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    Alex Morgan tests positive for coronavirus after former Spurs ace and USA World Cup winner says she is ‘recovering well’

    ALEX MORGAN has become the latest high-profile footballer to test positive for Covid-19 as the virus continues to wreak havoc across the globe.
    The World Cup winner announced the shock news on her Twitter account on Tuesday evening.

    World Cup winner and former Spurs star Alex Morgan has tested positive for coronavirus

    She said: “Unfortunately, my family and I closed out 2020 learning that we had contracted Covid while in California over the holidays.
    “We are all in good spirits and recovering well. After our isolation is completed, I will follow US Soccer’s return to play guidelines to ensure my body is fully recovered and I can join my team-mates back on the field soon.
    “Be safe and happy new year.”
    Some fans were quick to point out that she had celebrated Christmas with her extended family.

    She was pictured on Instagram with seven other people, as well as her husband Servando Carrasco and their baby daughter, Charlie.
    One Twitter user wrote: “Maybe traveling during a pandemic to celebrate Christmas with your extended family wasn’t such a good idea, huh? Who could have predicted that?”
    Another added: “Alex continues to disregard public health guidelines for Covid-19.
    “I’ve counted a handful of occasions, where she has gathered with family and friends, and hasn’t followed recommended guidelines!”

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    Unfortunately, my family and I closed out 2020 learning that we had contracted Covid while in California over the holidays. We are all in good spirits and recovering well. After our isolation is completed, I will follow US Soccer’s return to play guidelines to ensure (1/2)
    — Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) January 5, 2021

    Morgan had returned to the United States to rejoin Orlando Pride after her short loan stint at Tottenham ended.
    The USA scored twice in just five WSL appearances since arriving in North London in September.
    She made her final appearance in a Spurs vest netting a penalty in their 3-1 win against Aston Villa with the team currently eighth in the table.
    Morgan told Tottenham’s website: “I will be forever grateful to the club, my team-mates and Spurs supporters for taking such good care of me and my family.
    “From the moment I arrived in London, I realised I was part of a first-class organisation, one that helped provide me the opportunity to immerse myself back into the game I love. 

    “Thank you to everyone who helped make this chapter in my soccer journey so special.”
    Heather Cowan, Tottenham’s Head of Women’s football said: “It has been a pleasure to have Alex with us during this period and the whole squad has taken a lot from working every day with someone at the top of the women’s game.
    “We wish Alex all the best for the future both at club and international level as she prepares to return back home with her family. She will always be welcome here at Spurs.”

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    Ex-Arsenal and Charlton ace Cori Daniels becomes London City Lionesses assistant coach

    CORI DANIELS has been appointed assistant coach of FA Women’s Championship side London City Lionesses. 
    The ex-Arsenal player is due to join club boss Melissa Phillips in the dugout when her side takes on Crystal Palace in their first game of the new year. 

    Cori Daniels will coach London City Lionesses ahead of their Women’s Championship clash with Crystal Palace

    Daniels, 34, who enjoyed a trophy-winning Gunners career, made football headlines when she became the youngest female player to represent Charlton in 2001. 
    The then 14-year-old was part of an Addicks side that thrashed Liverpool 6-1 in a National Division clash in April that year.
    The centre-back went on to play for Arsenal and Watford before hanging up her boots to take up coaching.
    And the former Gunner won Women’s Premier League and Champions League trophies with an Arsenal side which included Faye White, Anita Asante, Jayne Ludlow and Lianne Sanderson. 

    London City, who are eleventh in the women’s second-tier, are looking to pick up their fourth win in the Championship this term. 
    On her new role at the club Daniels said: “I have observed what London City Lionesses have been achieving on and off the pitch since their inception and I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to join. 
    “I’m looking forward to working with Melissa and the playing squad to make a positive contribution and continue to develop as a football coach.”
    Daniels, who holds a Uefa B training licence, recently worked as an Under-16s coach at Kent Girls Elite Academy.

    The ex-Watford player also trained youngsters at Gillingham FC’s regional football talent club for girls. 
    And London City Lionesses manager Phillips believes the Ramsgate-born coach has got it what it takes to help her players excel on the pitch. 

    Cori Daniels was part of the famous Arsenal Ladies side who won the Women’s Champions League in 2007Credit: Getty

    London City Lionesses aim to pick up their fourth win in the Championship when they play Crystal Palace Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

    Phillips said: “Cori brings a wealth of experiences that will add value to the culture we are building.
    “It has been abundantly clear through the process, that developing people and getting the best out of players are her driving factors as a coach. 
    “I’m looking forward to having her on board and the impact she will make.”

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    Madelene Wright sets up OnlyFans page after being sacked by Charlton for ‘swigging champagne while driving’

    FORMER CHARLTON ace Madelene Wright has launched an OnlyFans account after being sacked by the club at the start of December.
    The 22-year-old was axed after controversial videos of her swigging champagne while driving and inhaling from a balloon were uploaded to Snapchat.

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    Ex-Charlton star Madelene Wright has set up an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

    The stunning footballer has 140k followers on Instagram and Twitter combinedCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

    Madelene Wright’s OnlyFans page was set up one month after she was sacked from Charlton for ‘swigging champagne while driving’Credit: OnlyFans / @madelenewright
    Now the ex-Millwall star has decided to showcase her talents off the pitch, by revealing to her 140k fans on Twitter and Instagram that she has set up an OnlyFans page.
    Wright posted a video to her social media accounts with the caption: “Check the bio..” in reference to her new account on the X-rated site.
    The ex-Addicks superstar is charging £33 for a monthly subscription to her page.

    The news has sent her fans into meltdown, but one Twitter user saw the funnier side by joking: “Signed up and she’s stood there doing kick ups.”
    Wright has been without a club for a month since Charlton let her go after a series of controversial videos were uploaded to Snapchat.
    It is understood that in the clips the 22-year-old can be seen at a party with friends, where a number of people were inhaling from balloons.
    A second video allegedly showed the former Championship footballer drinking champagne while driving her luxury Range Rover.

    After the clips were shared on social media, Charlton Athletic confirmed that Wright’s registration had been cancelled and that she will no longer play for the club.

    The ex-Millwall ace was reportedly seen ‘swigging champagne’ at the wheel of her luxry Range Rover at the start of Decemeber

    Wright has played for both Charlton and MillwallCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

    The star had previously been investigated by her former club Millwall after she filmed a friend holding a dog with its paws on the steering wheel

    A spokesperson for the Addicks told SunSport at the time: “The club were made aware of the video and quickly investigated the incident.
    “As a club we are disappointed with the behaviour which doesn’t represent the standards the team upholds.
    “The player is remorseful and has now left the club.
    “The club would like to make clear that although the behavior is not acceptable, the players welfare remains important to us and she will still have access to the club’s support channels if needed.”
    Maddie was also investigated by former club Millwall in October last year after she filmed from the backseat while the driver puts a dog’s paws on the steering wheel.
    Joshua Harris of road safety charity, Brake, told Sun Sport: “Driving and alcohol simply do not mix.
    “When you’re behind the wheel you’re in charge of a potentially lethal weapon which requires full concentration and zero impairment to do so safely.
    “We urge all drivers to never drink any amount of alcohol and drive – and certainly never do both at the same time.”

    Wright has not been playing football since she was let go by the AddicksCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

    Wright posts regularly on social media to her many fans

    Charlton Women’s footballer Madelene Wright films friend driving car whilst holding a dog More

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    FA fines Birmingham City Women’s boss Carla Ward and hands down one-game touchline ban

    CARLA WARD has been hit with a fine and banned from the touchline for one match following remarks made after Birmingham’s loss to Arsenal in December. 
    The Damson Park gaffer’s comment that her team had “played against more than 11 for sure”’ is judged to have breached the FA’s conduct regulations.

    Carla Ward will miss Birmingham’s WSL game against Tottenham following an FA ban Credit: PA:Press Association

    Following the defeat to the Gunners Ward, 37, criticised the standard of officiating in the game describing it as “poor on the whole”.
    And the former Sheffield United manager questioned Christiana Hattersley’s decision to refuse her players’ penalty calls during the game.
    It was a match that Birmingham, who are currently seventh, would go on to lose 3-0. 
    Following the defeat, Ward said: “I’m not going to dress it up, it was one of the worst refereeing performances I think I’ve seen.

    “I think overall she (the referee) was very, very poor. We are talking about the professional game here, and we’ve got Sunday league referees. 
    “Arsenal are an exceptional side with unbelievable ability but we played against more than 11 today for sure.”
    Ward has acknowledged observations made during her post-game interview constituted improper conduct. 
    The suspension means the Birmingham boss, who has been fined £375, will miss her side’s first WSL clash of the year when they visit Tottenham. 

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    Carla Ward has been £375 following comments made after Birmingham’s loss to Arsenal in December Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    The team, who have battled with injuries with several players on the treatment table, have enjoyed a resurgence under Ward’s stewardship. 
    The Isle of Wight-born coach led her side to the semis of the 2020 Women’s FA Cup. 
    And the Midlands side are currently four places higher than where they finished at the end of the curtailed 2019-20 WSL season.

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    Orlando Pride team-mates Marta Vieira da Silva and Toni Pressley announce engagement after falling in love at club

    MARTA and Toni Pressley delighted their fans and followers on social media by announcing their engagement.
    The smitten couple, who play for Orlando Pride alongside USA ace Alex Morgan, posted a stunning picture of themselves gazing happily into each other’s eyes. 

    Orlando Pride players Marta and Toni Pressley announced their engagement on social media

    The lovestruck pair are reported to have met at the club back in 2017. 
    And it is thought they revealed their relationship publicly in 2019. 
    On her Instagram account, Brazil heroine Marta, 34, wrote: “This is another chapter of the story that we are writing together.”
    And her fiance Pressley, who plays in Pride’s defence added a short response with the word “Yes”. 

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    The couple’s news was greeted with congratulatory messages on social media from figures from across the women’s game.
    These include players from the WSL and Ligue 1 Women’s football giant PSG. 
    In an Instagram reply with a heart emoji, Aston Villa’s Anita Asante wrote: “Congrats so happy for you both!” 

    Ex-Paris Saint-Germain player Ella Masar said: “Congrats you two.”
    And Pressley, 30, joked about the prospect of buying her fourth dog together with Marta. 
    A date for the couple’s nuptials is yet to be confirmed
    But NewsChain reports a ceremony may be expected after the end of the 2021 NWSL season. 

    Marta and Toni Pressley are reported to have met at US club Orlando Pride in 2017

    Footballers from across the women’s game have been congratulating Marta Vieira da Silva and Toni Pressley

    Marta and Pressley are due to commence pre-season training with Orlando Pride next month.
    Their new term will start with their team taking part in the Challenge Cup, a tournament their club did not compete in last year due to Covid-19 issues 
    And Pride will play in NWSL games with the league’s new season beginning in May.

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    Watford ace Helen Ward considers retirement after Covid lockdown halts Women’s National League action

    WALES striker Helen Ward is considering hanging up her boots following the suspension of women’s football below the WSL and Championship. 
    Ward’s club Watford are among the sides who have seen their fixtures put on ice after the government announced a third national lockdown to tackle the Covid-19 crisis. 

    Helen Ward’s Watford team are among the women’s sides whose matches and training are currently suspended Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    The FA confirmed the women’s game in England has been put on hold for teams below the top 23 sides in the country due to Covid-19 restrictions.
    It means that 34-year-old Ward – who has made 89 appearances for Wales – will be unable to play and train with her Watford team-mates.
    And the striker, who is a mother of two and has netted 42 goals for her country, took to Twitter to air worries about balancing training at home with childcare. 
    In her tweet, the Golden Girls forward wrote: “I’m seriously considering retirement. 

    “Not sure I’ve got it in me to keep training alone, home school a 6-year-old and entertain a 3-year-old. No chance I can do all three effectively.”

    I’m seriously considering retirement. Not sure I’ve got it in me to keep training alone, home school a 6 year old and entertain a 3 year old. No chance I can do all three effectively https://t.co/p1J1HZ6esn
    — Helen Ward (@helenwardie10) January 4, 2021

    Watford are currently top of the third division southern league and ranked as the joint 24th-best women’s side in England. 
    However, the team are currently no longer able to play after their league was grouped in the government’s ‘non-elite’ sports category.

    Helen Ward is concerned about the prospect of juggling training at home along with keeping her children occupiedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    This includes sides competing in all divisions below the FA Women’s Championship. 

    Newcastle, Southampton and the legendary Doncaster Belles are among the other teams who have seen their matches and training kiboshed.
    And the Women’s FA Cup’s is currently in hiatus with the second round stage it has reached also being ranked as ‘non-elite’.

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    Four Man City Women players test positive for coronavirus ‘after trip to Dubai’

    FOUR Manchester City Women first-team players have tested positive for coronavirus after reportedly travelling to Dubai over the Christmas break.
    As reported by the Telegraph, the unnamed aces had the club’s full permission to fly to UAE as Manchester was under Tier Three restrictions at the time.

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    FOUR Man City Women players have tested positive for coronavirus after reportedly visiting Dubai
    That meant that overseas was permitted under the Government’s regulations and Dubai’s boarders were open to the UK.
    City confirmed the quartet had tested positive for the killer virus on Monday.
    Saturday’s game against West Ham is still set to go ahead, but the situation will reportedly be monitored.

    A statement by the club read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that four Women’s First Team players have tested positive for COVID-19.
    “The personnel involved will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with FA and UK Government protocol on quarantine.
    “Everyone at the Club wishes our colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition.”
    It is understood that the WSL has seen a rise in positive tests since the Christmas break, after several superstars travelled abroad.

    The FA is set to publish the full testing results from the women’s top-flight and Championship this evening.

    City’s news came after the men’s side were hit badly by Covid-19 around the festive period, with at least SIX players returning positive test results.
    The Etihad Campus training ground is still open but the club are working hard to limit the number of people on site.
    Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus were confirmed to have tested positive just before Christmas.
    Three more Man City players tested positive and missed the 3-1 win at Chelsea – although their identities have not been officially confirmed.
    Goalkeeper Ederson and striker Ferran Torres were unavailable for the game at Stamford Bridge.
    Eric Garcia became the latest City star to test positive, along with an unnamed member of coaching staff.

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    FOUR Man City women test positive for coronavirus after men’s team outbreak

    MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed that FOUR women’s players have tested positive for coronavirus.
    The men’s side were hit badly by the killer virus around the festive period with at least FIVE players returning positive test results.

    Four of Manchester City Women’s players have tested positive for coronavirusCredit: PA:Press Association

    A statement by the club read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that four Women’s First Team players have tested positive for COVID-19.
    “The personnel involved will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with FA and UK Government protocol on quarantine.
    “Everyone at the Club wishes our colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition.”
    The players will definitely miss this Saturday’s league tie with West Ham and most probably next week’s Continental Cup quarter-final against Chelsea.

    The Etihad Campus training ground is still open but the club are working hard to limit the number of people on site.
    Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus were confirmed to have tested positive just before Christmas.
    Three more Man City players tested positive and missed the 3-1 win at Chelsea – although their identities have not been officially confirmed.
    Goalkeeper Ederson and striker Ferran Torres were unavailable for the game at Stamford Bridge.

    Eric Garcia became the latest City star to test positive, along with an unnamed member of coaching staff.

    Pep Guardiola recently defended Benjamin Mendy over his coronavirus breach and insisted ‘many people have maybe done the same’.
    The Manchester City left-back, 26, hosted a New Year’s Eve party at his house despite the Covid outbreak within the club camp.
    The Etihad boss’ comments have sparked a backlash with some fans branding him ‘shameful’ and ‘disgraceful’ for defending the Covid breach.

    Man City star Benjamin Mendy broke Covid rules by hosting New Year’s Eve party and begged for ‘girls’ from London More