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      England boss Wiegman prefers not to take injury risk with Beth Mead with Lionesses ace to miss World Cup

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      SARINA WIEGMAN is not prepared to push Beth Mead and risk a reinjury after leaving her out of England’s World Cup squad. The Arsenal star is among the high profile absentees from the 23-strong group named today before the tournament’s start in July. 
      England will be without the services of Beth Mead with the forward to continuing her return to full fitness following her ACL injury last yearCredit: PA
      Bethany England’s clinical goalscoring for Tottenham led to her recallCredit: PA
      Wiegman says Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright have an important role to play in England’s bid to win the Women’s World Cup this summerCredit: Getty
      Euros Golden Boot winner Mead is continuing her recovery from a knee ligament rupture she suffered last November. 
      While the forward had hoped to make the contest, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand, she admitted a return could be too soon. 
      Wiegman, 53 said: “Beth is so positive and she’s doing really well.
      “But we said with the time schedule she had. She would have taken too many risks to try and get to the World Cup.
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      “I’m not willing to take that risk to push her too much and then she gets injured again because we also have to take care of players and do what is smart not do what’s a little bit naive.”
      Skipper Leah Williamson and playmaker Fran Kirby are currently sidelined by long-term injuries. 
      The duo were ruled out for World Cup duty with Williamson sustaining an ACL injury and Kirby contending a knee issue. 
      Wiegman added: “For Leah it’s very disappointing and very sad, but that’s the same for Fran and Beth, but you have to move on too. 
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      “This is unfortunately also a part of top sport that you can get injured. 
      “It’s a physical game and you hope to make that part as small as possible. 
      Wiegman named Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze with the head coach keen to have their experience in her squad following injuries to three of her senior stars. 
      Bright, who will captain the Lionesses, and Bronze were both included in the group, following their recent recoveries from knee surgical procedures. 
      The Lionesses chief added: “Lucy is fit, she’s fully in training. She’s getting ready for the (Champions League) final this Saturday. 
      “Millie is in a good place, she’s positive and she’s still building. 
      “But we have some time and so she’ll she’ll be with us too, but we need to build a little more, but it looks good
      “Of course you want them in because they have an important role for the team and they have impact. 
      “But you never know what happens in football so we think of the squad now, who do we have, what positions can the players play and what’s the next step so we always prepare it with them and without them.”
      Bethany England has earned a recall following her ruthless form for Tottenham helping the team win their battle to avoid relegation. 
      Following her January move from Chelsea, the striker netted 12 goals in 12 WSL games for the club who finished ninth in the top-flight. 
      Wiegman said: “She made a move and started playing in a hard situation at Tottenham.
      “But how she did and how she performed and the resilience showed, that made us make that decision.”
      WSL player of the season Rachel Daly has been added as one of England’s six forwards with Chelsea’s Lauren James and Brighton’s Katie Robinson. 
      Rachel Daly has been included Wiegman’s as one of England’s forwards after finishing as top scorer in the WSL this seasonCredit: Getty
      The duo will feature in their first major tournament as will Esme Morgan, Laura Coombs, Katie Zelem and Niamh Charles who were also called up . 
      Veteran England midfielder Jordan Nobbs also made Wiegman’s cut after impressing for Aston Villa this term. 
      However former England captain Steph Houghton was left out along with Man United striker Nikita Parris.
      And Red Devils ace Maya Le Tissier has been placed on the Lionesses’ standby list along with forward Jess Park and goalkeeper Emily Ramsey. 
      Wiegman said: “Maya was really close. That was a hard call.
      “We also see her a little bit more as a right full back and she plays for her club as centre back
      “She’s had a very good season for Manchester United. But this is the choice we made.”
      With England’s squad containing two non-white players, Wiegman was asked about the issue of diversity within the senior side. 
      The head coach acknowledged the situation is unlikely to change overnight.
      But she believes having equal access to football in schools could help.
      Wiegman hopes equal access to football in schools can help produce more players from different backgrounds for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Lauren James is among six Lionesses who will be playing in their first major international tournamentCredit: Getty
      The England boss said: “I understand that people look at it like that.  I really hope that will change, but it won’t change overnight.
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      “I know the FA is doing a lot of things with to get everyone who wants to play football, whatever background you have, that you can have access to it.
      “What our squad did after the Euros (raising awareness with equal access campaigns) hopefully that will bring more girls of different backgrounds into the game so in the future we have more players from different backgrounds in the national team too. ”
      England squad for the Women’s World Cup Goalkeepers:
      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City).
      Defenders:
      Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
      Midfielders:
      Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona) Katie Zelem (Manchester united).
      Forwards:
      Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Bethany England (Tottenham Hotspur), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion).
      Players on standby:
      Emily Ramsey (Everton), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United) and Jessica Park (Manchester City). More

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      England name Women’s World Cup squad as several stars left out by Sarina Wiegman including Euro 2022 hero

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      ENGLAND manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-woman squad for this year’s World Cup.Wiegman has made seven changes to last year’s European Championship winning squad.
      Wiegman has named her 23-woman squad for the Women’s World CupCredit: PA
      Daly has been named as an attacker following her prolific season with Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      Man Utd favourites Russo and Toone have been includedCredit: Getty
      The 2023 Women’s World Cup – which will take place in Australia and New Zealand – is set to kick off on July 20.
      England’s first match, against Haiti, is scheduled for July 22.
      The Lionesses are also set to face China and Denmark in the group stages.
      Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton and Ellie Roebuck remain the 53-year-old’s preferred goalkeepers.
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      Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright and Lotte Wubben-Moy keep their respective places along with midfielders Kiera Walsh, Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway.
      England’s attacking options include; Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly – who claimed the WSL Golden Boot award at the weekend.
      Daly, who started all six of England’s Euro 2022 games as a left-back, signed for Aston Villa last summer and enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign in the No.9 role, scoring 22 times and equalling Vivianne Miedema’s record for the most goals scored in a single WSL season.
      Lauren James is set to make her first appearance at a major tournament following her successful season with Chelsea, as is Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles, Katie Zelem, Laura Coombs and Katie Robinson.
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      Williamson misses out due to an ACL injuryCredit: Reuters
      Mead is also unavailable as she continues to recover from her ACL injuryCredit: Getty
      Jordan Nobbs returns to the squad after missing out on Euro 2022 due to a knee injury.
      England captain Leah Williamson was ruled out of the tournament in April after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
      She is set to pass the captain’s armband to vice skipper Bright.
      Beth Mead – Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament – has also missed out on a spot in the squad due to an ACL injury she sustained in November.
      Earlier this month, the 28-year-old revealed that she was hopeful of earning a place in the squad despite missing a large chunk of the season.
      She told Sky Sports: “The injury’s okay, I’m a good five months in and back on the pitch and kicking a ball again, feeling good, ahead of schedule. That’s all I can do that’s in my control right now.
      “I wouldn’t say I’m confident [of going to the World Cup] because it’s out of my control, but I’m working hard to get as close to it as possible – but at the end of the day, it’s probably going to be Sarina’s decision.”
      However, Wiegman believes the tournament comes too soon for the Arsenal star.
      Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby is also set to miss out on the tournament.
      The 29-year-old was ruled out for a “significant” period earlier this month after it was revealed that she required knee surgery.
      When naming her chosen squad, Wieman said: “I have huge belief in this squad and we’re very fortunate to be selecting a fantastic group of players to travel to Australia.
      “We know we will face tough challenges from strong teams, and we will have to be competitive from the first match on 22 July. We will doeverything to be at our very best again this summer.
      “It is important the players get some well-deserved time to rest and recover over the next few weeks before we start the final preparations to get them ready.
      “We learned a lot of positive lessons about how to get the players fit, fresh and ready from the EURO last summer and we know what we have to do to make sure we hit the ground running in the right way when the tournament starts.”
      Steph Houghton, Maya Le Tissier and Nikita Parris narrowly miss out on a spot in the squad.
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      Le Tissier has been named on the standby list along with Jess Park and goalkeeper Emily Ramsey.
      Wiegman added: “It is always tough to leave some players out of the squad, but they know they could still be needed if we have any issues before we start the tournament. I am very happy that we have such a professional group.” More

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      Smith and Flaherty hope to see Bethany England included in Lionesses squad ahead of Women’s World Cup

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      KELLY SMITH and Gilly Flaherty hope Bethany England will make Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup squad today. The striker, 29, has been in lethal form since her British record-breaking January transfer to Tottenham from Chelsea. 
      Bethany England’s effort could see her make a return to the Lionesses squadCredit: Getty
      Kelly Smith hopes to see England included in the squad selected by Lionesses boss Sarina WiegmanCredit: Getty
      Gilly Flaherty also wants to see England named in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad ahead of the Women’s World Cup in JulyCredit: Getty
      She became their all-time leading scorer in the top tier, netting 12 goals in 12 WSL appearances following her move for a reported fee of £250,000. 
      Her efforts helped the team win their battle to avoid relegation from the WSL with Tottenham finishing ninth in the table this season.
      England was not included Wiegman’s last squad before her team’s Women’s Finalissima win against Brazil and 2-0 friendly loss to Australia in April.
      Lionesses legend Smith, 44, who made 117 senior international appearances during her playing career,  believes a recall is deserved. 
      She said: “I expect Bethany England to be in there. I think she’s a player that needs to be in that set up. 
      Retired WSL ace Gilly Flaherty, 31, agreed, adding: “Beth deserves a call-up. 
      “She helped keep Tottenham up (in the WSL) with so many important goals. 
      “I would love to see her on that plane and I hope to see England do as well as they possibly can (at the tournament).” 
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      At 2:00 pm today England boss Wiegman will pick her 23-strong squad ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which starts on July 20th. 
      The announcement will be made at the home of grassroots football club Boldmere St. Michaels FC in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.
      Smith also thinks Rachel Daly can help fill the void left up front, with Fran Kirby out with a knee injury and Beth Mead a big doubt. 
      This month the Arsenal forward told Sky Sports she is doing all she can to be fit but acknowledged the World Cup may be too soon for her return
      Villa striker, Daly, 31, finished this season as the WSL’s top scorer — bagging 22 goals in 22 games.
      Rachel Daly won the Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Season award following her displays for Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      This saw the Lioness, who has played for England as a full-back, equal the record set by Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema in the 2018-19 
      Smith, who is now a Barclays WSL ambassador, added: “I want to see Rachel as a striker, not as a left-back, given her performances and goal ratio this season. 
      “I also want to see Millie Bright in there for her leadership, grit and determination. Hopefully England will have a good showing.” More

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      ‘Manchester feels like home. I can only get better and grow’, says Man City striker Bunny Shaw

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      KHADIJA SHAW expects her ruthless form to improve at Manchester City after signing a two-year contract extension with the WSL side. The striker’s new deal with the club runs until the summer of 2026 and follows her finishing as this WSL season’s second highest scorer.
      Khadija Shaw’s form has led to the WSL ace extending her contract at Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      The Jamaica striker, whose is nicknamed Bunny, scored 31 goals in 30 games across all competitions this term
      Shaw’s previous contract, a three-year one she signed in 2021, was set to come to an end next summer. 
      And Man City, who finished fourth, are eager to retain the services of the player who bagged 20 goals in 22 top-flight games this term. 
      Shaw, 26, who goes by the nickname Bunny, said: “City is the perfect place for me. 
      “I put all my effort and time on the pitch and obviously for the position I play and the quality I have around me, I know I’m going to be in positions to score goals.
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      “I’m delighted to continue my journey with this amazing group. 
      “Everyone made me feel welcome from the first day I came here.”
      This season Shaw has established a formidable attacking triumvirate alongside City and England forwards Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly. 
      Together the trio notched up 36 goals and 22 assists in the WSL season. 
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      “I enjoy the way we play and I’m at a stage now where I understand the way we play and I can only get better and grow.”
      Shaw, who goes by the nickname Bunny, joined City from French club Bordeaux two years ago.
      The player, who has scored 50 times for Gareth’s Southgate’s side, bagged 31 goals in 30 games across all competitions this term.
      Of her life in Manchester, Shaw adds: “I’ve always said Manchester feels like home away from home too. 
      “I enjoy coming into the City ground every day and training with the group, vibing with the girls and I also have family here, so Manchester has felt like home ever since I arrived.”
      This month Shaw was named Concacaf Women’s Player of the Year, beating off competition from five players including USA’s Alex Morgan and Canada’s Jessie Fleming 
      She is set to play for Jamaica at this year’s World Cup with the Reggae Girlz facing Euros 2022 semi-finalists France in their group stage opener. 
      Gareth Taylor believes Shaw will improve the form that has seen her finish as the second highest scorer in the WSL this termCredit: PA
      Citizens boss Gareth Taylor added: “Bunny’s growth and development as a player over the past two years, but particularly this season, has been fantastic.

      “She is still a young player who wants to improve and is hungry for success. 
      “We’re only scratching the surface with her which is a very exciting prospect as we aim to develop her even further over the next three years.” More

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      Man Utd Foundation chief slammed for ‘casual sexism’ after telling England ace Alessia Russo her award is ‘too heavy’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S charity chief executive is embroiled in a sexism storm – with fans claiming he suggested Alessia Russo was not strong enough to lift her award.Russo was crowned Women’s Player of the Year at the end-of-season gala on Monday.
      Man Utd Foundation CEO sparked controversy with his comment to Alessia RussoCredit: Twitter
      She scored 12 goals for the Red Devils as they were pipped to the WSL title by Chelsea on the final day.
      But the England ace, who was the subject of a world-record bid from Arsenal amid contract uncertainty, appeared unimpressed when she received the gong.
      That was because Manchester United Foundation boss John Shiels suggested Russo – who he appeared to call “Alexa” – would be unable to hold the “heavy” trophy.
      In a video circulated online, Shiels says: “I’m not going to give this trophy to Alessia because it’s so heavy.
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      “I’ve just been in a weight-training session.”
      But Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves, hosting the night, quickly interjected.
      Shreeves cut in: “I think you (Russo) can take it quite happily can’t you?”
      He then added to Shiels, who kept holding on to the glass ball as he eventually passed it over: “John, you need to do a bit more weight training, it’s not that heavy.”
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      A polite Russio then confirms: “It’s fine. Yep.”
      The video has led to widespread criticism aimed at Shiels – including from talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods.
      Woods said: “How to make a great moment really bloody awkward.”
      Another wrote: “Second hand embarrassment from this. Alessia looks so uncomfortable and embarrassed. Unfortunately still people out there who treat female athletes differently. Such an unnecessary comment to make.”
      A third added: “These are our players… we should be protecting them not adding to the misogyny and sexist comments that they already have to live with.”
      A fourth replied: “That was really unprofessional and an absolute embarrassment.”
      A fifth commented: “Casual sexism at a moment when she should be celebrated. Such a poor way to treat our own player.”
      And a final user typed: “Yikes. She handled it so well, but what a mess.”
      ‘I AM MORTIFIED’
      Shiels apologised to Russo and clarified his misjudged comments.
      He said: “Last night I had the honour of presenting Alessia Russo with the Women’s Goal of the Season award at the Manchester United end-of-season awards ceremony.
      “I made a comment about the weight of the trophy which I know has caused offence. I am mortified by this and want to apologise to Alessia, her team-mates, and anyone else offended.
      “I alerted Alessia to the weight of the trophy because I was shocked by how heavy it felt, and would have done the same if presenting to a male player.
      “I simply did not want her to drop it. However, on reflection, I can see why the comment has been misconstrued.
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      “Female empowerment is at the heart of Manchester United Foundation’s work in our local community, with almost 10,000 girls and young women taking part in our programmes annually.
      “I’m proud of this work and upset that my remarks created a distraction from the fantastic achievements of Alessia and the women’s team this season.”
      Shiels apologised to Russo for the commentCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs1urN7tU5w/
      Russo enjoyed a superb season for the Red DevilsCredit: PA More

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      Paul Konchesky leaves job as West Ham Women’s chief after one year at the helm of the WSL team

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      PAUL KONCHESKY has left his role as boss of West Ham Women after one season in charge.The departure of the former Irons’ left-back follows a season that saw the team finish eighth after one win in 12 WSL games since January. 
      Paul Konchesky has left his role as West Ham Women’s chief after steering the team through 29 gamesCredit: Getty
      Konchesky’s departure comes a day after the Irons’ 2-2 draw with Tottenham in their final match this seasonCredit: Getty
      Konchesky, 42, who made 70 appearances for the club’s men’s side, took charge of the women’s team in May 2022. 
      The ex-England defender was promoted from his role as assistant following the departure of the Irons’ former head coach Olli Harder. 
      During his stint in charge Konchesky led his team to this year’s league cup semi-final where they fell to a 7-0 loss to Chelsea in February. 
      He told West Ham’s website: “I am proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to manage this club.
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      “My players and my staff have always given me 100%.
      “While some of our results have been disappointing this season, we still have a lot to be proud of, including reaching the semi-final of the Conti Cup. I wish the club well for the future.”
      Konchesky, who signed a two-year deal to manage the team, has departed after 29 games at the helm. 
      His last match in charge saw the team register a 2-2 draw with London rivals Tottenham who finished one place below his side in the top tier. 
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      West Ham Women’s general manager, Aidan Boxall, said: “We would like to thank Paul for his contribution to the club, both as manager and during his spell as assistant manager. 
      “He has played a key role in the ongoing development of the women’s team and we wish him well for the future.”
      Konchesky’s departure comes a day after Kate Longhurst announced she is leaving the club this summer following the end of her contract.
      The lifelong Irons fan, 34, joined the team in 2018 as part of their first-ever professional women’s side. 
      And she played her final match for the team in their score draw at home with Spurs 
      Longhurst, who has made 129 West Ham appearances, said: “While I can’t hide my sadness at moving on, I am leaving full of pride.
      Kate Longhurst has bid farewell to West Ham after a five-year spell at the clubCredit: Reuters
      “I am so proud of my time here and my role in the founding years of a professional women’s team at this club.
      “West Ham United has been my whole life. In my younger years, that was solely as a fan. 
      “But in the last few years, I have also had the immense privilege to play for the club I love so much.” More

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      ‘This has definitely been my hardest year’, says Emma Hayes after leading Chelsea to their sixth WSL title

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      EMMA HAYES believes Chelsea’s title-winning chase this season has been her hardest after leading her side to a fourth successive league crown. Sam Kerr’s brace and Guro Reiten’s skillful strike paved the way for the Blues’ 3-0 win against Reading with the Royals relegated to the Women’s Championship. 
      Emma Hayes hailed Chelsea for finding different ways to win after the Blues lifted their sixth WSL titleCredit: Getty
      Hayes described Chelsea’s triumph as a victory for her backroom staff as well as her team but said she was sad to see Kelly Chambers’ side relegatedCredit: PA
      Chelsea notched up 19 wins in 22 WSL games on their way to winning the titleCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s sixth title win came in a season that saw Hayes absent from the dugout for a period with the head coach recovering from an emergency hysterectomy. 
      Her players maintained their winning streak during that spell, with Blues assistant Denise Reddy and general manager Paul Green on the touchline and Hayes in touch with them remotely.
      And their domestic form picked up following their gaffer’s return. 
      Towards the end of the season the team won their last seven games across all competitions scoring 25 goals and conceding just once. 
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      During that run the Blues lifted the FA Cup for a fifth time.
      And their only domestic losses this term occurred against Liverpool in the league in September, and to Arsenal in the Conti Cup final in March.
      Hayes, 46, said: “This has definitely been the hardest year.
      “I’m relieved that it’s over, for lots of reasons.
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      “I’m actually a bit sad because winning the league and relegating a friend doesn’t feel good in my soul, with who I am. 
      “It’s a victory for the team because my backroom staff have carried me in so many different ways this year. 
      “They’ve been unbelievable, particularly in the first part of the season when I was unwell. 
      “The team has carried each other and the senior players who didn’t play as much.
      “I think other seniors picked them up, and the second half of the season we saw so many of our newer players start to bear fruit. 
      “We found different ways to win, and you have to, it can’t look the same all the time.”
      Chelsea’s title triumph saw them break the record for the most wins in a season by a WSL side with the team winning 19 of their 22 games this term. 
      One of their standout performers this term has been Norway forward Reiten who has notched up nine goals in the WSL this term. 
      Hayes added: “Guro deserves to be recognised as one of the best players in the world because she is
       “She’s my player of the season. She’s unreal and exceptional. She’s really grown up and become a leader in this team.
      “I think (for us) when you’re always chasing the whole year, because you lose the first game and then games are cancelled.
      “It almost felt like the pressure wasn’t on us in many ways, because we were never in the front position for long. 
      “This year we knew we had to dig out results sometimes when we didn’t create many chances, those sort of things. 
      “It’s just unbelievable character from the players to do that. 
      “I think it’s the same off the pitch, my staff have been unreal at keeping the team ticking along.”
      Reading’s loss sees Kelly Chambers’ side return to the Championship for the first time since 2015.
      The Royals have previously been one of the WSL’s most resilient sides achieving mid-table finishes in recent years, 
      Under Chambers, who is a mum-of-one and pregnant with her second child, the team finished fourth in 2018. 
      However injuries to players including Rachel Rowe and forward Deanne Rose has seen them struggle in recent months. 
      Royals boss Chambers  said: “When you’re trying to compete with the teams in and around us this season, it was always going to get harder and harder every season, especially when you haven’t had the investment to keep up with those teams. 
      “We are where we are now. It will hurt, especially for someone like myself who’s been here for so long.
      “It’s a case of reset, rebuild and go again.”
      Reading’s relegation comes in a year that has seen the club’s men’s side drop down from the Championship to League One. 
      On whether the women’s team will remain a full-time outfit, Chambers added: “I hope so.
      “We’ve got players and staff who are still with us in full-time capacity, so yeah, that’s what I want to happen.
      Kelly Chambers says Reading will be focused on a reset and rebuild following their relegationCredit: Getty
      “If we want to be a team who competes and bounces back in the championship that’s the way the championship is going now.
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      “If you are going to be in that league and you want to compete, you’ve got to be in that set-up.
      “They’re the plans I’ve put forward so fingers crossed that the club can support us doing that.” More

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      Kelly Smith backs Arsenal and Chelsea to ‘push on’ in Europe and reflects on ‘goosebumps’ moment at the Emirates

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      KELLY SMITH is backing Arsenal to bounce back from their injury struggles and their younger stars to shine next term. And the Gunners legend, 44, reckons this season’s WSL title and relegation battles have made it one the most enthralling. 
      Arsenal will host Aston Villa in their final game of the WSL season at 2:30 pm todayCredit: Getty
      Centre-back Rafaelle is set to make her final appearance for the club with the Brazil star leaving Arsenal this summerCredit: Getty
      Kelly Smith believes Arsenal will grow and ‘kick on’ following the injury issues they have faced this seasonCredit: Getty
      Reading and Chelsea will go head-to-head in a game likely to decide who will be crowned WSL champions and which side drops into the Championship. 
      Three points for the Blues would guarantee them a fourth successive WSL crown under boss Emma Hayes.
      And a Royals victory could potentially see Kelly Chambers’ side, who are bottom, win their battle to beat the drop if Leicester lose or draw with Brighton. 
      Smith, who is a Barclays WSL ambassador, told SunSport: “It’s been so exciting because it’s all come down to the last day. 
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      “Whether it’s Man United or Chelsea winning, or whether it’s Leicester or Reading going down, it’s been the most competitive season. 
      “Kelly Chambers is a really good manager and she’s been in the league for a long time and Reading have been a mid-table team. 
      “But they’ve just fallen away as the season has gone on. 
      “It’s going to be a miracle needed for them to turn that around and beat a team that’s hungry to win a third title.”
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      A Reading defeat of Chelsea could also pave the way for Manchester United to lift the title for the first time should Marc Skinner’s team beat Liverpool. 
      Their clash at Prenton Hall  is one of six fixtures taking place later on the final day of this WSL season. 
      Of Skinner and Man United’s efforts, Smith added: “He’s done an incredible job, particularly defensively. 
      “He’s made them really sound and they’ve got the best defensive record in the WSL. 
      “The partnership between Hayley Ladd and Katie Zelem has been exceptional in the middle and they’ve got goals coming from everyone.
      Smith reckons Manchester United have become more defensively sound under Marc SkinnerCredit: PA
      “They’ve done exceptionally well beating Arsenal back-to-back this season and winning against Man City. You can see there’s belief.”
      Last month saw Smith return to her old side to take up a coaching role working until the end of this term. 
      Her work with the Gunners has come in a season in which the team have been contending with injuries to key players including Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. 
      Smith, who lifted four league titles and five FA Cups with Arsenal, said: “It’s been tough for them losing so many key players to long-term injuries. 
      “It’s been psychologically difficult for the squad but they’ve worked with a sport psychologist and other players have stepped up.
      “Lotte Wubben-Moy has been quality at the back.
      “And younger players coming in like Katherine Kuhl and Victoria Pelova have got a lot more game time. 
      “When you consider those we’ve lost (to injuries) like Kim Little, Lia Walti, Beth Mead, Viv Miedema – those players probably wouldn’t have got a lot of match time.
      “They would have been coming off the bench to be impact players.
      “They certainly will grow from this and will kick on next season. 
      “I expect next season to be even better for Arsenal. I see it day-in, day-out with the quality in this squad.
      “They really get what Jonas (Eidevall) wants from them.”
      Smith was in the dugout when the Gunners battled Wolfsburg in a Champions League second-leg semis watched by a record Emirates crowd. 
      And while they fell to a 3-2 loss being at the ground filled with more than 60,000 fans was an unforgettable experience. 
      Smith, who won the contest in 2007 with Arsenal,  added: “It is goosebumps stuff really
      “Walking out as a former player and now a coach and just looking around, it’s just like ‘wow, this is unreal’. 
      Smith expects her old club and Chelsea to push on in Europe next term following their run to the Champions League semi-finals this season.   
      She said: “Chelsea and Arsenal are getting closer given they have reached the semi-finals. 
      Smith hopes to see bigger crowds at women’s games next season following some record turnouts this termCredit: Getty
      “Our players certainly learned a lot throughout their campaign playing at the Emirates.
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      “There’s going to be new players coming in for next season. 
      “Top players want to be playing Champions League football. If Arsenal can secure that it’s a major bonus for the club.” More