Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Emma Hayes revealed Chelsea striker Fran Kirby will be out for ‘weeks’ with ankle injury

      by

      CHELSEA boss Emma Hayes has delivered a grim injury update on strike sensation Fran Kirby.
      The Blues forward, 27, suffered an ankle injury during a training game with England last week.

      Fran Kirby will be out for “weeks” after picking up an ankle injury

      On Chelsea’s website Blues boss, Hayes said: “Fran’s been assessed by the medical team, she’s got an ankle injury and she’ll be out for weeks.

      “I don’t know how many so I’m not going to put a number on it but hopefully it won’t be too long and we look forward to seeing her back on the pitch soon.”
      The news comes as a major blow to the West Londoners as Kirby has been in scintillating form so far this term.
      She has hit three goals in just four WSL games and is the joint fifth highest scorer in the division.

      The Lionesses star had been out of league action since last November when she learned she had a rare heart condition.
      Pericarditis — an inflammation of the lining around the heart  — left Kirby with severe chest pains and unable to do even basic tasks.

      She made an emotional return to football in the Blues’ win over Manchester City in the Community Shield at the end of August.
      And the forward revealed she is still rebuilding her confidence after being told she may never play football again.

      The Blues turn their attention to facing Tottenham in the League Cup on Tuesday night, before a mouth-watering WSL tie with Everton on Sunday.

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

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s Bright, Cuthbert and Telford reveal karaoke choices and Netflix shows they’re bingeing in hilarious series

      by

      CHELSEA aces Millie Bright, Erin Cuthbert and Carly Telford have revealed their favourite karaoke classics to belt out on a boozy night.
      The Blues stars also lifted the lid on the Netflix shows they’ve currently been binge-watching.

      Chelsea aces Erin Cuthbert, Millie Bright and Carly Telford have revealed their favourite karaoke tracksCredit: Chelsea FC

      500 Miles by the The Proclaimers was a no-brainer for Scotland international Cuthbert Credit: Chelsea FC

      Millie Bright opted for Summer of ’69 by Bryan AdamsCredit: Chelsea FC

      Scotland international, Cuthbert, stayed true to her roots, saying in hilarious Connect With series on Three’s Instagram channel: “500 miles, if you’re Scottish and you don’t know the words then you’re not really Scottish are you?”

      Bright opted for something a bit more rock ‘n’ roll, adding: “Summer of ’69, Bryan Adams, something like that.”
      But Telford topped the lot with the ultimate classic, she said: “The Killers’ Mr Brightside everyday.”
      The group were in fits of laughter when Cuthbert admitted she is partial to Amy Winehouse’s Valerie, prompting Telford to ask for a cheeky demonstration.

      The Blues keeper said: “She’s bigging herself up like! she says ‘guys I think I’m pretty good”.
      When the group was asked if Cuthbert can hit the high notes, Bright replied: “Hell no, are you joking me!?”
      Bright has been glued to Netflix’s true crime documentary, American Murderer Next Door.

      Carly Telford loves a bit of binge-worthy Netflix show Selling Sunset Credit: Chelsea FC

      Erin Cuthbert is partial to the series, The Fall, about a Belfast serial killerCredit: Chelsea FC

      Telford was partial to watching a bit of drug cartel action in the series Ozark.

      Cuthbert is a big fan of gritty series The Fall, about a Belfast serial Killer.
      But the stars unanimously agreed that English icon, David Attenborough’s, A Life on Our Planet, and glitzy American real estate show Selling Sunset – were the biggest Netflix hits.
      On Monday, Chelsea’s shirt sponsor Three release the latest instalment of its Connect With series it has created with Chelsea FC, live on Three’s Instagram channel.

      Seven stars who quit Chelsea and became world class including Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah and Tiago More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Millie Bright reveals she extended her Chelsea contract because the club will ‘push her to next level’

      by

      MILLIE BRIGHT has revealed she was brimming with pride when Chelsea offered her a contract extension until 2023.
      The defender, 27, has lifted the lid on why she decided to stay with the Blues after bagging two WSL trophies, two FA Cups and the League Cup during her five years with the West London side .

      Millie Bright (right) has a glittering trophy cabinet from her five-years at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      She said: “I don’t think there’s any other team that I’d want to be at.
      “I think it was an easy option to re-sign and, you know, the club wanting to offer me a new contract is an amazing moment.
      “It’s a proud moment when a club wants you to stay for three years.

      “I think there’s no better place to be, no better coaching staff or team-mates. I think this is a place to push me on to the next level.”

      In August, Bright helped Chelsea seal a 2-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City after a 12-year absence from the women’s competition.
      She broke the deadlock after walloping a delicious 30-yard screamer beyond Citizens stopper Ellie Roebuck.
      The Lionesses superstar recently made her 150th appearance for the Blues in a 3-1 blast over fellow title chasers, City.
      The Chesterfield born centre-back said: “It was massive I didn’t even realise it was my 150th, but that’s probably a good thing I was just focused on the game and getting the win.

      “I don’t think you see it often so I’m really proud to have made 150 at the same club.
      “It is a massive honour. I didn’t realise how quick it had gone in the five years that I’ve been here.
      “I’m really looking forward to the next 150, the club is amazing, the players are amazing.
      “I think that’s what really makes it. I know a lot of the time we say it is a family.
      “But that’s what makes it such a good club is that you do feel at home you do feel comfortable, and that’s what brings out the best of you as a player.”
      On Monday, Chelsea’s shirt sponsor Three release the latest installment of its Connect With series it has created with Chelsea FC, live on Three’s Instagram channel.

      Frank Lampard on Pulisic injury and expecting a lot from Ziyech More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Bristol City Women cancel a training session due to rise of coronavirus cases in the area

      by

      BRISTOL CITY Women’s training on Saturday was CANCELLED following a rise of coronavirus cases in the area.
      The WSL side train at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, and they avoided the North Bristol site at the weekend while the club reviewed its safety procedures.

      Bristol City cancelled the women’s training session on Saturday due to a rise of coronavirus cases in the areaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A statement by the Robins said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic the health and safety of City’s players has remained paramount.
      “Since training resumed in July, Bristol City Women have been adhering to all the required FA protocols and passed multiple FA Covid inspections.
      “In the 16 weeks of Covid-19 testing, Bristol City Women can confirm that no positive tests have been returned.”
      The Bristol outfit are set to return to training next week as normal ahead of their trip to Manchester City on Saturday.

      SunSport understands the players expressed concerns about coming into contact with the virus at the college where their training ground is based.
      Basketball side Bristol Flyers play their home games at the college, and had four members from their players and staff test positive for Covid-19 on Friday.
      City is said to have been in close talks with their Robins stars to ensure they feel comfortable training at the North Bristol hub moving forward.

      The players were also worried that the disruption to their training session could affect their upcoming fixtures.

      The Robins have already missed out on a match this season after an unnamed Aston Villa player tested positive for the killer virus.
      The women’s top-flight has been played behind closed doors and as it stands can continue, despite rising infections of Covid-19 in the country.

      Watch Vivianne Miedema hit her 50th WSL goal to become the league’s all-time record scorer More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton ace Maeva Clemaron reckons the women’s incredible FA Cup run to final may inspire the men

      by

      EVERTON star Maeva Clemaron believes their incredible run to the FA Cup final might be inspiring the men’s team.
      The France international, 27, is looking to add a trophy to Toffees’ unbeaten start to the WSL season when they take on Manchester City in today’s FA Cup final.

      Maeva Clemaron believes the women’s incredible run to the FA Cup final might be inspiring the men’s teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Carlo Ancelotti’s side are also dreaming of silverware even if their best start to a campaign in 100 years was halted by defeat at Southampton last time out.
      And Clemaron said: “Maybe the two teams do push each other.
      “Of course, it is not on purpose but it is really good motivation for both of us. We try to follow the men that way and I think it is the same for them.
      “We don’t see them a lot at the moment because of the virus but we share training grounds. I’m really close to Lucas Digne and we speak quite a lot.”

      If Everton can lift the FA Cup for the first time since 2010 then Clemaron believes it will be the biggest achievement of her career.
      The combative midfielder played a key role in France’s run to the quarter-finals of their home World Cup last year.
      But getting her hands on the famous trophy at Wembley today would surpass even that.
      She added: “It means a lot to me as a player to play in that stadium. It is going to be such a fabulous experience.

      “It will be the first time I have played there but to go in that final with my team and will be amazing for the entire club.
      “We haven’t won it for ten years. It’s going to be a fabulous moment and we have prepared as much as we possibly can to be ready for it.
      “I played in the World Cup but this is right up there. If we win it will probably be my biggest achievement. If we can have a trophy at the end of this game then it will be a massive, massive moment.
      “One of the best moments in my career. Especially as the fans have had to wait all this time.
      While Everton are currently five points above City in the WSL table, they go into today’s clash as big underdogs according to all the bookies.
      Big-spending City have pumped millions into their star-studded women’s side but Everton are now beginning to reap the rewards of their own investment – that included the signing of Clemaron from Fleury 91 last July.

      Winning football’s oldest trophy is part of a longer-term plan at Everton, who are desperate to be challenging for honours.
      In all likelihood, that will only come with the sort of money City have been willing to spend.
      And Clemaron said: “We know It will be a tough game. They have a good team as well as good conditions to work in.
      “They have had good conditions for many years now. We have only really invested like that in the last few years but we have all the club behind us for this.”

      Watch as WSL referee Lucy Oliver books a Brighton player TWICE without sending them off More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Taylor relives Man City’s famous 1999 play-off win ahead of Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley

      by

       
      GARETH TAYLOR will walk out at Wembley today, 21-years after making history with Manchester City in the club’s famous play-off final victory over Gillingham in 1999.

      Joe Royle’s side looked set for another season in England’s third tier as the Gills led 2-0 with two minutes to go, while Citizens fans poured out the nearest exits of the old national stadium.

      Gareth Taylor (centre) and the Manchester City players lined up for a tense penalty shoot out against Gillingham in the play-off final at Wembley, 1999Credit: Allsport – Getty

      Gareth Taylor playing for City against Huddersfield at Maine Road in 1999Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      But the game exploded to life and with a minute remaining of the 90, Kevin Horlock latched onto a loose ball and drove it into the opposition goal to give City some hope at 2-1. 
      And the drama wasn’t over.
      With the clock ticking Taylor won a header to help set up Paul Dickov for a dramatic late equaliser, and City went on to win the penalty shootout.

      Cue mayhem among the Blue half of Manchester and sheer disbelief from the Gills supporters.
      Now the 47-year-old will walk out at Wembley again as his fully-fit City side face Everton for the Women’s FA Cup final.
      Taylor recalled: “One thing that does sit with me was the fact that we were heavy favourites against Gillingham.
      “We were heavily supported every game that we played that season and the expectation was hugely high and sometimes winning wasn’t enough.

      “We had to win by the cricket score. And that’s not easy, that pressure that the players were under on that day was big.

      City skipper Andy Morrison lifted the trophy at the old national stadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Gareth Taylor scored 17 goals for Burnley during the 2002/03 seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      “And after about 85 minutes it didn’t look good when we were 2-0 down. It was a contrasting day of emotion.
      “Once we got back into the game 2-1, we felt there was an opportunity we then got the second goal, and I’ve never been more convinced of winning a football game.
      “You can imagine the different emotion for obviously the Gillingham players who literally thought they were there.
      “It was just amazing and something really nice to look back at, I still keep in contact with a lot of the lads from that team.
      “One thing I will say about that team was that we didn’t have any major stars in there.
      “What we did have was a team of guys who were all pulling together in the right direction and again that wasn’t just the starting players, the ones in the stands also.
      “We had a real good team ethic about us and I think that helped us massively on that day.”
      Taylor featured 55 times for City and was shipped out on loan to various lower league sides during his three years at Maine Road.
      The former striker signed for Nottingham Forest in 2003 and hung up his boots at Wrexham eight years later before immediately returning to City as a coach.
      The women’s side are two-time FA Cup winners, and lifted last year’s trophy thanks to a 3-0 drubbing of West Ham.

      Manchester City won the Women’s FA Cup with a 3-0 win over West Ham in 2019

      Georgia Stanway celebrated her vital second goal in her player of the match display
      Taylor has already led the women out at the national stadium at the Community Shield in August.
      But taking taking City to an FA Cup final would be his proudest moment since his arrival in May.
      He added: “For us to win the trophy on Sunday would be amazing and the biggest thing for me in my coaching career so far.
      “I’m learning so much about the women’s game and enjoying many many parts to it.
      “To be here on on Sunday, looking forward to a Cup final and leading out the team, is a hugely proud moment for me.”
      Taylor knows from his own playing days that the national stadium can be a nervy prospect for some footballers.
      He continued ” It can affect you in different ways.
      “I remember the first time I played at the old Wembley and the first five or 10 minutes just passed me by. I was too busy just looking around at the surroundings.
      “We have to try and block that out and play the game, not the occasion.”

      Watch as WSL referee Lucy Oliver books a Brighton player TWICE without sending them off More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      QPR’s Johnson twins hail club’s efforts to tackle racism on and off the pitch after own experiences in school

      by

      TWO sisters who made history by becoming the first twins to play for Queen’s Park Rangers Women are backing the club’s efforts to fight racism and improve diversity in football.
      Afiya Johnson and her sibling Eshe, who joined the team this term, revealed they were on the receiving end of racial slurs outside of the sport during their childhood.

      Afiya (left) and Eshe Johnson say are they proud of the diversity in QPR’s women’s team

      And the team-mates, who live in Farnborough, and whose Jamaica-born grandfather served in the British Army after moving to England as an orphan, believe more education is needed to tackle bigotry.
      Speaking to SunSport Eshe, 24, who is studying accountancy said: “We experienced racism at school and we heard a lot of different words including the N-word.
      “People didn’t really know our background, so we got it from all angles and got told ‘go back to your own country’, even though we were born here and so were our parents.
      “When I look back now, I think when you are a child people just say certain things and they don’t really understand how hurtful these words are or the actual history behind them.

      “I think more needs to be done in the education system to help children to understand and learn.
      “We can’t change history, but we can change the future. And we can only do that by learning, understanding and educating.”
      “We are lucky we have parents like our Dad, for example, who is a big role model for us in terms of our footballing career.
      “He experienced racism as well but he’s a strong person who always taught us to work really hard and be the best we can be.”

      Afiya Johnson and her sister Eshe left Watford to sign for QPR in September this seasonCredit: Instagram @afiyajohnson

      The Johnson sisters currently juggle their semi-professional football careers at QPR with their full-time jobsCredit: Instagram @afiyajohnson

      This week QPR, whose ladies team play Chichester City in the fifth tier on Sunday, joined more than 40 clubs in signing up to a new FA charter aimed at improving diversity in the game.
      Targets include widening the numbers of employees from ethnic minority backgrounds in coaching and executive roles.
      The side’s support for the FA’s code comes a month after club director Les Ferdinand called for action on boosting diversity within the ranks of football’s most powerful bodies.
      The Johnson sisters, who grew up in Hampshire, say the club’s diverse make-up is an aspect of QPR they are proud of.
      And the former Watford players have been using Black History Month, marked in October every year, to raise more awareness of the club’s efforts.

      Les Ferdinand’s club are among more than 40 football sides who have signed up to the FA’s Diversity Code Credit: PA:Press Association
      Afiya, 24, who works for an audio-visual firm said: “When you look at QPR as a club, there is so much diverse talent within the squads, whether this in the women’s team or men’s side.
      “This month they have been educating players in the academy about QPR’s history and the club’s first black player Tommy Best.
      “We’re so proud to represent a side that really does embrace diversity within women’s football and the men’s game.”

      Henry Winter rallies behind black footballers speaking out against racism More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      USA World Cup star Megan Rapinoe gets engaged to long-term girlfriend and basketball icon Sue Bird

      by

      Megan Rapinoe has got engaged to Seattle Storm basketball player, Sue Bird, after four-years together.
      The USA World Cup winner, 35, was pictured getting down on one knee, in a cute snap on Bird’s Instagram page.

      Megan Rapinoe (left) and Sue Bird (right) have got engaged Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The post did not include a caption, but just a picture of Rapinoe proposing to the basketball ace, poolside.
      The snap has sent fans into meltdown, and one Twitter user said: “Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe getting engaged is the one and only bright spot of 2020.”
      Another added: “Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are engaged, which means I’m going to spend the evening crying into ~several~ glasses of wine.”
      The duo, who became an item in 2016, are the ultimate couple goals given their glittering trophy cabinets.

      Bird won her fourth WNBA title earlier this summer as the Storm defeated Las Vegas Aces.
      Rapinoe has an equally impressive resume, considering she is a back-to-back Women’s World Cup champion with the United States Women’s National Team. 
      In 2019 she won the second ever Ballon d’Or Feminin – awarded to the best female player of the year.
      In her acceptance speech she called out Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for not speaking out against sexism.

      She has publicly stood up to racism, homophobia and sexism, and she also said on the night: “On the one hand, I am a very good footballer.

      The sporting icons became an item in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Megan Rapinoe’s fiancee, Sue Bird, is an WNBA basketball starCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “On the other hand, my action off the field attracts support because people understand that I’m trying to find solutions to the problems of society.”
      Rapinoe also won the Golden Boot at the last World Cup, finishing with six goals.
      But she ruffled feathers calling English fans “uptight”, after Alex Morgan’s “perfect” tea-sipping celebration when the USA beat England in the semi-finals of the tournament.

      Alex Morgan pokes the Lionesses with ‘tea-sipping’ celebration after putting USA ahead against England in Women’s World Cup semi-final More