParkCredit: Rex
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Birmingham City 1 Aston Villa 1: Greece striker Sarri leaves Aston Villa feeling sorry after dramatic derby draw

      by

      VEATRIKI SARRI heaped injury-time misery on Aston Villa as Birmingham nabbed a 1-1 draw in the dying minutes of a tetchy Midlands derby.  The WSL ace sparked scenes of wild celebration with a jubilant Carla Ward hugging her players after they snatched a vital point in their bid to beat the drop.
      Birmingham City snatched a vital draw from the brink of defeat from their Midlands derby clash with rivals Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      Super sub Veatriki Sarri came on to rescue a point for Blues who are battling to stay in the WSLCredit: PA
      Just as it looked as if ex-Brum starlet Freya Gregory’s goal had given Villa’s top flight survival dreams a boost, super sub Sarri came on to spoil the visitors’ party.  
      Birmingham’s 1-1 home draw means they leapfrog West Ham to go ninth in the table ahead of a tricky trip to Manchester City. 
      Ward said: “Villa were the better team for large parts but the fact that we find a way tells you that this group has got character, desire, it’s got everything you need.
      “I said at the start of the season – and I said it all year – that no one gives us a chance. But these players do. I do. The staff do.
      “Honestly, I love working with them because they just don’t give up. They don’t want to roll over. Hence my knee slide to join in with them at the end!“I think we’re there in terms of safety. West Ham have got to play Villa at the weekend. If they both get a point, they both stay below us.
      “If one wins, the other one stays below us. Whichever one loses then has to beat Manchester City or Arsenal, so I think we’re there, barring an absolute miracle.”

      Villa, who were beaten 1-0 in the last league exchange between the sides, looked to dominate the possession from the get go. 
      They attempted to take the lead as early as the fourth minute with Chloe Arthur’s free-kick flying wide of Hannah Hampton’s goal. 
      Aston Villa have dropped points in the league in injury time for the second time in four daysCredit: Rex

      And they went close to scoring in the 11th minute with Mana Iwabuchi attempting to curl a right-footed shot into the far corner. 
      Moments later Birmingham suffered a minor scare with Hampton missing the chance to claim Anita Asante’s chipped free-kick.
      But following a scramble in the box, the hosts managed to hoof the ball out of danger.  
      Bignot’s players’ attacking efforts did not go unrewarded for too long with Gregory returning to haunt her old side. 
      And she put them ahead with a thumping strike for her first senior goal in a Villa shirt.
      Following a Birmingham corner, the visitors countered with the ball dropping to Iwabuchi who released Shania Hayles who squared it to Gregory
      And the Villa starlet saw her initial shot crash off the underside of the crossbar before smashing the ball into the goal with venom minutes before the half-hour mark. 
      Freya Gregory was on target for Villa in the 27th minute to net her first professional goalCredit: Getty
      The second period saw Birmingham attempt to fight their way back into the game, but having little joy in the final third. 
      Sub Emily Murphy, on loan from Chelsea, saw her strike from distance fly past Lisa Weiss’s far post close to the 60th minute. 
      Ward, who lost Ruesha Littlejohn to injury in the first half, made her final roll of the dice bringing on Sarri in place of Blues defender Emma kelly
      The switch came minutes after the forthright Birmingham boss was given a yellow card for her response to a decision given in Villa’s favour
      It was a substitution that worked wonders, with Sarri’s free-kick flying into Weiss’ goal through a huddle of players to seal a score draw.
      And the result combined with the Hammers’ 2-0 loss to Arsenal means just THREE points separate the bottom four sides in the Women’s Super League. 
      It could see the fight to remain in the top flight go down to the wire with Villa due to take on Olli Harder’s Irons next. 
      Bignot said: “I appreciate Carla’s words and I would echo them.
      Villa boss Marcus Bignot will be urging his side to bounce back by beating West HamCredit: Reuters
      “We were the better team. We deserved the three points but we haven’t got them.
      “It was disappointing in terms of the manner in which we didn’t get those three points.
      “We learned lessons from the Bristol game in terms of how we conceded – we were very deep – but this one was taken away from us. It’s a hard one to take.
      “Credit to Birmingham for taking advantage.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Villa will travel to Arsenal for their last game of the season after they play the HammersCredit: Getty
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ward warns Birmingham aces will go all out for a win against Aston Villa as rivals fight for WSL survival

      by

      CARLA WARD says there will be ‘no sitting back’ when Birmingham take on Aston Villa in the return of the Second City derby. And the bullish Blues boss is expecting her charges to adopt the attack-minded approach that saw them crush Coventry United 5-1 in the Women’s FA Cup.
      Carla Ward hopes her team can pick up a second win in the WSL against Aston VillaCredit: Rex
      Ruby Mace, on loan from Arsenal, was on target for Birmingham in their previous game which was a 1-1 draw with ReadingCredit: Alamy
      The Villans, in 11th,are currently just one spot below Birmingham in the WSL. 
      And with just two points separating bottom of the table Bristol from West Ham, Blues and Villa, Ward is looking for her side to pick up their first win in the top-flight since November 2020. 
      Ward. 37, said: “It’s a derby so we want to go out, get after them and win the game. 
      “There will be no sitting back, soaking it up and playing for a point. I don’t understand how anyone goes out to play for a point. 
      “I think we were attack-minded in our previous league game which against Reading.
      “Although they had more of the ball, we had far more chances.
      “We created 17 opportunities, which is the most we’ve created all season. 
      “We were really pleased with that and we expect the same sort of mindset and game plan against Aston Villa. 
      “So we’ll go out there and do the best we can and hopefully get three points.”
      The last victory for Ward in the top-flight came against Villa two months before their January 2021 appointment of Marcus Bignot as interim manager. 
      A win for Birmingham would see them move five points clear of Aston VillaCredit: Zuma Press

      Since then, the Blues have picked up five draws and five defeats, with losses to Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City. 
      And the Villans, who have registered three wins and three draws so far this season, have won just once away from home with a 2-0 victory against Brighton. 
      Ward, who has been nominated for a Barclays Women’s Super League Manager of the Season gong, believes her Blues will be unaffected by points dropped in previous fixtures. 
      Ward added: “This is one where the pressure really is on Villa. 
      “They need three points and we need a point, but we will go out and try and get all of them.
      Aston Villa are looking to pick up their fourth win of the season and avoid relegationCredit: Rex
      “When we set out at the start of the season, we knew where we needed to pick up points. 
      “We know we would have liked to have picked up wins in a couple of our previous draws. 
      “But it is what it is and we still have an opportunity to get the point that we need. 
      “I don’t think it will be playing on the players’ mind because actually, this group’s mindset all season has been absolutely first-class.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      A win for Marcus Bignot’s Villa would see them move three clear of Bristol who are bottomCredit: Rex
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

    • 238 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Birmingham boss Ward calls on club to invest in women’s side as squad battles to stay in the WSL

      by

      CARLA WARD is urging Birmingham City’s owners to invest in their women’s team or make way for others who will, according to reports. The Daily Mail claims Ward wants the club to ramp up their support for Blues’ WSL outfit which she believes will be vital for her side’s future.
      Ward is urging Birmingham’s owners to invest in the club’s women’s team who are battling to stay in the WSLCredit: Getty
      Ward, 37 said: “It’s do or die, support and kick on or make way for others clubs who want to invest.”
      And her impassioned plea comes ahead of her tenth-placed side’s derby with Aston Villa who are eleventh and second from bottom.
      It also comes just weeks after her first team players wrote to their board slamming conditions and facilities provided for the women’s team.
      The Birmingham chief revealed she is fully supported by her squad and that she is currently the only full-time coaching member of staff for her side.
      The letter from her team to the club’s most senior officials received overwhelming backing from several WSL stars.
      And Ward is reported to have been brought in to mediate between the board members and players.
      Ward added: “The letter’s probably five per cent of how they felt and I supported it.
      “I’m the only full-time member of technical staff, which is unheard of in the WSL.”
      One positive to have emerged from the letter is that the club have pledged to move the team’s games to St Andrew’s next term should they win their fight to stay in the WSL.
      Birmingham are due to play Aston Villa who are two points behind Blues and second from bottomCredit: Alamy

      But this small step is not enough for Ward who believes she is facing an uphill struggle at present.
      Both Birmingham’s men’s and women’s teams have been pushing to maintain their places within their respective divisions.
      The Blues women’s side have been a mainstay in the Women’s Super League since its creation in 2011 and qualified for a Champions League place in the 2012-13 season.
      And now Lee Bowyer’s squad have secured their spot in the EFL ahead of next term, Ward is determined to see her players beat the drop.
      But as soon as that task is completed, the former Sheffield United Women’s boss aims to have a sit-down with the club’s owners to get clear answers on their future plans.
      Ward continued: “I think ultimately nothing is going to happen overnight.
      “Now the men are safe that will help, I imagine.
      “We would like to think once we’re safe too, we’ll get clear answers, move forward and have discussions. I’m up for a fight but not for the impossible.”
      Another reason Ward wants more from the club’s owners is due to an historic TV deal the WSL signed the BBC and Sky Sports, which she reckons will be ‘huge’ for the women’s game
      The Birmingham boss reckons WSL sides will need to be at their best with games being shown on the biggest platform.
      And Ward hopes clubs in the league provide their women’s teams with the necessary tools to succeed.
      Birmingham will face Manchester City after their clash with Aston VillaCredit: Zuma Press
      Ward added: “It will be huge next season. And this is why football clubs have to get it right.
      “Because we’re going live to the nation, on the biggest platform you could possibly ask for.
      “For anyone who stays in the WSL this year I would say, take this seriously, make sure you’ve got the right staffing.
      “Make sure you’ve got the right players, really support your women, because it’s going to be global and an opportunity not to be missed.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ward is focused on securing WSL survival with the BluesCredit: Getty
      YouTuber Tekkerz Kid challenges Jamie Redknapp and Alex Scott to some insane football challenges More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City go head to head for individual WSL end of season awards

      by

      TITLE rivals Chelsea and Manchester City will go head to head in a battle for the WSL end of season awards.Blues boss Emma Hayes, and City chief Gareth Taylor have been nominated for the manager of the season award.
      City and Chelsea personnel will battle it out for individual end of season awardsCredit: Getty
      And Blues dynamic duo Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby will go up against City pair Sam Mewis and Chloe Kelly for the player of the season prize.
      Hayes won the manager award last season and could make it a double this term after a phenomenal term with her team.
      The Blues are still in with a shout to win the Champions League and are in touching distance of the WSL title which strengthens her claim to the prize.
      City on the other hand were knocked out the European elite competition and are chasing Chelsea in the league so Taylor will be slightly behind Hayes in the running.
      The quartet of players have all been prolific for their respective sides this season, which could make the player of the season award battle a-bit closer.
      Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr have formed a deadly partnership that has seen them be compared to Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.
      They have created 10 goals between them so far, which has helped propel Kirby to the top of the WSL scoring charts this season.
      Hayes won the best manager award last season and has been nominated againCredit: PA
      But she will have to fend off opposition from Taylor who is also up for the awardCredit: Getty

      The Aussie ace is locked into another battle with Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema for the goals prize, and the Dutch star also been nominated for the award.
      But Kelly and Mewis have also played an integral role for City this season.
      Forward Kelly has scored 14 goals in 33 appearances, and Mewis has netted the same amount in four less games from the midfield.
      Although the nominees for both sides would appreciate the individual gongs, their focus will be on finishing the season collectively on a high.
      The Blues are two points above City with two games left to go in the season and Taylor will do his best to overtake them, while Hayes will want her team to stay focused.
      But the end of season awards may not go to the players or bosses of either side who face stiff competition from other WSL nominees.
      Also in the running for player of the season, is Everton’s Izzy Christansen.
      The English attacker has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 23 games this season.
      Taylor and Hayes will go up against Birmingham City manager Carla Ward, Manchester United’s Casey Stoney and Brighton’s Hope Powell.
      Voting started today and will close on Friday April 29 at midday.
      Blues duo Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr will battle each other for the best player gong alongside City’s Mewis and KellyCredit: Getty
      The amazing rise of Fran Kirby from being told she may never play again to Chelsea’s all-time top scorer More