Women’s Super League

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.”
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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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MEGAN CAMPBELL has revealed she will leave Manchester City when her contract expires in June.The news comes as USA stars Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle confirmed their return the National Women’s Soccer League in America.
Campbell has announced her departure from Manchester City after a five-year spell at the clubCredit: Getty
Campbell, 27, decided to call time on her City career after being sidelined for most of the season due to a foot injury.
And the left-back revealed it will be hard to leave the club she has been with since 2016, but that she was looking forward to a new challenge.
Speaking to Man City’s website, Campbell said: “Leaving will be hard as Manchester has been my home for so many years.
“It will be very different and take some adjustment, but I am excited for a new challenge and I am looking forward to seeing what that brings.
“Thank you to all our fans for their non-stop support through it all – Manchester City will always hold a massive place in my heart.”
The Republic of Ireland international’s injury meant she did not get the chance to play under City’s boss Gareth Taylor.
But the defender, who made 45 appearances for the Manchester giants, thanked Taylor for the chance to work with him throughout this term.
The former Raheny United player underwent surgery on a tendon in her right foot in February following damage sustained during City’s 4-1 against Tottenham in January.
Campbell added: “Due to injury, I, unfortunately, didn’t get to play under Gareth but would like to thank him for the last year and the opportunity to work with him.”
Republic of Ireland international Campbell has battled with a foot injury at Man City this seasonCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

Taylor, 48, was complimentary of Campbell’s contribution to City’s campaign despite her season be derailed by the problem with her foot.
And the Academy stadium boss said he was pleased to have worked with the ex-Raheny United player during his tenure.
Taylor said: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of both our control, I haven’t been able to work with Megan on the pitch as much as I would have liked to.
“She’s been a pleasure to have in the squad however and leaves Manchester City having made her mark on the club.
“Playing her part in a number of the team’s successes, and we wish her nothing but the best in her future career, wherever that takes her.”
Campbell sealed a 2016 switch to Man City under former gaffer Nick Cushing after a two-year spell with US college team Florida State Seminoles from 2013 to 2015
Taylor said he was pleased to have Megan Campbell as part of his squad during his first season in chargeCredit: Getty
And the left-back’s trophy successes include a 2016 domestic treble with Cushing’s side winning the Women’s FA Cup, the Conti Cup and a WSL title.
Campbell later picked up two more FA Cups and League Cup during five year career at the club making 45 appearances.
On her trophy wins, Campbell added: “I’ve played in Wembley in front of thousands of fans when winning the FA Cup Final, have won a league title in our home stadium and many more trophies that I’m so grateful for.”
Campbell joins US pair Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle who are reportedly headed back to their native country this summer.
The USA aces are returning to America for a week-long break before joining NWSL clubs after the expiry of their short-term deals with City.

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 team-mate Mewis will rejoin North Carolina Courage.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Rose Lavelle will join NWSL giants OL Reign after her rights were traded by Washington SpiritCredit: Rex
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CASEY STONEY paid a heartfelt tribute to Red Devils followers a day after Leicester City knocked her former side out of the Women’s FA Cup.  And the Foxes have been heavily linked with a summer swoop for Man United forward Jess Siggsworth, according to The Athletic.
Casey Stoney says it has been “a privilege” to lead Man United WomenCredit: Rex
Jess Siggsworth has been linked with a move from Man United to Leicester City WomenCredit: Getty
This month Stoney, 39, announced her Red Devils departure after a three-year spell in charge of the club leading them to promotion from the Women’s Championship to the WSL.
And she took charge of her last game as Man United boss overseeing the team’s FA Cup clash with WSL newbies Leicester City. 
But the team suffered a surprise 3-2 loss to Jonathan Morgan’s aces who progressed to the contest’s quarter-finals to be played in September. 
In a post shared with her 98,000 followers on Twitter Stoney wrote: “There are not enough words or actions that can do justice to how grateful and thankful I am to my players, my staff and the fans. 
“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead this group of incredible people. 
“They inspired me every day to work harder to be a better manager and a better person. 
“I have memories that I will take with me forever!! They will always have a special place in my heart.
“I would like to thank my family who have been by my side through everything. 
“We have shared and celebrated the good moments together and they have given me strength and purpose in the tough moments. Thank you for standing with me always.”
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Jess Siggsworth, 26, could also be set for a United departure with The Athletic reporting the forward could be on her way to Leicester City. 
The former Doncaster Rovers Belles’ ace – who moved to United after a two-year spell with the Belles from 2016 to 2018 – is thought to be in advanced talks with the Foxes. 
And it is reported the forward, who made 14 WSL appearances netting three league goals this term, is also a target for Tottenham. 
Meanwhile, Siggsworth’s team-mate Lauren James has also been linked with a United exit amid reports of interest from Chelsea.  
And The Athletic claims Red Devils players expect American superstars Tobin Heath and Christen Press to return to the USA. 
The speculation follows a dramatic week for United amid reports of coaching staff’s concerns over training provisions for the women’s team and budgets for players and staff. 
Leicester will compete in the Women’s FA Cup quarter finals in SeptemberCredit: Zuma Press
This month The Telegraph revealed the ex-Red Devils boss had been dissatisfied with the training conditions for her players. 
Training had been moved from the team’s Leigh Sports Village base to Carrington amid worries over injuries that have hindered the club. 
And United saw their push for Champions League qualification derailed by injuries to several key players.
Players included Alessia Russo and Tobin Heath as well as Leah Galton who made a return towards the closing stages of the WSL season.
Man United director John Murtough says the club “is completely committed to its women’s team and to building on the legacy of Casey’s achievements”.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Shannon O’Brien was on target for Leicester City in their 3-2 Women’s FA Cup fifth round win against UnitedCredit: Rex
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