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      Tottenham bosses say Alex Morgan transfer is ‘dream come true’ as ace prepares for debut in Arsenal FA Cup clash

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      TOTTENHAM’S bosses admit Alex Morgan’s transfer is a “dream come true” for the club that used to play in the fifth-tier of women’s football.
      Karen Hills first took charge of Spurs in 2007, when the set-up was so undeveloped that she was asked to drive the minibus and players took their own kit home to wash each week.

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      American superstar Alex Morgan has signed for Tottenham on a short-term loanCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Tottenham bosses Juan Amoros and Karen Hills say Morgan’s transfer is a ‘dream come true’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Now the club has pulled off a huge coup in attracting the most high-profile footballer in the women’s game to North London on a short-term loan.
      Morgan, 31, is well known for trolling the entire English nation after she celebrated by “sipping the tea” in their World Cup semi-final clash.
      The USA World Cup winner has 9.2MILLION followers on Instagram – more than Spurs’ official account and just shy of Harry Kane’s 9.8million.
      Hills said: “The growth of Spurs Women over the last five years has been an exceptional journey.

      “Some of our players have been with us for the past five seasons, coming from semi-professional, and now they are training and playing alongside a World Cup winner.
      “I think it just shows the hard work we’ve put in. We’re now reaping the rewards.
      “We’ve worked exceptionally hard to achieve what we have and we deserve it.
      “If you look back 13 seasons from where we started to where we are today, with the quality of players we’ve got, it’s exciting.

      “But it doesn’t stop here. We want to keep pushing forward.”

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      The Orlando Pride forward has penned a deal until the end of the year in a bid for regular game time ahead of the delayed Tokyo Olympics.
      Juan Amoros, who joined Hills as head coach in 2011, added: “We’ve been here for so long and have been developing this club for such a long period.
      “For us to have a player of that caliber – a World Cup winner, an Olympic Gold medalist – a few years back that was only a dream.
      “It’s obviously a no-brainer. When they ask if you want to sign Alex Morgan, obviously the answer is yes.
      “We met her online first, as we do with all the players because we need to make sure they fit in with the group. She was outstanding as a person.”
      Morgan is set to make her Spurs debut in the postponed FA Cup quarter-final clash against Arsenal on Saturday.
      It would be her first competitive match in over a year, having given birth to her first child four months ago.
      Morgan’s husband is Fort Lauderdale player and former LA Galaxy star Servando Carrasco, who still lives in the US.

      View this post on Instagram

      The Fam
      A post shared by Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) on Sep 10, 2020 at 1:10pm PDT

      Orlando boss Marc Skinner is keen for Morgan to return from her contract in time to join the Pride next spring for preseason ahead of the 2021 NWSL season.
      But Amoros hopes Tottenham can tie the World Cup winner down on a longer deal.
      He continued: “We can’t forget that she only landed last week and she’s been training with us for a week.
      “But she is one of our players and as with everyone else she can be selected to play because all the paper work has been done so I think we will have to wait almost until the last minute to know.
      “The contract of Alex is for a season, obviously at the same time we know the world we live in these days is a very difficult world.
      “She has recently become a mum so the husband is still in America, so there is a lot of things that can influence the next steps,
      “We have to go step by step in this case obviously to see how they adapt to London but our main aim is that she feels part of the Spurs family.
      “A player of that calibre we want to keep her for as long as we can so we will see that one.”

      Tottenham signing Alex Morgan shows off her skills on the training pitch More

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      United’s Tobin Heath ready for ‘crazy competitive’ Women’s Super League and race for third Champions League spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Tobin Heath expects the women’s top-flight to be “crazy competitive” with a third Champion’s League spot up for grabs this term.
      And the World Cup-winning USA star admitted to “nerding out” the first time she set foot on the club’s Old Trafford turf.

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      Tobin Heath admitted to getting’the feels’ the first time she stepped on the pitch at Old Trafford Credit: USA TODAY Sports

      Heath, 32, is among the big-name US stars who made high-profile moves to the Women’s Super League this month.
      The last time the American ace set foot on United’s pitch was during the 2012 Olympics.
      Her international side beat Canada to seal their place in the tournament’s finals.
      Heath said: “Any footballer’s dream would be to play for Manchester United and to play at Old Trafford.

      “I had all the feels when going back there. I was nerding out before and during the Olympics when we played there.
      “I think in our first game, there was a group stage match and then we played that epic, semi-final against Canada.
      “The pitch just has this iconic feeling about it and it’s just such an iconic venue for any footballer.”
      Heath will be part of Casey Stoney’s United squad following a one-year deal she signed with the team this month.

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      Two-time World Cup winner Heath signed a one-year deal with Man United this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other big-name US arrivals who made temporary WSL moves include Tottenham’s Alex Morgan and Manchester City’s Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.
      Heath hopes her performances for Stoney’s side, who are currently fourth in the table, will help the team challenge for major trophies.

      Pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football
      Tobin Heath

      The USA star added: “It’s definitely a more unique set-up here. There are a lot more things to compete for.
      “There’s the big league title, the cup and also Champions League spots.
      “And having that third Champions League spot added this year is going to be crazy competitive”

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      Heath’s international team-mate Alex Morgan is among the US women’s football stars who have switched to the WSL Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Heath, who is a big Arsenal fan, says her introduction to the English game came from growing up watching the Premier League on TV.
      The USA international could be set to make her league debut when United take on Hope Powell’s Brighton side on October 4.
      And the Red Devils midfielder is excited about the prospect of taking on United’s WSL rivals under Stoney.

      I’m hoping she (Casey Stoney) can not only continue to propel this team to big things but for me as well
      Tobin Heath

      Heath added: “Pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football.
      “When TV rights started becoming more prominent in the US with all the games, it was something as a football fan that was just a dream to be able to watch.

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      Heath (left) and her USA team-mates beat England in the 2019 Women’s World Cup semis before winning the tournament Credit: AP:Associated Press

      “I’ve had a few, a few training sessions to get to know Casey’s personality a bit.
      “She’s all business and she really cares about the players.
      “I’m hoping she can not only continue to propel this team to big things but for me as well.”

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      Alex Morgan refuses to rule out permanent Tottenham transfer after pregnancy as she hails ‘incredible’ club

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      ALEX MORGAN hasn’t ruled out staying at Tottenham on a permanent basis, despite only penning a short term deal until January 2021.
      The USA World Cup winner, 31, admits she is desperate for regular game time having not played a competitive game of football in over a year due to her pregnancy.

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      USA World Cup winner Alex Morgan signed for Tottenham Women on a short-term deal

      The coronavirus has heavily disrupted America’s National Women’s Soccer League, but provided an opportunity for England’s top-flight.
      The WSL is now the destination for many elite American players in search of regular minutes in a bid to win a place in the US squad for the delayed Tokyo Olympics.

      Morgan makes her return to playing, in the Women’s Super League only months after giving birth to her first child.

      The Orlando Pride superstar told Tottenham’s official website: “Everything happened really fast,
      “Obviously, I had to take into account my family, my daughter, who is four months old, and my husband who plays football in the US.
      “I also had to look at how I can get back after not playing for a good amount of time due to injury, also pregnancy and the pandemic,
      “So there’s a lot of things that played into this decision. Just to be a part of this organisation is pretty incredible,

      “You know, the rich history and the fact that the women’s team have continued to improve year after year, I’m really happy to take this next step in my career.”

      Orlando boss Marc Skinner reportedly hopes Morgan will return from her contract in England in time to join the Pride next spring for preseason ahead of the 2021 NWSL season.
      The American ace is one of the most high-profile names in world football, a two-time World Cup winner and 2012 Olympic gold medalist.
      She added: “I can’t think too much in the future without really sitting down for a long period of time,
      “And I didn’t have that time to make a drastic decision for my family so whether I’m here for three months, six months or even further, I’ll take it one step at a time right now.”
      The striker will join the familiar faces of her Orlando Pride team-mates Shelina Zadorsky and Alanna Kennedy who are also on loan deals with the club.
      As well as FOUR fellow USA World Cup winners in the league who have decided to cross the pond as the country continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle signed for Manchester City, while Christen Press and Tobin Heath recently headed for rivals Manchester United.
      Morgan is well-known for trolling the entire English nation after she celebrated by “sipping on tea” in their World Cup semi-final clash when she scored the winner.

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      Manchester United skipper withdraws from England camp after positive Covid-19 test

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s Katie Zelem has withdrawn from England’s training camp after testing positive for Covid-19.
      The Red Devils midfielder will now self-isolate for a ten-day period in line with FA and government protocols. 

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      Manchester United captain Katie Zelem is self-isolating after withdrawing from Phil Neville’s England camp Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The United captain, 24, had received her first England senior call-up earlier this month. 
      The FA say they have no plans to bring in another player to replace Zelem at this stage. 
      Training had been arranged as part of the Lionesses’ preparations for the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
      England officials report Lucy Bronze has also had to withdraw from the week-long camp.

      The Manchester City full-back picked up a minor knock during her club’s scoreless draw against Brighton on Sunday. 
      Meanwhile, Everton’s Isobel Christiansen has been called up to Phil Neville’s 30-player squad today. 

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      Lucy Bronze has returned home from the England camp following a minor knock she received during Manchester City’s draw against BrightonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Toffees striker made her senior national debut in a Euro 2017 qualifier when she scored in England’s 8-0 win against Estonia.
      Christiansen, 28, received her last cap from Neville, 43, in March last year.

      The Macclesfield-born forward was part of the England squad that triumphed in the SheBelieves Cup that month. 

      However, an ankle injury and surgery led to Christiansen being ruled out of the Lionesses squad that reached the World Cup semis last summer. 
      The former Man City player returned to the women’s top-flight in England after playing for a season with reigning Champions League title holders Olympique Lyonnais. 
      And the forward signed an 18-month contract with the Toffees, who are currently second in the Women’s Super League behind Arsenal.

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      Women’s FA Cup seals record sponsorship deal with Vitality with prize fund set for review and Alex Scott as ambassador

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      THE Women’s FA Cup has sealed a record three-year sponsorship deal with Vitality ahead of the postponed quarter-finals of the 2019-20 competition.
      Kelly Simmons, the FA’s director of the Women’s Game, revealed there has been a “significant investment” from the health and life insurance company.

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      Man City won the last Women’s FA Cup with a 3-0 win over West HamCredit: Peter Tarry – The Sunday Times

      And while she wasn’t able to disclose the exact figure, she confirmed the prize-fund will also be reviewed.
      The winners of the women’s competition currently receive £25,000, whereas the winning men’s team will rake in an eye-watering £1.8MILLION next term.
      The men’s prize money was slashed in half from the £3.6m Arsenal received for beating Chelsea in August, due to the financial implications of Covid-19.
      Simmons said: “This is obviously day one of a brand-new partnership so we need to look at where we can take this investment,

      “And deliver the best value in terms of our aspirations around building and developing the women’s FA Cup. The prize fund will be part of that review.
      “Bringing a major brand in like Vitality at this moment demonstrates the power of women’s football and where the game is, and that brands and other partners want to get involved.
      “It’s been well documented we’ve had a lot of commercial interest in the WSL as well.
      “So, I think it says strongly really where women’s football is at. It’s on a big growth trajectory.”

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      Alex Scott (left) lifted the trophy with Kelly Smith (right) at Wembley with Arsenal in 2016Credit: PA:Press Association

      Arsenal and England legend Alex Scott, was announced as Vitality’s new ambassador this week.
      The former right-back has won seven FA Cups with the Gunners and recalls lifting the trophy at Wembley after beating Chelsea in 2016.
      She said: “I think the last time I won it with Arsenal I remember crying like a baby.
      “It was that emotional for me and I knew I was coming towards the end of my career.
      “So, to finally be able to play in the FA Cup, about seven times, and to finally get the showpiece game at Wembley now for the women,
      “For me to walk those stairs and lift the trophy was really the highlight of my career.
      “It’s just that moment is what you dream of as a young kid to be able to play at Wembley in an FA Cup final.
      “Even from my early days at Arsenal, we always knew that was a goal,
      “You want to get to the FA Cup final because it always has been and always will be the showpiece event in women’s football.”
      A peak audience of 2.2m watched Manchester City power to victory over West Ham in the 2019 final of the competition – with over 43,000 watching at Wembley.

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      Alex Morgan’s transfer move to Spurs is a real coup for the WSL and shows America is not THE place for stars to play

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      MOST England fans will remember Alex Morgan for trolling the entire English nation after she celebrated by “sipping the tea” in their World Cup semi-final clash.
      But as the striker, 31, prepares to embark on a short-term loan deal with Spurs until January 2021 – I can assure you, that you can expect SO much more from her.

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      Alex Morgan is a popular figure in the women’s game and one of the latest big names to make the move to the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: © 2019 SOPA Img

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      Morgan, 31, made headlines last year with her famous tea-sipping celebration during the USA’s World Cup semi-final win against EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association

      Her signing is a huge coup for the WSL and it’s huge for the North Londoners to land a player of that caliber, as they look to push on in only their second season in the top division.
      Morgan is one of the most high-profile names in world football, a two-time World Cup winner and 2012 Olympic gold medalist.
      Not to mention, she has 9.2MILLION followers on Instagram – more than Spurs’ official account – which shows just how huge this signing is for the club.

      She will join the familiar faces of her Orlando Pride team-mates Shelina Zadorsky and Alanna Kennedy who are also on loan deals with the club.
      As well as FOUR fellow USA World Cup winners in the league who have decided to cross the pond as the country continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle signed for Manchester City, while Christen Press and Tobin Heath headed for rivals United last week.
      One of the main reasons Morgan has signed for Spurs on a short-term deal, is to increase her game time as she tries to win a place in the US squad for the delayed Tokyo Olympics.

      Which seems a shame, as I would love for her and the other players on loan to be invested in helping raise the standard of our league more longer term then short term.

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      Alex Morgan made headlines last week after Tottenham announced their signing of the World Cup winner Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Morgan will look to make her debut for Tottenham barely FOUR months after giving birthCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      And I’m obviously gutted she decided to join Spurs and not Arsenal!
      In August, Morgan made her return to action after the birth of her daughter Charlie on 7 May, but she left the pitch after a heavy collision.
      And the strike sensation will look to make her debut for Tottenham barely FOUR months after giving birth.

      I am buzzing to see so many World Cup winners now playing on our doorstep because during my playing days America was the place to be

      Not that fitness has been a problem for her, if the clips on social media of her doing grueling workouts while nine months pregnant are anything to go by.
      The videos even drew the attention of popstar Justin Timberlake who was one of Morgan’s many admirers and called her a “beast.”
      On a more serious note, the American league set up a Fall Series tournament consisting of four matches until October 17, but the lack of a regular season has led to many players moving to Europe.
      The Series hasn’t done a very good job of keeping players around – with many stars from Megan Rapinoe to Julie Ertz opting out.

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      Manchester City’s Sam Mewis is among the NWSL stars who have made loan switches to the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And one player even pointed directly at the handling of Covid-19 in America as to why she’s pursuing football overseas.
      I am buzzing to see so many World Cup winners now playing on our doorstep because during my playing days America was the place to be.
      The tables have clearly turned and Alex Morgan’s decision to play in OUR league is the cherry on the cake.

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      Fran Kirby scores on her return from the brink as Blues smash nine past hapless Bristol City in WSL thrashing

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      FRAN KIRBY hit her first league goal in 16 months after being told she may never play football again.
      The England striker was one of nine different scorers as rampant Chelsea ripped the Robins to shreds.

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      Fran Kirby scored her first WSL goal in 16 months as Chelsea thrashed Bristol City at home Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kirby was diagnosed with pericarditis – and inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the heart – in November.
      Blues boss Emma Hayes said: “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.
      “She’s a joy to coach, she’s come out the other side and I think she’s showing her class and I’m thoroughly enjoying what she’s doing on the pitch.”

      “I’ve been here a long time and I care about these people, all of them, they all have highs and lows. That’s my job to make sure they’re most supported in their difficult times.”
      Kirby showed she was back to her best when she got the breakthrough on 15 minutes.
      She fired straight at City keeper Sophie Baggaley, who clumsily let the ball squirm through her grip.

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      Fran Kirby (centre) was one of nine different Chelsea stars to net for the BluesCredit: Rex Features
      And the nightmare had only just begun as the hosts were awarded a penalty after Ji So-Yun was mowed down by Yana Daniels in the box.

      Maren Mjelde converted on the half-hour mark, before Melanie Leupolz, Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright all found the net within SIX minutes of each other.
      After the break the goal fest continued and it was Beth England tucking in this time.
      The Lionesses star pounced on a kamikaze clearance from Baggaley and volleyed into the roof of the net in the 66th minute.

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      Chelsea’s win against Bristol has seen move into third in the table behind leaders Arsenal and EvertonCredit: Rex Features

      Three minutes later substitute Niamh Charles bagged her first goal in a Blues shirt, only moments after coming off the bench.
      Kingsmeadow newbie Pernille Harder replaced England and lived up to her record £250,000 transfer fee, with a cool back-heel into the net beyond Baggaley.
      And misfiring Kerr finally got her breakthrough as she linked up with Harder and nipped beyond the Robins defence to slot home and make it a rout on the 85th minute.

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      Erin Cuthbert reflect on ‘bittersweet’ Chelsea century as Blues prepare for clash with Bristol

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      ERIN CUTHBERT says she never dreamed she would join Chelsea’s 100 club.
      But the Scotland forward faces Bristol City today having joined Blues icons on  a century of appearances for the  Londoners in last week’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United. 

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      Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert joins a host of Blues icons who made 100 appearances for the championsCredit: Rex Features

      And she and the Women’s Super League champions will be looking for maximum points today. 
      Cuthbert, 22, admitted: “It felt a bit bittersweet reaching the milestone against United because we drew that game.
      “I could never have imagined I’d make 100 appearances because that achievement is up there with the legends like Claire Rafferty, Katie Chapman, Ji So-Yun, Fran Kirby and Eni Aluko.
      “It is a really big honour. It’s been nearly four years since I’ve been here, so if you divide 100 by that, it’s quite a lot of games per year.” 

      Emma Hayes’ team host a City side keen to bounce back from a 4-0 opening-day pasting to Everton. 
      The Bristol team, who avoided a drop to the Women’s Championship last term, have three tough opening Women’s Super League fixtures this season. 
      A daunting trip to Arsenal, who thumped West Ham 9-1 on Saturday awaits the Twerton Park side following their Chelsea visit.
      But Robins boss Tanya Oxtoby feels her players  can rise to the challenge of playing the champions. 

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      Tanya Oxtoby’s Bristol City will have their hands full with Chelsea who will be looking for maximum points todayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Oxtoby, 38, said: “We’ve responded in terms of the performances in training. 
      “And there is no tougher test than to go to one of the best teams in Europe.   
      “When we are on form and we put in a 90-minute performance to the best of our abilities, we can go toe-to-toe with anyone.” 

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