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      Reading star Angharad James set for summer move to US club North Carolina Courage

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      ANGHARAD JAMES will bid farewell to Reading at the end of the season after sealing a move to North Carolina Courage on a multi-year deal.
      The news comes days after the Royals confirmed Jess Fishlock will end her loan in April to return to OL Reign. 

      Angharad James will leave Reading at the end of the season to join North Carolina CourageCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      James, who has 83 Wales caps, joined Reading in July 2019, following a two-year stint at rivals Everton.  
      And the WSL midfield ace has made 29 appearances across all competitions for Kelly Chambers side who play Bristol next. 
      James, 26, told Reading’s website: “I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone at Reading for making me feel so welcome during my time here. 
      “I can’t thank Kelly and her staff enough. I only have praise and admiration for them, for giving me the opportunity to grow and express myself on the pitch, they have been instrumental in my development.

      “To the girls, who I have made some unbelievable friendships with, I can’t thank you enough for your support and I wish you and the club every success for the future. 
      “I’d also like to thank the fans for their continued support, it’s a shame you’ve only been able to watch us twice this season. You are a loyal and lovely bunch, so thank you. 
      “I move to North Carolina in the knowledge that I gave everything to Reading and I’ll continue to do so until the end of the season.
      “Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.”

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      James, who moved to Reading in 2019, has played 83 times for WalesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Royals boss Kelly Chambers said: “I’m extremely disappointed to be losing Haz. 
      “She has been a key member of the team and is a player that has developed so much over the last two seasons. 
      “When speaking to Haz I completely understand her decision to jump at the opportunity she has been given. 
      “I wish her all the best in her new adventure and thank her for her huge contribution to the club over the last two seasons.”
      James, who played her first game in Wales’ senior side at the age of 17, began her career in Arsenal’s academy at 16. 

      James’s new team-mates at North Carolina Courage will include Brazil star DebinhaCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
      And she made her Gunners debut in 2011 at 17 as a sub for Gilly Flaherty in the club’s 6-0 home win against Bobruichanka Bobruisk in the Women’s Champions League. 
      The switch to the Courage will see James join a National Women’s Soccer League side which includes Brazil star Debinha, Republic of Ireland forward Denise O’Sullivan and USA ace Jessica McDonald. 
      And the club, who won the NWSL championship in 2018 and 2019, made headlines after Naomi Osaka decided to invest in the side.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Wales ace Hayley Ladd signs new contract with Manchester United ahead of Aston Villa clash

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      HAYLEY LADD has agreed to a new deal with Manchester United that will keep her at the club for two more years.
      The Wales midfielder will stay at Leigh Sports Village until 2023, with the option to extend for another year.

      Ladd has agreed to extend her career with Manchester United until 2023Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Ladd, 27, told United’s website: “I’m so happy to be committing my future to the club.
      “To be a part of this squad is really special and I’m really enjoying my time here.
      “When I first came to United, I knew I would be part of an ambitious group of players and staff and that mindset has only grown stronger over the last couple of years.
      “We have an exciting time ahead of us and I know that if we continue to put the work in, day in, day out, then we can achieve our goals.

      “I also want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey so far, from my team-mates and the staff, to the fans, and of course my family, who have always been behind me.”
      Red Devils boss Casey Stoney expressed her delight at Ladd agreeing to extend her Man United career.
      The Wales star, whose club will play Aston Villa next, has made 29 appearances across all competitions since joining the side in 2019.

      Stoney said: “Hayley is an important player for us, and I’m pleased to see her signing a new contract at the club.

      “Her style of play brings a calmness to our midfield and the relationship she has on the pitch with the players around her is invaluable.
      “Hayley is also a great character who works very hard and is always willing to learn and improve in everything she does.
      “It’s fantastic to see her continue her journey with the club.”
      Ladd has been a revelation at United since joining the club from Birmingham City.
      The midfield ace, who began her career in Arsenal’s academy, won United’s Player of the Year award in her first term as a Red Devil.
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      Casey Stoney sees Hayley Ladd as important to United’s squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the former Bristol City starlet has been capped 50 times by Wales.
      Ladd’s contract extension will be a boost for United with Tobin Heath, Lauren James and Alessia Russio out of action due to injury.
      And the club says Leah Galton is in rehabilitation for the next two months due to treatment for the winger’s ankle ligament damage.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Meet the Irons fan helping isolated Hammers overcome loneliness in lockdown

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      EILEEN WADE’S fondest West Ham memories include clutching the European Cup Winners’ Cup on the night the team won the trophy in 1965.
      And now the Newham-born grandmother who overcame a battle with anxiety is helping older Hammers fans struggling with loneliness.

      Eileen (pictured centre) has been supporting West Ham all her life and helps tackle loneliness with Any Old Irons

      Eileen (top-left) had her photo taken with West Ham’s European Cup Winners’ Cup on the night they won the trophy in 1965

      Eileen, 73, whose family have supported West Ham for more than 100 years, is a member of Any Old Irons.
      The over 60s group – established by the club – have been meeting since 2015 and built friendships around their love of the team.
      Reaching older fans dealing with the emotional burden of living their lives alone or with little contact with family or friends is part of their work.
      Their efforts have intensified with pandemic restrictions leaving many cut-off from loved ones.

      And they have been backed by West Ham and its Prem players such as Mark Noble, and by Kate Longhurst and her WSL team-mates who play Chelsea next.
      Eileen said: “When the lockdown started, I was really frightened because all the things I do and places I went to started to close down. 
      “Last year, I couldn’t see my family very much at all.
      “My eldest son’s daughter – my oldest granddaughter Hannah – is 22. She has Down’s syndrome.

      “She’s brilliant, loves dancing and loves showing me new dance routines.
      “I’ve hardly seen my grandchildren and haven’t been able to mix very easily with my family.

      Hammers legend Tony Cottee is among the club’s stars involved with Any Old Irons
      “We had an hour on Christmas Day in my garage. My eldest son stood in the garage and I stood in the garden.
      “It was a Christmas like no other, but we all survived it.
      “With Any Old Irons I have been encouraged to do Zoom even though I’m a bit of a dinosaur with technology.
      “But I am getting the hang of it and for the first time ever, I had a Zoom disco with my granddaughter.
      “But that’s what Any Old Irons is about actually. It’s about encouraging older people to get involved with things like new technology.
      “We have really been emphasising we will eventually get back together in person otherwise people might think that it would never start again. 
      “And there’s a lot of people who would really be devastated if they didn’t have the group.”

      Since the lockdown, West Ham has been showing members how to get online, host virtual gatherings and join podcasts with famous fans like Ray Winstone.
      And with the club’s help, the group has grown from having a few members to more than 100.
      Eileen adds: “I joined right at the beginning when a friend of mine saw an advert from David Gold, the co-chairman. 
      “He was hosting an afternoon tea at West Ham in the boardroom so we went along to that and really loved it. 
      “When we started to have little get-togethers of our own before Any Old Irons went official we only had about three people.  
      “And now there are more than 110 of us so it’s really blossomed and it’s been brilliant.”

      Any Old Irons members have been using video calls, newsletters and Facebook to keep in touch
      Being involved in the group played a part in helping Eileen get her confidence back after her 44-year-long marriage ended in 2014.
      And the mother-of-two, who is a retired secretary, says “hitting rock bottom” prompted her to turn her life around.
      Eileen said: “After I got divorced, I would cross the street rather than talk to anybody.
      “I just went as downhill as it’s possible to go and then I think sometimes you reach a point in your life and you think, ‘I’m going to try and get things together’.
      “So, I started to join clubs, gradually doing new things and that was at the beginning of my time with Any Old Irons as well.
      “I remember I had the chance to do like an interview for Match of the Day and I wouldn’t do it, I was too scared at the time.

      Mark Noble is among the West Ham players backing the Any Old Irons
      “But now I’m really proud to be part of Any Old Irons and to have brought around 40 people in and seen how much they enjoy it.
      “This includes elderly men who’ve lost their wives.
      “Football is the starting point, but you’ll always find someone who is in a similar situation, and then they get chatting and you can see them blossom.”

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      Manchester City stopper Karen Bardsley joins OL Reign on loan for rest of season

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      MANCHESTER CITY keeper Karen Bardsley sealed a temporary switch to US giants OL Reign.
      The WSL star’s deal with the National Women’s Soccer League side will run until the end of June.

      Karen Bardsley has sealed a loan move OL Reign until the end of JuneCredit: PA:Press Association

      The England stopper expressed her delight at the move in an Instagram post shared with 64,000 of her followers.
      Bardsley wrote: “I am really excited to be joining OL Reign over this period and very grateful to Man City for allowing me the opportunity to experience a new environment, get more game time and progress my learning and development.
      “I’ve been very impressed with the whole approach and attitude of everyone at OL Reign and I can’t wait to meet up with the squad and coaches.
      “NWSL is such a competitive league, and I’m determined to do all I can to help the Club get the season off to a winning start.”

      OL Reign’s boss Farid Benstiti believes his team can benefit from Bardsley’s big-game experience.
      The club, whose players includes USA superstar Megan Rapinoe, were runners-up in the NWSL Championship in 2014 and 2015.
      Benstiti, 54, said: “Karen is a player with very big experience. She has played in many important games and knows what it takes to win big matches.”
      Despite her experience Bardsley has fallen down Man City’s pecking order behind Ellie Roebuck.

      And Gareth Taylor has backed the England veteran’s decision to make a temporary move in search of more game time.
      The Man City gaffer said: “We’re very supportive of Karen’s decision to take up this opportunity over in the States for the next few months.
      “We understand her desire after the past year or so to get more game time under her belt and this move is an ideal one for her.”

      Bardsley has made more than 100 Manchester City appearances since joining the club in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bardsley became a regular starter for City after joining the club from Lincoln in 2013.
      The United States-born keeper, who has 81 England caps, has made more than 100 appearances for the WSL giants.
      And her trophy wins at the club include the WSL title in 2016 and two Women’s FA Cups in 2017 and 2019.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      England 6 Northern Ireland 0 Scott leads Lionesses to thumping win as White grabs hat-trick

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      ELLEN WHITE’s hat-trick helped England thump Northern Ireland with Jill Scott captaining the side in her 150th appearance.  
      And the Man City striker dedicated her effort to her husband after revealing she missed his birthday ahead of the game.

      Ellen White netted her first international hat-trick for EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Jill Scott wore the captain’s armband during her 150th game in an England shirtCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Lionesses arrived at St George’s Park on February 18 for a training camp ahead of their first match since March 2020.
      It meant White would be away on the 33rd birthday of her husband Callum Convery which occurred on Sunday.  
      White, 31, said: “To play for England again, to get my first England hat-trick, for Jill to get 150 caps and see four players get their debuts is pretty decent. 
      “I actually missed my husband’s birthday on Sunday so the goals are definitely dedicated to him. 

      “I’m taking the match ball home and hugging that all day.
      “We haven’t played for so long and I’m really delighted with the result.”
      All eyes were on interim England boss Hege Riise taking charge of her team in their first game since Phil Neville’s departure.
      And they were also on Scott who became only the second player to play 150 times for the Lionesses. 

      Riise, 51, said: “Since last night when she was given the captain’s armband she was happy and we had a little celebration for her just before the game. 
      “She was excited she was just ready to play.”
      White added: “I’m really proud to have been a part of Jill’s journey with England and Man City and I’m just so proud of her. 
      “There’s definitely more to come and I hope everyone sees how much passion and desire she has for the game.”

      Lucy Bronze was on target for England with the team featuring eight Man City playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It did not take long for the hosts to assert their dominance over a plucky Northern Ireland side currently ranked 43 places below them. 
      Kenny Shiels saw his players’ defence tested as early as the fourth minute with Lucy Bronze sending in a teasing delivery that White nodded wide. 
      And the visitors withstood a barrage in the opening quarter with keeper Becky Flaherty producing a stunning close-range save from Bronze’s 11th -minute header. 
      The 0-0 scoreline lasted 20 minutes until Ellen White slotted her first goal after the visitors lost possession. 
      And England doubled their lead three minutes later with White heading in her second after Lucy Bronze’s cross carved open the visitors’ defence. 
      The hosts’ third goal saw Bronze turn from provider to scorer, as she got between Northern Ireland’s centre-backs for a tap-in.
      The second-half saw Riise give debuts to four rising WSL stars, with Ella Toone, Sandy MacIver, Ebony Salmon and Lotte Wubben-Moy all getting runouts.  
      Any hopes of a let-up from the Lionesses were put to bed when Scott set-up White to seal her hat-trick in the 50th minute. 
      And Rachel Daly’s close-range effort and a converted penalty for debutant Ella Toone wrapped up a stunning win for England and Scott.

      Ella Toone was on target from the penalty spot in her debut for EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      After the game the England captain revealed she received congratulatory messages from David Beckham and The Duke of Cambridge. 
      Scott, 34, said: “I think it’s great that they take an interest. 
      “David Beckham was always a player that I used to look up to and although he was fantastic at putting in crosses and playing for England, I always loved how he was with the fans.  
      “That’s something that I’ve always tried to be like. So to get messages from him means the world to us.” 

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      Man City skipper Houghton hails Jill Scott’s ‘dirty work’ for Lionesses ahead of Northern Ireland clash

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      STEPH HOUGHTON praised Jill Scott for doing England’s “dirty work” with the midfield ace due to make her 150th international appearance.
      And it is expected Scott, 34, will wear the skipper’s armband when she steps on to the pitch against Northern Ireland. 

      England ace Steph Houghton reckons Jill Scott is one of the world’s best midfieldersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The clash at St George’s Park will see Scott become the second England Women’s player to collect 150 caps after record appearance holder Fara Williams. 
      Houghton, 32, said: “I think we sometimes throw the word legend around quite a bit, but to be the second person to get 150 caps is absolutely unbelievable.
      “I’d have Jill in whatever team I play in because I appreciate all the dirty work she does that people probably don’t really recognise.
      “I can always remember her debut (against the Netherlands) and I know how nervous she was. 

      “I think to show that she has been able to play 150 times for her country since the age of 17 or 18, be one of the first names on the teamsheet, and one of the best midfielders in the world is unbelievable.” 
      Houghton, who has made 120 national team appearances, opened up on her most memorable moments in an England shirt including her debut in a 6-0 win against Russia in 2007. 
      And the Man City and Lionesses captain wants to offer a helping hand to the team’s newest additions who include Bristol City forward Ebony Salmon.  
      Houghton said: “I think we have got some great young players coming through 

      Houghton believes deserves praise for doing England’s “dirty work” in midfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
       “And I think as a captain it’s just about putting your arm around them, sharing your experiences in different situations and obviously pushing them in training as well.
      “I think back to when I was younger when I first got into the senior team with the likes of Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey and Faye White, they were really supportive.
      “But at the same time, they pushed me hard to be the best that I could be and be in this position today.”
      England’s match against Northern Ireland will be their first international fixture in almost a year and their first under interim boss Hege Riise. 
      The last game the team played against another nation was a SheBelieves Cup match in March 2020 which the Lionesses lost 1-0 to Spain.

      England’s match against Northern Ireland will be their first international game since March 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Riise could be set to give debuts to one or more of the five uncapped starlets called up to the national side. 
      Players include Hannah Hampton, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Ella Toone, as well as Sandy MacIver and Salmon.
      Riise, 51, said: “We will see how the game goes. We have already planned for some subs because of playing time and for us to get to know the young players in games as well. It will be a mix.”

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      Reading ace Brooke Chaplen signs contract extension with WSL club

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      BROOKE CHAPLEN has signed a contract extension with Reading keeping her at the club for another year.
      The 31-year-old has agreed stay at the Madjeski Stadium until June 2022.

      Chaplen has signed a contract extension with the Royals until 2022Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Upon penning the deal, the striker said she hopes to help the club in challenging the top teams in the WSL.
      Chaplen said: “It’s nice to get the contract signed early and shows that the club are keen to keep me, which is great.
      “Obviously, I’ve had a few good years here at Reading and we’re still growing from when I first signed to now.
      “Hopefully we can continue to press the top 3 teams, as we have done in the last few years.”

      Despite the club’s growth she added that it’s “vital” the Royals reach a Cup final in the next few years.
      She continued: “I think it’s vital over the next season or two that we find ourselves in a cup final.
      “We were so close last season and unfortunately I was injured when we got to the semi-final of the FA Cup against West Ham.
      “But for this club, I think we have the talent and the players that, on their day, can take any team.

      “That’s what the FA Cup is about and I think that over the next two seasons, we’d be disappointed as a club not to get to a cup final.
      “We have a lot of ambition and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
      Chaplen has had an indifferent season at the club, spending most the season on the side-lines due to injury.
      But she’s still and integral part of the team’s plans and boss Kelly Chambers can’t wait to have her back.

      Chambers said: “Brooke has had a huge impact at the club, and she has been truly missed on the pitch this season.
      “Brooke is a player that has a clear understanding of the way we play and that has shown in her previous season records.
      “It’s been an extremely frustrating season for Brooke, but she is working really hard to return and is doing really well, I can’t wait to have her back.”

      Chaplen says she’s happy the club still value her but added it’s vital they reach a cup final in the coming yearsCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Top women’s football leagues in Europe could rake in ‘up to £350m by 2030’

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      THE women’s game could reportedly rake in up to £350 million in media rights by 2030 and also be competing with most men’s sports.
      Chair of Women in Football, Ebru Koksal, reckons women’s football will become a a mainstream sport by then.

      Women’s football could reportedly be worth upto £350 million by 2030Credit: PA:Press Association

      And minus “top tier” men’s football, it could potentially have more viewers than even the EFL Championship and men’s rugby, she claims.
      In an interview with Financial Times Live, she said: “Women’s football will become a mainstream sport property by 2030.
      “Which means that with the exception of top tier men’s football, it will be competing at the level of most sports like second division men’s football, you know rubgy, cricket, tennis perhaps.”
      It could potentially have more viewers than EFL Championship or Premiership rugby.

      This means the top five women’s leagues in Europe could generate up to £216 – £346 million in terms of media rights.
      Interest in women’s football has been on the steady rise, largely due to the 2019 World Cup.
      Following the tournament’s success, BT Sports average peak audience for WSL games was 85,000, according to FA figures released last November.
      The advertising revenue the women’s game will generate in the next decade if Koksal’s prediction are true will be a great addition to the sport.

      Just last week, the FA said that there was no plans to introduce full time refs to the WSL as “there wasn’t enough value” in the women’s game to pay them.
      But they said this could change if the game was given a cash injection from somewhere.

      The top five women’s league could have more viewers than the EFL Championship Koskal claimsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Joanna Stimpson, the FA’s women’s professional game refereeing manager said: “Over the next three years we plan to really increase that level of professionalism around the WSL and the Championship.
      “Will that mean full-time referees in the next three years? No – potentially after that.
      “We don’t know, we wouldn’t like to commit to that, but it is certainly our vision to have full-time match officials for the WSL.
      “But we are unfortunately driven by the value of the league.
      “If there is an injection of income from somewhere then it could change.
      “We want to make sure we have got the infrastructure in place that when we have financial backing we can go with that.”

      Koskal predicts the sport will be on par with most men’s elite sports by thenCredit: Alamy Live News

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