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      Kaminski says Crystal Palace must not to be overhelmed by ‘season of firsts’ in the Women’s Super League

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      LAURA KAMINSKI wants Crystal Palace to avoid being overwhelmed by their top-flight status following their WSL debut.And the Eagles boss reckons her side will show their top-flight pedigree when they host Chelsea tonight.Crystal Palace’s will host Chelsea in their first WSL outing at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyLaura Kaminksi says her players are prepared for the challenge they will face from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to maintain their unbeaten run under Sonia BompastorCredit: GettyPalace welcome the title-holders to Selhurst Park in their first London derby clash at the stadium in the Women’s Super League. The match will see Chelsea take on the South London side for the first time in the division.And the Eagles hope to take flight in the race for points after their 4-0 loss away to Tottenham last time out.Kaminski, whose side will visit Leicester next Sunday, said: “It’s a big opportunity and a big moment but it’s important that it doesn’t overwhelm the squad or me.Read More Football Stories”We’ve done so well to get into this position. “We need to remember this is what we want to do for many years to come.”Although there are many firsts this season, we need to make sure those moments don’t overwhelm us. “We’re there to play and to compete.Most read in Football“We’re expecting a lot of people and it will be great for the players to experience a night-time game. That will be a little bit new for us.“Our schedule looks different this season with fixtures timings.”Chelsea are a great side in terms of the players they have got. “We have looked at them at length so I know their threats and strengths. We will be prepared for them.”Palace’s rise to the top division in England comes just 14 months after Kaminski’s appointment as head coach.The Eagles boss took on the job following her role as a first-team assistant at Charlton Women and as a Spurs assistant for three years before then.Like Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, 44, Kaminski is one of three female managers who are new to being head coaches in the WSL.And the Palace chief believes her side will have a point to prove when they face Bompastor’s Blues.  Kaminski adds: “It’s a new manager so a change for them and will bring differences to their squad and tactics no doubt.”It’s only the second game of the season so it’s a tough start for us but that’s what we wanted and expected.”We want to showcase ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. “Sonia is a very respectable manager and she has achieved loads in her career as well as the players on the pitch.”But we have a lot of points to prove as well. We want to be here to stay. We want to make this club proud of our performance.”One key Palace player currently out of action due to an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury is striker Elise Hughes. The Wales ace, who won last term’s Women’s Championship’s Golden Boot, is making good progress in her journey back to fitness. Kaminski said: “Elise in a good place and we need to make sure that we’re doing everything right in the final stages of her rehabilitation.”She’s in a pivotal stage of rehabilitation. She’s moved from inside the condition of the gym to outside in terms of running. “She gets to see the green stuff again and that’s a big turning point for her.”Meanwhile Bompastor has no intention of taking the WSL’s newest contenders lightly despite their limited experience in the league. Bompastor says Chelsea will treat Palace with respect in their derby duelCredit: GettyThe Blues boss, who guided her side to a 1-0 season-opening win, said: “From my experience as a coach, but also as a former, we need to respect everyone.”A lot of teams play differently when they play Chelsea. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I expect them to be at their best level and we have to be prepared for that.”Crystal Palace vs Chelsea can be watched live on Sky Showcase and Sky Sports Premier League at 7:30pm tonight More

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      Euros winner Giorgio Chiellini teams up with Eni Aluko as retired footballers invest in exciting business venture

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      GIORGIO CHIELLINI is embarking on a new career venture after hanging up his boots. The Juventus legend has invested in women’s multi-club ownership group Mercury/13. Giorgio Chiellini is investing in women’s football after hanging up his bootsCredit: GettyHe has joined up with Mercury/13, who have former Lionesses star Eni Aluko on the booksCredit: RexNo-nonsense centre-back Chiellini enjoyed an illustrious career for both club and country.He won the Euros with Italy in 2021 and was a nine-time Serie A champion with The Old Lady. Chiellini retired last year after spending his final season in the US with Los Angeles FC.His experience over the pond helped demonstrate the “potential” of women’s football to the 40-year-old.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChiellini announced his partnership with the consortium on Wednesday. He wrote on his Instagram page: “I’m really excited to share that I’ve joined Mercury/13 as an investor.”It’s a multi-club ownership group focused on supporting and growing women’s football globally.”After spending time in the USA, I saw the incredible strides women’s football is making there and how much potential it still has to unlock in Europe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”That experience inspired me, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s all about creating new opportunities for female athletes and taking the sport to the next level internationally.”Mercury/13 has pledged to invest more than £80 million into transforming women’s clubs around the world.Eni Aluko joins new US team Angel City owned by Hollywood big shots including Eva Longoria Former Lionesses star Eni Aluko is among those already partnered with the project.The group recently acquired Como Women, a mid-table team in Italy’s Serie A Femminile.They also describe investing in England and the Women’s Super League as an “absolute priority”.Mario Malave, Mercury/13’s co-chief executive said: “I would say there’s no higher potential than women’s football today.”If you give women’s football dedicated management, dedicated capital, and nurture it, it’s going to grow and blossom tremendously and become that sustainable business.”It’s nonsensical to expect it to be that today, if no-one’s invested in it over the last 100 years.” More

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      Manuela Zinsberger urges Arsenal to overcome ‘hard hit’ in Women’s Champions League battle with BK Hacken

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      MANUELA ZINSBERGER wants Arsenal to avoid dwelling on past Champions League results ahead of their decisive push for a group stage spot. However the Gunners will be without Leah Williamson with the defender ruled out of their clash with BK Hacken tomorrow. Manuela Zinsberger says Arsenal’s expectation is to get beyond the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: GettyArsenal are aiming to beat BK Hacken in their decisive second round qualifier clashCredit: GettyThe England skipper, 27, was placed in concussion protocol before her club’s WSL season-opening draw with City on Sunday.Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall explained she sustained concussion during an incident in training.The head coach said: “I don’t have a timeframe on Leah’s injury at the moment. It’s guided by our medical team.””When I have something more concrete to communicate, I will do that.”Read More Football StoriesArsenal host Swedish outfit Hacken at Meadow Park tomorrow evening in a second-leg clash in the Women’s Champions League second round qualifiers.Eidevall’s players require a win by two goals or more in order to reach the contest’s group stage, with their rivals having a 1-0 first-leg win advantage. And much is riding on the result with club chiefs planning to host the team’s remaining duels in the contest at the Emirates this season.Arsenal shot stopper Zinsberger, 28, said: “The Champions League should be motivation enough no matter what happened last season.Most read in Football”I’m not a fan of talking about the past. “I’m more a fan of looking forward and our motivation is as high as last season – I would say even higher.”Our expectation is (reaching) the group stage or (going) even further, but taking it step-by-step.”The motivation is high to win the game and turn it around and finally get to the group stages.”Zinsberger, who made 18 top-flight appearances last term, was part of the Arsenal team beaten on penalties by Paris FC in the Champions League qualifying stage last September.  And she hopes to help her side see off Hacken in their battle for a group stage spot following the Gunners’ loss last Wednesday.The Austria No1 added: “It’s important to learn (from that) and it was definitely a hard hit for us.”We all hadn’t expected that one, but it definitely hit us the way it shouldn’t, but it was a big learning that you have to take every chance as it would be your last.”With Hacken, we haven’t underestimated them, we’ve seen how good they are.”But I don’t want to talk about them, for us we’ve got to perform and we have to be at our best.”Tomorrow’s game comes three days before Jonas Eidevall’s side’s league trip to Leicester, having nabbed a point against Manchester City in their season opener. With club chiefs committing to making the Emirates their main home for WSL and European fixtures this term, Eidevall is eager to see them progress.  The Arsenal boss adds: “It’s that pressure we put on ourselves that we need to get into the group stage, and that’s what we should do.”Lotte Wubben-Moy is expected to start alongside Laia Codina in Arsenal’s central defenceCredit: GettyTomorrow’s match is likely to see Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina in central defence in the absence of Williamson.READ MORE SUN STORIESEidevall said: “Leah is a fantastic player and she would be missed by any team, but the strength of our squad is we have players like Manuela. “We have Lotte and Codi (Codina) playing phenomenally well together.” More

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      Women’s football chief says banking giant doubling investment in top two divisions is a ‘landmark moment’

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      NIKKI DOUCET says a new deal with Barclays to double its sponsorship of the WSL and Women’s Championship is a “historic” moment for the game.The English women’s football chief was sharing her thoughts on the new multi-year agreement thought to be worth £45million.Barclays has doubled its sponsorship of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyWPPL chief Nikki Doucet described the new agreement as a landmark moment for women’s footballThe deal, announced today, is claimed to be double the value of the bank’s previous investment as a title sponsor of the WSL and Women’s Championship.It is thought to be around £15m annually over three years. It is the first multimillion sponsorship agreement to be sealed by the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited’s (WPLL) since its takeover of the top two tiers of the game. WPLL chief Nikki Doucet told Sky Sports: “This is a landmark historic moment for women’s football.Read More Football Stories “No one can question Barclay’s commitment. They’ve been a long-term partner. “They’ve seen their investment and what’s happening with all the growth in the women’s game and their belief in the growth going forward.“It’s incredible to see them double their investment and to continue to partner with us.”When Barclays commenced its title sponsorship of the WSL in 2019, the deal was the largest investment into women’s sport in the UK made by a brand.Most read in FootballIn the past five years the league has become the most followed women’s domestic sports division.Average attendances at games are claimed to have risen by 283 per cent since the 2021-22 season.Doucet adds: “The aim is for us to continue to grow and to put on the best football competition we possibly can and continue to watch exciting football.”Barclays partnership with the FA has also been extended for another four years.The banking firm intends to use it to focus on improving equality on and off the pitch through a girls’ football partnerships with schools.The announcement comes four days after respondents to a Sky Sports study said watching female athletes on television inspires young women to take part in sport.Findings from the research, which explored increased visibility of sportswomen, were released before the start of the 2024-25 WSL season which kicked off last Friday (September 20).According to Sky, 70 per cent of the 2,000 18 to 29-year-olds questioned see professional athletes as the most influential role models in sport for young women.And more than three quarters (78%) believe female footballers are becoming more prominent in both celebrity culture and fashion. Last weekend’s WSL season-openers saw Chelsea, Brighton, Manchester United and Tottenham pick up wins from their first games of this campaign. And last term’s title runners-up Manchester City drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Emirates while Leicester also claimed a point on the road drawing 1-1 with Liverpool.Meanwhile in the Women’s Championship Charlton are currently top of the table and unbeaten after three games. Doucet is hopeful this term’s Women’s Championship and WSL contests will be most the competitive yetCredit: GettyAnd their promotion chasing rivals Birmingham and London City are on seven points each and with Durham, who are fourth, on six.READ MORE SUN STORIESWPLL boss Doucet said: “You’re going to see probably the most competitive WSL season yet. This past weekend showed a lot of that.”I think the Championship is going to be equally incredibly competitive”. More

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      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

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      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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      Maya Le Tissier reflects on Manchester United captaincy chat with Sir Alex Ferguson that left her speechless

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      MAYA LE TISSIER joked that Sir Alex Ferguson left her speechless when the pair chatted about her Manchester United captaincy.And the Red Devils ace wants to be a skipper who wears her heart on her sleeve with her team ready to take down their WSL title rivals.Maya Le Tissier will skipper Man United at Old Trafford when they face West Ham in their first WSL game this seasonCredit: GettyThe Red Devils defender (left) intends to continue giving her all in her new roleCredit: GettyTomorrow Le Tissier, 22, will lead her team-mates out as captain for the first time at Old Trafford. Marc Skinner’s side will face West Ham in the opening fixture of the new Women’s Super League season.The 12midday clash comes 19 days after the England defender spoke with Sir Alex about what it means to be a Man United captain. The duo were watching Erik ten Hag’s men’s side take on Liverpool at Old Trafford, a Prem clash that United lost 3-0.Read More Football StoriesLe Tissier recalled: “It was unbelievable. There are not many people who leave me speechless and I didn’t know what to say to him.”It was at half time when they (the men’s team) played Liverpool. “They were losing at that point and I was thinking I don’t know what mood he’s going to be in. “But he was so nice and it was so surreal and he spoke to me about the responsibility of being captain. It was great to meet him.”Most read in FootballSince her July 2022 Manchester move from Brighton, Le Tissier has become a first team regular appearing in every single one of United’s league games in the past two seasons.The defender, whose side finished fifth last term, hopes to bring consistency on the pitch as captain and good vibes off it. She added: “It’s definitely about consistency first of all, and to make myself available for every game. “I think that’s the best thing you can give to your team-mates and to staff.”That’s my job to be there ready and to help the team.”On the pitch I wear my heart on my sleeve. “People know I’m with them, committed to them and will fight for them every single time.”Now there’s a bit more responsibility on the pitch to make things a little bit calmer. “It’s not something that I’ve had to really do, so I’ll make sure that I can really improve that.”Off the pitch, I’m just a sociable person. “I like to chat to anyone to be fair, unless it’s Sir Alex and then I don’t know what to say!”Le Tissier receiving the skipper’s armband this month, coincided with her United and England team-mate Ella Toone, 25, being named vice-captain.The Euros-winning midfielder, who scored in her side’s first-ever FA Cup final win in May, has made more than 150 United appearances .Le Tissier added: “Ella has been in so many finals and delivered in every single big moment.”It’s amazing to be on the same journey with her and to work together.”We’ve made it really clear that it’s not just being captain. “It’s me, her and the rest of the team and the leadership group as well.”It means a lot for me and Toons to be a part of it, especially her being a United fan who is from Manchester.”Since beginning her senior career five years ago at Albion, Le Tissier has emerged as one of the biggest football talents to come from Guernsey.If I can give the next generation a bit more support, I’ll feel like I’ve done my job.Maya Le Tissier Another star from the island who took the sport by storm is Southampton icon Matt Le Tissier, although the pair are not related.Like her namesake the defender, whose football journey began at a boys’ team called St Martins, hopes to be an inspiration for young players back home.Le Tissier said: “It means a lot to me to show them that you can do it, you can get to the top. “That’s not to say that I’m there now, but I’m on my way.”If I can create some here and there and give the next generation a bit more support, I’ll feel like I’ve done my job.””I remember (when I was living in Guernsey) I just wanted go over to the Women’s Super League and play as a pro. “That was the only thing I had in my mind.”When I went to Brighton, I thought (to myself), ‘I’m just going to go all the way now’. Le Tissier, Toone and their team-mates hope to put in a solid challenge for this term’s WSL titleCredit: Getty”I’m in it for the long run so I’m just going to do as best as I can.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And that’s brought me here today as captain”I’m really appreciative of the opportunities that have come my way and I can’t wait to see what else comes.” More

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      Aggie Beever-Jones backs Bompastor to bring ‘spice’ to title race and Chelsea’s push for WSL crown

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      AGGIE BEEVER-JONES reckons Sonia Bompastor will add “some spice” to the WSL title fight as she eyes a winning start in England’s top tier.Tonight is the start of a new era for the Blues, with their France-born head coach, 44, going into her first Women’s Super League contest.Beever-Jones and her team-mates are targeting a season-opening win against Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe Blues clash with Villa will be Sonia Bompastor’s first competitive match at Chelsea’s helmCredit: GettyA rejuvenated Aston Villa, with new gaffer Robert de Pauw, are first to pit their wits against a team chasing a sixth successive title.A side that now boasts some of the most formidable forwards in Europe, including Beever-Jones, Mayra Ramirez and star striker Sam Kerr.Beever-Jones said: “That’s one of the great things about Chelsea.”Our squad is big and every single player is good enough to start a game and live up to the Chelsea standard.Read More Football Stories “I’ve always seen the competition as a good thing and I’m always learning and watching other people.”From Mayra, to Sam, to me, to Mia (Fishel) to Cat (Macario) – we’re all very different players.”We all kind of have our own uniqueness to us which makes us different.”You can pick up a few things from other players and you want to impress. Most read in Football”Hopefully I’m doing that and making Sonia happy.”Last term saw Kerr sidelined at the halfway stage of the season after sustaining an ACL injury at a Blues training camp in January.The absence of the Australia star prompted the club’s January swoop for Colombia striker Ramirez.And Beever-Jones says she’s ready to cheer Kerr to the rafters should she find the back of the net for the hundredth time for the Blues when fit.Beever-Jones added: “We had a goal competition at the start of last season and then unfortunately Sam’s injury happened.”But after every game I played in she’d come up to me to say ‘congrats’”She’s one of my biggest supporters and when she (comes back and) scores her 100th goal, I’ll probably be running up to her and screaming for her, given how hard she’s worked.”I’ll be delighted as will all the other girls in the team. “For me, the competition within the team is good. You’ve got to play better, but I’m excited for it.”Having been a Champions League winner as a Lyon player and manager, Bompastor is determined to guide Chelsea to European glory for the first time in their existence.And Beever-Jones believes her boss can add “a little spice” to the title-holders’ battle for more silverware.The striker, who scored 11 goals in 17 WSL games last term, added: “Chelsea has been so successful for so many years and Sonia is adding her own uniqueness to our style of play.“It’s just adding her little bit of spice to the Chelsea way.“And when the season starts and we’re in the four competitions again it will be challenging to see how the tactics play out.“But we’re in such safe hands and we’ve got a great team of players.When asked what fans watching can expect from her side, Chelsea chief Bompastor said: “They will see a team that is really competitive.”One that’s enjoying playing together at the highest level.”The most important thing is getting results. Bompastor says winning results are her priorityCredit: Getty”We want to win, to start the league strongly and to be efficient as a team scoring goals whilst being defensively very strong.”I hope we’ll be able to show a good football style, but for me that’s not the priority.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The result is what’s really important. But if we can have both, I will be very happy.”Chelsea’s WSL season-opening game against Aston Villa can be watched live from 7:00pm tonight on BBC 2 More

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      De Pauw targets top six finish as Aston Villa prepare for season opener against Chelsea

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      ROBERT DE PAUW jokes of enjoying being part of “a bald Dutch coaches union” working at the highest levels of football.After a pre-season that saw Aston Villa beat Manchester City, fans of his side may have high hopes for their team in the WSL this term.Aston Villa visit Chelsea for their first WSL game this term under head coach Robert de PauwCredit: RexVilla are hoping to improve on their seventh place finish in the league last termCredit: GettyTonight Villa embark on a new journey under their Netherlands-born manager four months after the departure of former boss Carla Ward.One that will see them attempt to reproduce the form that led to their top four challenge before claiming fifth spot a year ago.Like Chelsea chief Sonia Bompastor, De Pauw will be overseeing his first WSL game since taking charge of Villa in June.And the coach who led FC Twente to a top-flight title win in the Netherlands’ top-flight two years ago, is content to be part of an influential contingent of Dutch coaches making their mark here.Read More Football StoriesThe Villa chief said: “I made a joke already in an interview with Sky that I was a member of the Bald Dutch Coaches Union, because there are so many here.”We have Arjan Veurink (England Women’s assistant) who was my boss at the KNVB (the Royal Dutch Football Association.”Sarina (Wiegman) I know also from that period. “Arne Slot looks like me. I only said hi to him once, but it’s funny. Most read in Football”I saw some interviews of him, and it’s like the same processes that I have now, getting settled in, getting used to the environment, missing your family.”Erik ten Hag is also here, so yeah, we’re quite a large group now.”Before finishing seventh in the league last term, Aston Villa ended the season before in fifth place. It was highest ever finish in the WSL since their promotion to the top tier in 2020.Their pre-season this summer produced some positive outcomes with the team unbeaten in five friendlies.A September 1 trip to Charlton resulted in a 2-2 draw with the promotion chasing Women’s Championship side.A game that saw some experimentation with Villa’s attack. Katie Robinson, Kirsty Hanson, Ebony Salmon started alongside Adriana Leon, before the second-half introduction of Kenza Dali, Jordan Nobbs and skipper Rachel Daly.Other results included 1-0 wins against Liverpool and Spanish side Real Betis in August with forwards Leon and Salmon netting the winners in those games.And a 3-1 warm-up defeat of Everton this month was followed claimed a 2-1 friendly victory against Manchester City with Lucy Staniforth netting following a Paula Tomas assist. Along with Robinson, who joined Villa as a free agent in July, Spain left-back Tomas is among eight new summer signings with De Pauw strengthening his attacking, midfield and goalkeeper options.Their new arrivals include Gabi Nunes, who like Tomas, joined the club from Spanish side Levante.The Brazil forward, who helped her national side to win silver at the Paris Olympics, netted 11 goals in 28 top-flight appearances in Spain last season.On how much the Villans now resemble a Robert de Pauw team, the Villa boss said: “We had a really good game against Everton. “The things we’re trying to implement were there so clearly. It was a big relief for me.”They’re understanding what we’re trying to do, and it’s coming across.”And of course, it will not be perfect, but there were really the things that I would like to see.”Following their promising resutls De Pauw is targeting a top-six finish in his first term at the helm.He said: “Top six is what we have projected.”If you look at the past season we were seventh and we want to do better than that. The season before we were fifth.”It will not be easy, there is no guarantee but that is the challenge you want to face.”Following her Villa arrival Robinson has high hopes for her future under de Pauw and what the team can achieve with their boss.The Villans chief believes Robinson’s ambition matches those of the club and believes she can be a “difference maker for his side”.Robinson, who left Albion in June after a four-year spell, said: “I had some really good conversations with the club and with Robert.”I’m really excited to see what we can achieve. “Robert has a great attitude and a big winning mentality and that’s really important to me.De Pauw’s side will host Tottenham at Villa Park on September 29 in their first WSL home game this termCredit: Getty”Hopefully where he can implement me in the squad can really bring the best out of me as a player.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I want to contribute to the team as much as possible with goals and assists, I know I’ve got that in me.”Ultimately, I want to develop as a player and this is best club for me to do that.” More