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      Aston Villa kit suppliers have two solutions to ‘wet shirt’ problem that risked Alisha Lehmann wardrobe malfunction

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      CASTORE have provided two solutions to Aston Villa’s “wet shirt” problem.Players from both the men’s and women’s teams at Villa have complained about their home kit this season.
      Castore have offered two solutions to Aston Villa’s ‘wet-look’ kit issuesCredit: Getty
      The problem saw Alisha Lehmann and her team-mates risk a wardrobe malfunctionCredit: Rex
      The shirt has become visibly wet during matches due to failing to absorb sweat, making it heavy on the players.
      Members of the Villa women’s team, including Alisha Lehmann, were also at risk of a wardrobe malfunction due to the issue.
      Ahead of the new Women’s Super League season, their players raised concerns about the impact the issue could have after seeing the men’s team play in the wet-look kit.
      According to The Telegraph, kit suppliers Castore have now found the cause of the problem and provided two solutions.
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      The issue is said to have been caused by an “imbalance” related to the sponsor logo on the shirt, rather than the fabric.
      In order to fix the issue, Castore have offered to provide a new batch of kits with small adjustments made to the impacted areas.
      Alternatively, the current batch can be recalled, with the same changes made to those kits.
      Lehmann and her team-mates wore the wet-look kit in their WSL opener against Manchester United earlier this month.
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      After noticing the problem, Villa boss Carla Ward told reporters: “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.”
      Villa had reportedly held talks with Castore over cutting their contract short at the end of the season.
      The kit manufacturer are set to begin a new deal with Everton from next summer. More

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      Emma Hayes keen on taking ‘mindful’ approach on Kerr and Kirby return to Chelsea first team action following injuries

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      EMMA HAYES warns Chelsea fans need to be patient when it comes to hopes of seeing Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby starting together this term. The prolific duo are yet to feature in Hayes’ first XI this season with the Blues boss carefully managing their returns.
      Sam Kerr came off the bench for Chelsea in their WSL clash with Manchester City last time outCredit: Getty
      In recent Kerr and Fran Kirby have developed a prolific attacking partnership for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      West Ham will be the Blues’ next opponents in their first WSL game at Kingsmeadow this termCredit: Getty
      Kerr, who has bagged 86 goals in 110 Chelsea games, was a second-half substitute during the title-holders’ dramatic draw with Manchester City last Sunday.
      It was the Blues’ striker’s first top-flight appearance since her return to fitness from a calf injury sustained on World Cup duty with Australia. 
      Hayes, whose team hosts West Ham at Kingsmeadow on Saturday, said: “Yes – Sam played games in the World Cup on the back end.
      “But she didn’t train that entire period. 
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      “She then had a couple of weeks break then had the same injury, so she’s only had one week’s training. We have to be mindful of that. 
      “Sam has had her first full training week and is available for selection. 
      “But you have got to make decisions on what’s right for Sam in the long term, and not just immediate decisions.
      “That’s because the crowd will remember and want to see certain partnerships together. 
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      “As football managers, I don’t think people really realise sometimes you’re managing so many other things that may not always allow you to put players and combinations of players together. 
      “We’re getting closer to it and we’re another week closer, so I’m happy for that reason.
       “I think for the players, they’re just getting back into the rhythm of being there.
      “Coaches always want training weeks, so I’d much rather be in that position, but players always want games.”
      Kerr and Kirby have formed a lethal attacking partnership in recent seasons
      In their first year together during the Blues’ 2020-21 campaign, the team-mates scored and assisted 13 times as a duo. 
      Their prolific displays played a key part in Chelsea claiming the second of four consecutive WSL titles they have won since 2019. 
      However the second half of last term saw Kirby sidelined from knee injury sustained in March during a Conti Cup duel with West Ham.
      Hayes, whose team have one win and one draw, added: “With Fran Kirby – yes, she’s had a pre-season.
      “But she has missed a large chunk of last season, so we’re building particularly Fran into the season.  
      “This is the first week we’ve had Sam being able to train with the team in its entirety and had Fran at the same time, and Lauren at the same time. 
      “I think this week, we’ve looked much more like ourselves.”
      Chelsea’s Saturday evening clash with West Ham will see them play at Kingsmeadow for the first time this term.
      Their previous home game – held at Stamford Bridge – saw them seal a 2-1 win against Tottenham with James and summer-signing Mia Fischel both netting in front of 
      On how the Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge atmospheres compare, Hayes said: “I’m a bit old school so I love Kingsmeadow.
      “I like the feeling of the crowd on top of you. 
      “I like the banter you get from the away fans, I enjoy all of that. It makes me chuckle during a game. 
      “But from where I sit (at Kingsmeadow) I can see this section of our longest-serving, most ardent fans singing their tunes. 
      “And you can’t hear that in the biggest stadiums but I for sure can hear it at Kingsmeadow.  I love being there. It’s our other home.”
      Saturday’s game will see Chelsea face Rehanne Skinner’s Irons without the services of Fischel and Guro Reiten with both currently crocked.
      West Ham have won two of their last three games across all competitions under their new boss Rehanne SkinnerCredit: PA
      And Hayes is expecting a tough encounter seventh-placed West Ham side facing Chelsea for the first time under Skinner. 
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      The Blues boss added: “West Ham have all the qualities to do well, particularly because of the way the front two work. 
      “We think they’ve done really well in pre-season and in their first two games from what we’ve analysed. We certainly don’t underestimate them.” More

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      Jorge Vilda to become Morocco women’s boss a month after being fired from Spain head coach job

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      JORGE VILDA is set to return to coaching just over a month after being axed from his role as Spain Women’s boss. The controversial head coach will take charge of Morocco Women’s national team with an official unveiling scheduled on Sunday. 
      Jorge Vilda is to become Morocco women’s coach and sporting directorCredit: AFP
      The unveiling of Vilda as the Atlas Lionesses’ new boss comes 40 days after he was sacked from his role as Spain women’s head coachCredit: Getty
      Vilda, 42, was dismissed from his role as boss of the Women’s World Cup winners two weeks and two days after they won the tournament for the first time on August 20. 
      The firing of the football coach, followed the repercussions that occurred after former Spain FA President Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss of Jenni Hermoso. 
      The  ex-Spanish FA chief, 46, kissed Hermoso on the mouth during a medal presentation ceremony for this year’s World Cup winners.
      The incident occurred following Spain’s 1-0 defeat of England in the contest final in Sydney, Australia. 
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      Afterwards the former Barcelona striker, 33, who is her national side’s all-time record scorer, said the kiss was non-consensual.
      It is an allegation which Rubiales denies. 
      Vilda’s sacking last month came ten days after Rubiales was suspended from his job as Spanish FA president
      His former boss would later resign from the post in September following his suspension.
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      Former La Roja gaffer Vilda came under fire for applauding his ex-boss during an emergency Spanish FA assembly.
      During the gathering Rubiales initially refused to quit his role as president following his controversial kiss. 
      Vilda’s impending appointment as Morocco Women’s head coach comes while he is under investigation as part of an alleged sexual assault and coercion case against Rubiales.
      The case was brought to court by Hermoso following the kiss incident.
      Vilda is set to replace Reynald Pedros at the helm of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations finalists. 
      In August the Frenchman guided the team to the World Cup’s last 16 stage with Morocco reaching the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time in their history.
      However Pedros was axed from his role following the team losing two friendly fixtures to Zambia  last month including a 6-2 defeat at home. 
      They are due to play Namibia in November over two legs in round two of CAF’s Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. 
      Reports in Spain claim Champions League-winning coach Lluis Cortez turned down the chance to become Morocco’s head coach prior to Vilda’s appointment. 
      Morocco made history by reaching the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup for the first time this yearCredit: Alamy
      Spanish sports journalist Andrea Pelaez claimed former Barcelona boss rejected the job upon learning that Vilda would be joining his set-up. 
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      It is thought the ex-La Roja boss was initially expected to become a technical director of grassroots. 
      However he will become the team’s coach and sporting director. More

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      Beth Mead back in full training in boost for Arsenal before Emirates clash with Aston Villa

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      BETH MEAD has given Arsenal a huge boost with the forward back in full training for the first time since her return to fitness from a serious knee injury. The WSL ace, 28, was put through her paces earlier today with her team-mates before their Emirates duel with Aston Villa.
      Beth Mead did some training with her team-mates earlier this term and is now back in full sessionsCredit: Getty
      The WSL star, who helped Arsenal win the league in 2019, is nearing a return to action for Jonas Eidevall’s sideCredit: Getty
      The Gunners fans’ favourite took part in a behind-closed-doors training match with Arsenal’s women’s youth players on Wednesday. 
      Her last appearance for Jonas Eidevall’s team was last November during their 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the league at the Emirates.
      Back then the Euros Golden Boot winner ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament.
      The injury saw her sidelined for the rest of last season with the WSL star missing also this summer’s World Cup.
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      Mead’s return to full training comes at a time of mixed results for the Gunners so far this term.
      Eidevall’s side, who finished third in the WSL season, have picked up one point from their first two top-flight games.
      The league cup holders fell to a surprise 1-0 season-opening loss to Liverpool before going on to earn a point on the road against Manchester United last Friday. 
      The WSL giants also fell to a surprise loss to Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League.
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      The Gunners, who reached the contest semis this year, were knocked out of the tournament’s qualifiers after losing a penalty shootout. 
      During the season before her knee injury, Mead notched up 11 goals and eight assists in 20 WSL games. 
      And her stunning displays on the international stage help England win the Women’s Euros for the first time last summer.
      The forward finished as the tournament’s top scorer bagging six goals.
      This Sunday will see Mead’s side chase their first win of the season when they host Villa, who they have beaten four times in six WSL encounters.  
      Rachel Daly and her Aston Villa pals will take on Arsenal at the Emirates with both teams chasing their first wins this seasonCredit: Getty
      So far the club have sold more than 32,500 tickets for the fixture which kicks off at 2:00 pm at the Emirates on October 15.
      The last meeting between the rivals ended in a 2-0 away loss for the Gunners on the final day of last season. 
      However this term Villa are yet to pick up a point after losing to Manchester United and Liverpool in their season-opening matches. More

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      Glamorous footballer Alisha Lehmann reveals superstar rapper Drake slid into her DMs to make surprising request

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has revealed she received a surprising request from rapper Drake.The Canadian superstar slid into her DMs to ask the Aston Villa star for a piece of memorabilia.
      Alisha Lehmann has revealed Drake slid in her DMs to make a surprising requestCredit: Getty
      Drake asked Lehmann for one of her jerseysCredit: Getty
      Lehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirts.
      Speaking on the DirTea Talk podcast, she explained: “That was only three days ago. Drake wrote to me! He asked me for a jersey.”
      She also revealed on the podcast that another A-list celebrity had offered her £90,000 for a night of passion.
      As for Drake, his interest in football has previously seen him make headlines for placing massive bets on matches.
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      Ahead of last year’s World Cup final, he revealed he had placed a £814,000 wager on Argentina to beat France in normal time.
      Unfortunately for the musician, the match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Argentina instead winning on penalties.
      Lehmann has become one of women’s football’s most recognisable stars off the pitch.
      With 15.5million Instagram followers, the Switzerland international is the most-followed female footballer in the world.
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      Lehmann revealed the request on the DirTea Talk podcastCredit: instagram
      The Aston Villa star is the most-followed female footballer in the worldCredit: instagram
      Each of her posts are said to be worth a staggering £240,000 thanks to her follower count.
      Meanwhile, she recently became the first female athlete to sign a marketing deal with Prime, the sports drink owned by KSI and Logan Paul.
      On the field, she joined Aston Villa in 2021 following spells with Young Boys, West Ham and Everton.
      She has since scored 10 goals in 54 appearances for Villa and signed a new three-year deal back in August.
      Lehmann has also started both of the club’s first two Women’s Super League matches so far this season.
      Prior to the start of the campaign, the 24-year-old was a part of Switzerland’s Women’s World Cup squad.
      The forward made two appearances as the Swiss side reached the round of 16.
      Lehmann recently signed a new three-year deal with VillaCredit: Getty
      She also starred for Switzerland at this summer’s Women’s World CupCredit: Getty More

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      A-list celeb offered me £90k for night of passion, reveals ‘world’s sexiest footballer’ Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann

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      ASTON Villa star Alisha Lehmann has revealed she turned down an Indecent Proposal – after a celebrity offered £90,000 for a night of love.The Swiss international – dubbed the “world’s sexiest footballer” – is one of the Women’s Super League’s highest-profile players.
      Alisha Lehmann said she received an Indecent Proposal from an A-list starCredit: instagram
      Aston Villa striker Lehmann is known as the world’s sexiest footballer
      Openly bisexual Lehmann joined Villa in 2021 after spells with West Ham and Everton.
      The 24-year-old striker was previously in a relationship with Swiss national teammate Ramona Bachmann before dating her Villa clubmate Douglas Luiz.
      She has now claimed an international A-lister offered her big money for sex while she was in America.
      The alleged scenario evokes the 1993 movie smash Indecent Proposal, where a billionaire stranger offers Demi Moore’s character $1million to spend a night with her.
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      Lehmann made her revelations in the Dir Tea Talk podcast, hosted by German rapper Shirin David.
      She described the man as “internationally” famous but declined to name him.
      She recalled: “I was in Miami, my favourite place, and I met some friends at a club.
      “I got a message on my mobile, which I didn’t reply to, but the same person then messaged the bodyguard looking after me.
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      “The texts came from a very well known person.  We had previously bumped into one another at an event.
      “The message said: ‘I will pay Alisha 100,000 Swiss francs to spend a night with her.’
      “But my answer was – no way! And just 100,000?”
      Lehmann claimed her bodyguard then received further messages, this time from the star’s agent, begging the footballer to accept his client’s offer.
      She added: “The crazy thing is that I still have his message on my phone.  It is a bit stupid.
      “Is it from a footballer? I cannot reveal his name.
      “But he is very, very well known on an international level.”
      Alisha, who regularly posts stunning pics to her 15.5million Instagram followers, makes no secret of the fact that she fancies both men and women.
      She is thought to be paid just £160,000 a year by Villa, but makes many times more from sponsorships thanks to her glam image.
      She poses in a variety of sexy outfits in her 2024 calendar – but insists her humble upbringing keeps her grounded.
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      She says of growing up in a village: “We just played street football all day.
      “This makes me so humble.”
      Alisha Lehmann poses in sexy boots for her new calendar
      She regularly posts stunning pictures on Instagram More

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      England Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps’ shirts sell out hours after going on sale – and now fetching huge sums on eBay

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      NIKE finally released Mary Earps England shirts on Monday – only for them to sell out in a matter of hours.Earps, 30, was left “hugely disappointed” ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup after the sportswear company failed to put any goalkeeper shirts on sale.
      Nike finally released Mary Earps shirts on MondayCredit: Getty
      Some sold for double the retail price on eBay
      The Manchester United star also revealed that she had been “fighting behind closed doors” and “trying to go through the correct channels” in a bid to find a solution.
      Nike initially decided against selling the shirts, but they made a U-turn in August and announced that a limited quantity would be released.
      And on Monday morning, exactly 50 days after the World Cup final, they were finally put on sale.
      Three colour options – pink, green and yellow – were available to fans with ‘Earps 1’ on the back.
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      The shirts were priced at £99.95 on the official Nike website, but some have since been put up on eBay for DOUBLE the price.
      Two shirts – one yellow and one pink – have been sold for an astonishing £199.99.
      Another two have both been sold for £159.99 and one has gone for £174.99.
      Earps took to Instagram on Monday evening to confirm that Nike will be putting more shirts on sale at retail price.
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      She said: “Didn’t realise these were going on sale today and you’ve sold them out already!
      “More are coming before the end of the year and in more sizes (kids & adults) – so stay tuned!
      “Thank you all for your incredible support on this. You guys have made this happen!”
      The United star played a crucial part in England’s journey to the Women’s World Cup final earlier this year.
      Although England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain at the last hurdle, Earps came away from Australia with the Golden Glove.
      She was also named The Best Women’s Goalkeeper in the World by FIFA in February. More

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      Watch England Lionesses hero get sent off for timewasting in FIRST HALF as Ian Wright blasts it as ’embarrassing’

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      ENGLAND defender Alex Greenwood was sent off for time wasting during Manchester City’s WSL clash with Chelsea this afternoon.The 30-year-old was penalised while taking a free kick in the 39th minute of the match.
      Alex Greenwood was sent off for time wasting against ChelseaCredit: PA
      Chloe Kelly was left furious about the decisionCredit: Reuters
      With the ball just inside Man City’s half, Greenwood took around 25 seconds to find the pass.
      But just as she went to take the kick, referee Emily Heaslip blew her whistle before giving the England Lioness a second yellow.
      Greenwood, who stood still in disbelief, did not receive a warning prior to her dismissal.
      And her team-mates were left furious as a result, with Laia Aleixandri, Jill Roord and Chloe Kelly booked for dissent.
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      England legend Ian Wright took to social media to criticise the “embarrassing” officiating.
      He tweeted: “Embarrassing. They keep telling us about laws of the game but where is common sense! Why would she be wasting time??? Kmt.”
      Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner and Arsenal star Beth Mead agreed, adding: “Awful decision, never time wasting.”
      Meanwhile, WSL legend Casey Stoney branded the decision “ridiculous” and a “joke”, writing: “Possibly the most ridiculous red card I’ve ever seen. How to ruin a game @BarclaysWSL. Absolute joke!!!!!”
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      Man City were leading the match against holding WSL Champions Chelsea 1-0 when they went down to 10 players.
      Kelly opened the scoring in spectacular style just seven minutes into the clash with an excellent strike from 25-yards out.
      England Lioness Lauren Hemp was sent off in the late stages after picking up a second yellow card.
      The first was for dissent, while the second followed a challenge on Lauren James.
      Chelsea went on to level the score in the sixth minute of added time through Guro Reiten.
      After the match, Man City boss Gareth Taylor claimed that Greenwood’s red card was a “gamechanger”.
      Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “The gamechanger is Alex’s [Greenwood] red card. It changes everything.
      “It is frustrating, particularly when we seemed to have gone from here to here [one extreme to another] on dishing out those yellow cards.
      “It is a difficult one to take because the players were magnificent defending the box against some really physical, direct players. Then with Alanna [Kennedy] off the pitch we think Khiara [Keating] has pulled off the save at the vital moment [before Chelsea scored].
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      “I’m so proud of the players. We were tremendous last week. This week was a different game. I spoke to Emma [Hayes] at the end and neither of us enjoyed that because those few decisions were a spoiler.
      “All we want to see is consistency. If that is going to happen in a game like that, then we need to see that applied across every game.”
      City went down to nine players at the end of the match after Lauren Hemp was sent offCredit: Reuters More