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      Alisha Lehmann dubbed a ‘class act’ for heartwarming gesture as she jumps off Aston Villa bus to hug fan in wheelchair

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has been dubbed a “class act” after she jumped off the Aston Villa bus to hug a big fan of hers in a wheelchair.The 24-year-old forward was in action for her team when they travelled to her former club West Ham on Sunday for a showdown in the Women’s Super League.
      Alisha Lehmann made a fan’s day as she returned to old club West Ham with Aston VillaCredit: Alamy
      The Swiss star spotted a supporter in a wheelchair waiting for herCredit: X @FanzineWSL
      She marched straight off the team bus towards the fanCredit: X @FanzineWSL
      Alisha and the supporter then embraced in a long hugCredit: X @FanzineWSL
      Villa emerged triumphant as Rachel Daly’s injury-time strike sealed a 3-2 win at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
      Lehmann, who came off the bench to help her side get the victory, is notorious for looking her best on and off the pitch.
      The former Hammers and Everton ace, who was previously dubbed “the world’s sexiest footballer”, recently dazzled her 16million Instagram followers in an elegant black outfit.
      And she also wowed fans in a swanky outfit as she enjoyed a night out on the town.
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      But Lehmann also amassed a huge army of supporters for her displays out on the grass and has ten goals so far for Villa since joining two years ago.
      And as she arrived for action yesterday, one of those was desperate to meet her after waiting for the Villa team coach to arrive.
      Lehmann spotted the fan and walked straight over to enjoy a cuddle with them before grabbing her gear and heading for the changing-rooms.
      The supporter shared the footage on social media before it soon went viral, and they captioned it with: “When my favourite player comes off the coach and comes straight over to me.”
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      As the clip was quickly shared by many, other supporters were quick to reply.
      “Class act,” read one response, with another saying: “Alisha is lovely, very kind.”
      “Absolutely lovely to see,” said another fan after seeing the heartwarming footage.
      “What a hero,” said another social media user as another added it was “brilliant”.
      Switzerland star Alisha recently found herself being trolled after she was criticised for wearing make-up during her country’s 7-1 defeat to Spain.
      TV presenter Vicki Blomme was one of those who jumped to her defence, comparing Lehmann wearing make-up on the pitch to Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham caring about their hair.
      She said on the Soccer Sisters podcast: “Yes, she plays with her sexuality, but they have done it many times.
      “Look at Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. I think make-up and personal grooming are seen differently than if a boy does his hair.
      “A lot of people think it’s vanity, but it’s also feeling. The feeling of feeling confident and strong, there’s something to that. I think it’s good that we’re different and that we look however we want.
      “You take some of the attention away from football, but that’s how it happened also with Beckham. There is nothing wrong with playing football with make-up, we have to stop blaming them.”
      The 24-year-old forward has amassed a huge following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She regularly looks just as good off the pitch as she does on itCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Alisha left West Ham to join Aston Villa back in 2021Credit: Getty More

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      Alex Scott responds as fans say they are ‘in love’ with her outfit as she oozes style live on BBC for WSL

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      ALEX SCOTT wowed fans with a stylish look live on BBC.The BBC pundit has dazzled with her imaginative outfits in recent weeks, particularly on the red carpet.
      Fans loved Alex Scott’s coat as she presented the BBC’s coverage of the WSLCredit: BBC
      The presenter revealed it is one of her favourites
      Alex Scott stunned on the red carpet ahead of Children in NeedCredit: PA
      She also caught the eye with a bold look at the GQ Men of the Year awardsCredit: The Mega Agency
      She toned down her style as she presented coverage of Chelsea Women’s WSL clash with Liverpool – and fans were left “in love”.
      Alex, 39, drew a lot of compliments for her coat, which she revealed is one of her favourites.
      The presenter reposted a comment showing her love, replying: “A little Tommy Hilfiger number this one…one of my faves.”
      Alex turned heads this week at the GQ Men of the Year awards with her stunning see-through silver dress.
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      The BBC presenter and pundit went braless as she walked the red carpet.
      Her daring look sparked a frenzy of gushing comments from her fans after Alex shared the snaps on social media.
      The former England Women’s defender has dazzled with a range of outfits in recent weeks, and often draws attention when she hits the red carpet.
      She stole the show at the Attitude Awards, having also stunned in a photoshoot for the magazine.
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      Alex Scott began dating Jess Glynne earlier this yearCredit: Rex
      Alex Scott has dazzled with a variety of outfits in recent weeksCredit: Soccer Aid ITV
      Alex was joined at the awards show by singer Jess Glynne, who she began dating this year.
      The couple shared their first public kiss earlier this month following weeks of rumours they had entered a relationship. More

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      Lionesses stun in see-through dresses as England World Cup stars and Alex Scott pose up a storm at GQ awards

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      ALEX SCOTT and the Lionesses went see-through for GQ as their awards-do outfits met with a chorus of approval at the Royal Opera House.Fans rated presenter Scott, Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly and Arsenal ace Leah Williamson a sheer delight on the night as England’s World Cup stars gathered for the magazine’s top event.
      Awesome foursome Mary Earps, Leah Williamson, Alex Scott and Chloe Kelly turn on the glitz for the magazine awards in LondonCredit: Getty
      Alex Scott was a star of the silver sheen in this daring outfitCredit: Getty
      Leah Williamson wore a two-tone dress at the Royal Opera HouseCredit: Getty
      Lionesses’ hero keeper Mary Earps wore a flight green dress as the foursome posed on the red carpet at the star-studded evening.
      Earps saved a penalty in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney three months ago but was unable to prevent Spain winning 1-0.
      And the Manchester United stalwart was spot on again at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London.
      Spain attacker Jenni Hermoso was also in attendance as the Royal Opera House swapped songs for gongs.
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      It follows Earps voicing her “disappointment” earlier this week at the World Cup being overshadowed by the scandal of Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales kissing Hermoso.
      The stopper’s high-collared dress contrasted with the more revealing outfits of her three colleagues in one of the event’s most dazzling pics.
      Ex-Arsenal defender Scott, 39, went without a bra as she wore the most daring outfit, a gown as silvery as Christmassy but as thin as a goal-net.
      Williamson, 26, came in a short black dress showing off much of her body.
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      And Kelly opted for a hint of Halloween, albeit a fortnight late.
      The 25-year-old’s sophisticated black outfit mixed sparkly detail with a see-through skirt and high heels.
      Ex-England forward turned BBC presenter Gary Lineker, Wrexham frontman Paul Mullin and world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson were among  the sporting names honoured.
      Johnson-Thompson appeared in an elegant chiffon dress, every bit a match for the outfits of the footballing fraternity.
      There’s nothing like putting a Kat amongst the… Lionesses.
      Katarina Johnson-Thompson looked graceful in this dressCredit: Rex More

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      Millie Bright warns Chelsea will stay focused as Emma Hayes is announced as US Women’s team boss

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      EMMA HAYES has been announced as USA Women’s team head coach weeks after being linked with one of football’s most coveted jobs. Confirmation of her appointment comes one night before her Chelsea side face Real Madrid in their Champions League opener. 
      Emma Hayes will take charge of the USA’s Women’s national side two months before the July 24 start of the 2024 OlympicsCredit: PA
      Hayes’ appointment to one of the top international coaching jobs in the women’s game will follow her trophy-laden 12-year spell as Chelsea bossCredit: Reuters
      The US Soccer Federation’s appointment of Hayes comes three months after the USA endured a shock last-16 exit from this year’s Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      Hayes was announced as the USA Women’s a day before Chelsea’s first group stage game in this term’s Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Her move will see her become the highest paid coach in women’s football
      Blues captain Millie Bright jokingly warned she could get a verbal “battering” from Hayes if she and her team-mates become distracted by her impending departure.
      Bright, face Madrid in the contest’s group stages, said: “Knowing Emma, she wants us to do everything the same regardless of her departure. 
      “That’s the mentality and the values that she’s installed in all of us as players and at the club.

      “For us, everything remains the same. If we act any differently, I’m sure I’d get a battering from her! 
      “We know we have to be focused and that it’s game-by-game. 
      “We’ve got to go out there and perform first and foremost, and don’t look too far ahead. Just stay in our lane.”
      On Tuesday evening USA Soccer unveiled Hayes as the new boss of their four-time Women’s World Cup-winning side.
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      The news comes ten days after Chelsea announced the long-serving coach will leave the club after 12 years at the helm of the WSL title-holders. 
      Of her appointment, Hayes, 47, said: “This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history 
      “The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. 
      “I’ve dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true. 
      “I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels. 
      “To get there, it will require dedication, devotion and collaboration from the players, staff and everyone at the U.S. Soccer Federation.!
      Hayes is set to take charge of the USA Women’s team two months before the July 24 start of the 2024 Paris Olympics. 
      The Blues chief, who leaves Chelsea at the end of next season, has so far led her current team to six Women’s Super League titles, six FA Cup triumphs and two League Cup wins. 
      And she also guided the WSL giants to five league and cup double wins and their first Champions League final in 2021. 
      Hayes appointment will see her undertake her third coaching role in the USA. 
      Her last job across the pond was as manager of US top-flight women’s side Chicago Red Stars for two years from 2008 to 2010.
      US Soccer Cindy Parlow Cone said: “Emma is a fantastic leader and world class coach who sets high standards for herself and for everyone around her.
      “She has tremendous energy and an insatiable will to win.
      “Her experience in the USA, her understanding of our soccer landscape and her appreciation of what it means to coach this team makes her a natural fit for this role.”
      Former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro, OL Reign gaffer Laura Harvey and Australia Women’s manager Tony Gustavsson are reported to have been among the other candidates for the job. 
      Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith are among the young USA stars Hayes will be coaching in her new roleCredit: Getty
      Hayes’ appointment comes three months after Vlatko Andovoski resigned as USA Women’s boss two weeks after they were knocked out in the last 16 of the [World CupCredit: AP
      Hayes’ coaching credentials and ability to motivate players and staff are said to have been among the key factors that led to her appointment. 

      US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said: “Her passion for the game, her coaching acumen, her ability to galvanize players and staff, her dedication to continue to evolve as a coach and her qualities as a person are all incredibly impressive.”
      “She has a great appreciation for the legacy of this programme and embraces the big challenges ahead.” More

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      Jill Scott hails ‘full circle moment’ after WSL Hall of Fame induction alongside Ellen White and Anita Asante

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      JILL SCOTT has lifted FA Cups, a league title and made history by helping Lionesses win the Women’s Euros for the first time ever.However, the retired Lioness, 36 reveals it was her brief loan stint at Aston Villa that turned her mother into a huge Women’s Super League fan.
      Jill Scott’s induction into the WSL Hall of Fame comes 15 months after she helped England win the Euros last August before hanging up her bootsCredit: Getty
      Scott joins several Women’s Super League trailblazers honoured for their contribution to the game
      Scott’s post-playing career has seen her regular feature as a football pundit on TVCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      The former midfielder, who began her 18-year playing career at Sunderland before spells at Everton, Manchester City and Villa is someone who has become synonymous with the WSL.  
      Before winning the Euros, Scott joined Villa on loan from Man City in January last year.
      And last night saw her, Ellen White and Anita Asante become the league’s latest Barclays WSL Hall of Fame inductees.
      Scott said: “My mum actually loves following Villa, because of my time there.

      “She is a really big fan of Carla and the team.
      “She knows how much I enjoyed my time there so she’s always looking out for their results and, with Jordan Nobbs, and Lucy Staniforth going there as well.
      “The fact that she works her weekend around the game at times is just great, really.
      “Going back however many years, she would not have even known that games were happening, and she wouldn’t have had access to watch them.
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      “It goes to show that if we keep putting this amazing product out there, there is an audience who wants to follow this ever-growing game.”
      Last August saw Scott, who made 175 WSL appearances, retire after helping Sarina Wiegman’s England become European Champions at Wembley by beating Germany.
      A memorable expletive rant (for which she later apologised) during the final in reaction to a heavy challenge during the Lionesses’ historic win that day may have seen her go viral.
      But for many WSL fans, and in particular Man City supporters, it’s Scott’s performances on the pitch for which she is remembered most for.
      Performances which saw her win four FA Cups, four league cups and a WSL title before joining Kelly Smith, Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Fara Williams and Rachel Yankey in the Hall of Fame.
      Scott adds: “I hope it represents that for any young girl out there, you might not be the best player on your team, you might not be the most talented; but with hard work and if you want something so badly you have to dedicate every day of your life to it.
      “If I look at my early days of playing with Fara, then when I look at Keira Walsh, Lauren Hemp, Steph Houghton all these players, I think they made me look half decent at times!”
      To date the only football manager included in the Hall of Fame’s inductees is Emma Hayes who has guided Chelsea six WSL title wins.
      The Blues chief will leave her current role at the end of this season after 11 years at the helm amid links with the USA Women’s national team manager’s role.
      Scott said: “Emma has had a fantastic time with Chelsea in terms of where they were to where they are now. 
      “I don’t think it’s been confirmed yet where she’s going next.
      “I know every single player that I’ve talked to who has played for Emma, says that her emotional intelligence and how she gets the best out of the players is just on another level.
      “It’s sad for the WSL that we’re going to be losing one of the best managers – well definitely the most successful -manager to ever manage in it.
      “I’m excited for her next challenge.”
      Scott’s playing days involved being part of the crop of female footballers who featured in the WSL in its debut season.
      Players who contributed to its formation prior the division’s first game played 13 years ago with Arsenal beating Chelsea 1-0 at the home of non-league men’s side Tooting and Mitcham.
      The former Lioness, who is among the WSL’s highest appearance makers, hopes to pass the baton on to the league’s next generation and girls aspiring to build careers in the game.
      Her Hall of Fame induction comes nine months after the opening of a pitch named after her in Jarrow, South Tyneside
      Scott said: “You see the legacy that you do get to leave, the opportunity to open a football pitch which is going to give girls and women’s football the priority to make sure that they have good facilities.
      “The fact that we get that on the back of knowing at the beginning of the WSL that we needed better facilities so that you’re helping that next generation, it’s kind of a full circle moment.”
      Lioness heroines Anita Asante and Ellen White have also been inducted into the WSL’s Hall of Fame
       “For Anita, Ellen and for me to get this recognition, I’m sure the girls are just equally as excited as me.
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      “I hope we showed how much it meant to play for our club, no matter who that was.
      “It kind of shows all that hard work that put in and hopefully, people see that we always tried to represent our clubs in in the best way possible right till the end.” More

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      Manchester City boss Taylor hopeful of improved broadcast rights deal for WSL and Women’s Championship

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      GARETH TAYLOR says the sky is the limit to push for an increased broadcast deal for the Women’s Super League and Championship. The Manchester City boss spoke after the women’s top tier in the USA secured a record TV rights deal worth $240million, 40 times more than the existing one. 
      Gareth Taylor hopes to see an improved broadcast deal for the WSL and Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      The National Women’s Soccer League’s new broadcast rights deal will see NWSL fixtures in the USA shown on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports from 2024Credit: Getty
      That four-year agreement, announced on Thursday, will start in 2024 and is thought to be the largest agreed by a women’s sport league to date.
      National Women’s Soccer League games will be aired on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports. 
      WSL and Women’s Championship are also after a higher price for the combined broadcast rights contract, according to Telegraph Sport.  
      The WSL’s existing TV deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, which finishes at the end of this term, is worth around £8m per year. 
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      On his hopes for the WSL’s new deal following the NWSL’s announcement, Taylor said: “It’s (women’s football coverage) has moved on significantly.
      “How much further (can it go), the sky’s the limit, really and also in regard to getting appropriate kick-off times so that supporters are able to watch their clubs men’s and women’s teams. 
      “That’s been really difficult because it’s a really tight calendar and they’re on a tight turnaround. 
      “That being said, I think there’s been significant steps in the three seasons I’ve been here.
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      “When I look at my first season of 2020-21 and it was a bit of a fake landscape with it being during Covid times. 
      “We probably had two games televised that season which was the FA Cup semi-final and final in an empty Wembley Stadium
      “The following season we saw the introduction of Sky Sports showcasing games alongside the BBC and that’s now even more this season.”
      On the pitch, Taylor aims to guide his side back to winning ways after the 2-1 loss at Arsenal, their first of the season. 
      City host Brighton today, who are yet to beat them, losing eight of their last nine games. And Albion have shipped 39 goals in those nine WSL games. 
      However, Taylor will not underestimate the Seagulls — under new boss Melissa Phillips.
      Brighton drew with Manchester United last time out and have four former City players in their squad — defender Poppy Pattinson, midfielder Vicky Losada and forwards Pauline Bremner and Lee Geum-min. 
      Taylor added: “They took a solid point last week and there could have been more for them as well — and it just shows how dangerous they are. 
      “We wouldn’t underestimate any opposition.
      “With their new coach they’ve been quite active in recruitment in terms of bringing in players who’ve got really good experience in the WSL and international football.”
      Vicky Losada is one of two ex-Man City aces who joined Brighton this summerCredit: Alamy
      Meanwhile, Taylor says he has high hopes for two of City’s young rising stars, forward Jess Park and defender Ruby Mace. 
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      He said: “Jess looks really sharp and lively and a threat. 
      “It’s the same with Ruby. She’s got the capabilities of playing higher up the pitch and the early signs have been impressive.” More

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      Alex Scott looks ‘flawless’ on Match of the Day Live as fans hail ‘power trio’ presenting Man City vs Arsenal clash

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      ALEX SCOTT proved as popular as ever as she presented Match of the Day Live.And fans hailed her as part of a “power trio” live on BBC Two.
      Alex Scott presented BBC Sport’s coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester CityCredit: BBC
      Scott was joined by Fara Williams and Ellen White for the WSL clashCredit: Getty
      Scott rocked a black coat over a black turtleneck as she hosted the coverage of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Manchester City this afternoon.
      She was joined pitchside at Meadow Park by ex-England, Chelsea and Gunners stars Fara Williams and Ellen White as the pundits.
      And that prompted a huge wave of support among delighted viewers watching the Women’s Super League action.
      One said: “How does Alex Scott always look flawless?”
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      Another wrote: “Dream Team!”
      A third added: “FARA WILLIAMS, ALEX SCOTT AND ELLEN WHITE OH DEAR GOD I LOVE BBC.”
      A fourth commented: “Alex Scott, Fara Williams, Ellen White is a great coverage trio that the BBC have got for their WSL matches.”
      And a final user commented: “The power trio of Alex Scott, Fara Williams and Ellen White is back.”
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      The trio were on hand to dissect an important victory for Jonas Eidevall’s ladies.
      Steph Catley fired the hosts in front, blasting into the top corner on 14 minutes.
      Kim Little saw her penalty saved before Chloe Kelly looked to have rescued a point for City.
      But Stina Blackstenius pounced on Khiara Keating’s howler to tap into an empty net for an 87th-minute winner.
      Popular Scott also presents the BBC’s Football Focus show on a Saturday lunchtime – despite a recent drop-off in viewing figures.
      She is one of the top sports TV stars – worth a reported £1.5million – but has made a name for herself away from football, too.
      Scott was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 and recently went public over her romance with pop star Jess Glynne. More

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      Emma Hayes ‘agrees’ lucrative new role with Chelsea players and staff left ‘stunned’ by shock departure

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      EMMA HAYES has reportedly agreed a lucrative new role away from Chelsea after the club announced she would leave at the end of the season.Hayes has had a superb spell with The Blues winning six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups and two FA Women’s League Cups.
      Emma Hayes has reportedly agreed to take over as the US Women’s national team after it was announced she will be leaving ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And her impressive record seems to have earned her a seat in one of the highest profile roles in women’s football.
      According to the Telegraph, the decorated manager has agreed to become the new head coach of the US Women’s national team.
      The report suggests that the USWNT are also keen on poaching Chelsea’s assistant manager Denise Reddy to follow suit as her number two.
      Chelsea announced today that Hayes would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season in a statement on their club website.
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      It read: “Chelsea FC can today confirm that highly decorated Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes OBE will depart the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football.”
      The news was reportedly broken to the Chelsea squad following their 6-0 win over Aston Villa today.
      And it’s said that players and non-football staff were left shocked by the surprise departure with the 47-year-old held in such high regard around the club.
      Hayes will remain in charge of the London outfit until the 2023/24 season comes to a close in May.
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      Which will be music to the ears of Blues fans with their side currently sat top of the table and unbeaten in the opening five games of the campaign.
      But may come as a concern to stateside fans as the proposed scheduling would mean the US Women’s team would continue with a temporary boss in place until Hayes was able to take over full time.
      Twila Kilgore was appointed as the interim head coach for the national side in Ausgust and could remain in place until Hayes’ arrival.
      Reports from US football writer Joseph Lowry suggest that Hayes may join the USWNT during international breaks before taking over. More