Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 125 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea sign Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic on a two-and-a-half-year deal

      by

      CHELSEA have landed Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic  on a two-and-a-half-year deal from FC Rosengard.
      The 24-year old will start at Kingsmeadow from January 1 and will be in contention to face Reading at Madejski Stadium for the Blues’ first game of the year.

      Chelsea sign Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic on a two-and-a-half-year dealCredit: Rex Features

      The stopper has played for Malmo, which was renamed Rosengard, since 2012, lifting four league titles and three Swedish Cups along the way.
      She even starred against Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League in three-years ago.
      Musovic nabbed her first senior cap in March 2018 against Russia at the Algarve Cup and was called up for last year’s World Cup.
      On penning a deal with the Blues, the Swedish keeper said: “It is a huge honour to be representing one of the biggest clubs in the world.

      “The women’s game is developing fast, especially in England, and Chelsea is one of the top teams that are driving that process forward.
      “I am always striving to be the best and therefore, I am happy to be joining one of the best.
      “I cannot wait to continue my journey in London and hopefully help the club to reach even greater heights in the future.”
      Boss Emma Hayes, added: “We first saw a young Zecira in our pre-season friendly against Rosengard nearly four years ago.

      “We spotted she had potential right from the start and after monitoring her over a number of years, we are confident she fits the profile of a Chelsea goalkeeper well.
      “Zecira is driven, hungry to be the best and also has international and Champions League experience.
      “I have no doubt her best is yet to come and we really look forward to welcoming her into the team in the New Year.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea’s Charlie Webster shows off his goal scoring talent More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Stevenage ace Sherrie Evans almost in tears after finally seeing her name on a shirt thanks to huge Burger King sponsor

      by

      FOR many women in the football pyramid having their name and number on the back of their shirt is often a luxury.
      That’s why Stevenage midfielder and full-time postie Sherrie Evans, almost broke down in tears when she finally saw her name on her kit after 13-years at the club.

      Sherrie Evans was overcome with emotion after seeing her new Burger Queen shirt

      Burger King are now sponsoring Boro women

      It was a landmark moment, that was only made possible by fast-food giants Burger King.
      In the summer of 2019, the creators of the Whopper made the astonishing move to sponsor lowly League Two club Stevenage FC.
      They paid a reported £50,000 to the men, and this year they decided to plough the same investment into the women, as well as creating a unique Burger Queen logo.
      Life-long Boro fan Sherrie told SunSport: “They delivered a special package to our door with a shirt inside with the Burger Queen logo and our names on the back – which we’ve never had.

      “I just couldn’t believe it. I nearly cried to be honest, you could hear the emotion in my voice.
      “It’s a huge moment for us to have the same deal as the men.
      “I turned the shirt around and saw my own number and my name. I’ve always dreamt about that since I was a kid.
      “I know it sounds silly but to have your own name on the back your shirt as a woman is massive.

      “I was so proud and for a worldwide company to sponsor a little club like Stevenage that no one really knows about is mental!”

      The Boro, who are coached by Dave Potter, play in the Women’s National League South East Division.
      The fourth-tier club is made up of teachers, carers and policewomen, who all juggle their full-time jobs with training twice a week.
      Sherrie works six days a week delivering post and admitted it has been a struggle coping with the long hours while fighting for a spot in Potter’s starting XI.
      The midfielder continued: “What I find hard is if I get an injury, because I’m a postie if I was to hurt my leg or foot, its detrimental to my work.
      “If I’ve got a long term injury my bosses could turn around and tell me to stop playing football or I could lose my job.
      “When I was younger there wasn’t really any money in women’s football so that wasn’t a viable career path.
      “It would have been difficult to just concentrate on football, as you could never reach your full potential with work.”
      This is why Burger King’s sponsorship is offering a crucial lifeline to keep Stevenage’s women’s side up and running.
      Many of the inspiring staff work on a voluntary basis and the women still pay to play, however the club are working hard to get this changed in the future.
      Sherrie added: “We can’t just commit to training all the time and with there being less money in the game, we’re self funded.
      “We still pay to play to cover training facilities, linesmen, referees, the pitch and transport to the game.
      “The sponsorship is going to help massively. The funding alone takes pressure off of us because before we were struggling to run as a team.
      “Coronavirus has destroyed businesses left, right and centre so it just means so much to us as a club.
      “I can’t thank Burger King enough for being brave enough to make this step. We are so proud to be Burger Queens.”

      Burger King began sponsoring Stevenage men in 2019

      Stevenage FC have become one of the most well marketed teams in the world
      Within one year, by utilising a video game, Burger King helped make the men’s side one of the most marketable teams in football.
      The fast-food giants cleverly tapped into the FIFA 20 world, offering free Whoppers and chips in return for gamers completing challenges, while playing as the The Boro.
      They sold out all their club shirts, are the most played FIFA 20 team on live streaming platform Twitch, and are known around the world.
      Now the women’s side has also gone viral, with their Burger Queen shirts already selling out across the globe.
      And Sherrie hopes this inspires young girls to become the next Boro superstar or England captain, like Steph Houghton.
      She said: “Twenty years ago women’s football was so different.
      “At Stevenage being a footballer is now a realistic option.
      “I’d like to think that girls can look up to us and to professional players like Lucy Bronze and Steph Houghton, and realise it’s an option for them now.
      “Burger King have set a precedent for other big companies to sponsor smaller women’s teams in the future.”

      Burger King challenges players of FIFA 20 to play as Stevenage and win free food More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ace Christen Press reveals she has ‘never been so sick’ after mystery illness but insists it wasn’t coronavirus

      by

      CHRISTEN PRESS revealed she has “never been so sick” after she was struck down with a mystery illness which left her sidelined for a month.
      The World Cup winner hasn’t played for United since November 19 in their League Cup win over rivals Manchester City.

      Christen Press was hit with a mystery illness which left her out of the Man Utd squad Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And while she did not reveal what the illness was, she insists it was not Covid-19.
      She told the club’s website: “Thanks for all the well wishes and love these last few weeks. I’d never been so sick in my life – no I did not have Covid,
      “Happy to report I’m feeling much better.
      “I’m back training with the team and I’m getting stronger every day. I’m looking forward to the next time I play.”

      The positive news comes as a major boost to Old Trafford fans.
      One supporter wrote on Twitter: “She’s back baby!!!! Can’t wait to see her back on the pitch. Hopefully this Sunday. It would be a great way to end 2020.”
      Press is a huge favourite among fans of the club, and her and Tobin Heath’s shirt sales outstripped every male player in the first three days of their release.
      The American superstars arrived at the Red Devils in September, in a major coup for the Women’s Super League.

      The pair have made a combined 306 appearances for their country and were both members of the 2015 and 2019 World Cup-winning squads.
      Los Angeles-born Press opted for the number 24 shirt in homage to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
      The last time Press featured in a match was in a USA friendly against Holland on November 27.
      If she has fully shaken off her illness she could play this weekend against rockbottom Bristol City.
      A win would keep United top of the table but if she doesn’t play on Sunday then she will have to wait until January when the Red Devils face Everton.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd chiefs want Paul Pogba OUT of club in January transfer after Mino Raiola’s latest outburst More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Phil Neville ‘to coach Team GB women’s side’ after quitting England role

      by

      PHIL NEVILLE is set to be appointed as coach of the Team GB women’s football team at the Olympics, according to reports. 
      The ex-Manchester United star has been open about his ambition to coach an Olympic side at Tokyo 2020 after his leaving his England post. 

      Phil Neville is due to become coach of Team GB’s women’s football teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Times has revealed that Neville, who led the Lionesses to the Women’s World Cup semis in 2019, will coach the Team GB Women’s side at the rescheduled games in 2021.
      And the paper claims the former Everton ace will be announced as the team’s new boss next month following a lengthy hold-up caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. 
      Neville had initially attempted to pour cold water on his chances of managing a Team GB side and claimed he did not know if he would be given an opportunity. 
      At England’s November training camp, Neville said: “I don’t know if it is going to be me. 

      “I said in the last camp that I expected the decision to be imminent and I still think that. 
      “Hopefully it’ll happen soon and the players can concentrate on who is the boss of Team GB and there can be total clarity.”
      Neville’s job as Britain’s women’s Olympic football coach is expected to be his final post within the women’s game. 

      The Lionesses boss is set to be replaced by Netherlands manager Sarina Wiegman when he steps down from this current role in July 2021.

      And Wiegman, regarded as the most successful managers of a Netherlands national team, will also be coaching the Dutch women’s side at the Tokyo Olympics.
      The Times says the FA had hoped to publicly reveal Neville’s job move as early as October. 
      However, logistical challenges, changes to publicity activity and travel rule changes are thought to have complicated Neville’s switch.
      Britain’s Olympic women’s football team was first assembled ahead of the London 2012 games.

      Team GB reached the quarter-finals of the women’s football tournament at London 2012 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The side reached the quarter-finals of the event before suffering a 2-0 loss to Canada.
      It was thought the team’s participation in the games that year would be a one-off.
      However, an agreement between the home nations in October 2018 led to the decision that the team would compete in Tokyo 2020.

      Lionesses in training More

    • 150 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester City boss expects ‘dangerous’ Goteborg challenge in second-leg Champions League clash

      by

      Gareth Taylor has warned his Manchester City players cannot get carried away by recent wins despite mounting successful fightbacks in their last two matches. 
      And the City boss believes his side could end-up facing a dangerous Goteborg team looking to avenge their first-leg Champions League loss. 

      Gareth Taylor is expecting a tricky challenge from Goteborg following their first-leg loss Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Man City, currently fourth in the WSL, are aiming to pick up their fourth win across all competitions, after inflicting defeats on Arsenal and the Swedish champs. 
      Taylor told SunSport: “We know we have a team facing us with nothing to lose.
      “We know that that can be dangerous and they will really have a good go.
      “The one thing I like about the girls is they never really get kind of carried away with wins and it’s always about the next game. 

      “And that’s what we are looking to, and not looking too far ahead of ourselves. 
      “We know it’s an important game and we need to really make sure we manage the beginnings of games a little bit better than what we have done previously. 

      Manchester City are looking to win their final two matches before the end of 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “But we have shown great resilience in coming back and controlling games”. 
      City, who are two-times Champions League semi-finalists, are targeting a spot in the finals to be held in Sweden in May 2021. 

      The club aim to take another step towards to achieving that goal by beating Goteborg in their second to last match before Christmas
      And the game could see the first Champions League run-out this season for England forward Lauren Hemp following her recovery from a hamstring injury.

      Taylor added: “Having Lauren back is an injection of hope and it gives everyone a real boost.
      “She’s been out for quite a while and it’s like having a new player.
      “She was great on Sunday. She stretched the backline against Arsenal, but we need to make sure she’s managed in the right way.”

      Pep Guardiola says Man City just need to score goals and improve in all aspects More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Birmingham City boss facing FA charge following post-match comments after Arsenal defeat

      by

      CARLA WARD has been charged with breaching FA conduct rules following comments made in the aftermath of Birmingham City’s loss to Arsenal. 
      The manager’s post-game remark that her team “had played against more than 11’’ is deemed to have broken the authority’s regulations.

      Carla Ward is facing an FA charge following comments made after Birmingham’s loss to ArsenalCredit: Rex Features

      An FA statement said comments made by the Birmingham boss in an interview after the game constituted  “improper conduct” for questioning the “integrity of the match official”. 
      During the game, Ward’s players, who are to play Manchester City, held the Gunners at bay until the 57th minute. 
      They then went on to concede three goals with the final Arsenal strike coming from the penalty spot in the game’s closing stages.
      The Damson Park manager, who described the officiating during the game as “poor on the whole”  said penalty pleas from her side had been declined by referee Christiana Hattersley. 

      And the former Sheffield United gaffer said the fourth official had suggested her players would have to hit the turf to win decisions. 
      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 was very, very poor. We are talking about the professional game here, and we’ve got Sunday league referees. 
      “I asked whether my players had to go down. There were a couple where it looked like they had to go down. 

      “The fourth official said to me ‘Did you watch Match of the Day last night? Sadly you have to go down to get something.’
      “I said ‘Listen, I’m not going in there and telling my players to go down.’

      Carla Ward made comments about the officiating decisions during Arsenal’s 3-0 win against BirminghamCredit: Rex Features

      “I asked very clearly at half-time, ‘Do I have to ask my players to go down to get anything here today and jump around?’ Because that’s not how I like things.
      The FA says Ward has until Thursday 17 December 2020 to respond to their charges. 
      In an official statement, the FA said: “It is alleged that comments made by the  head coach during a post-match interview constitute improper conduct in that they question the integrity of the match official and/or were personally offensive and/or bring the game into disrepute.”

      Alex Scott hilariously trolls Jamie Carragher saying ‘you couldn’t name five women’s footballers’ More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss Hayes reckons Fifa Award is an ‘Oscar moment’ and hails mentality of Pernille Harder

      by

      EMMA HAYES jokes she may have to wear a posh frock over her pyjamas when she joins this year’s Fifa awards via her computer screen. 
      The Chelsea boss, who described her nomination as being like an Oscar win, also praised the mentality of star signing Pernille Harder. 

      Emma Hayes is on Fifa’s Best Women’s Coach award shortlistCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, whose unbeaten Blues play Benfica in a Champions League second leg clash, is on the shortlist for a Best Fifa Women’s Coach gong. 
      The charismatic manager, 44, whose award rivals include in-coming England boss Sarina Wiegman, says she “is over the moon” to be in “great company”. 
      And the Chelsea gaffer jokingly admitted she plans to keep her son busy with a Toy Story movie to deter him from attempting to join her on screen. 
      Hayes said: “I have got a lot of musician friends who lived in America when I lived there. 

      “And I say to them, ‘this is like being nominated for a Grammy, or an Oscar’. 
      “Apparently I have to wear formal attire. But because I’m going to be at home on a computer, I think I’m going to put something over my pyjamas!
      “I hope my son is quiet (on the ceremony night).
      “If he is not, then I’ll have to feed him some chocolate and put on Toy Story in the background so I can just get 15 minutes.

       “To be among great company, knowing where I came from and knowing how hard I have worked, I’m really proud of myself. I feel like I have just won an Oscar.”

      Hayes reckons Pernille Harder’s ‘fantastic mentality’ has been a boost for ChelseaCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      This year’s annual awards hosted by football’s top body is set to be a virtual affair due to pandemic restrictions.
      Other big names from Chelsea up for gongs include Sam Kerr, Ji So-Yun and Denmark ace Harder. 
      The Danish playmaker was prolific for her old club Wolfsburg scoring 27 times to help them claim their sixth Bundesliga title last term. 

      The goals she has contributed, the assists and the involvement she has in creating our goals have been unbelievable
      Emma Hayes on Pernille Harder

      And Harder, on target during the Blue’s 5-0 demolition of Benfica, is likely to feature in the Champions League return leg against the Portuguese giants.
      Hayes said: “Pernille has got a fantastic mentality and one that has put her where she is today.
      “I think it’s important to note that we, as a football club, can’t take any of the credit for this.

      Chelsea – unbeaten in the WSL last term – are targeting a quadruple trophy win this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “What I know about the best – and I have coached a lot of top players in my career – is that they have unbelievable attention to detail. 
      “And the best always do it on training pitch, day-in, day-out, and Pernille is exceptional in training. 
      “The goals she has contributed, the assists and the involvement she has in creating our goals have been unbelievable.”

      Chelsea aces Bright, Cuthbert and Telford reveal their favourite karaoke songs and netflix shows to binge More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester and London City bosses back concussion substitute trials for injured Women’s Championship players

      by

      Jonathan Morgan and Melissa Phillips say they would welcome trials of subs for concussed players in the women’s game’s second tier.
      And Foxes boss Morgan believes protecting the welfare of players with head injuries is paramount in light of recent cases of dementia in football. 

      Jonathan Morgan believes having head injury subs could help protect the wellbeing of concussed playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Morgan, who manages Leicester City Women, told SunSport:  “Having a concussion sub would help the player feel they can come off for as long as they need and not affect the team.
      “I think this would be a safer way to make sure we are assessing players properly rather than rushing them to get back out on the pitch. 
      “We all know what it is like when it is 0-0, the adrenaline is pumping, there are 10 minutes to go and you are down a player.
      “The one who has hurt themselves is sometimes eager to brush it off and get back out there. 

      “Obviously we have seen what has happened with the dementia cases in the men’s game at this moment in time. 
      “It is really important that the safety of players in the game is paramount.”
      London City Lionesses head coach Phillips added: “Our medical staff does a really good job liaising with the FA on all the new protocols coming into place.
      “I think anything we can do to protect the players and provide the best environment for their health and safety are options we are willing to look at.” 

      Approval of trials of concussion replacements for injured players in the men’s top flight is due to be discussed by the game’s lawmakers on Wednesday. 
      And WSL and Women’s Championship chiefs say they would back similar trials in the women’s top two divisions if the move gets the go-ahead from the International FA board. 
      In a statement, The FA said: “We can confirm that both leagues would support the trials of an additional permanent substitution for concussions, if approved at the forthcoming IFAB Annual Business Meeting on 16 December 2020. 

      Melissa Phillips says she supports options to provide the safest environment for players with concussionCredit: Prime Media

      The women’s game’s top two divisions could be set for trials of subs to cover for player concussionCredit: Rex Features

      “Player welfare is of paramount importance and we would work closely with the clubs and their medical teams to introduce the trials at the earliest and most appropriate opportunity.”
      The topic of substitutes for concussed players on the pitch has been a huge talking point in recent weeks. 
      And calls for change have grown louder following the fractured skull suffered by Raul Jimenez after a clash of heads involving Arsenal’s David Luiz during the Gunners’ loss to Wolves.   

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta discuses the risks of concussion after David Luiz collision More