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      Scotland star Rachel Corsie ends Birmingham loan ahead of club’s clash with Everton

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      RACHEL CORSIE is set for a National Women’s Soccer League return with Birmingham confirming the early end of her loan spell.  
      Her move comes as a blow with Carla Ward hoping to retain the Scotland star until January 28 with her squad’s injury struggles.

      Rachel Corsie is set to bring an early end to her Birmingham loan spellCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Corsie, 31, had agreed to a half-season temporary switch from Utah Royals after Covid wrecked last year’s NWSL season.
      However the Scotland skipper is due to return to the States following her parent club being taken over by new owners Kansas City. 
      This means the defender will head back to the USA as a Kansas player ahead of their upcoming NWSL campaign.
      Ward, 37, said: “Kansas City have recalled Rachel and ended her loan early. 

      “Naturally we would have wanted Rachel to stay for a longer term, but it was out of our hands and out of our control.
      “I told her I don’t think she realises the impact she has had on staff and players. 
      “She is exceptional in the way she trains, the way she conducts herself and what she brings to the team.” 
      Corsie told Birmingham City’s website: “When I came back to England I wasn’t sure what to expect. 

      “I had a good feeling (about Birmingham) from the conversation I had with Carla. 
      “My time here has been something I will remember really positively.
      “The girls are all great and they made me feel really welcome.” 
      Corsie, who has 120 caps for Scotland, made 11 WSL appearances this term netting once for Birmingham. 
      Although the Scot is departing, Blues have been boosted with the arrivals of Emily Murphy on loan from Chelsea and Ruesha Littlejohn from Leicester City.
      Both players, who made their Birmingham debuts on Sunday, will be available for the club’s upcoming clash with Everton, who are fifth.

      Ruesha Littlejohn, 30, has joined Birmingham from Leicester City until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea striker Emily Murphy, 17, is on loan at Birmingham Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
      The club have also bid farewell to Destiny Toussaint with the midfielder moving to Coventry United after six WSL appearances this season. 
      Toussaint’s return to the Championship strugglers will be her second stint with the team following a three-year spell from 2012 to 2015. 
      The club are currently second from bottom and battling to avoid the drop into the third tier of the women’s game.

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      Wales Women’s boss Jayne Ludlow leaves role by mutual consent after six years in charge

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      JAYNE LUDLOW has departed as head coach of Wales Women’s football team and sparked a search for a new boss.
      The ex-Arsenal star’s exit comes a month after speculation linking her with the manager’s role of West Ham Women’s Super League side.  

      Football chiefs are on the hunt for a new Wales Women’s manager following Jayne Ludlow’s departureCredit: PA:Press Association

      Football chiefs in Wales confirmed Ludlow is leaving the role which she took on in 2014. 
      Now the former Gunner, 42, who coached the side in more than 50 games, is free to consider other managerial options. 
      However, it is reported the ex-WSL midfielder is not in the running for the interim England Women’s manager role with Phil Neville due to become boss of Inter Miami.
      In a statement, Ludlow said: “It has been an honour and an absolute pleasure to have worked with the staff and players across our age group and senior teams.

      “It has been a fantastic learning environment for me personally and I am proud of what we have achieved over the last six years as a group of staff and players, whom I want to thank.
      “I am looking forward to the next challenges, one of which is an exciting opportunity I have to be part of a technical leadership team at FIFA.
      “I wish the squad well in the future and I feel that qualification for a first major final is not far away.”
      Ludlow came close to helping Wales reaching the Women’s European Championship, which will now be staged in England next year.

      But the team fell narrowly short with Northern Ireland beating them to second place in their qualifying group last year.
      Wales stars in the Women’s Super League have been paying tribute to Ludlow. 
      In a post on Twitter Reading ace Jess Fishlock said she would miss the ‘tears, laughs, arguments and high fives’ with her former international boss. 

      I am Sad.I was Sad when Jarmo left, I am sad now Jayne has left.So many memories .. tears, laughs, arguments, high fives.Some unbelievable moments.We are a better nation for you Jayne Ludlow.Thank youDiolch.❤️. https://t.co/f2gWJq2DlK
      — Jessica Fishlock MBE (@JessFishlock) January 18, 2021

      Jayne Ludlow is reportedly not in the running to become interim boss of the Lionesses following Phil Neville’s exitCredit: PA:Press Association
      FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: “Jayne has played a huge part in the progress of the Women’s game in Wales over the past six years, managing the side through three qualification campaigns.”
      “The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign enhanced the profile of the game throughout the country, inspiring young girls across Wales to play football for the first time.
      “Off the field Jayne has been a role model for the women’s game in Wales, regularly visiting schools across the country and attending the National Eisteddfod to inspire future generations.
      “We thank Jayne for all her hard work, dedication and vast contribution to Welsh football both on and off the field. We wish her well in the future.”

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      Phil Neville set to take over as Inter Miami boss after standing down as England women’s manager after three years

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      PHIL Neville has quit as England women’s boss – paving the way for him to be installed by David Beckham at Inter Miami
      Neville’s early departure after three years at the Lionesses’ helm was confirmed by the FA.

      Phil Neville has quit as Lionesses bossCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Phil Neville is set to reunite with his former Man United team-mate David Beckham in the MLS Credit: Reuters

      But with incoming successor Sarina Wiegman’s arrival on hold until after the Olympics, it leaves Wembley chiefs having to fill TWO holes until then.
      Neville, who announced his intention to leave last April, was due to stay as England coach until the summer.
      More crucially, he had agreed to take charge of the Great Britain women’s side at the Tokyo Olympics.
      It leaves the FA needing to fill both vacancies, with Wiegman not leaving her job with Holland until taking the Dutch to Japan for their shot at Olympic glory.

      In a statement confirming Neville’s exit, the FA said it would shortly confirm the name of an interim head coach for next month’s planned get-together and potential games.
      Neville was a surprise choice in 2018 but forged a strong bond with his players.
      He took England to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, where they were narrowly edged out by the USA.
      But the former Three Lions full-back was frustrated by the 12-month postponement of the scheduled 2021 Euros to be held in England and came under sustained criticism after a series of disappointing performances and results.

      The Lionesses have not played since last March, another contributory factor and while Neville had intended to see through his contract, the approach from Beckham proved too tempting for him to resist.
      Neville said: “It has been an honour to manage England and I have enjoyed three of the best years of my career with The FA and the Lionesses.
      “The players who wear the England shirt are some of the most talented and dedicated athletes I have ever had the privilege to work with. 
      “They have challenged me and improved me as a coach, and I am very grateful to them for the fantastic memories we have shared.”
      FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Phil can be proud of what he has achieved as England head coach and I am sure he will continue to progress in future. 

      Phil Neville is due to named as new head coach of Inter Miami within the next few days Credit: Reuters
      “I wish him well and thank him for the hard work he put into helping our players and support team be the best they can be.”
      Neville’s No 2, Rehane Skinner, recently left the England set-up to take over at Women’s Super League side Tottenham.
      Dame Sue Campbell, the FA’s Director of Women’s Football, thanked Nevile for his efforts, adding: “The commitment, dedication and respect he has shown the position has been clear to see, and I will personally miss our many conversations about ways we can improve and progress.
      “After steadying the ship at a challenging period, he helped us to win the SheBelieves Cup for the first time, reach the World Cup semi-finals and qualify for the Olympics. 

      Sarina Wiegman is due to take charge of the Lionesses after the Tokyo Olympics in AugustCredit: Rex Features
      “Given his status as a former Manchester United and England player, he did much to raise the profile of our team. 
      “He has used his platform to champion the women’s game, worked tirelessly to support our effort to promote more female coaches and used his expertise to develop many of our younger players.
      “Given the positive ongoing dialogue we have been having with Phil, we will be in a position to provide an update soon on an interim appointment, as well as provide a further update on the coaching situation regarding Team GB.”

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      Man City skipper Steph Houghton hails Abby Dahlkemper’s move to Women’s Super League giants

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      STEPH HOUGHTON has given Abby Dahlkemper a virtual warm welcome after the USA ace confirmed her Manchester City switch.
      The England Women’s captain is among the City stars looking forward to seeing the World Cup winner in action in the WSL this term. 

      Abby Dahlkemper is the third USA international to join Man City this term Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Dahlkemper, 27, signed a two-year deal to join Gareth Taylor’s squad having spent three years at North Carolina Courage. 
      Houghton, 32, told her 144,000 Twitter followers that she “can’t wait” for the defender’s arrival.
      And City forward Janine Beckie, 26, was equally enthusiastic with the Canada star sharing fire emojis in her tweet in reaction to the news. 
      Dahlkemper is the third USA player to join the 2020 FA Cup winners this term, following Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle signing in August. 

      Dahlkemper told City’s website: “Sam [Mewis] and Rose [Lavelle] have been saying nothing but brilliant things about the Club and hearing them speak so highly about the facilities, the staff and the players, as well as their experience of a new technical and tactical challenge, is something that was really appealing to me.
      “With all the talent in the FA WSL, I know that each game will present a new challenge and the opportunity to grow both as a player and as a person in England is going to be amazing, alongside having the chance to play Champions League football too.
      “I just can’t wait to get over and help the team in whatever way I can and be successful on the field.”

      Head coach Gareth Taylor said: “Abby is a very talented defender who has been successful both domestically and internationally – with her desire and hunger for victory, we know she’ll fit into our team ethos perfectly.
      “We’re really looking forward to working with her over the coming seasons.”

      Abby Dahlkemper played in every game for the USA during their triumphant 2019 World Cup campaignCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Dahlkemper, who made 64 appearances for the Courage, is set to join her new team after the USA play Colombia in a friendly on January 22.
      And City – who are fourth – take on Aston Villa in their first WSL game of the year.
      The team are also due to face Chelsea in a rescheduled Conti Cup quarter-final clash. 

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      Phil Neville’s England replacement Sarina Wiegman will bring Dutch of class to Lionesses in trophy hunt

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      PHIL NEVILLE will soon be packing his flip-flops and factor 40 for the tough gig that is Miami.
      While we are all freezing in our isolated world, Neville has left England’s women’s team and bagged himself a Florida foxhole.

      Former Holland boss Sarina Wiegman is taking Phil Neville’s England Women jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Neville is off to manage Inter MiamiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lucky man! Not so much Miami Vice, as Miami, hmmmm, very nice. Good luck to him.
      His record as boss was mixed.
      A 2019 World Cup semi-final berth — only losing to eventual winners USA 2-1 — was countered by really poor form since then, with the Lionesses losing five of their last nine games.
      Enter a woman!

      The replacement for 43- year-old Neville is former Holland boss Sarina Wiegman.
      These are exciting times for women’s football and Wiegman comes with a cracking CV.
      She won Euro 2017 with Holland and was runner-up at the 2019 World Cup.
      I confess I was surprised when Neville was appointed as he hadn’t managed a team before.

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      Surely you need a certain level of experience before becoming the focal point for a nation’s hopes and fears.
      Mind you, some of the best men’s managers in recent years barely kicked a ball in anger.
      Arsene Wenger, Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez spring to mind and Jose Mourinho was a translator under the late Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona.
      As for Wiegman, she ticks both boxes, with 104 caps for the Netherlands as a player.
      The 51-year-old is renowned for her professionalism and high standards and takes over just before the 2022 Euros on our home soil.
      We all know the galvanising effect Euro 96 had on the men’s game — Three Lions on the shirt and all that — and, hopefully, the same can happen with the women.
      Wiegman, who is set to take over after this summer’s Olympics — assuming they go ahead — has all of our best wishes as the England team have been bridesmaids but never the brides.
      Runners-up in Europe twice and World Cup semi-finalists twice, Neville and others before him could not find the key to the trophy cabinet. Now, where have we heard that before?

      England’s women are about to embark on a new path without NevilleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      OUT OF TOUCH
      I HAVE to admit that I am bemused by this constant berating of footballers for celebrating goals by hugging.
      As far as I am aware you cannot catch Covid from someone who has tested negative — no matter how close you get. And all the players on the pitch have tested negative.
      Premier League players are now tested three times a week, making them, I would think, among the most tested people in the country.
      Scoring a goal is one of the great pleasures of being a footballer and a fist pump or elbow bump doesn’t really have the same effect as a pure instinct goal celebration.
      But, of course, we will all comply with the rules. No matter how little they make sense sometimes.

      The hugging ban during celebrations makes no sense to meCredit: Getty – Pool
      EFL DEBT OF GRATITUDE
      WEST HAM received a letter from the chairman of Northampton Town last week, writing to thank us and all Premier League clubs for their assistance with the EFL bailout.
      He recognised that all of football is struggling through this pandemic and suffering significant losses, so the bailout was ‘much appreciated’.
      He’s not wrong.
      Three Premier League clubs recently posted significant losses — Man Utd £23million, Spurs £67.7m and Southampton £76m, no doubt with more to follow. The Prem collectively is losing £100- a-month.
      He said that ‘Northampton Town wanted to just recognise the role of the Premier League clubs in helping’.
      A thank you goes a long way, so a touch of class from Kelvin Thomas.

      I appreciated Kelvin Thomas writing to thank Premier League clubs for their contributions to the EFL bail outCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ex-West Ham boss Matt Beard set to take over Bristol City Women as Tanya Oxtoby’s maternity cover

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      MATT BEARD will take charge of Bristol City Women until the end of the season as Tanya Oxtoby takes maternity leave.
      The ex-West Ham boss left the East London club ‘by mutual consent’ midway through November.

      Ex-West Ham boss Matt Beard will cover Robins boss Tanya Oxtoby for maternity cover

      Tanya Oxtoby’s baby boy is due in March

      Oxtoby has been in the Robins’ top job for two-and-a-half years after taking charge in the summer of 2018.
      But she will step away from her role temporarily to focus on the birth of her baby boy – who is due in March.
      Beard won back-to-back WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014.
      He has also managed at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea and, most recently the Hammers.

      City Women Board Chairman Mark Ashton said: “Everyone at Bristol City wishes Tanya all the best as she and her partner look forward to the birth of their baby boy.

      “It has been a challenging season so far and credit to Tanya, who despite contracting COVID-19, has remained focused and determined to drive the team forward.
      “Allowing her to take a step back now will allow a significant handover period for Matt and we are delighted to have secured his services for the rest of the season during Tanya’s maternity leave.”
      Beard’s first task is taking rockbottom City on a trip to face high-flying Everton on Sunday.

      Oxtoby said: “Given the circumstances and where we are with the pandemic, I think it makes sense for the transition to begin and I’m fully supportive.
      “I know Matt well. At the forefront of my mind when I knew this process was going to start was the playing group and making sure the transition was as seamless as possible.
      “The Board have decided Matt is the right person to come in and I’ll support him 100 per cent.
      “However he needs the players as well because I want them to reach their potential.
      “I want us to stay in the Barclays FAWSL and I’ll support, however I can, to make that happen.”

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      Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro warns players to consider role model status after Dubai trip backlash

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      JOE MONTEMURRO admits he is disappointed in his Arsenal players whose Dubai trip sparked anger within the women’s game. 
      And the Gunners boss wants his players to consider their positions as role models – and warned of zero tolerance of similar actions in future.

      Arsenal Women’s boss Joe Montemurro says his players have apologised for their actionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Montemurro, 51, was speaking for the first time since three of his players jetted off to Dubai during the festive break. 
      It was revealed the club, whose stars were residing in areas under Tier 4 restrictions at the time, had permitted their journey for business purposes. 
      However, a positive Covid test result for one of the players led to the axing of Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa and a number of Gunners having to self-isolate.

      For me, it’s all about actions now and making sure players understand that under these situations and circumstances they are role models
      Joe Montemurro

      Montemurro said: “We had some official scenarios of players going to Dubai, and I think in the madness of that last week, when things locked down and everything went the way it did, yes, there’s obviously disappointment in the situation and the way it panned out.

      “From my perspective, it’s about the moral compass and the consequences of these situations and the players have apologised for their actions.
      “They are people in the public eye, and we won’t be able to tolerate these sorts of decisions, not just from a sporting perspective, but from a global morality one. 
      “From my perspective it’s about the moral compass and the consequences of these situations, and the players have apologised for their actions.
      “And for me, the real important thing, going back to the morality of making these decisions, when you’re faced with them is that it doesn’t happen again.”

      Montemurro, whose third-placed Arsenal side are due to take on Reading, says he understood the criticism his three unnamed aces have faced.
      And club legend Ian Wright is among the figures who called for a public apology.
      When asked if players would be disciplined the Gunners boss stated the situation is being dealt with in-house.
      And the gaffer insisted the squad members had learned from their actions. 
      Montemurro added: “I totally understand the reaction of the greater public. 
      “And I just go back to the moral compass of the individual to understand that there are bigger things, there are greater things out there that have consequences. 
      “As much as I understand the greater public and the greater football public, and the anger they have, it’s something that we just have to be better at. 
      “For me, it’s all about actions now and making sure players understand that under these situations and circumstances they are role models.” 

      Arsenal will take on Reading in their first game of the yearCredit: Alamy Live News
      “We have to make sure that these situations don’t happen again.”
      All the Arsenal players who have been self-isolating have returned to training ahead of the clash with the Royals who are sixth in the table.
      And Montemurro has been boosted by the Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz returning from injury.

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      Women’s FA Cup paused as Covid crisis wreaks havoc in football following axed WSL clashes

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      WOMEN’S FA CUP clashes have become the latest sports events to be halted by the coronavirus crisis. 
      Football authorities say second and third round fixtures – currently classed as ‘non-elite’ sport by the government – will be paused during lockdown.

      Women’s FA Cup fixtures are being paused during the national lockdown

      And the announcement comes after 17 second round ties were cancelled in December due to Covid-19 restrictions.
      Officials say they will monitor and review the situation before making a decision over the resumption of the competition. 
      In a statement on its web site the FA says: “We can today confirm that, following the latest national lockdown enforced by the government, the 2020-21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup will not resume during this period and will remain on pause.
      “With all sport across the country outside of the elite level currently shut down, the competition is not in a position where the second and third rounds can be played, with clubs currently in the competition not permitted to train or play due to being at amateur level. 

      “Whilst it would have been possible to play elite-versus-non-elite fixtures under elite criteria with Government support, as seen in the Emirates FA Cup fixtures involving all non-elite teams do not meet elite criteria and cannot currently go ahead.
      “Therefore, the competition will remain paused during the current lockdown, with a number of options currently being explored on how best to complete it.
      “The health and wellbeing of players and staff are of paramount importance and we are not prepared to put any individual at risk during this pandemic.
      “It remains our preference to complete the 2020-21 competition with all clubs having the opportunity to play their fixtures, however the developing situation will continue to be closely monitored and will be reviewed before any further decisions are made.

      “We will now enter a period of consultation with all clubs that remain in the competition – alongside those who are due to enter from the fourth round – to discuss the options available. 

      Second and third round Women’s FA Cup clashes have been paused due to being classed as ‘non-elite’ sportCredit: PA:Press Association

      “We will look to make a further announcement in due course.” 
      The postponement of the competition is the latest blow to hit the women’s game in recent weeks.
      It comes a week after SEVEN games were axed in the Women’s Super League and Championship following a spate of positive Covid-19 test results.

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