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      Leicester women’s manager SACKED after probe into alleged relationship with own player

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      LEICESTER have sacked their women’s team manager Willie Kirk following an investigation into an alleged relationship with a player.Ex-Everton boss Kirk, 45, had been suspended since March 8 while the investigation was being conducted by the club.Willie Kirk was suspended during the investigation but has now reportedly been sackedCredit: GettyAssistant Jennifer Foster and first-team coach Stephen Kirby have taken over during Kirk’s absence since March 9. During that time Leicester reached the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals following a 2-0 quarters win against Liverpool. However the team have lost their last two Women’s Super League games against Tottenham and Brighton. And the club have now parted ways with the Edinburgh-born coach following an “extensive internal disciplinary process”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club can confirm that Willie Kirk has been dismissed from his position as LCFC Women Manager.”Following an extensive internal disciplinary process and respecting the Club’s obligations to individual privacy, Willie was determined to have breached the team’s code of conduct to a degree that makes his position untenable.”Established and implemented ahead of the start of the current season, the code forms part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to professionalising the women’s game since the takeover of LCFC Women in 2020, promoting a performance-led culture among players, coaches and technical staff.””First Team responsibilities for LCFC Women will continue to be led by Jennifer Foster, supported by Stephen Kirby, while the Club begins the process of appointing a new permanent manager.”Most read in FootballKirk’s departure comes almost two months after Sheffield ended Jonathan Morgan’s reign as their women’s team boss. The Blades’ dismissal of Morgan followed information coming to light concerning an alleged relationship with a player during his tenure as Leicester boss, before the team became affiliated with the men’s club.Aston Villa gaffer Carla Ward, whose team host Leicester on Saturday, believes relationships between footballers and their managers should be a sackable offence.Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall described them as “very inappropriate”, while he called on football authorities, clubs and associations to address safeguarding.Football icons’ strange hobbiesAnd Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman also shared her concerns on the issue, stating the need for “regulations” to be introduced. Kirk began his football management career as an assistant academy coach at Scottish Livingstone in 2006.Following a four-year spell as Under-17s coach at Hibernian, he moved to England to work in women’s football as manager of Bristol City.After a stint as Casey Stoney’s assistant at Man United and a three-year reign at Everton Women’s boss Kirk arrived at Leicester in July 2022 as director of football.He then replaced Lydia Bedford as manager that November and has held the position ever since.They were on a six-match pointless run when he took charge but he helped them to beat the drop and guided them to a 10th place finish.READ MORE SUN STORIESKirk is yet to comment publicly regarding the allegations.Leicester sit ninth in the WSL, 10 points above the league’s relegation spot with five games remaining. More

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      Erin Cuthbert insists Chelsea aces will all have ‘moments’ to shine as Blues target Champions League progress

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      ERIN CUTHBERT says Emma Hayes knows how to bring out “the animal” in her performances on the pitch.And the Chelsea star, 25, says believes all her Blues team-mates will have a role to play in their quadruple trophy chase.Erin Cuthbert says Chelsea will need every player to contribute with games coming thick and fast in their bid to win four major trophiesCredit: AlamyA win or draw against Ajax this evening will Chelsea set up a semi-final duel with Barcelona or SK BrannCredit: GettyThis evening they take on Ajax in the second leg of their Champions League quarters duel.The Women’s Super League leaders, who hope to win the contest for the first time, are carrying a 3-0-win advantage from the first leg.Cuthbert, who rifled home a stunning shot from distance in a 2-0 defeat of West Ham on Sunday, hopes to produce goals against Ajax at Stamford Bridge.Ahead of the game against the Irons Hayes spoke of the midfielder’s team-mate Sjoeke Nusken being more of a natural goal scorer.Read More Football Stories In response to her gaffer’s remarks, Cuthbert said: “Emma knows how to get at me, that’s for sure.”She knows how to provoke me and find a little bit of an animal inside me and she knows that as well. She knows how to wind me up.”But Sjoeke has been in brilliant form as well and that’s important to say. We’ve needed her at this time of the season.”I think everyone’s going to have their moments. Sunday was mine and Aggie’s (Beever-Jones’) moment.”Most read in Football“The week before it was Sjoeke and we need everyone to contribute over this period especially when we’ve got so many games.”Following their loss to Chelsea last Tuesday Ajax have maintained their winning form in the Netherlands’ women’s top-flight.The Amsterdam side are currently second in the Eredevisie and four points behind FC Twente after a run of 14 wins and three draws in 18 games.Suzanne Bakker’s players come into tonight’s match off the back of a 3-2 defeat of Zwolle in their league, with Romee Leuchter netting a hat-trick.Prior to their quarter-final tie with the Blues Ajax captain Sherida Spitse, 33, spoke of the need for Ajax to playing without fear of making mistakes.The Netherlands midfielder, who has made 73 top tier appearances for her club said: “I say to the team every time in training, and before games, you are here because you are good.”Of course, sometimes things are going wrong in the game.”You can make mistakes, but you need to ask for ball again, if you don’t do that, then you get scared.”Emma Hayes expects Chelsea’s opponents will be aggressive on the pitch with the Dutch club facing a last eight exit.Should the Blues triumph this evening it will be their sixteenth win out of 17 games across all competitions dating back to December 17.It would also see them pick up their third victory across all contests in eight days.While Chelsea are due to battle Arsenal for the final of this year’s Conti Cup this Sunday, Hayes’ players are fully focused on tonight’s match.The Blues boss said: “We only play one game at a time. I’m not thinking about Sunday.Sjoeke Nusken was among the scorers in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat of Ajax last time outCredit: Getty”We know Ajax are going to come out to and be aggressive, we’re expecting and that they have to.”This is a competition where only one team advances, so we’re prepared for the aggression from the opponent and their learnings.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’re a good side and it’s important for us to keep all of our focus and attention on this.”Chelsea vs Ajax can be watched live on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube from 8:00pm this evening. More

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      England boss Sarina Wiegman ‘surprised’ by Arsenal game in Australia in May ahead of Women’s Euros qualifiers

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being surprised by Arsenal’s May trip to Australia during a “complicated calendar” of football fixtures.The Lionesses chief, 54, believes it could be a “hard one to take” for Gunners’ England aces and other players ahead of Euros qualifiers. Sarina Wiegman questions whether Arsenal’s European internationals will have enough time to be prepare for Euros qualifiers following the Gunners’ trip to AustraliaCredit: GettyArsenal players are scheduled to play an exhibition match against Allstars team in Melbourne on May 24Credit: GettyThe visit for Arsenal, whose stars includes England quartet Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy, will entail the WSL side playing an exhibition match in Melbourne.The game for the Gunners, whose squad includes Australia internationals, is scheduled for May 24. It will take place seven days before the Lionesses’ Euros qualifier duel with France at St James’s Park.In February the England Women’s boss highlighted the need for match scheduling to be looked at to ensure players have adequate rest between seasons.Read More Football Stories Of Arsenal’s planned trip Down Under, Wiegman said: “I think for all the players with an already complicated calendar, it’s not good for them to go to the other side of the world very short term, not having time to adapt and play a game against France home and away.”But I would say that’s not only for the England players, that’s for every European player that goes into qualifiers.”That’s the thing that will be hard for them to take and to perform at the highest level.”We had conversations already with Arsenal about the summer and those have been very good conversations.Most read in Football”We’re on the same page and of course, we all think about how to get players fit and fresh to compete, but also give them rest in this complex calendar.”Wiegman was speaking to reporters shortly after naming her squad for the Lionesses first two Euros qualifiers taking place next month.The reigning Euros champs play Sweden at Wembley on Friday 5 April before facing the Republic of Ireland away the following Tuesday.While centre-back Millie Turner retained her spot there was no return to the squad for her fellow Man United defender Maya Le Tissier. Wiegman’s 23-strong group includes Arsenal centre-back Williamson who captained England during their triumphant run in the 2022 Women’s EurosThe Gunners star hopes to make her long-awaited international return after withdrawing from February’s camp due to a hamstring injury.Williamson’s last appearance in an England shirt was back in April last year when Wiegman’s side beat Brazil at Wembley in the inaugural Women’s Finalissima.Of Williamson’s return, the head coach said: “She’s recovered really well, and it didn’t take too long, so that was good and now she’s getting into rhythm.”Of course, she hasn’t played that many games yet, but she’s getting there, and she needs the minutes now.”Squad announcement aside Wiegman shared her views regarding the issues to player-coach relationships within women’s football.Leicester City manager Willie Kirk is currently being investigated by the club amid an allegation of player-coach relationship.Earlier this month managers of Women’s Super League sides were asked about the issue with Aston Villa’s Carla stating such relationships should be a sackable offence.Wiegman was asked if football authorities or NewCo the organisation set to take oversee the WSL, should introduce rules preventing player-coach relationships,Leah Williamson could be set to make her England return when the Lionesses face Sweden at Wembley in AprilCredit: GettyShe said: “I think it’s common sense and we all know if we are in this environment that it’s really inappropriate.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we all take (on) our responsibility, then things wouldn’t happen. “But when it happens too often, then you need regulations. I will leave that to others.” More

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      ‘Did you forget your socks again?’, ask fans as Arsenal kick-off DELAYED for second straight match after Chelsea blunder

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      ARSENAL fans were left bitterly frustrated after they suffered ANOTHER delay to a Women’s Super League fixture.Jonas Eidevall’s side pushed back their London derby with Chelsea by 30 minutes earlier this month after bringing the wrong COLOUR SOCKS to the game.Another of Arsenal Women’s fixtures was delayed on Sunday eveningCredit: GettyThey were then forced to purchase black socks from Chelsea’s megastore, before they suffered a 3-1 defeat.Now they have endured yet another delay due to travel disruption ahead of their trip to Aston Villa.The WSL giants were scheduled to kick off at 6.45pm, but that was pushed back to 7.30pm because of Arsenal’s late arrival time.A statement read: “We can confirm that today’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture between Aston Villa and Arsenal will now kick off at 7.30pm.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”This decision has been taken due to travel disruption affecting our arrival time.”We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to supporters by the late change in timings.”Despite the explanation, some fans were quick to joke it could have been another sock issue, while others ripped into them delaying a second consecutive match.One social media user said: “Villa club shop fresh out of socks, so the search had to be widened, delaying arrival?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile another added: “Did u forget your socks again?”A third replied: “Last week sockgate, this week travel issues, what’s gonna be the delay next week?”I’m a former Tottenham and England star but I’d much rather see Arsenal win the league than Three Lions win Euro 2024And a fourth responded: “This is embarrassing!”Arsenal come into the clash with Villa nine points adrift of WSL leaders Chelsea.Manchester City were knocked off top spot on goal difference on Sunday after Chelsea’s 2-0 win over West Ham sent Emma Hayes’ defending champions back to the summit. More

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      ‘I want to win every game and Manchester City style suits my character’, says WSL ace Leila Ouahabi

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      LEILA OUAHABI is uncertain if a celebratory tattoo will be on the cards if she helps Manchester City win a WSL title this season.For the left-back it’s a case of “maybe or maybe not” with her focus being on their club chasing their first league crown under Gareth TaylorLeila Ouahabi hopes to help Man City will their first Women’s Super League in eight yearsCredit: PAA defeat of Man United would see Ouahabi’s side go top in the WSL ahead of Chelsea’s game against West HamCredit: GettyThe last WSL meeting between Manchester United and Man City resulted in a 3-1 win for the latterCredit: The TimesThe experienced defender, whose team play Man United at the Etihad today has her left arm adorned with striking designs.Some of these illustrations pay tribute to the important moments and people in her life.Amongst them is a stylish depiction of a butterfly she shares with her ex-Barcelona team-mate Patri Guijarro.For Ouahabi it symbolises the feeling of butterflies she had in her belly before her old club won the Women’s Champions League for the first time in 2021.Read More Football Stories In June that year the most dominant women’s football club in Spain stunned City’s title rivals Chelsea in a 4-0 demolition.Of her tattoo and memory of that match she said: “I remember in that game against Chelsea in the (Women’s Champions League) final. “Hours before I felt nervous and I talked with Patri and told her, ‘I’m feeling nervous’.“We spoke to each other and said if we win this title, we would get tattoos of a butterfly. Most read in Football“The meaning behind that is when you feel butterflies in your stomach when you feel nervous ahead of doing something big.”Ouahabi, whose club career began in Barcelona’s academy at the age of 13, hopes to pull off something big this season with City aiming to end Chelsea’s dominance at the WSL’s summit.A Cityzens win today would consign neighbours United to their second WSL derby day defeat this term.It would also see City leap above the Blues to the top of the table with Chelsea playing on Sunday.The lunchtime clash is one of five derbies taking place today and tomorrow across the top two tiers of the women’s game as part of Women’s Football Weekend.Emma Hayes’ Chelsea will visit West Ham and while Everton will go toe-to-toe with fifth-placed Liverpool at Goodison Park in the WSL.Elsewhere Championship leaders Sunderland will take on Durham at home.And their promotion chasing rivals Crystal Palace, who are second in the division, will host Watford.It is hoped matches across these weekend will lead to bigger crowd attendances at fixtures.Of City’s clash with the Red Devils, Ouahabi added: “It will be a good game and a competitive one.“Man United have good players. We will try to enjoy it and demonstrate our style. I hope the fans enjoy it with us.On how Manchester derbies compare to Barcelona’s clasico duels with Real Madrid, she said: “I feel it’s the same to be fair, because it will be a good game.“It’s a derby like (the ones) in Spain and the feelings and emotions are similar because it will be exciting.”Today’s fixture could see Ouahabi, who has played in 12 of City’s 16 top-flight games this term, feature in her fourth WSL derby.The last league duel between the rivals resulted in City battling from a goal down to claim a 3-1 win at an Old Trafford last NovemberOuahabi, who signed a two-year contract extension with the club last month, sees Gareth Taylor’s side as one that reflects her persona.And the defender, who helped Barcelona to 15 major silverware wins wants to City become a trophy-winning force.Ouahabi, who sealed a July 2022 City move, after her six-year second spell at Barca adds: “Man City has a playing style that is like my character.Ouahabi hopes to win a WSL title with Man City having won five top-flight titles in Spain with BarcelonaCredit: Getty“I’m passionate and have a lot of character when I’m in the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want the ball, and we want to enjoy the game. It’s similar to when I played in Barcelona, a similar concept.“I want to win every game and I want to win titles. I want these things for Man City.” More

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      ‘We’re under no illusions it will be tough’, says Erin Cuthbert of Chelsea’s clash with Ajax in the Champions League

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      ERIN CUTHBERT hopes Chelsea can silence Ajax fans when they take on the Dutch giants in the Women’s Champions League quarters.And the midfielder says it “would mean everything” if the Blues reached the contest’s in Emma Hayes’ last season at the helm.Erin Cuthbert (centre) warns Ajax will be fearless foes for Chelsea with the Dutch side playing the Women’s Champions League last eight for the first timeCredit: GettyThe Blues duel with Ajax, who are second in the Netherlands’ top tier, comes four days after their defeat of Arsenal in the WSLCredit: GettyAjax have become the second team from the Netherlands to reach the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals for the first timeCredit: AlamyCuthbert was speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of Chelsea’s first-leg duel with their rivals at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Tuesday.It’s the Dutch team’s first taste of the contest’s last eight phase. The club progressed to the knockout phase after finishing second in Group C above Bayern Munich and Roma. A record crowd for a women’s club game in the Netherlands is expected at their Amsterdam ground with 34,200 tickets sold so far.Read More Football Stories While Chelsea will draw on experience of performing in front of big crowds in Europe, Cuthbert warns they may face a fearless Ajax.The Blues ace, whose side will face their rivals at Stamford Bridge in the second leg next Wednesday, said: “It’s their first time at this point in the competition.”We can certainly use that experience as one sort of advantage factor.”As a player, I certainly know that if I was in the competition for the first time, I’d be playing without fear.Most read in Football”We need to be wary that they can play without fear, they’ve got nothing to lose, and we’ve got everything (to lose).”We’ll be giving it everything to try and bring a result back to Stamford Bridge that we’re happy with.”Boss Emma Hayes, added: “We’ve only had yesterday to prepare for this game.”But the players’ experiences of being at this tournament have to count, because it is intimidating to play in front of 35,000 at a tight arena.”For us, let’s draw on our experiences because it is important that we come through this tie in a really strong position.”A last eight knockout of Ajax would see Chelsea pitted against either SK Brann or two-time contest winners Barcelona in the semi-finals.Last year was the last time the Blues reached the tournament’s semis where they fell to a narrow 2-1 aggregate loss to Barca.And the Catalan giants were the victors when both clubs reached the final for the first time back in 2021.The biggest trophy for Europe’s elite clubs remains the only major piece of silverware to have so far eluded Hayes.And Cuthbert hopes the Blues will fulfil their wish of lifting it with their gaffer before for her departure for a new job as boss of the USA Women’s team later this year.She adds: “It would mean everything to get to the final and to go on and win it.”But I’ve been at this club so long, it’s all about a process.Emma Hayes’ players hope to reach this term’s Champions League semi-final where a two-leg test against SK Brann or Barcelona awaitsCredit: Getty”We’re in the quarter-finals now and it’s two ties that lie aheadREAD MORE SUN STORIES”Two tough games against a really tough team who have more than proved themselves at this level.”We’re under no illusions, it’s going to be a tough game, but of course it’s hard not to dream a little bit.” More

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      Tottenham skipper Bethany England relishing FA Cup battle with Leicester with teams eyeing spot in final

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      BETHANY ENGLAND says Tottenham cannot afford to underestimate Leicester as they bid to lay down a marker before their FA Cup clash.The Spurs skipper is relishing facing the Foxes at Tottenham Stadium when their semi-final duel takes place at the ground on April 14.Bethany England and her team-mates hope to help Tottenham reach the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time everCredit: PALeicester will take on Spurs in the semi-finals with both sides having reached the last time for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyBefore then, the teams will go toe-to-toe in a WSL clash at Brisbane Road today with Tottenham currently sixth in the table. The Foxes beat Liverpool and Spurs knocked out Manchester City in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals to both make the semis for the first time.England, 29, said: “It’s an amazing historical moment for the club but we need to make sure we don’t get ahead of ourselves.“Everyone thinks it’s amazing we’ve drawn Leicester but they’re going to be just as hungry for it as we are.Read More Football Stories“We need to make sure we stay grounded and don’t get too complacent.“Everyone’s got it all to play for but if we can get through that hurdle, then we can focus on the final.”Like her current club and former Chelsea team-mate Drew Spence, England has experience of playing in and winning cup finals.A win for Tottenham against the Foxes in the league today will see the team move three points off fifth-placed LiverpoolCredit: PAThe Barnsley-born, WSL star won two FA Cups and two Conti Cups during a seven-year trophy-laden spell with the Blues from 2016 to last January. Most read in FootballOnly City, Arsenal and Chelsea have won the FA Cup in the past 11 years.But England said: “It’s showing the progress in the WSL that the likes of Leicester and us have managed to get to this point and we have knocked out some of the biggest teams on the way.” More

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      Arsenal legend and ex-Gunners Women’s boss Vic Akers backs team’s kitman to learn from sock change delay to WSL game

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      VIC AKERS insists Arsenal’s kitman will learn from the sock clash scenario that stalled a televised Women’s Super League duel.The ex-Gunners Women’s boss was at Stamford Bridge watching the club’s WSL side’s 3-1 loss to Chelsea on Friday night.Former Arsenal Women’s boss Vic Akers was among the spectators watching Gunners in action against Chelsea at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Press AssociationArsenal are due to take Chelsea in this year’s Conti Cup final on March 31Credit: PAAkers led Arsenal to a quadruple trophy win in 2007Credit: GettyThe duel between the title rivals, aired live on Sky Sports, was pushed back by 30 minutes following a sock colour clash spotted three minutes before kick-off.It led to Arsenal players changing the white socks they were wearing and putting on black and blue pairs obtained from Chelsea’s club shop.The FA is reviewing the incident in line with WSL competition rules which state a kit clash may lead to a fine.Akers, 77, who blazed a trail as Gunners Women’s boss, was once a kitman for Arsene Wenger’s Prem sides.Read More Football Reflecting on the kit clash and his memories of managing players’ apparel for more than two decades, he said: “It’s one of those things.”At the end of the day, having been in that position as a kit manager, the job is not easy, but he will learn from this.”I was fortunate enough to have been in the job for many years so I know if I went to Chelsea, I would take two sets of socks.”With Chelsea they would either be wearing white, or they may wear a different colour.Most read in Football”But in general they wear white so that meant you had to take the red ones.”You get into a rhythm in all fairness as to what clubs (will wear) and how they change and who is doing what (kit-wise).”Akers, who established Arsenal Women in 1987 and led them to 32 major trophy wins including the Champions League, has been following the Gunners’ WSL stars progress this season.  The former head coach, who managed the side for 22 years, hoped to see the team maintain the form that led them to beat Aston Villa 4-0 in the Conti Cup semis.  But goals from Sjoeke Nusken and Lauren James dented Arsenal’s title charge leaving them six-points behind Emma Hayes’ Chelsea.And James’ opening goal and player of the match shift in attack is among the Chelsea performances that impressed Akers on Friday.The ex-Gunners Women’s chief, who led Arsenal to a 2007 quadruple with Hayes as his assistant, said: “Emma is on the charge at the moment so good luck to her “Lauren James was outstanding and Chelsea were the better side and much of that was down to her. “She was on our (Arsenal’s) books as a youngster but was let go, which was quite incredible. But this happens, and she’s had a couple of clubs since.”Now she is at a club where she is most wanted, and that bears out in her game.”Lauren James is among the players who impressed for Chelsea in their last league outingCredit: Getty”Chelsea’s win against Arsenal saw Hayes oversee her last WSL match at Stamford Bridge at the Blues’ helm.The Camden-born gaffer will take charge of the United States women’s team later this year ending a 14-year reign which includes six WSL title wins.And Akers hopes to see Hayes depart her current role on a high.He added: “There’s one part of me that wants Arsenal to win (the title) because I’m an Arsenal man.”But there’s another part saying, ‘Emma, you’re still on for this quadruple the same as what we did before’.”It would be lovely as well for her to go to America on the strength of that. But there is still a lot of football to play.”Emma is Emma and I think she will get bigger and better and be a success in America.Akers believes Hayes will lead the USA’s national women’s team to more successCredit: Getty”I would have loved to have seen her in the England job in the past, but it’s America’s gain.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It will be a tough job but it’s something that Emma will love, and she’s got the same assistant from club who will go with her.”She will give it her best shot and she’s excellent at what she does. I’m sure the girls in America will respond to that.” More