Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Alex Scott stuns in bold red jacket for WSL opener between Aston Villa and Man Utd on BBC with fans ‘loving’ it

      by

      ALEX SCOTT sent fans into meltdown as the new Women’s Super League season got underway. Aston Villa kicked-off the new campaign as they welcomed Manchester United to Villa Park.
      Alex Scott stunned in a bold jacketCredit: Reuters
      Scott was joined by Fara Williams and Ellen WhiteCredit: bbc
      The presenter hosted coverage of the WSL opener between Aston Villa and Man UtdCredit: BBC
      Scott recently wowed at the NTAsCredit: Getty
      The game was live on the BBC and fans were in for a treat with Scott hosting.
      She caught the eye in a bold red jacket with a smart black top underneath.
      Fans loved it with one tagging the former Arsenal and England full-back and simply putting four love heart emojis.
      Scott is no stranger to wowing while presenting football, stunning in a black dress while taking viewers through the Europa League draw.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      She also put on an incredible display at the PFA Awards.
      And away from football, Scott dazzled in a white outfit at the NTAs.
      The 38-year-old had a busy summer hosting the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup.
      But the beauty still found time to unwind as she stripped down to a bikini while on holiday.
      Most read in Football
      And she wore a daring bodysuit at a recent Kylie Minogue concert.
      Alex Scott is no stranger to wowing fansCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      She has 1.8m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @alexscott2 More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa Women forced to wear ‘wet-look’ Castore kit for WSL opener vs Man Utd despite major backlash

      by

      ASTON VILLA WOMEN wore the club’s sweat-heavy kit in their Women’s Super League opener.The WSL is back underway today with the Midlands-based side kicking things off against Manchester United.
      Villa players wore the sweat-filled shirt despite complaintsCredit: Getty
      Alisha Lehmann started for VillaCredit: Reuters
      Sarah Mayling was in actionCredit: Reuters
      Villa players have been forced to wear the wet-look kit despite huge backlash with no short-term solution found.
      Both the men’s and women’s teams have complained about the Castore shirt and say it impacts their performances.
      The kit appears to retain sweat and become heavy for players.
      The men’s side wore it as they beat Brighton 6-1 yesterday.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It was thought a solution might be found prior to the women’s match today, but it wasn’t.
      Speaking ahead of kick-off, Aston Villa Women’s boss Carla Ward said: “It’s up to the football club’s legal team and Castore to discuss that and deal with that.
      “It’s something I’ve tried to completely ignore as difficult as that is.
      “The football club are in full control of that. They’ve been excellent with us, myself and the players around it.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      The kit manufacturers responded to the controversy by stating they intend to “address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect”.
      A Castore spokesperson said: “There has been some media speculation about a potential issue in the football kit supplied by Castore to Aston Villa Football Club.
      “We are working closely in collaboration with the club to address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect. We would like to thank the club for their patience and support to date.
      “As a proud new British brand, we always hold ourselves to the highest of standards and strive to do everything we can to constantly improve the performance of our products. This means addressing any customer concerns with promptness and humility.”
      There has been reports that Villa could terminate their deal with Castore.
      Broadcaster Jacqui Oatley led criticism of the situation, saying she had hoped a solution would have been found before the WSL began and it’s not something the players should have to worry about.
      England ace Rachel Daly was among those having to wear the kitCredit: Reuters
      Lehmann covered up after the matchCredit: Reuters More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Beth Mead ‘chomping at the bit’ to return to action for Arsenal in fitness boost ahead of Liverpool clash

      by

      BETH MEAD is eager to make her long-awaited return to match action after a serious knee injury. Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall revealed the Gunners star could get a run-out when the team play Liverpool today with a 50,000-strong crowd expected at the Emirates.
      Beth Mead and Arsenal summer signing Laia Codina could both be in line to make appearances at the Emirates laterCredit: Getty
      Mead has returned to fitness after being sidelined by an ACL injury she sustained last NovemberCredit: Getty
      Mead  ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the stadium in November. 
      The injury saw the WSL star, 28, sidelined for much of this year including missing this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
      However the Gunners ace’s return to the pitch looks imminent. 
      Speaking to the club’s web site, she said: “I am chomping at the bit to get on that pitch!

      “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so I can’t wait for the season to get going.
      “I can’t wait to put that shirt back on and hopefully help Arsenal to an amazing season. 
      “It’s one step at a time with this injury. You get integrated into little different sections of training and now I’m back in completely. 
      “I’m like a kid at Christmas running around and playing again. 
      Most read in Football
      “Ultimately getting fit and getting myself in the best shape and sharpness possible is my main aim.”
      Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool comes two days after the Reds officially opened their new training facility at Melwood. 
      Reds defender Gemma Bonner told the club’s website: “Melwood has such an amazing history.
      “I’ve been at the club from quite early on in my first spell and to see the changes and to be finally able to call Melwood home, I still can’t believe I’m saying it because it’s been a long time coming.
      Natasha Flint and her Liverpool team-mates will take on Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoonCredit: Getty
      “We have been wanting a top-class facility for so long and we’ve finally got it. 
      “I think the game has grown so much and for us as a team we want to be successful – it’s part of the Liverpool DNA. 
      “That is winning games, winning trophies and being successful.”
      Arsenal vs Liverpool in the WSL will kick off at 2:00pm and will be broadcast live on FA Player More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester United boss Skinner flags fatigue concerns for WSL players amid ‘shovelled in’ international fixtures

      by

      MARC SKINNER fears weary WSL aces could be playing walking football later due to international window fatigueAnd Aston Villa’s clingy shirt issues are set to rumble on with the club expecting a long-term solution from kitmakers Castore rather than an immediate one. 
      Marc Skinner says some players have been left fatigued following busy international match schedulesCredit: Getty
      Skinner’s United aces will take on Aston Villa this afternoon in the first game of the new WSL seasonCredit: Getty
      Alisha Lehmann and Rachel Daly are among the Villa players who were involved in Women’s Nations League fixtures earlier this weekCredit: Getty
      Manchester United chief Skinner will oversee his side in action against the Villans at Villa Park in the first of six WSL curtain-raising fixtures happening today.
      Their game comes just five days after scores of players were away on international duty in the Women’s Nations League. 
      These include four of United’s Lioness stars and six England, Scotland and Holland aces from Villa who took part in games in the contest last Friday and on Tuesday. 
      Fixtures in the contest, which determines which teams will qualify for next year’s Olympics, includes the Lionesses’ 2-1 loss to Holland five days ago. 
      Read More Football Stories
      Skinner said: “You have players who have just come off a World Cup and coming into an important game where there were two qualifying games with difficult opponents. 
      “Yet, we (England) were not at the races and that’s because the girls have to mentally reset as well as physically reset. 
      “I just hope it doesn’t lag into the (start of this) season. 
      “We all want this energetic start, however I might predict in the future and I might get this wrong, but I’d imagine every game this opening weekend will end with walking football at the end.
      Most read in Football
      “By the last 20 minutes there will probably be walking football because there will be people that are fatigued. 
      “From my perspective, it’s a crazy way to just shovel (Women’s Nations League) games in.
      “I get the format and I get the intent, but I’m not even sure the international managers were happy with it.
      “Some might have been (whose teams) didn’t compete in the World Cup, but others won’t be. 
      “So from my perspective, I think it’s a strange window and will definitely lead to a lack of cohesion for a lot of teams going into all of their markets, not just England.”
      Villa’s clash with United comes in a week in which their WSL aces flagged concerns about wet look shirts manufactured by sportswear firm Castore. 
      Players have flagged that the fabric retained too much sweat during matches.  
      It’s understood the club, who shared players’ concerns with Castore, are not expecting an immediate solution to the shirt issues
      And Ward explained that the ball is now in the court of the sportswear firm and Villa officials
      Carla Ward says Villa officials have been in constant communication with players in regard to sweat-clogged shirt issuesCredit: Getty
      The Villa Women’s boss said: “As far I’m concerned it’s over to the club and Castore.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “My focus has to be this weekend and making sure the players are focused. 
      “One thing I will say is the club have been absolutely superb in these last few days with constant communication of how we can help the players.” More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      I used to be an Uber driver… now I play for Arsenal and starred at World Cup

      by

      ARSENAL winger Caitlin Foord is about to enter her fourth Women’s Super League campaign.But before making it as a full-time professional footballer, she worked part-time as an Uber driver in Wollongong, Australia.
      Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord briefly worked part-time as an Uber driverCredit: Getty
      The winger now stars in the top tier of English football and for the Australia national teamCredit: Getty
      Foord, 28, who had just signed for Sydney FC at the time, initially worked as a physio’s aide.
      However, after picking up an injury during the 2017-18 W-League campaign she decided that a change was needed.
      Foord said: “I did it to keep myself busy at my physio I go to, just helping out. Just to see what it was like.
      “When I was injured, I was bored and I got sick of having the same conversations with people, so I signed up as an Uber driver and drove people around Wollongong.
      Read More on Football
      “It lasted 48 hours. I worked a Friday and Saturday night. One person recognised me, a friend of a friend. She said ‘uhh Caitlin what are you doing?'”
      Although her spell as an Uber driver was short-lived, Foord admitted she could see the attraction to driving full-time.
      She added: “It was addictive. There are noises and lights and then when you get someone, you get to meet them.
      “But at the end of I was like, is this really worth it?”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      The minimum W-League wage was as little as £5,270 back in 2017, according to reports.
      So many footballers had to get second jobs as a result.
      Foord now plays for Arsenal in England’s top tier, the WSL.
      She joined the Gunners from Portland Thorns FC in 2020 and has since been a key member of the first team squad.
      The winger helped Jonas Eidevall’s side to Continental Cup glory last season, starting as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the final.
      Foord also represents the Australia women’s national team and featured at the 2023 Women’s World Cup this summer. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Me and Ange try to do the same stuff with how we play’, says Tottenham Women’s boss Robert Vilahamn

      by

      ROBERT VILAHAMN believes he and Ange Postecoglu have much more in common besides both being in charge of Tottenham teams. The Spurs women’s boss, 40, sees himself and the Australian as being brave about getting their teams to play good football. 
      Robert Vilahamn guided his former side BK Hacken to two Swedish Cup finals prior to be appointed as head coach of Tottenham’s women’s teamCredit: Rex
      The Sweden-born head coach will take of Tottenham for the first time in a WSL game when they play Chelsea on SundayCredit: Getty
      The North London side are keen to achieve a mid-table finish after ending last season in tenth spotCredit: Getty
      Tottenham are yet to beat Chelsea in the WSL with the Blues having won their previous seven WSL duelsCredit: AFP
      Vilahamn’s Australian counterpart has brought the feelgood factor to the club. 
      Postecoglu’s Premier League aces are currently fourth and unbeaten after two draws and four wins.
      And the team’s free-flowing attacking football has left Spurs fans drooling after the turbulent end to Antonio Conte’s two-year reign. 
      Vilhahamn, who was appointed in July after two years at the helm of Swedish side BK Hacken, hopes to cultivate more flair in his side’s style of play
      Read More Football Stories
      His aces will face a stern WSL season-opening test from a team renowned for winning games in style.
      They play title-holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with the Blues having won all seven of their previous league clashes . 
      Vilahamn said: “Tottenham want to play a style with the men’s team and the women’s team, academy. 
      “I think me and Ange try to do the same stuff with how to play. 
      Most read in Football
      “Not the same formation all the time but trying to be brave enough to play good, offensive football and in the long run, win games. 
      “The men’s team is already winning games. Hopefully we can have a good start, make some good results. 
      “But I also need to have respect against the top teams in the league so in the beginning it might be a mixture of the game model, and how to actually try to win against Chelsea. 
      “But in the long run you’re going to see a Tottenham that dictates games, presses high and wants to lean forward and try to score a lot of goals.
      “We shouldn’t expect Tottenham to win the league this year, but we need to make sure we show the supporters, the board members and everyone that we play better football.”
      Last year Tottenham entered the 2022-23 campaign with the hope of building on their fifth-place finish the season before. 
      While striker Rachel Williams departed for Manchester United, experienced talents including Ellie Brazil and ex-Blues star Drew Spence joined the side last summer
      However they suffered some fitness blows last with Brazil sidelined by an ACL rupture last October and midfielder Ria Percival and forward Kit Graham out with knee injuries. 
      And they found themselves dragged into a relegation battle which they survived but one that led to the club parting company with former gaffer Rehanne Skinner. 
      For Vilahamn the aim this term is a top-six finish for the team who were seen as dark horses for a top four finish two seasons ago
      He adds: “They (the club) don’t want to push me to win the league the first year. 
      “They want to push me to make sure we have this identity and of course they want to be better than last year and hopefully be in the top six of the table. 
      “But the most important thing is to show you guys we play Tottenham football.”
      Spurs’ WSL survival was partly fuelled by the club making the bold move of signing Lionesses star Bethany England from Chelsea for a £250,000 fee in January .  
      The league’s most expensive British player repaid their faith by netting 12 goals in 12  top-flight appearances, helping them avoid relegation by finishing tenth. 
      This summer saw England given the captain’s armband before the start of the new season. 
      However her team will be without her services with the striker currently recovering from hip surgery. 
      Tottenham are set to face Chelsea without the services of Bethany England with the Spurs skipper currently injuredCredit: PA
      Vilahamn added: “When you lose that kind of real superstar as a player you need to find something else – you cannot find a new Beth England. 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “We are in a good position but it’s how strong we should be on 1 October against Chelsea .
      “I hope we can make results quickly and if not, I hope we can see the longer perspective as well.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Liverpool: Gunners look to make perfect start in epic WSL opener – stream FREE, TV channel, team news

      by

      FOOTBALL fans across the world are thrilled to see the WSL finally return – and Arsenal host Liverpool on a frantic first day.The Gunners will be determined to put a stop to Chelsea’s incredible run after seeing the Blues lift the title for a third consecutive year last season.
      Arsenal won the FA WSL CupCredit: Getty
      It also meant that it has been four years since the most decorated women’s team in English secured league success.
      However, Arsenal put a slight blip in Chelsea’s 2022/23 season by coming from behind to win the FA WSL Cup.
      And they’ll be hoping for the same result against a Liverpool side who they have beaten 13 times in a row.
      When is Arsenal vs Liverpool?

      Arsenal’s opening WSL encounter against Liverpool will take place on Sunday, October 1.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 2pm BST.
      Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 60,000 roaring fans.
      Goals from Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord saw the Gunners beat Liverpool 2-0 when the sides last met in March.

      Read more on Arsenal
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on The FA Player.
      Fans can stream the action via The FA Player app or the official website.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for the entire game including pre-match and post-match reaction.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      The FA Player is a free service.
      What is the team news?
      Jonas Eidevall will be forced to start the season without Laura Wienroither, Leah Williamson and Henry Timi Davies who are all nursing ACL injuries.
      Most read in Football
      Lotte Wubben-Moy (muscular) and Mika Biereth (knee) are also expected to miss the opener against Liverpool.
      And the Gunners boss has recently been hit with more bad news that Teyah Goldie is out for the entire season with an ACL issue.
      However, Dutch superstar Vivianne Miedema is in line for her first start since December 15, 2022.
      Vivianne Miedema is back in training for the GunnersCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Matt Beard has revealed that captain Niamh Farley (calf) and Mia Enderby (shoulder) will both undergo scans ahead of this epic match.
      The Reds gaffer also confirmed that they are awaiting fitness updates for forwards Leanne Kierman, Shanice van de Sanden and Melissa Lawley. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa women follow men in slamming new wet-look shirts ahead of WSL opener against Man Utd live on BBC

      by

      ASTON VILLA women stars have reportedly joined the men’s team in blasting their new wet-look kits.Members of the men’s first-team squad were left looking like they had been drenched during their Europa Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw.
      Aston Villa stars have been left fuming at the club’s wet-look kitsCredit: Alamy
      Fuming Villa bosses have approached kit supplier Castore for a solutionCredit: Rex
      The kit issue has sparked fears from Jacqui Oatley about how Villa’s women team will be impactedCredit: Alamy
      But the problem was not unique to that game, with the issue plaguing them since the start of the season.
      It has led to members of the team complaining the soaked kit was weighing them down.
      And Villa stars have now lost patience with kit supplier Castore.
      However, Villa’s women team have added their voices to the chorus of complaints against the kit, according to the Telegraph.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Aston Villa women kick off their Women’s Super League campaign against Manchester United live on the BBC this Sunday.
      A source close to the team said they were “deeply concerned” about wearing the kits, with another describing them as feeling “really bad” to play in.
      Manager Carla Ward is understood to also be aware of the team’s problems, having worn it in all but one of their pre-season friendlies.
      Villa will also be on TV on the second weekend of the season when they face Liverpool on October 8.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Furious club bosses are now said to have approached Castore for a quick solution.
      A report from the Mirror said the club will not take “no” for an answer due to the jersey being seen as a performance issue.
      Both men and women teams are hoping for a quick solution to the issue.
      Commentator Jacqui Oatley was left fearful at the impact of the kits on the Villa women’s team on for their opening WSL match.
      Castore are in the second season of a “multi-year” deal with Villa.
      The Manchester-based manufacturer’s tagline reads: “Demand better – premium performance.”
      Andy Brian, a commercial contracts lawyer and partner at law firm Gordons, explained to the Telegraph the potential fallout of the complaints.
      He said: “From a legal point of view, the key question will be whether the club’s agreement with the manufacturer contains a detailed specification of the products to be supplied and, if so, whether that spec extends to the composition and weight of the products.
      “Typically, manufacturers will supply one spec of product for replica kit sales, and another more high-performance spec for the athletes to wear.
      “In recent years, some manufacturers have also made higher spec ‘stadium shirts’ available for general sale at a premium price point.
      He continued: “If the supply contract contains a detailed spec which is not being achieved, then it will be pretty straightforward to resolve; Castore will have to supply according to that spec.
      “I don’t know what this contract says, but perhaps the more likely scenario is that Castore is supplying products which do comply with the contract, but Aston Villa are not happy with the quality.
      “Realistically, it will likely be resolved commercially, but it’s pretty embarrassing.”
      The men’s team have won four Premier League games this season, most recently a 1-0 win against Chelsea.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Their next league match sees them host high-flying Brighton.
      Villa women finished fifth in the WSL last season. More