Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester City women to play at King Power Stadium for first-time ever and lift Championship trophy

      by

      LEICESTER CITY WOMEN will make history when they play at the King Power Stadium for the first-time ever on Sunday. The Foxes face Charlton at the men’s ground, and will be handed their Championship trophy at the final whistle, having won promotion into the WSL.
      Leicester Women will play at the King Power Stadium for the first time this SundayCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      They will face Charlton and be handed their Championship trophy after the gameCredit: Getty
      This is a drastic leap for Jonathan Morgan’s side who are used to playing at the Farley Way Stadium which has only has a capacity of 2,000.
      The King Power in comparison can hold over 32,000 fans in its stands.
      But unfortunately, fans won’t be experience the clash first-hand due to Covid restrictions.
      Luckily, Leicester will be showing the game free on their own channel, LCFC TV, live from 2pm.
      And their women side have have come along way after turning professional just last year.
      They made the switch when they were acquired by the men’s side owners, King Power International.
      Since then, Leicester have been on a meteoric rise, securing promotion to the top-flight earlier this month.

      During their title-winning season they won an incredible 15 out of 18 games.
      Morgan’s team are also in the running for FA Cup success after they beat Liverpool 2-1 in the fourth round, setting up a tantalising tie with Manchester United in the fifth.
      And now the Foxes are in the WSL they will be hoping to have even more opportunities to thrill in the King Power Stadium.
      Leicester are the second team to allow their women’s side to play at their men’s ground this season.
      Manchester United made history when their women side played at Old Trafford for the first-time last month.
      Casey Stoney’s side played host to West Ham who they beat 2-0 in the memorable encounter.
      But despite the win and epic moment, perfectionist Stoney wasn’t pleased with her side’s performance and pulled no punches in her post match interview.
      She said: “I’ve come away from it disappointed with us really in terms of an exhibition.
      “If there was a crowd in here, they would’ve been disappointed in the first half so just as well there wasn’t.
      “Second half they would’ve been really pleased with the team and the response.
      “So we’ve done it now, we’ve played at Old Trafford, for me it’s about next time and doing it with a crowd, and making sure that we’re better.”
      But fans will not be able to see the game in the stadium due to Covid restrictionsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Brendan Rodgers says Jamie Vardy is a natural striker More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s most capped player Fara Williams announces retirement from football after long battle with kidney condition

      by

      ENGLAND’S most-capped player Fara Williams has announced she will retire from football at the end of the season.The 37-year-old took to Twitter to share the news just months after revealing her long-term battle with a kidney condition that nearly “broke” her.
      Williams has drawn the curtain on her playing career after two decades on the pitchCredit: PA
      Williams revealed she made the “difficult” decision despite an number of offers to keep playing.
      The Reading ace said: “After much consideration & despite offers to remain within the game.
      “I have made the difficult decision to retire from professional football at the end of the season.”
      She took to Twitter to share the news
      Despite leaving the game she’s played for two decades, the 172-cap Lionesses midfielder remained positive and said being able to play for so long was a pleasure and a privilege.
      She added: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have had a career of more than 20 years within the women’s game.”
      Shortly after she broke the news, a ton of good luck messages and appreciation tweets flooded in.
      The tributes were lead by Chelsea defender Millie Bright who called her a legend.
      Bright wrote: “Enjoy retirement Fara, thank you for everything legend.”
      This sentiment was echoed by the Women’s Super League, who called Williams “one of the greatest legends ever.”
      They wrote: “One of the greatest legends of the #BarclaysFAWSL.
      “You’ve been an inspiration to so many following our game.
      “We will miss you. Best of luck for the future.”
      Millie Bright and the WSL called the midfielder a legend
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand also offered his praise for Williams, congratulating her for being the country’s most capped player of all time.
      He wrote: “Congrats on ya career… most capped international our country has seen!”
      Royals boss Kelly Chambers also gave the midfielder her best wishes and said she’ll be missed at the club.
      She said: “Fara will be missed on the pitch, but I wish her the very best in her next chapter.
      Ferdinand also sent her a goodwill message
      “I have no doubt she will be successful in whatever she chooses to do. Her knowledge of the game is second to none, as is the hunger and desire she has to learn and develop.
      “She is a true idol to any young female football out there. On record I would like to thank Fara for everything she has done for me, the staff, the players and the club.”
      Reading added their own tribute on their website, and said: “Reading Football Club would like to thank Fara Williams for her time as Royal.
      “For the hard work and dedication she has given both the club and women’s football as a whole. A true legend and pioneer.”
      She became England’s most capped player during her glittering careerCredit: PA
      The Reading ace won a MBE in 2016 for her services to football and charityCredit: PA
      She started her illustrious career with Chelsea as a teen before moving to Charlton Athletic for a brief spell.
      Williams then went to Everton where she spent eight years, scoring an incredible 70 goals in 122 appearances.
      She then risked the wrath of Toffees fans by joining Liverpool in 2012, when she also represented Team GB in the Olympics.
      But her risk paid off and in 2013 she won the WSL title with the Reds and repeated the feat the following season.
      A restless Williams then went to Arsenal in 2016 and picked up an MBE in the same year for her services to football and charity.
      Then she made the final move of her club career when she joined Reading in 2017.
      Unfortunately, Williams was forced to slow down after picking up a kidney condition in March 2020.
      The Lionesses star discovered she had nephrotic syndrome in March 2020 following thigh surgery after a training injury.
      The condition is caused by an excess leak of protein from blood into urine, and can lead to swelling in the legs and ankles.
      MOST CAPPED ENGLAND PLAYERSThe most capped men and women England players of all-time
      Fara Williams 172
      Jill Scott 150
      Karen Carney 144
      Alex Scott 140
      Casey Stoney 130
      Peter Shilton 125
      Kelly Smith 117
      Wayne Rooney 120
      David Beckham 115
      Steven Gerrard 114
      Bobby Moore 108
      Ashley Cole 107
      Bobby Charlton 106
      Frank Lampard 106

      She struggled to fully recover from the disease that has kept her sidelined, but can leave the game with her head held high after all her amazing achievements and accolades.
      And after such a glittering playing career, it seems likely Williams could take a more hands on coaching role in the game.
      She has already shown a keen interest in coaching and is currently working with England Women’s Under-17s as part of an FA Elite Coaching Programme.
      A tragic kidney condition has kept her out of action over the past few yearsCredit: Instagram / @fara44
      PSG ace Neymar plans to become a professional poker player when he retires after agreeing new role with PokerStars More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Hope Powell praises Joe Montemurro for making Arsenal the ‘best team in the league’ as his exit from club beckons

      by

      HOPE POWELL hailed Joe Montemurro for making Arsenal the best side in the WSL.Although the Gunners are oozing with world-class talent such as Vivianne Miedema, Powell thinks it is boss Montemurro’s management style that makes them tick.
      Powell reckons Arsenal are the best technical side in the WSLCredit: Getty
      She thinks Montemurro’s management style is a big part of Arsenal’s successCredit: Getty
      The Gunners comfortably beat Powell’s Brighton side 2-0 yesterday afternoon.
      Speaking after the game, the Seagulls manager said: “I think he’s (Montemurro) done tremendously well with the group of players that he’s got.
      “Albeit, they all are world-class players, he’s had to manage them.
      “I think their movement is very, very good, I think technically they’re very good.
      “And for me, I think technically, probably the best team in the league.”
      Arsenal’s recent form give Powell’s claims a strong basis, as they’ve now gone seven games unbeaten in the league without conceding.
      Their impressive form has seen them leapfrog rivals Manchester United into third place and put them in pole position for Champions League qualification.
      But the Gunners will have to do without Montemurro’s magic next season after he announced he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Arsenal have now gone seven games unbeaten in the WSL and conceded no goals

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      And Powell is sad to see him go but has enjoyed their rivalry.
      She added: “It’s been a pleasure getting to know him while he’s been here, and it’s sad to see him go.
      “So credit to him, credit to Arsenal, but I believe he’s made a very difficult decision to leave.
      “But what he’s left behind, whoever takes over it, you know it’s a fantastic job.”
      Montemurro will be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season and Powell is sad to see him goCredit: Getty
      Spotify founder Daniel Ek preparing Arsenal takeover bid with KSE willing to sell for £2 Billion after fan protests More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Casey Stoney calls out Mark Zuckerberg after Lauren James is racially abused once again on Instagram

      by

      CASEY STONEY has called out Instagram owner Mark Zuckerberg for not doing enough after Lauren James was racially abused once again on his platform.James, 19, suffered the horrific abuse when she put up a picture of her hugging her little sister on Insta last week.
      Stoney called out Instagram and owner Zuckerberg after Lauren James was racially abused on the siteCredit: Getty
      James received the abuse after she posted a picture with her little sister last weekCredit: Getty
      This led to a troll leaving monkey emojis underneath the pic which infuriated Stoney.
      The mortified Manchester United boss responded today, and chose to directly address Zuckerberg, questioning his character and values in the process.
      She wrote on her Instagram story: ” @Instagram, is this what you think is acceptable.
      ” @Zuck are these the values and behaviours you align with?”
      This isn’t the first time Stoney has pleaded with social media bosses to take action against online trolls who have abused James.
      The teen ace had been subjected to identical comments just a few months ago and begged owners to “wake up” to the racist threats taking place online.
      At the time, Stoney said: “I just genuinely cannot understand how we can abuse a 19-year-old because of the colour of their skin.
      Stoney questioned Zuckerberg’s values on her story
      “Just because they are known because they play football and have a profile, we go after them.
      “It’s disgusting, it’s utterly disgusting. I think the government and powers that be need to do so much more to govern these social media platforms. 
      “And we need to stand up, speak up and make it unacceptable that this happens.”
      But despite Stoney, James’ and many other’s pleas, racial abuse is still rife on social media.
      It is also prevalent in the men’s game, which led to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to announce his hiatus from all online platforms until something was done.

      Now, English football has followed suit and all clubs will be taking part in a social media blackout starting on Friday April 30, till Monday May 3.
      During the boycott will not use their social media accounts, in a show of solidarity with the hope that online bosses like Zuckerberg will start taking the abuse seriously.
      Footy magazine Shekicks have also reported that WSL sides will be joining the boycott this weekend.
      English football will be staging a social media boycott this weekend in a bid to combat the vile abuse
      Premier League clubs join four-day social media boycott to tackle racism and hate More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich 2 Chelsea 1: Hayes plots Chelsea fightback after Blues suffer away defeat in Europe

      by

      EMMA HAYES believes Chelsea will bounce back from their disappointing loss after Bayern Munich drew first blood in their Champions League semi-final. A fierce Hanna Glas strike saw the Blues beaten 2-1 in an entertaining first-leg – although the visitors nabbed a precious away goal. 
      Emma Hayes is expecting Chelsea to best Bayern in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final duelCredit: Reuters
      Hanna Glas’s strike helped Bayern seal a 2-1 home win but Chelsea an away goal to take back to KingsmeadowCredit: Getty
      And the result – which is the first loss Chelsea have endured in Europe this term – ended the Blues’ run of 13 games undefeated across all competitions. 
      Hayes said: “The goals were two really poor ones to concede.
      “One was a cross we prepped for and the other for me was massively disappointing considering it’s come from a throw-in.
      “But it’s half-time, we’ve got an away goal. Bayern have played their last few games conceding goals and they’ve changed their shape.
      “When teams do that it presents different challenges.
      “The game could very easily have gone 3-1 and been a much bigger task for us so we’re not out of it. 
      “I will take the pluses and take time to reflect.” 
      Chelsea took to the field without injured skipper Magda Eriksson, who has played a key role in leading the Blues’ defensive efforts this season. 
      Sydney Lohmann was on target for Bayern Munich against ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      When quizzed on the length of Eriksson’s absence Hayes added: “You’re going to ask me the question and then spend all week saying ‘am I f***ing about with you all?’. 
      “The realities are, she’s had a calf injury that we hoped would be ready, and often you go out on the training pitch, it might be alright in one moment, the next day it wasn’t. 
      “We were hopeful she was going to make this one, it just wasn’t enough. She needed a couple more days. 
      “But if I say that to you, everybody’s going to say ‘she’s kidding us again’ going into next week, so the reality is, I don’t know, I just hope she’s available.”
      After a tense opening ten minutes, the hosts took the lead in Munich following a rare error from Ann-Katrin Berger. 
      The German keeper appeared to misjudge the flight of a dangerous cross from Glas.  
      Melanie Leupolz scored a precious away goal for the Blues against her former teamCredit: Avalon.red
      And Sydney Lohmann was able to capitalise to head her team in front in the 11th minute.
      But Chelsea refused to be fazed and hit back moments after the 20th-minute with a bizarre goal netted by Melanie Leupolz. 
      The former Bayern skipper unwittingly scored after Simone Laudehr headed the ball into her face following a Guro Reiten free-kick. 
      Chelsea gained some momentum from their equaliser.  
      And they had a chance to go ahead minutes before the half-hour mark, with Guro Reiten feeding Harder, who curled a right-footed effort just wide of Laura Benkarth’s top corner. 
      Blues frontwoman Sam Kerr then saw her effort in the box thwarted by a brilliantly timed 31st-minute tackle by Marina Hegering. 
      Sam Kerr will be hoping to get on the score sheet against Bayern at KingsmeadowCredit: AFP
      The second half saw the hosts up the ante with Dutch forward Lineth Beerensteyn making a 40-yard dash before Berger swiped the ball from her foot.  
      But the hosts retook the lead with Glas unleashing a left-footed boomer from 20 yards. 
      Chelsea, who brought on Beth England, had a superb opportunity to level again in the game’s late stages 
      Ji So-yun saw her thunderous strike hit the underside of the bar with Beth England unable to head in the rebound in the 74th minute. 
      Ji So-yun saw her thunderous strike hit the underside of Lena Benkarth’s crossbarCredit: Reuters
      And the South Korea playmaker saw her injury-time free-kick saved by Benkarth with the German league leaders wrapping up the win.
      Bayern head Jens Scheuer praised the effort of Glas who proved to be a thorn in Chelsea’s side. 
      Scheuer said: “For me, she is one of the best right-backs in the world. She has already assisted with a lot of goals. 
      “That’s what we want to see from her, expect from her.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Bayern head coach Jens Scheuer says Hanna is one of the best right-backs in the worldCredit: Reuters
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton boss Powell hopes to stun Arsenal following defeat of Man United

      by

      HOPE POWELL says Brighton are looking to spoil Arsenal’s top-three hopes as Albion hunt for a third win against a WSL big gun. And the Seagulls boss reckons the upturn in her side’s league form means they are unlikely to be underestimated by their top-flight rivals.
      Hope Powell’s players hope to get a result against Arsenal after beating Man UnitedCredit: Rex
      The last clash between Arsenal and Brighton this season ended in a 5-0 away win for the GunnersCredit: Getty
      Brighton, who are sixth and the only team to have beaten Chelsea this term, have won six of their last seven games across all competitions.
      They are targeting another major scalp after defeating Man United who are battling Arsenal for Champions League qualification. 
      And the Seagulls are yet to beat the Gunners since their arrival in the Women’s Super League in the 2018-19 season. 
      Powell, 54, said: “I think what Arsenal won’t do is take us for granted, which perhaps doesn’t help us.  
      “Historically they would beat us and I think there’ll be absolutely on it in this game.
      “They want to secure a top-three spot to go into Europe, but what we’re trying to do is spoil their party as we would do with any team that we come up against. 
      “I think now, because of recent results, teams will make sure that they’re absolutely on it. 
      “And Arsenal will come at us and I’m sure they will play their strongest side.
      “For us, that means a very tough game. And we will make it tough for them. We will do our utmost to be the best we can.” 
      Joe Montemurro’s side who have their sights set on a return to Champions League action next term are currently level on points with United
      But the Gunners have a superior goal difference to the Red Devils and a game in hand.
      Brighton will face Reading and Bristol in their final two games of the seasonCredit: PA

      And wins against Brighton, Everton, West Ham and Villa will guarantee Arsenal a coveted spot in Europe. 
      Montemurro, 51, said: “If we stick to our way and make sure that we don’t allow Brighton to be good in the areas that they are we should be able to get over the line.
      “But it’s going to be very tough as they use quick transitions and have a very good defensive shape.”
       Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal will be hoping for a home win against Brighton as they target Champions League qualificationCredit: Getty
      Watch Vivianne Miedema kick a ball over her head and perfectly into a basketball hoop More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Berger plays down goalkeeping heroics as Blues bid to beat Bayern Munich in Champions League

      by

      ANN-KATRIN BERGER admits she is ‘quite critical’ of her shot-stopping heroics for Chelsea despite Emma Hayes hailing her efforts as world-class. And the WSL ace who helped seal a Champions League semis spot for the Blues relishes seeing herself as an underdog. 
      Ann-Katrin Berger hopes to reach the Women’s Champions League final with Chelsea this seasonCredit: Colorsport
      Berger’s breathtaking saves against Atletico Madrid and Wolfsburg helped Hayes’ side line up a clash over two legs with Bayern Munich.
      The German giants and the WSL league leaders are battling for a place in the finals against PSG or Barcelona. 
      But perfectionist Berger, 30, keeps an eye out for errors in performances that have won her praise from pundits. 
      The Kingsmeadow keeper told SunSport ahead of today’s first leg: “I couldn’t tell you which of my games is my best performance.
      “Even in my best games, I find a mistake or something annoying.
      “You would have to ask my goalkeeping coach that because I’m quite critical of myself. 
      “With the Atletico and Wolfsburg matches, I was just doing my job.
      “I enjoy goalkeeping for Chelsea because I have a really good connection with the front four and midfield. 
      “It makes it so much easier for me to do my job. And having the faith the defenders have given me, I think it’s the nicest feeling to get that trust you need to work.”
      Chelsea are vying to become the first English team to be crowned football queens of Europe since Vic Akers’ 2007 Arsenal side. 
      Chelsea hope to pick up an away win in the first leg of their semis clash with Bayern MunichCredit: Getty

      And the Blues, who are two wins away from retaining their WSL title, have battled through some dramatic clashes on their way to their third Champion League semi-finals. 
      Results include their 3-1 aggregate victory against Atletico and a 5-1 win against German champions Wolfsburg.
      And Berger, who has kept 13 clean sheets in 20 games in Europe and the WSL, played a crucial part in those victories including two penalty saves against Atletico. 
      The WSL star, whose football journey began with watching her late father Alois compete in a Sunday League, is relishing the battle with German league leaders Bayern.
      And this term’s semis will not include seven-time winners Lyon who crashed out in the quarter-finals
      They suffered a shock 2-2 aggregate loss on away goals to Berger’s former club PSG.
      Chelsea hope to become the first English club since Arsenal to triumph in EuropeCredit: Getty
      Berger added: “I think Bayern Munich this year are really, really good. They have a really strong squad.
      They’ve improved in the last couple of years so it will be a very hard game I think, even harder than Wolfsburg. 
      “But I also know that we have the quality to win this game as well. It will be a good game to watch.”
      It has been seven years since Berger last played in the top-flight of women’s football in Germany with her career beginning in 2011 as a stopper for Turbine Potsdam.
      Since then the Blues star has enjoyed spells at PSG and Birmingham from 2014 to 2018, before sealing a 2019 switch to Chelsea. 
      And despite making the shortlist for FIFA’s 2020 Women’s Goalkeeper of the year, Berger enjoys seeing herself as an underdog.
      Berger added: “In the past, I have called myself an underdog. 
      “That’s because being an underdog you can actually choose who you want to be.
      “That helped me a lot because I’m completely different to a lot of other goalkeepers
      “And moving from Germany made me open my mind so I could peak.
      Lyon’s shock quarter-final exit has blown this term’s Champions League contest wide openCredit: Rex
      Berger believes the women’s game in England is becoming a more attractive prospect to players in Germany with the WSL sealing the biggest TV broadcasting deal in the history of women’s football 
      The Blues stopper added: “I recently played with the national team and players from Germany were really excited about what happened in England because of the (TV) deal. 
      “I feel like all the women’s leagues in Europe are in competition. I think this deal will help women’s football around the world.”
      Berger says the WSL is becoming more attractive as a league to players in GermanyCredit: Reuters
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton ace Whelan says life has ‘changed forever’ after the arrival of her baby boy with partner Fern

      by

      AILEEN WHELAN says her life has been transformed after her partner Fern gave birth to their adorable baby boy.The Seagulls striker shared the news with more than a thousand of her Twitter followers along with a cute picture of the couple’s newborn son Jenson James Noel Whelan.
      Aileen and Fern Whelan have been celebrating the birth of their newborn son Jenson
      The Albion ace, whose team are due to play Arsenal, says she feels “complete” following the new addition to her family.
      And in a tweet addressed to Fern Whelan said: “And just like that our lives changed forever.
      “Welcome to the world Jenson James Noel Whelan.
      “Born on 15th April 2021 weighing 8lbs 1. Our world is complete and we are so in love!”
      Aileen and Fern previously played together at Everton and Notts County before joining the Seagulls in 2017.
      And they helped them gain promotion to the Women’s Super League that year.
      The duo announced Fern’s pregnancy in October 2020 after the former defender hung up her boots in September, having been dogged with long-term injuries.
      And despite becoming a mum, Aileen has no plans to slow down her playing career.
      Following the announcement of their pregnancy Whelan said: “I can’t wait!
      “I have always dreamt of having our own family.
      “There will be less sleep I’m sure, but Fern and I will manage this to ensure I’m still getting enough for me to perform at football. 
      “I’m not the first player to become a mum whilst still playing, so I know it is possible. 

      “Sophie Bradley-Auckland at Liverpool had a baby.
      “I’m sure she had a few sleepless nights but returned to playing elite football and is still a great player.”
      Aileen has been a key player for Albion who have undergone a resurgence in the top-flight in the second half of this season.
      The club, who are sixth, have won five of their last six games in the top flight.
      And Whelan who scored in three of those victories has been singled out for praise by boss Hope Powell.
      Powell said: “Aileen would continue running if she had a broken leg.
      “She will do the hard jobs, the scrappy jobs and will run her legs off. 
      “She probably covers more ground than any player, but more importantly, she scores goals. 
      “Aileen throws herself at anything, can score goals – quite often scrappy ones -but she scores.”
      Brighton will travel to Arsenal’s Borehamwood fortress in search of their eighth win in the WSL this term.
      Whelan has been in good form for Brighton who have won five of their last six games in the WSLCredit: Martin Smith / UK Sports Images
      Hope Powell’s side hope to pick up their eighth win of the season when they play ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      The last exchange between the sides ended in a 5-0 home defeat for Albion.
      Powell’s side will be hoping for a repeat of the performance that saw them defeat Chelsea and Man United.
      And they will be hoping Whelan brings some of little Jenson’s baby magic to the game.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      YouTuber Tekkerz Kid challenges Jamie Redknapp and Alex Scott to some insane football challenges More