Women’s Super League

FRAN KIRBY has well and truly given the two finger salute to the rare heart condition she was diagnosed with in November 2019.
The Chelsea strike sensation, 27, was diagnosed with Pericarditis — an inflammation of the lining around the heart, and told she may never play football again.

Fran Kirby became Chelsea’s all-time top scorer this season after being told she may never play football again

But fast-forward to just over a year and Kirby has already made history, becoming the Blues’ all-time top scorer, just four-months since her emotional return to the WSL.
RARE HEART CONDITION
You wouldn’t be able to tell, Kirby had been sofa-ridden at her home during the long, crippling weeks while she battled the debilitating illness.
She was unable to do the most basic of tasks, like walking up the stairs.
Her Chelsea pals, who often would visit her for a cuppa, bring her snacks and even helped her build a puzzle to take her mind off things.  

The England superstar revealed in September: “There was a period where I was told by the cardiologist that if I didn’t slow down, I could become chronic and never play again.”
“I remember reading about the illness because I had no idea what it was when I was diagnosed.
“I never read any stories where someone had overcome it.
“But I wanted to show to myself that I could get over this and I had a positive story to give.

“It has been a tough journey but it’s definitely shaped me into who I am now. It made me realise how precious these moments when you play are.”

THE MAKING OF THE WOMAN
The Chelsea forward – dubbed the ‘Mini Messi’ – filtered through the youth ranks at her hometown club, Reading but almost quit football as a teenager after the tragic death of her mother, Denise.
She has gone onto become one of England’s best players, a winner of PFA and FWA awards and a Ballon d’Or nominee in 2018.
But long before she became a star of two World Cups, Kirby admitted it all could have been so different when grief consumed her and left her unable to get out of bed.
The striker revealed that her mum suffered a brain haemorrhage and sadly died the next day in hospital when she was age 14.
In the following months, Kirby, her father and brother buried their emotion and “almost never spoke about her”.
A couple of years later, the grief finally hit while she was away at an England training camp, where she broke down with one of the coaches, Mo Marley.
After talking to her aunties, Kirby quit.
She wrote on the Players’ Tribune: “I went into my shell. I’d have days where I wouldn’t get out of bed. Or I wouldn’t go to college.
“I could get as far as the bus stop, then I’d just break down crying.”

The forward made her debut for England in 2014 becoming the first WSL2 player to be called up for the national side
Jules Townrow, a physio at Reading, became a close friend and Kirby spent countless nights eating pizza and watching TV with her.
Kirby admits she was like “a zombie” during this time, but “taking that time out was the best decision I have ever made.
“Because I needed to work on myself. I had to recover, to heal, to grieve.
“I had to try to find myself again.”
Although she was now feeling better, Kirby still wasn’t playing football – until she got an offer to play for her mate’s Sunday league team.
The side, based in Reading, didn’t even train.
She added: “It was amazing, I could live the life that I wanted to live.
“I could do homework, watch TV, all that.
“Nobody was telling me about what I had to improve. No one was going to hammer me if I made a mistake.
“If we lost 6–0, it was okay, we’d have a laugh about it.
“And that, really, is what brought back my love for football.”
ROYAL RETURN
Reading came back in for her and this time, Kirby was ready.
Soon she was starring for the Royals’ first-team, scoring 32 goals in 21 matches.
A year later Kirby helped them finish third in the newly formed Women’s Super League 2 and then became the first woman to ever sign a professional contract at the club.
Royals boss Kelly Chambers coached Kirby when she was in the under-14s side.
After the forward hit FOUR against Reading on Sunday, Chambers said: “It’s disappointing when you seen Fran score against you!
“But we know Fran’s quality and it’s great to see her back on the pitch. I know she’d been out for a long time as well. She’s a fantastic player.”
It was inevitable a move to a bigger club was on the cards, and in 2015 she arrived at Chelsea for a British record transfer fee at the time.

Kirby become the first winner of the PFA Women’s Player of the Year in 2018

CHELSEA LEGEND
The Berkshire striker has helped the Blues win the Double in both 2015 and 2018.
And she has been scoring with her eyes closed since her epic comeback this term.
The Lionesses icon made history when she grabbed a brace against Benfica in the Champions League to become the club’s all-time record scorer.
In doing so she stormed past Chelsea legend Eni Aluko’s tally of 68.
Boss Emma Hayes said: “Everyday I think is a precious day and taking things one day at a time I think is helping Fran.
“Fran has been unbelievable on and off the pitch. Watching her come through this year has given me as much joy as anything.
“I don’t even think it’s about Fran being back, she is just at another level already and I think she doesn’t have to carry everything on her shoulders as she did a few years ago.”
⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

Frank Lampard admits Fikayo Tomori didn’t start FA Cup win against Morecambe as he could be going on loan More

EMMA HAYES has called on government support to get the Women’s Super League finished at all costs, as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the division.
The Blues’ 5-0 win at Reading was the only top-flight game of the weekend after five matches had to be postponed as clubs wrestle a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Emma Hayes says clubs need money from the government to register academy players to be part of the first team’s bubbleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Chelsea’s 5-0 win at Reading was the only top-flight game of the weekend after five matches had to be postponed due to a rise in Covid-19 casesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Topdogs Arsenal and Manchester City both requested postponements at the weekend following players testing positive for the virus after reportedly jetting off to Dubai.
Everton called off their match against Manchester United with five players not fit enough to play after catching coronavirus over the Christmas break.
While Birmingham revealed FA chiefs denied their request to postpone having revealed they only had TEN players fit due a host of injuries and one testing positive for Covid-19.
The WSL bit the dust last season, with the Blues crowned champions by points-per-game.

And Hayes hopes the league’s drastic rise in cases doesn’t KO the division like last time out.
She said: “We’re lucky, some people are stuck at home, they can’t go to work, they can’t see their families.
“It’s our job to do this safely to look after the players and where we can let’s make sure these fixtures happen and that we’re not irresponsible as clubs.
“That’s the big thing for me coming out this week. It’s not good enough, and we have to do better and the FA has to support that.

“But equally, we have to make sure we don’t just throw the FA under the bus.
“The reality is they have a duty of care to players, and they can only do what’s presented to them.
“I’m disappointed with women’s football this week, we’ve worked so hard to get where we are.
“I think it’s important for everybody to be mindful of that and make sure we get back to doing the right things at the right times.”
The West Londoner’s midweek League Cup quarter-final tie with City, was also called off after the Etihad’s outbreak.
Hayes added: “I don’t know what Manchester City’s situation is.
“But I respect that having been through it in our own camp that sometimes it’s challenging.
“I’ve worked in women’s football a long time and my message to the clubs and to the FA is let’s not go through another week like we’ve just been through.
“Lets support each other and make sure that provisions are in place to make sure this league finishes and if it means that we have to play with the academies, then so be it.
“We need the money from the government to make sure we register young players to be within our bubbles and we do whatever we can because women’s football comes above every single one of us.”
⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

WSL stars under fire for appearing to ‘break Covid rules’ as West Ham and Arsenal players jet off on luxury trips – the sun More

EMILY VAN EGMOND says she is thrilled to be working with new boss Olli Harder after making her West Ham stay permanent.
And the ex-Orlando Pride star reckons the Hammers are beginning to find their rhythm after a tricky start to the season. 

Australia midfielder Emily van Egmond is enjoying life at West HamCredit: Rex Features

West Ham are due to take on Tottenham in their first WSL game this yearCredit: Rex Features

West Ham are yet to play their first match this year – and their first game under Harder – following a turbulent week culminating in FIVE axed WSL fixtures.  
It means the tenth-placed Irons now have a game in hand on Bristol City who are bottom, and Hope Powell’s Brighton who are ninth. 
And a revitalised van Egmond, 27, says she is eager to get going with her side targeting their third win of the season when they take on Tottenham. 
Van Egmond told West Ham TV: “We’ve come in and had a bit of an up-and-down start to the season but towards the back end, before the Christmas break, I thought we were starting to find a bit of consistency. 

“We’ve been able to go away and mentally freshen up, and hit the training ground hard with the new manager coming in. 
“The training sessions have been really good with him and the club has been fantastic too.
“I’m really enjoying my football here at West Ham too, and I’m excited to be working with the new manager. 
“Personally, it’s nice to have a bit of stability during the current circumstances that are going on in the world. 

Emily van Egmond believes West Ham’s form is starting to improve in the WSL this termCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“I’m happy to be here with West Ham, and I can’t wait to keep going.”
West Ham, who lost six WSL encounters in the first four months of the season, will be looking to pick up their first win against Spurs since September 2019. 
The last two WSL encounters between the fierce London rivals ended in a 2-1 Tottenham win in January last year followed 1-1 draw in September.

Sebastien Haller shows off his talents on the West Ham training pitch More

TANYA OXTOBY wants football authorities to clarify the choice to postpone Manchester City’s and Arsenal’s WSL games on Saturday.  
The ‘frustrated’ Robins manager’s plea came hours before the calling off City’s Conti Cup clash with Chelsea – a move facing a backlash from some players. 

Tanya Oxtoby wants to see clarity on match postponement decision-makingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Bristol had to play Man City in November with five of their senior players self-isolating Credit: The FA

Five Man City aces are confirmed to have tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of their first league game of the new year.
And it was reported that four City players got coronavirus following a trip to Dubai over the Christmas period. 
This week the FA announced City’s clash with West Ham is to be rescheduled, with the club confirmed as being unable to meet the minimum quota of 14 squad players.
However, the decision has prompted comments from some players hinting at double standards in the women’s top flight.

And some fans cited Bristol having to field a team of academy kids against City in November, with five of their senior players self-isolating.
Tanya Oxtoby’s Robins, who are currently bottom of the table, are due to face Brighton in the WSL on Sunday.
Oxtoby, 38, told Sky Sports News: “The FA have a decision to make now around the clarification and transparency over the decision-making. 
“Obviously there are things they can’t disclose, which I understand, but for us, it’s about understanding the decision-making process and being really clear.

“That would take away the feeling that bigger clubs are having different treatment because there may be underlying factors we’re not aware of.
“But until we’re filled in on those and able to understand them, there’s certainly some frustration around what appears to be a little bit of a different decision with similar circumstances.”
Meanwhile, the postponement of Man City’s Conti Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on Wednesday has been met with mild derision from WSL aces on social media. 
Blues striker Bethany England posted a cryptic message on Twitter featuring an upside-down emoji face along with the words ‘If I speak’.

Man City’s Conti Cup quarter-final clash with Chelsea has been postponedCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
Her club team-mate Fran Kirby shared a tweet wishing authorities “good luck” with trying to find a date to reschedule the league cup fixture. 

The axing of the game means Manchester City’s first match of the year will be a WSL encounter against Aston Villa on January 17. 
And Chelsea who are third – with two games in hand on league leaders Man United – are due to take on Reading.

Lionesses in training More

ARSENAL have confirmed their WSL game with Aston Villa has been called off after a player tested positive for Covid after visiting Dubai.  
The club says the match postponement, which has provoked fury within the women’s game, is due to safety reasons. 

Arsenal have had their match with Aston Villa postponed due to a player testing positive for CovidCredit: Rex Features

The Gunners squad member who tested positive has not been named. 
However, the club confirmed the individual is not their Republic of Ireland star Katie McCabe who came under fire on social media for her Dubai trip over Christmas. 
In a statement an Arsenal spokeswoman said: “Although initially all of our first team players tested negative on return from the Christmas break, one player has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19 this week. 
“As a result, several first team players are now observing a period of self-isolation as a precaution in accordance with FA and UK Government protocol.

“Our FA WSL fixture against Aston Villa Women that was due to be played this weekend has been postponed due to health and safety concerns.” 
The axing of the Gunners’ away game with Villa is the second top tier encounter to be kiboshed by Covid this week. 
Earlier Manchester City announced their match with West Ham had been cancelled after five of their stars got coronavirus. 
This number includes four unnamed City aces who The Telegraph revealed had travelled to Dubai during the Christmas period.

The FA’s decision to allow two of the WSL’s big guns to postpone matches due to Covid outbreaks in their squad has been met with anger.
Association officials say City and Arsenal have proven they are not currently able to meet the minimum squad quota of 14 players.
However, fans on social media flagged Bristol being forced to field a team of academy kids against Man City in November after five Robins were self-isolating.
And some figures within the sport have accused the game’s authorities of having double standards. 
In a scathing post on Twitter Reading ace, Emma Mitchell accused the sport’s bigwigs of having alternate rules for different teams.
In her tweet published before the cancellation of Arsenal’s match, Mitchell wrote: “Cue the Arsenal game getting postponed..

Aston Villa will have to wait until January 17 to play their first league game this yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“We see you @BarclaysFAWSL @FA different rules for different teams.”
A new date for the Gunners’ clash with Villa is yet to be announced.
The Midlands side – who are currently second from bottom in the table – now have three games in hand on their WSL rivals.

Lionesses in training More

ALANNAH KENNEDY and Shelina Zadorsky have given Tottenham a January transfer boost by agreeing to permanent contracts with the club.
The former Orlando Pride pair, who were due to depart at the end of 2020, have agreed to permanent deals which will initially run until the end of the season

Alanna Kennedy is targetting a mid-table finish with Tottenham after agreeing to a permanent transferCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

Kennedy, who has been capped 87 times by Australia, has made 12 Spurs appearances across all competitions so far this term. 
The Matildas ace had initially made a temporary switch to the club after the Covid crisis shut down America’s National Women’s Soccer League season in 2020.
And the midfielder, 25, whose side will play Birmingham on Sunday, says she is targeting a mid-table finish with her team-mates. 
Kennedy told Tottenham’s website: “I’m so excited and happy to be here.

“When I signed there was always the potential for me to stay longer and when the decision had to be made, I didn’t feel ready to end my time here.
“As a team we’re moving in an upward direction and starting to show what we are capable of.
“I believe in our goals and want to help the team fulfil our potential this season.

“We have more to build on and more to give in this league. We want to lift the Club to where we think it should be and finish in the top half of the table.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out there this year.”
Tottenham, who suffered a blow with World Cup superstar Alex Morgan leaving the club to return to the USA, have also agreed to a permanent deal with Shelina Zardorsky. 
The Canada international, 27, reckons the decision to extend her stay in London was a straightforward one. 

Shelina Zadorsky says her decision to stay at Tottenham was an ‘easy one’ Credit: Alamy Live News
Zadorsky said: “It was an easy decision to make. As a group, moving up the table and giving our fans something to be proud of are our main goals.
“Personally, I also want to ensure we build a solid defence and keep more clean sheets.
“It’s a new chapter for the Club, our confidence is high and our aim is to push on from here.”

Lionesses in training More

EMMA MITCHELL has made a sly dig at the FA’s ‘different rules for different teams’ after Manchester City’s game with West Ham was postponed.
City requested that the match was called off after four aces tested positive for Covid-19 following a trip to Dubai, according to reports.

Reading star Emma Mitchell has hit out at the FA’s ‘different rules for different teams’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Reading ace Mitchell wrote on Twitter: “Queue the Arsenal game getting postponed..
“We see you @BarclaysFAWSL @FA different rules for different teams.”
It is understood that the Gunners have also requested a postponement of their away trip to Aston Villa after a positive coronavirus test in camp.
The positive result followed three of Arsenal’s senior international players reportedly travelling to Dubai over the festive period, after London moved into Tier 4 restrictions.

Gunners icon Ian Wright slammed the move by his former club.
He wrote on Twitter: “So we asking for a postponement because we broke the rules??!!
“Players have every right to be upset but why should Villa be punished? Play the game.”
Bristol City were forced to field a team of academy kids against City in November after five of their players were self-isolating.

So we asking for a postponement because we broke the rules??!!😕 Players have every right to be upset but why should Villa be punished? Play the game. https://t.co/EWVfdTsl2o
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) January 6, 2021

WSL fixtures Sat 9 January / Sun 10 January

Saturday 9 January
Manchester City vs West Ham POSTPONED
Aston Villa vs Arsenal 12:30pm
Sunday 10 January
Everton vs Manchester United 12pm
Tottenham vs Birmingham 2pm
Reading vs Chelsea 2pm
Bristol vs Brighton 2pm

The senior stars share a house and one of the players developed coronavirus symptoms.
The club requested a postponement of the clash but were told to make the trip to Manchester as the FA were satisfied the club had “followed Covid-19 protocols and had enough players available”.
Robins boss Tanya Oxtoby said the game should not have been played because of safety concerns, however no positive tests were returned.
An FA Spokesperson said the health and safety of players and staff will “always be the number one priority when coming to a decision on scenarios such as this”.
On Twitter, Hammers boss Beard blasted the decision.
He said: “Sends a terrible message.
“Aston Villa’s games were postponed. No one wants games to be called off but common sense has to be used.
“We don’t have big squads and our academy systems are relatively new.”
The WSL has been given the green light to resume this weekend despite the surge in coronavirus cases.
The FA confirmed on Tuesday that 15 positive results came back from the 635 tests that were carried out in the WSL and Championship between 28 December and 3 January.
Players in the top two divisions in women’s football are currently tested once a week.
SunSport understands that this will remain the same despite ramped up testing in the Premier League to twice a week.

Sends a terrible message. Aston Villa’s games were postponed. No one wants games to be called off but common sense has to be used. We don’t have big squads & our academy systems are relatively new. https://t.co/lTPt8THijp
— Matthew Beard (@mattbeard02) November 7, 2020

WSL stars under fire for appearing to ‘break Covid rules’ as West Ham and Arsenal players jet off on luxury trips – the sun More