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      Phil Neville’s England replacement Sarina Wiegman will bring Dutch of class to Lionesses in trophy hunt

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      PHIL NEVILLE will soon be packing his flip-flops and factor 40 for the tough gig that is Miami.
      While we are all freezing in our isolated world, Neville has left England’s women’s team and bagged himself a Florida foxhole.

      Former Holland boss Sarina Wiegman is taking Phil Neville’s England Women jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Neville is off to manage Inter MiamiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lucky man! Not so much Miami Vice, as Miami, hmmmm, very nice. Good luck to him.
      His record as boss was mixed.
      A 2019 World Cup semi-final berth — only losing to eventual winners USA 2-1 — was countered by really poor form since then, with the Lionesses losing five of their last nine games.
      Enter a woman!

      The replacement for 43- year-old Neville is former Holland boss Sarina Wiegman.
      These are exciting times for women’s football and Wiegman comes with a cracking CV.
      She won Euro 2017 with Holland and was runner-up at the 2019 World Cup.
      I confess I was surprised when Neville was appointed as he hadn’t managed a team before.

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      Surely you need a certain level of experience before becoming the focal point for a nation’s hopes and fears.
      Mind you, some of the best men’s managers in recent years barely kicked a ball in anger.
      Arsene Wenger, Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez spring to mind and Jose Mourinho was a translator under the late Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona.
      As for Wiegman, she ticks both boxes, with 104 caps for the Netherlands as a player.
      The 51-year-old is renowned for her professionalism and high standards and takes over just before the 2022 Euros on our home soil.
      We all know the galvanising effect Euro 96 had on the men’s game — Three Lions on the shirt and all that — and, hopefully, the same can happen with the women.
      Wiegman, who is set to take over after this summer’s Olympics — assuming they go ahead — has all of our best wishes as the England team have been bridesmaids but never the brides.
      Runners-up in Europe twice and World Cup semi-finalists twice, Neville and others before him could not find the key to the trophy cabinet. Now, where have we heard that before?

      England’s women are about to embark on a new path without NevilleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      OUT OF TOUCH
      I HAVE to admit that I am bemused by this constant berating of footballers for celebrating goals by hugging.
      As far as I am aware you cannot catch Covid from someone who has tested negative — no matter how close you get. And all the players on the pitch have tested negative.
      Premier League players are now tested three times a week, making them, I would think, among the most tested people in the country.
      Scoring a goal is one of the great pleasures of being a footballer and a fist pump or elbow bump doesn’t really have the same effect as a pure instinct goal celebration.
      But, of course, we will all comply with the rules. No matter how little they make sense sometimes.

      The hugging ban during celebrations makes no sense to meCredit: Getty – Pool
      EFL DEBT OF GRATITUDE
      WEST HAM received a letter from the chairman of Northampton Town last week, writing to thank us and all Premier League clubs for their assistance with the EFL bailout.
      He recognised that all of football is struggling through this pandemic and suffering significant losses, so the bailout was ‘much appreciated’.
      He’s not wrong.
      Three Premier League clubs recently posted significant losses — Man Utd £23million, Spurs £67.7m and Southampton £76m, no doubt with more to follow. The Prem collectively is losing £100- a-month.
      He said that ‘Northampton Town wanted to just recognise the role of the Premier League clubs in helping’.
      A thank you goes a long way, so a touch of class from Kelvin Thomas.

      I appreciated Kelvin Thomas writing to thank Premier League clubs for their contributions to the EFL bail outCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ex-West Ham boss Matt Beard set to take over Bristol City Women as Tanya Oxtoby’s maternity cover

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      MATT BEARD will take charge of Bristol City Women until the end of the season as Tanya Oxtoby takes maternity leave.
      The ex-West Ham boss left the East London club ‘by mutual consent’ midway through November.

      Ex-West Ham boss Matt Beard will cover Robins boss Tanya Oxtoby for maternity cover

      Tanya Oxtoby’s baby boy is due in March

      Oxtoby has been in the Robins’ top job for two-and-a-half years after taking charge in the summer of 2018.
      But she will step away from her role temporarily to focus on the birth of her baby boy – who is due in March.
      Beard won back-to-back WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014.
      He has also managed at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea and, most recently the Hammers.

      City Women Board Chairman Mark Ashton said: “Everyone at Bristol City wishes Tanya all the best as she and her partner look forward to the birth of their baby boy.

      “It has been a challenging season so far and credit to Tanya, who despite contracting COVID-19, has remained focused and determined to drive the team forward.
      “Allowing her to take a step back now will allow a significant handover period for Matt and we are delighted to have secured his services for the rest of the season during Tanya’s maternity leave.”
      Beard’s first task is taking rockbottom City on a trip to face high-flying Everton on Sunday.

      Oxtoby said: “Given the circumstances and where we are with the pandemic, I think it makes sense for the transition to begin and I’m fully supportive.
      “I know Matt well. At the forefront of my mind when I knew this process was going to start was the playing group and making sure the transition was as seamless as possible.
      “The Board have decided Matt is the right person to come in and I’ll support him 100 per cent.
      “However he needs the players as well because I want them to reach their potential.
      “I want us to stay in the Barclays FAWSL and I’ll support, however I can, to make that happen.”

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      Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro warns players to consider role model status after Dubai trip backlash

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      JOE MONTEMURRO admits he is disappointed in his Arsenal players whose Dubai trip sparked anger within the women’s game. 
      And the Gunners boss wants his players to consider their positions as role models – and warned of zero tolerance of similar actions in future.

      Arsenal Women’s boss Joe Montemurro says his players have apologised for their actionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Montemurro, 51, was speaking for the first time since three of his players jetted off to Dubai during the festive break. 
      It was revealed the club, whose stars were residing in areas under Tier 4 restrictions at the time, had permitted their journey for business purposes. 
      However, a positive Covid test result for one of the players led to the axing of Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa and a number of Gunners having to self-isolate.

      For me, it’s all about actions now and making sure players understand that under these situations and circumstances they are role models
      Joe Montemurro

      Montemurro said: “We had some official scenarios of players going to Dubai, and I think in the madness of that last week, when things locked down and everything went the way it did, yes, there’s obviously disappointment in the situation and the way it panned out.

      “From my perspective, it’s about the moral compass and the consequences of these situations and the players have apologised for their actions.
      “They are people in the public eye, and we won’t be able to tolerate these sorts of decisions, not just from a sporting perspective, but from a global morality one. 
      “From my perspective it’s about the moral compass and the consequences of these situations, and the players have apologised for their actions.
      “And for me, the real important thing, going back to the morality of making these decisions, when you’re faced with them is that it doesn’t happen again.”

      Montemurro, whose third-placed Arsenal side are due to take on Reading, says he understood the criticism his three unnamed aces have faced.
      And club legend Ian Wright is among the figures who called for a public apology.
      When asked if players would be disciplined the Gunners boss stated the situation is being dealt with in-house.
      And the gaffer insisted the squad members had learned from their actions. 
      Montemurro added: “I totally understand the reaction of the greater public. 
      “And I just go back to the moral compass of the individual to understand that there are bigger things, there are greater things out there that have consequences. 
      “As much as I understand the greater public and the greater football public, and the anger they have, it’s something that we just have to be better at. 
      “For me, it’s all about actions now and making sure players understand that under these situations and circumstances they are role models.” 

      Arsenal will take on Reading in their first game of the yearCredit: Alamy Live News
      “We have to make sure that these situations don’t happen again.”
      All the Arsenal players who have been self-isolating have returned to training ahead of the clash with the Royals who are sixth in the table.
      And Montemurro has been boosted by the Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz returning from injury.

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      Women’s FA Cup paused as Covid crisis wreaks havoc in football following axed WSL clashes

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      WOMEN’S FA CUP clashes have become the latest sports events to be halted by the coronavirus crisis. 
      Football authorities say second and third round fixtures – currently classed as ‘non-elite’ sport by the government – will be paused during lockdown.

      Women’s FA Cup fixtures are being paused during the national lockdown

      And the announcement comes after 17 second round ties were cancelled in December due to Covid-19 restrictions.
      Officials say they will monitor and review the situation before making a decision over the resumption of the competition. 
      In a statement on its web site the FA says: “We can today confirm that, following the latest national lockdown enforced by the government, the 2020-21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup will not resume during this period and will remain on pause.
      “With all sport across the country outside of the elite level currently shut down, the competition is not in a position where the second and third rounds can be played, with clubs currently in the competition not permitted to train or play due to being at amateur level. 

      “Whilst it would have been possible to play elite-versus-non-elite fixtures under elite criteria with Government support, as seen in the Emirates FA Cup fixtures involving all non-elite teams do not meet elite criteria and cannot currently go ahead.
      “Therefore, the competition will remain paused during the current lockdown, with a number of options currently being explored on how best to complete it.
      “The health and wellbeing of players and staff are of paramount importance and we are not prepared to put any individual at risk during this pandemic.
      “It remains our preference to complete the 2020-21 competition with all clubs having the opportunity to play their fixtures, however the developing situation will continue to be closely monitored and will be reviewed before any further decisions are made.

      “We will now enter a period of consultation with all clubs that remain in the competition – alongside those who are due to enter from the fourth round – to discuss the options available. 

      Second and third round Women’s FA Cup clashes have been paused due to being classed as ‘non-elite’ sportCredit: PA:Press Association

      “We will look to make a further announcement in due course.” 
      The postponement of the competition is the latest blow to hit the women’s game in recent weeks.
      It comes a week after SEVEN games were axed in the Women’s Super League and Championship following a spate of positive Covid-19 test results.

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      Ian Wright hails Fran Kirby for overcoming personal tragedy and heart condition to become Chelsea legend

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      IAN WRIGHT has hailed Chelsea icon Fran Kirby for overcoming personal tragedy and a rare heart condition to become the club’s all-time top scorer.
      The Arsenal legend reckons Kirby should be a regular starter for England and picked for the Team GB squad at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

      Ian Wright said he cannot praise Fran Kirby ‘high enough’ for overcoming personal tragedy to become a Chelsea legend

      The 27-year-old was diagnosed with Pericarditis — an inflammation of the lining around the heart, and told she may never play football again last November.
      But she hit FOUR goals in Chelsea’s 5-0 romp at Reading last time out as a two finger salute to the rare heart condition, having made an emotional return to the WSL this season.
      On Wrighty’s House podcast, the Gunners hero said: “She gave up at 16-years-old.
      “So when you look at what she’s gone through there with the Pericarditis and losing her mum, giving up again.

      “And then you’re looking at Chelsea they’re signing Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, Pernille Harder, and the emergence of Beth England.
      “We know she’s been very vocal on mental mental health but she’s got to get flowers simply because of what she’s been through.
      “People don’t realise what the journey takes, because now maybe her scoring four goals is for people to understand what she’s done to get to this place.
      “She has had to fight to get back to get into that team to score those four goals.”

      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.
      Her mum had suffered a brain haemorrhage and sadly died the next day in hospital when Kirby was age 14.

      She has gone on to 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.
      Wright added: “She should be in and around the England side.
      “She should be in and around that GB side now as a starter, after her form.
      “I literally cannot praise her high enough from what she’s been through because being a player whose been fortunate enough to not get the injuries that some people get,
      “But real health condition and come back from it and do what she’s doing now. I don’t think I’ve got enough flowers.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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

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      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes admits Man Utd are obvious WSL title contenders this season ahead of crunch clash

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      EMMA HAYES has admitted Manchester United are serious title contenders this season ahead of their crunch clash on Sunday.
      The second-place Blues trail Casey Stoney’s side by three points with a game in hand.

      Emma Hayes has admitted Manchester United are serious WSL title contenders this season

      The two title-chasers face off at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, and a win for the West Londoners would see them leapfrog United on goal difference.
      Chelsea won the league last term after the campaign was axed on a points-per-game basis amid the coronavirus crisis.
      But Hayes has admitted United are fierce competitors for the WSL crown this term under England legend Casey Stoney.
      She wrote in her column for the BBC: “Players are often so used to only having male coaches, so we should celebrate the fact we have so many female leaders in the WSL.

      “That includes Manchester United manager Casey Stoney.
      “Casey is a fantastic leader who has taken that team from one division to the next with a great group of players.
      “She is getting the support from her club to be able to build a team that their supporters are proud of.

      WSL fixtures Sunday 17 January

      Manchester City vs Aston Villa 12:30pm
      Everton vs Bristol City 1pm
      Reading vs Arsenal 2pm
      Birmingham vs Brighton 2pm
      Chelsea vs Manchester United 2.30pm
      West Ham vs Tottenham 3pm 

      “The rise of Manchester United is clear for all to see and they are obvious contenders for titles, so we are really excited and looking forward to playing them on Sunday.

      “They are deserving of the position they are in.
      “I certainly celebrate the achievements of all women within the game and I am proud that I’m a part of a league that puts these people in positions like that.”
      United’s Leah Galton scored a late leveller against Chelsea when they last met to rescue a point – after Sam Kerr’s strike for the champions.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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      Reading ace Jess Fishlock admits women’s football has been ‘damaged’ after Dubai trips amid coronavirus crisis

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      JESS FISHLOCK admitted a bad week “has done a bit of damage” to the Women’s Super League.
      Unnamed WSL players were hit with a storm of backlash after jetting off to Dubai over the Christmas break as UK coronavirus cases continued to surge.

      Jess Fishlock admitted a bad week “has done a bit of damage” to the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea’s 5-0 over Reading was the only game of the weekend after five matches had to be postponed as clubs wrestle a rise in positive Covid-19 tests.
      Topdogs Arsenal and Manchester City both requested postponements following players testing positive for the killer virus after flying to Dubai.
      Superstars from Manchester United and Birmingham were also pictured in the exotic holiday destination.
      The postponements came in a week where it was suggested a coin toss could be used to settle FA Cup ties.

      And Wales’ record goalscorer Helen Ward said lockdown restrictions could force her into retirement.
      Fishlock told BBC Sport Wales: “So much has gone on within the women’s game in the last week that I personally think it has done a bit of damage,
      “Not only to women’s football as a whole but to the league itself here. It is a bit of a blow to those of us who want to keep the league growing.”

      WSL fixtures Sunday 17 January

      Manchester City vs Aston Villa 12:30pm
      Everton vs Bristol City 1pm
      Reading vs Arsenal 2pm
      Birmingham vs Brighton 2pm
      Chelsea vs Manchester United 2.30pm
      West Ham vs Tottenham 3pm

      Manchester United boss Casey Stoney has apologised for what she calls an ‘error in judgement’ after giving her players permission to travel to Dubai.

      While West Ham skipper Gilly Flaherty urged the players involved to publicly apologise for contributing to the weekend’s postponements.
       Fishlock added: “It is hard to talk about how this week has gone. It’s the players, the clubs, the FA – for me personally they have got the decisions wrong,
      “It’s a sad week for us involved in women’s football and I’m not putting that solely on the players. It’s a shame. Everyone involved is just disappointed in how it has gone.
      “We are human beings before athletes and we can get things wrong. Sometimes people make wrong decisions.
      “It was human error and that’s okay, but what wasn’t okay was the lack of accountability.
      “I have a lot of respect for Casey Stoney. For me, that is what true leadership looks like. But we have to move on from this issue now.”

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      Gemma Evans wants Bristol City to bounce back ‘with a bang’ as Robins aim to avenge WSL loss to Aston Villa

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      GEMMA EVANS wants the Robins to ‘redeem’ themselves when they battle Aston Villa for a place in the Conti Cup semi-finals this evening. 
      Bristol City’s impressive run in the competition has been in stark contrast to their struggles in the league with the team yet to pick up a win this term. 

      Gemma Evans wants Bristol to redeem themselves against Aston Villa in the Conti Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      This evening Wales centre-back Evans, 24 and her team-mates will take on the Villans at home for the second time this season. 
      The last clash between the two sides ended in a crushing 4-0 loss for the Robins who like their rivals are battling to avoid the drop.
      Evans told Bristol City’s website: “We’ve all been looking forward to the game. We’ve had a great cup run and we have performed well in all three games in the group.
      “It’s a chance for us to redeem ourselves from our previous loss to Villa. 

      “We definitely didn’t perform how we wanted to, and it went completely wrong for us, so we have a chance to put things right to a degree.
      “It’s been a good build-up to the game. Since we have come back from the break over Christmas, training has been brilliant. 
      “It’s been high tempo and positive as we look to start the back end of the season with a bang.
      “We have got to be positive; we have got to believe in ourselves and stick together. 

      “That should set us on the right path to getting the results that we want and a win will stand us in good stead for the games ahead.
      “As a player you want to be in knockout stages and have a shot at winning competitions, because you want to have those milestones in your career.
      “We know we’re going to have to be on top of our game to give us the best opportunity to get into the next round.”
      The league cup quarter-final between Villa and Bristol will be the first competitive game for both teams this year following the axing of FIVE top flight clashes. 

      Aston Villa’s new striker Mana Iwabuchi is due to travel with the Villans to BristolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Villa’s new signing, Japan striker Mana Iwabuchi, 27, is expected to travel with  Gemma Davies’s squad to Twerton Park this evening. 
      Davies told The Telegraph: “I expect a tough 90 minutes and we’re going to have to work exceptionally hard. 
      “There’s a lot of excitement though, a lot of energy as our first game back, and ultimately it’s a quarter-final of a league competition and for us being a newly promoted side, the opportunity to get into a league semi-final, that’s huge for us.”

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