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      Brighton 1 Manchester City 7: Houghton and Weir help City demolish Albion and leapfrog Arsenal

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      GARETH TAYLOR hailed Caroline Weir’s classy double after Manchester City stuffed the Seagulls 7-1. 
      And the City gaffer praised Steph Houghton for becoming the first player in Women’s Super League history to make 150 appearances in the division. 

      Steph Houghton has made more WSL appearances than other player in the leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Caroline Weir netted a quick-fire first-half brace for Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Houghton said: “Remembering my first game in the WSL up to now it’s come such a long way. 
      “To be part of women’s football and how much it’s grown, and to represent two amazing clubs in Arsenal and Manchester City is a real honour. 
      “It’s a special moment and hopefully there are a lot more to come”
      Weir’s four-minute brace set the stage for a forgettable afternoon for the Seagulls. 

      And the thumping scoreline will serve as a warning to City’s title rivals with Taylor’s team now third and just three behind Arsenal’s goal difference tally of 30. 
      Taylor said: “I thought there were a number of good performances. I thought Caroline Weir – for 45 minutes – showed her class when it mattered and contributed well. 
      “I thought the second and fourth goals were excellent goals from back to front 
      “It’s taken a little bit of time for us to get our build-up play right, but I have always felt comfortable that we usually arrive in the final third in good control. 

      “It was just that when we got there in certain moments – as we did against Brighton earlier on in the season – the decision-making was slightly off or players weren’t in the right position. 
      “But I think some of our play in recent weeks and certainly in the build-up to Christmas has been great.”
      The last encounter between the Seagulls and their visitors ended in an impressive 0-0 draw with Hope Powell’s team coming close to snatching a win at the Academy Stadium.  
      But any signs of a repeat were blown away with Weir poking home from close range in the 17th minute before netting a second moments later. 

      Steph is a great ambassador for the club and I thought she capped off that landmark not just with her first goal but with a brilliant effort for her second
      Gareth Taylor

      From there the floodgates opened with Steph Houghton netting the first of her two goals close to half-time.  
      The second period was a similar story with no let-up from the visitors with Ellen White converting a 58th minute Chloe Kelly Cross. 
      And Steph Houghton picked up her second with a sublime free-kick four minutes later. 
      Taylor added: “Steph is a great ambassador for the club and I thought she capped off that landmark not just with her first goal but with a brilliant effort for her second. 
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      Manchester City are third in the table and five points behind leaders Man UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “You won’t see many better free-kicks than that.” 
      Rianna Jarrett snatched a consolation goal in the 69th minute Brighton battling to the stem wave of City attacks. 
      But hopes of keeping the scoreline down were thwarted with Chloe Kelly and Janine Beckie netting within four minutes of each other to wrap up the 7-1 win in normal time. 
      Seagulls boss Hope Powell said: “They were far better than us. They were very clinical and moved the ball very, very well. 

      Brighton are ninth in the table and have lost three of their last four gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We couldn’t match it really so I think credit to them. We weren’t on it today and had a bit of a makeshift team. I’m pleased with the way we had a go, but we were just not good enough.” 
      West Ham are up next for Gareth Taylor’s side before they visit Arsenal for a tantalising title clash. 
      And Brighton – who have lost three of their last four games – will face Bristol City.

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      Phil Neville has left a young, talented Lionesses squad… now England have to go and win a trophy

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      THERE has been a mixed reaction to Phil Neville’s England reign after he quit early for Inter Miami.
      But there ARE positives to take from his time in charge, having taken the Lionesses to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.

      Phil Neville had clear ups and downs during his three years in charge of the England women’s teamCredit: PA:Press Association

      David Beckham has now recruited Phil Neville to boss Inter MiamiCredit: Instagram

      I have criticised the women’s performances since and England have dropped from second to sixth in the world rankings during his time in charge.
      But you only have to look at the outpouring of tributes from the players to know he had an incredibly close bond with them.
      Neville gave debuts to Georgia Stanway, 22, Leah Williamson, 23, and Keira Walsh, 23, who are now among the senior superstars.
      These youngsters have got to tap into their full potential now and go on to win a major tournament.

      When you look at the development of women’s football in this country, momentum has always come off the back of the Lionesses doing well.
      The next generation want  winners, so anything other than getting our hands on a Euros or a World Cup is now deemed a failure, which shows how far the team has come.
      We need the younger players to now make their mark.
      Sports scientist Dawn Scott will be our secret weapon, having helped the USA win two World Cups.

      Collectively, it would be great to see an improvement in our fitness  and physicality.

      Ex-England and Man Utd defender took the Lionesses to the 2019 World Cup semis but they dropped from second to sixth in the rankings under himCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Players will dominate if they look to the likes of Lucy Bronze, who sets the standard for work rate.
      If the Tokyo Olympics go ahead this year, women’s football has to take advantage.
      But with Neville gone, Team GB need a new leader — it’s a big hole to fill and they must move fast.
      It worries me that we don’t know who will be leading that team yet.
      I would love to see Manchester United manager Casey Stoney lead the side.
      She has built United from scratch and turned them into a title-chasing side in just four years. She  has also played at the Olympics.
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      I know  she’s very happy at the Red Devils but she could take over Team GB on a short-term contract.
      Even my name was put into the hat! I’d never say never, but at the moment I have things I want to focus on in my media career.
      We’ve got to come to a decision soon, for the sake of the players and the growth of women’s football.

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      Hope Powell happy to see women in England top jobs after Phil Neville’s Inter Miami move

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      HOPE POWELL says she is excited to see two female coaches take charge of the Lionesses following Phil Neville’s departure. 
      And Neville opting to quit as national manager for Inter Miami came as no surprise to the former England Women’s boss. 

      Hope Powell believes Hege Riise and Rhian Wilkinson will be ‘energisers’ for the LionessesCredit: Rex Features

      Hege Riise will lead the Lionesses training camp in February Credit: AP:Associated Press

      Powell, who led the Lionesses to the final of Euro 2009, was reacting to news of Hege Riise’s and Rhian Wilkinson’s appointments on a temporary basis. 
      Riise, 51, will take charge of the Lionesses training camp in February with Wilkinson, 38, serving as her No2. 
      And Seagulls gaffer Powell, whose Brighton aces will play Manchester City, on Sunday believes the duo will bring new energy to the national team. 
      Powell, 54, said: “Am I surprised [by Phil Neville leaving]? Absolutely not. 

      “I think the job in the American league has been mooted for a while. 
      “They [Riise and Wilkinson] are two new coaches, both very good players and experienced internationally. 
      “I know Rhian Wilkinson very well. I mentored her while she was on a programme with Fifa. 
      “I think I’m more pleased that it’s two females deserving of the opportunity who are being given the chance. 

      “That’s really pleasing to see and it bodes well hopefully for the future. 
      “To see the next generation of English female coaches coming through would be great. 
      “I recognise that it is in the interim, I have no idea how that looks going forward for international games, but credit to them both. They’re energisers. 
      “I briefly had an exchange of text messages with Rhian. She is absolutely delighted. And I’m just really pleased with both of them.”

      Hege Riise has been hired by the FA following Phil Neville’s appointment ast head coach of David Beckham’s Inter Miami

      Wilkinson was part of a Canada side that defeated Team GB in the football quarter-finals of the London 2012 Olympics. 
      The retired full-back – capped 181 times – helped the Canadians win back-to-back bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 games before taking up coaching in 2017. 
      And Riise, who served as head coach of Norwegian giants LSK Kvinner from 2017, is a World Cup and European championship winner and an Olympic gold medallist. 

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      Casey Stoney dismisses Team GB job talk and looks to Man Utd future after signing Norway defender

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      CASEY STONEY says she has no plans to coach Team GB’s team at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. 
      The Manchester United manager had been linked with the role Phil Neville was due to take on before he became Inter Miami’s new boss. 

      Casey Stoney says she has no plans to lead Team GB’s team at the delayed Tokyo Olympics Credit: PA:Press Association

      Stoney and Emma Hayes have been talked of as possible candidates for Team GB’s head coach roleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former England ace Claire Rafferty is among those who talked up the possibility of Stoney leading Team GB’s women’s football team.
      And Chelsea gaffer Emma Hayes is another big name who has been spoken of as a potential candidate with the games due to take place this summer.
      Stoney told BBC Sport: “Anyone who takes [the Team GB job], it would be a fantastic opportunity. 
      “I have been a captain at the Olympics and it is an incredible tournament and an amazing experience.

      “The summer is a big period for me as a manager to make sure I have done the recruitment I need and to make sure plans are in place for next season.” 
      United, who suffered their first defeat of the season with a loss at Chelsea, are due to take on Birmingham City.  
      And Stoney’s side – who are currently second and level on points with the champs – have been boosted by the signing of Maria Thorisdottir. 
      The Norway international joined the Red Devils from Chelsea on a two-and-a-half-year deal. 

      Man Utd have strengthened their squad with the signing of ex-Chelsea defender Maria Thorisdottir Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the versatile defender, who has been capped 46 times by her country, says she is looking to win silverware with her new club. 
      Thorisdottir told Man Utd’s website: “I have big ambitions. I like to win, so of course I’ve signed here to hopefully lift trophies in both league, cups and the Champions League, to qualify there.
      “I heard a lot of good things about Casey and I think that it’s a big positive she’s been a player herself. 
      “I had a really good conversation with her and I think that had a big part of my decision [to join]. 
      “They’ve only been in the league for two years and it’s impressive what she’s done and the rest of her staff members. 

      Thorisdottir says she is looking forward to winning trophies with UnitedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “Manchester United, back in Norway, is massive. There are so many fans and I think also having a female player sign for United is huge. 
      “For young girls back in Norway it is big. They can see that it is a chance for them as well.”
      “I’m really impressed with how far they’ve come already and it’s a young group of players, so I think the future is bright and to be a part of that, I can’t wait.”
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      Everton seal Jill Scott loan deal with Man City ace joining the Toffees until season end

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      JILL SCOTT is swapping Manchester for Merseyside with Everton confirming a sensational loan swoop for the England legend.
      Scott, 36, will return to the club for the second time in her career following a seven-year trophy-winning stint. 

      England legend Jill Scott will return to Everton on a loan deal Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And it comes days after City announced the signing of USA centre-back Abby Dahlkemper.
      Scott, who played for the Toffees from 2006 to 2013, was part of an Everton side who won the Women’s Premier Cup in 2008. 
      The Sunderland-born defender beat Arsenal heroines Alex Scott and Karen Carner to an FA Player’s Player of the Year Award the year before.
      Toffees boss Willie Kirk, whose team play Tottenham on Sunday, described the move for Scott as a statement of intent. 

      Kirk said: “She was a pivotal figure at Everton when the Women’s Super League was first formed and went on to become a significant part of Manchester City establishing themselves as one of the top clubs in this country.
      “Her achievements in the game are incredible, and that was recognised with her MBE in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list.  
      “She is very excited to join us and I expect her to challenge and raise our standards, adding to the good work we are doing.
      “It may only be a loan deal until the end of the season but I feel she can have a long-term impact on the journey that we are currently on.

      “I’m really looking forward to working with her and it is another sign of our intent.”
      Scott, who played 114 times for Everton netting 21 goals, made a move to Man City in the summer of 2013. 
      The Lioness, who reached the World Cup semis with England in 2019, has won seven trophies with the top-flight giants including last term’s FA Cup. 
      And the centre-back – who has been capped 149 times – is second only to Fara Williams in the rankings for the total number of England appearances. 

      Jill Scott’s move to Everton comes days after Man City announced the signing of Abby Dahlkemper Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Scott’s move to Everton is the second high profile transfer deal involving the Merseyside club this month.
      This week, Ligue 1 Women’s champs Lyon announced the signing of former Toffees ace Damarris Egurrola. 
      The Champions League winners swooped for the Spain midfielder after triggering her £100,000 release clause. 

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      Birmingham’s Women’s Super League clash with Everton axed due to waterlogged pitch

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      BIRMINGHAM have been forced to scrap one of their league fixtures for the second time this month. 
      The Midlands giants have had to reschedule their match with Everton due to waterlogged turf at their home ground. 

      Birmingham’s clash with Everton has been axed due to a waterlogged pitch at Damson ParkCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Earlier today the Met Office issued a severe warning for the West Midlands with residents warned to expect an entire day of continuous rain in some areas. 
      On its website, Birmingham City states the pitch at the SportNation.bet Stadium had been ‘deemed unplayable’ following an inspection. 
      The club says a new date for clash with the Toffees, who are currently fifth in the table, will be announced in due course. 
      The postponement means Carla Ward’s side, who are ninth, will not play their next WSL game until January 12.  

      And that encounter will be an evening derby with Aston Villa who are battling to avoid a drop back into the Championship. 
      Birmingham, who are currently four points ahead of their local rivals, have two games in hand on Villa.
      Ward says her squad are dealing with ‘freak injuries’ although they would have had 14 players available for the Everton match this evening.
      And the Damson Park boss revealed she planned to bring in two 16-year-old academy kids to boost her squad numbers. 

      Ahead of the axed clash Ward said: “We have got a small squad and we are trying to do everything we can to keep them fit and ready. 

      Carla Ward’s players will take on Aston Villa next in the WSL Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      “It’s really tough when you have got your key players out. 
      We are missing Connie Schofield, Christie Murray, we’re missing Veatrika Sarri, Abi Grant, Heidi Logan and Lily Simpkin. It
      “We have had it tough for the majority of the season so we just have to get on with it and trust in the youngsters.”

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      Football chiefs could force new Lionesses boss Wiegman to move to UK as Dutch star prepares to take over from Neville

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      FOOTBALL authorities could call on Sarina Wiegman to make a permanent move to the UK when she begins her England Women’s head coach job.
      The Daily Mail claims the FA may insist on the move due to worries over her intentions to journey to work from the Netherlands during the pandemic. 

      Reports claim the FA may insist Sarina Wiegman moves to the UKCredit: Rex Features

      Wiegman, who is currently boss of Netherlands Women, is due to start her Lionesses role after the Tokyo Olympics in August. 
      On Tuesday the FA  announced Hege Riise, 51, as England Women’s interim head coach after Phil Neville left to become manager of David Beckham’s Inter Miami team. 
      Last August following her appointment Wiegman, 51, revealed she had no plans to relocate to England and would spend half her time in her country.
      The Mail says the FA insisted they were content with the Holland coach’s proposals at the time

      Officials believed a commute from the Netherlands would not stop her spending three days a week at St George’s Park and watching WSL games on weekends.
      However, it is thought that such an arrangement could be up in the air with international travel in a state of flux due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 
      Since January 15 all overseas visitors arriving in the Netherlands have been asked to provide proof they have tested negative for the coronavirus in the previous 72 hours. 
      This week the Government introduced new restrictions ordering all arrivals to the UK to quarantine after they have provided negative test results prior to their departure. 

      Elite athletes and sports team managers have been exempted, but this is on the proviso they travel by private plane. 
      The Mail reports the FA would be unable to cover chartered flight costs for Wiegman to commute on a weekly basis. 

      Norwegian coach Hege Riise has become England Women’s interim head coachCredit: AP:Associated Press

      England men’s boss Gareth Southgate and his staff have been attending several live matches each week during the pandemic 
      It is thought Wiegman would be expected to do same.
      FA officials have reportedly told the Mail they are monitoring the situation and are keeping in close contact with in-coming Lionesses boss. 
      Wiegman’s appointment has been met with excitement in the women’s game over the past year.

      Sarina Wiegman is due to start her job as the Lionesses head coach after the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The former defender made history in 2016 when she became the first woman in the Netherlands to coach a professional men’s side at Sparta Rotterdam. 
      In 2019 Wiegman led the Netherlands to the finals of the Women’s World Cup where they were beaten by the United States. 
      And the Dutch boss currently holds the record for the most wins by a coach of a Netherlands national football team.

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      Former Lioness Lianne Sanderson says England’s form declined under Phil Neville and he leaves them ‘in a strange place’

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      LIANNE SANDERSON reckons England experienced a dip in form during Phil Neville’s tenure as boss. 
      And the Sky Sports pundit believes the new Inter Miami coach’s departure has left the squad in a ‘strange place’. 

      Lianne Sanderson reckons Phil Neville’s exit has left the Lionesses in a strange placeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Arsenal and Juve striker, 32, capped 50 times for England, was reacting to news of Neville’s exit. 
      Sanderson told Sky Sports News: “When he first got the job I was very much like ‘Yes! Phil Neville. It doesn’t matter if he has managed in the women’s game before.’ 
      “He is an ex-player. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a woman in charge.
      “I think a lot of people thought that it had to be a woman. I don’t believe in that I think it has to be the best person for the job. 

      “He had three years in charge and we have gone down the world’s rankings. 
      “Yes – we won the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 and that was a fantastic achievement beating the USA and Brazil. 
      “But the way that some of the performances have been, it looks like some of the players were not playing for him.”
      With the ex-Red Devil, 43, off to the MLS, the FA hopes to identify two interim coaches to lead Great Britain’s women’s side at the Tokyo Olympics and the Lionesses until the Autumn. 

      In-coming England Women’s boss Sarina Wiegman is unable to commence her new role until after the Games in August, where she will coach Holland. 
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      Phil Neville has been confirmed as the new manager of MLS club Inter Miami Credit: AFP or licensors

      The Netherlands won Euro 2017 under the highly-rated boss and were runners-up at the 2019 World Cup.
      And the 51-year-old currently holds the record for the most wins by a coach of a Netherlands national football team. 
      Sanderson added: “At this moment in time I think it (Neville’s departure) has left the England Women’s team in a bit of a strange place where they have to find an interim coach for the next few months until Sarina (Wiegman) takes over.”

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