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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.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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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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      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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