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      BBC suffer huge technical error just seconds into Chelsea vs Man Utd as already-limited coverage descends into farce

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      THE BBC suffered another farce as the world feed commentary cut after just 19 seconds in a major technical gaffe.The Beeb were showing today’s top-of-the-table Chelsea vs Manchester United crunch clash in the WSL.
      Commentary cut out seconds into Chelsea vs Manchester UnitedCredit: BBC
      The programme started with a general view of the Kingsmeadow pitchCredit: BBC
      The BBC Sport graphics failed to distract from the unusual situationCredit: BBC
      But with no pundits or commentators working for the broadcaster as they stood in solidarity with Gary Lineker, the commentary was provided by Nigel Adderley, who “welcomed viewers from around the world” and referenced the “global audience”.
      However, just 19 SECONDS into the match at Kingsmeadow, the sound cut out – leaving TV viewers only able to hear the stadium noise – just like on Match of the Day last night.
      It was just a brief technical blip though, and Adderley’s dulcet tones returned 22 seconds later.
      The Beeb already had the rights to show the 12.30pm kick-off, with the show set to start 15 minutes earlier on BBC Two, before the major fallout following Lineker’s suspension.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Instead, the schedule was changed to start at 12.25pm to allow time for a ten-minute Hairy Bikers apple pie masterclass, with the WSL listing on BBC iPlayer stating: “Reshmin Chowdhury presents the action as Chelsea entertain Manchester United.”
      But instead of the usual format of a presenter and pundits either in a studio or pitchside, fans were greeted by initial silence and a general camera view of the pitch – and pointedly no sign of Chowdhury or any other pundits.
      There was the Beeb’s WSL theme tune and intro compilation featuring Chelsea and United stars.
      But then it went straight into the world feed with commentator Adderley’s introduction.
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      Blue Is The Colour pumped out over the Kingsmeadow tannoy as the players lined up in the tunnel – with the song even heard during the theme tune video.
      The BBC were able to use the world feed, aimed primarily at the US and global audience, for commentary amid the BBC boycott due to a separate contract with the FA.
      But with no presenter or pundits for such a mammoth game in women’s football, it had a very different feel from the usual pre-match build-up – although the graphics with the line-ups retained the BBC Sport branding and style.
      Half-time consisted of highlights from last week’s Continental League Cup final with no analysis on the live match.
      And there will be no post-match reaction or live interviews.
      One viewer said: “The sound has not been great so far (not a comment on Nigel Adderley). The BBC have totally killed their sport provision.
      “Normally you’d see putting a high profile WSL game on terrestrial TV with all the associated pomp as a real honour – this is not as good as the FA Player.”
      Another joked: “Are the sound engineers also showing solidarity at the BBC? The volume pitchside and the world feed commentary are completely mismatched đŸ€ŁđŸ€ŁđŸ€Ł”
      Commentator Nigel Adderley welcomed viewers from around the worldCredit: BBC
      Sam Kerr opened the scoring for Chelsea at KingsmeadowCredit: Getty
      And a third fumed: “It’s a real shame that the biggest WSL game of the season is being impacted by the BBC’s idiotic decision to suspend Gary Lineker. The last thing women’s football needs is reduced coverage.”
      Alex Scott and Kelly Somers regularly present the WSL Match of the Day matches but both refused to work on Football Focus while Eilidh Barbour likes tweets from her colleagues regarding the boycott.
      The WSL coverage is the latest BBC sports programme to be affected by the decision to suspend Lineker for his tweets relating to the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill.
      A “farcical” Match of the Day, which he has presented since 1999, looked totally bizarre with no theme tune, studio chat, punditry, interviews or commentary.
      Pundits and commentators including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright stood in support with Lineker – who made the most of his free Saturday after being told to step back by the Beeb to go and watch his beloved Leicester at the King Power.
      COVERAGE CHAOS
      The reduced-length, 20-minute MOTD was watched by 2.58million people last night – up 500,000 on the previous week – no doubt because curious fans were simply intrigued by how the show would look.
      Football Focus, Final Score and BBC Radio 5 Live Sport were all pulled just hours before they were set to go on air on Saturday, too.
      Later tonight, Match of the Day 2 – usually presented by Mark Chapman who refused to present 5 Live Sport – will have no host or pundits in a similar reduced format.
      As revealed by The Sun, BBC boss Tim Davie is in a personal stalemate with Lineker as neither man prepares to back down in the impartiality row.
      BBC bosses have demanded Lineker agree to stop posting political messages online after he criticised the Government’s small boats policies.
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      But a source close to the £1.35m-a-year England legend insisted he would carry on, despite the reaction to his comparison between Tory immigration rhetoric and Nazi Germany.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie admitted it had been a “difficult day” — but said of quitting: “My job is to serve licence fee-payers and I look forward to resolving this situation.”
      Gary Lineker was told to step back by the BBC over his Twitter commentsCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘We need to put everything into this fixture’, says Marc Skinner ahead of Manchester United’s tussle with Chelsea

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      MARC SKINNER wants Manchester United to show their “mental capacity” in their bid to thwart their title rivals.And the Red Devils chief, 39, praised the form of Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle before United’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday. 
      Marc Skinner’s side aim to maintain their unbeaten WSL away run when they visit ChelseaCredit: Getty
      A win against the Blues will see Alessia Russo and her team-mates extend their lead to four points at the top of the tableCredit: Getty
      The last WSL clash between the sides saw Chelsea seal a 3-1 win at Leigh Sports VillageCredit: PA
      Skinner’s league leaders face last term’s champions at Kingsmeadow in what could be a pivotal encounter in this season’s title chase. 
      And his players are targeting a first win against the Blues in the top tier, having drawn one and lost five of their previous six WSL duels.
      Skinner, whose team crushed Leicester 5-1 last Sunday, said: “This game won’t define the title (race).
      “But what it will do (for us) is we have to show that we have the mental capacity to go into these games and not fear an opponent. 
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      “When we played them at home (in November) I felt it took us far too long (to get into the game). 
      “Both teams weren’t very good in the first half, but when we got into the second half we didn’t maximise our opportunities and potential.
      “We’ve shown a lot of resilience and a lot of growth and I want to see that again in this game.
      “We have been to this rodeo before. Their team will be fired up coming into this so we have to match that and if not go above it.”
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      Skinner’s starting 11 is likely to feature Russo and Batlle with both impressing in Man United’s rout of the Foxes last weekend. 
      Russo was on target in both halves becoming the first United player to net a WSL hat-trick. 
      The United boss added: “They are massive for us.
      “Ona is especially so and Alessia is a huge part of what we do, so if they’re selected it will be a massive help for us.
      “We can’t leave anything on the field so we need to make sure we have to put everything into this fixture.”
      So far United remain the only side unbeaten on the road in the top tier this term.
      The team have won six of their seven games away from home including a memorable 3-2 defeat of Arsenal last November.
      They face a Chelsea side who could potentially be without Emma Hayes in the dugout.
      The Kingsmeadow chief is recovering from a viral illness that saw her absent from her Friday afternoon press conference.
      Blues general manager Paul Green said: “There will be regular communication if Emma wasn’t to make it as we did earlier in the season.
      “She will have a direct ear-piece to (assistant manager) Denise (Reddy) on the side-line. We’re hoping she’ll be back.”
      The Red Devils have scored 14 goals in their last five games across all competitions and with seven different goal scorers.
      This season has seen Leah Galton score six times in 12 WSL games with Russo netting eight goals over the same number of fixtures.
      Green added: “We know he’s a very talented player.
      “She’s done very well for them and of course she’s going to be a threat, but I don’t think Manchester United are just down to one threat.
      Paul Green wants Chelsea to keep Alessia Russo quiet in their clash with United at KingsmeadowCredit: PA
      “They’ve got threats all over the pitch, similarly to what we have.
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      “As a team we’re going to have to defend well across the whole unit, from front to back.”
      “That’s what we’ll be looking to do to keep Alessia quiet and the rest of the United squad.” More

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      Skinner believes a results turnaround for Tottenham ‘is a matter of time’ as they target win at Liverpool

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      REHANNE SKINNER insists her focus is moving Tottenham “in the right direction” following a string of defeats.Spurs head to Liverpool on Sunday having lost eight WSL games since the November 20th. 
      Rehanne Skinner is hoping for another defeat of the Reds following Tottenham’s win against Liverpool last NovemberCredit: Reuters
      Tottenham are targeting a return to winning ways with the team yet to pick up three points in the WSL this yearCredit: Getty
      Recent results have seen Skinner’s side drawn into the battle to avoid the drop.
      The team tenth and three points ahead of bottom-placed Leicester. 
      On whether a defeat could affect her position, Skinner, 43, said: “My job is to just keep preparing players in the best way I can. 
      “The belief and confidence in the group is high and we have been evolving. 
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      “We have played some really tough teams in the run we’ve had.
      “I’ve got every belief and confidence in the players and what we’re achieving here. 
      “We’re still moving forwards behind the scenes to keep moving the club in the right direction.
      “That’s all I’m interested in and focusing on. 
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      “The next game is the most important one. We know we need three points.
      “That’s what you play for but the positives towards preparing for that have been really good of late. It’s just a matter of time really.”
      On whether she has the backing from the board to turn results around, Skinner added: “Nothing has changed in terms of what we’re trying to achieve. It’s a long-term project. 
      “That was how it was explained to me before I came into the role. It takes time to get consistency.
      “We need to keep improving our performances.”
      Last season Spurs enjoyed one their best top tier runs since promotion to the WSL in 2019. 
      The team, considered potential dark horses for a top four finish, ended last term in fifth spot. 
      However this term have contended with injuries with Ria Percival and Ellie Brazil out of action and Bethany England unavailable last Sunday due to a knock.
      But they have been boosted by midfielder Kit Graham’s recent return to fitness and match action.  
      Skinner added: “In September and October, we had six senior players unavailable for us, which is huge for anybody’s squad.
      “That created some challenges for us in the early part of the season. Overall we’ve focused on trying to get everybody back on the pitch
      “We’re coming out the other side of it and that’s a huge positive going into the remaining nine games of the season.”
      Liverpool hope to pick their first win in the top tier since their defeat of West Ham in DecemberCredit: Reuters
      Liverpool, who are eighth, hope to bounce back from back-to-back losses to Leicester and Arsenal. 
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      Reds boss Matt Beard said: “Tottenham are on a run of form I guess they are desperate to put right. 
      “All we can do is concentrate on ourselves and how we want to play.” More

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      France football chiefs to begin ‘audition’ for new women’s national team head coach after firing Corinne Diacre

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      FRANCE’S football chiefs are to commence their search for a new boss for the women’s national team after sacking Corinne Diacre.The 48-year-old was fired from her role as boss of France’s women’s team four months before their World Cup campaign. 
      Corinne Diacre’s reign as France Women’s boss came to an end on Thursday with the coach sacked due to “a significant divide with executive players”Credit: Reuters
      The sacking of Diacre comes nearly two weeks on from France captain Wendie Renard announcing her decision to stand down from international dutyCredit: AFP
      Kadidiatou Diani (pictured with Aston Villa and France ace Kenza Dali) is one of three France aces who publicly stood down from playing for the national teamCredit: AFP
      The French Football Federation’ took the decision to sack Diacre due to what they called “a very significant divide with executive players”. 
      Their move comes after three of the team’s biggest stars, including skipper Wendie Renard, stood down from international duty amid concerns about working conditions for players.
      Before the sacking Diacre issued a statement through her lawyers on Wednesday hitting out at what she described as “a smear campaign”.
      However the FFF opted to end her six-year reign in a move backed by their executive committee. 
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      In a written statement released on Thursday, the federation said: “The Executive Committee of the FFF, meeting this Thursday, March 9, received the conclusions of the commission commissioned by the interim president, Philippe Diallo, to draw up a report on the situation of the French Women’s team, following the various positions of several players.
      “The numerous hearings carried out have made it possible to establish the observation of a very significant divide with executive players and to highlight a discrepancy with the requirements of the very high level.
      “This fracture has reached a point of no return which harms the interests of the selection.
      “If the FFF recognises the involvement and the seriousness of Corinne Diacre and her staff in the exercise of their mission, it appears that the malfunctions observed seem, in this context, irreversible.
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      “In view of these elements, it was decided to put an end to the mission of Corinne Diacre as the head of the French women’s team. 
      “This change of coach is part of a new global ambition led by the FFF in favour of the development of women’s football and the performance of the French team, which will have to achieve high objectives during the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.”
      “Philippe Diallo asked the commission to audition, as soon as possible, the candidates for the post of coach and to formulate its recommendations.”
      Diacre’s sacking comes four days after France star Kadidiatou Diani, 27, slammed the “lack of professionalism” in the national team in an interview with French TV outlet Telefoot. 
      The striker, who has 82 senior international caps, revealed her team-mates could not take the current conditions anymore.
      She said: “I find that we really lack professionalism in the France team, the staff is quite limited today.
      “It is the coach who decides (training) there is no assistant coach or specific coach for the attackers when I would really like to work in the goal.
      “It’s important to have something new because the girls can’t take it anymore,’ 
      Diani’s interview followed her captain Renard taking to social media to announce her intent to step down from the national team. 
      In a statement published via her official twitter account two weeks ago, the centre-back, 32, wrote: “I love France more than anything. 
      “I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level.”
      Diacre, 48, whose reign as boss began in August 2017 led the team to the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals where they were beaten by tournament winners the USA. 
      And they reached the semis of last summer’s Euros where they lost to Germany at the Stadium MK last July. 
      Diacre’s spell has been dogged by controversy with the coach reportedly falling out with some of the team’s senior stars. 
      Amandine Henry was controversially left out of France’s Euros squad by Diacre last summerCredit: AFP or licensors
      Midfielder Amandine Henry was left out of France’s 2022 Euros squad despite her standout Lyon shifts last year. 
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      This includes a player of the match display in their Champions League triumph last term.  
      It was reported Diacre had fallen out with the midfield star who captained France during the 2019 World Cup. More

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      Bronze and Williamson praise Lionesses’ Euros legacy as PM pledges to provide equal football access for schoolchildren

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      LUCY BRONZE hailed the Lionesses’ legacy as the government pledged to provide equal sports access for school pupils.The England star welcomed the move that will see schools asked to provide two hours of PE for girls and boys per week. 
      Lucy Bronze wants girls across the country to have more opportunities to play footballCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses’ call for action after the Euros has led to a government pledge to ensure children have two hours of PE lessons at school every weekCredit: PA
      Leah Williamson praised Lotte Wubben-Moy for the the role she played in instigating the Lionesses’ call via an open letterCredit: Getty
      This includes girls having equal access to all sports at school including football.
      It follows the Lionesses’ open letter to Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, spearheaded by Lotte Wubben-Moy and sent days after their historic Euros triumph. 
      Last August all 23 members of Sarina Wiegman’s squad called on then prime ministerial candidates to ensure football is offered as part of PE to all girls at school.
      Bronze, 31, said: “It’s nice to think we played a small part with the Euros and we’re able to create a legacy to help make changes and help with equity within women’s football and women’s sport in general.
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      “Hopefully we can keep pushing to make these changes, whether it’s in inner city areas, getting more facilities, resources, or pushing the curriculum in schools to help girls get to play the sport that we grew up loving so much.
      “It’s important that sports be made an important part of people’s lives because it’s generally just good for you.”
      Bronze was sharing her thoughts as PM Sunak and education secretary Gillian Keegan announced a revamped school sport action plan. 
      The plan has been backed by investment including ÂŁ600 million in funding for the PE and sport premium over the next two academic years.
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      The premium is used by schools to support improvements to the quality of their PE and sports education.
      At present 67 per cent of all schools and 41 per cent of secondary schools provide football equally to girls in PE  lessons. 
      And 46 per cent of schools deliver the same extracurricular sports opportunities as boys.
      Bronze added: “That’s where schools can play a big part.
      “This was part of the letter we wrote after the Euros (calling for) increasing the time that girls can have to play football and other sports as well in general.
      “It’s important that sports be made an important part of people’s lives because it’s generally just good for you.”
      Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, 25, said: “The (Euros) success of last summer has inspired so many young girls to pursue their passion for football.
      “We see it as our responsibility to open the doors for them to do so and this announcement makes that possible.
      “This is the legacy that we want to live much longer than us as a team. 
      “On behalf of all the Lionesses players, we’d like to thank our teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy as a driving force behind this transformational change.
      “We couldn’t be prouder to stand alongside her and we all look forward to seeing the impact this legacy creates.”
      The government says schools will be offered strengthened guidance on how to spend the funding including guidelines on equal access. 
      Those who are successful in providing opportunities will be awarded through via the Schools Game Mark. 
      This is a system which assesses parity in the provision of PE and extracurricular sports activities. 
      FA chief Mark Bullingham says equal access to football for girls could help transform the future of the women’s gameCredit: PA
      FA’s chief executive said: “The magic of last summer’s Euros victory can now  live on with a legacy that has the ability to change the future of women’s football and positively  impact society. 
      “Equal access for girls is one of the FA’s strategic ambitions and for such progress to be made is a  very proud day. 
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      “We’re all extremely grateful to the players for using their voice to deliver change.
      “We would like to place on record our thanks to the government for the positive measures  announced today.” More

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      Eidevall wants Arsenal to be ready for a physical WSL battle with Liverpool after their Conti Cup final victory

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s Conti Cup triumph has given them “inner calm” before their return to WSL action. But he warns the Gunners should not expect anything for free in their Wednesday evening clash with Liverpool.
      Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners could move to within six points of league leaders Man United if they beat LiverpoolCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
      Arsenal hope to pick up their first win in the top tier this month following their Conti Cup final victoryCredit: Getty
      His team, who are fourth, face the Reds at home three days after consigning Chelsea to defeat in the league cup final. 
      Eidevall’s aces are nine points behind leaders Manchester United.
      But they have two games in hand with the Red Devils facing a huge test at Chelsea this Sunday. 
      The Arsenal gaffer, 40, said: “Winning doesn’t give you anything for free. 
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      “It doesn’t entitle you to anything in the next match you play. 
      “If you talk about winning culture, it’s about making sure that you focus on the next game.
      “Hopefully what it can give you when you’re winning a trophy is that sense of inner calm.
      “You have shown people that you’re capable of something that you already know inside that you were, but now others also know it.”
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       “We’ve been playing a lot of games and they have not
      “They obviously have had a lot of time to think about and to prepare on how to go about things in this game. 
      “We need to focus on the key details in the way we play and be prepared for Liverpool
      “We know they’re going to be very well organised, very physical. 
      “We need to do all the basics right in order to have any chance of getting the results we want.”
      Aside from Kim Little, Australia ace Caitlin Foord proved to be one of Arsenal’s biggest threats in their defeat of Chelsea.
      The triumph saw them end a four-year spell without a silverware win. 
      The Gunners forward was a handful in a match that saw Chelsea make defensive changes. 
      And her performance in Arsenal’s 5-1 October thrashing of Lyon preceded the French giants making a substitution in the right-back position. 
      Eidevall added: “Caitlin is a key player for us in all aspects of the game. 
      “Of course, it’s a team effort, but she very much has a big role when we have been successful on our left side in those games.
      “Whenever the transfer window closes, there’s no point discussing what you don’t have.
       “It’s more about discussing what you do have, and she’s definitely a player that deserves to be in the spotlight with the performances she delivers.” 
      Liverpool, currently eighth, are looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 away loss to Leicester before the international break. 
      But will have to do so without the services of Natasha Dowie with the striker sidelined by a hamstring injury, with Leanne Kiernan also crocked. 
      Reds boss Matt Beard said: “It’s a massive blow for us. 
      “We’ve had a few issues around injuries and we are going to give everyone as much time as possible to be fit for the game. 
      Beard’s side are five points above the WSL’s drop zone. 
      Liverpool will be without the services of Natasha Dowie and Leanne Kiernan when they visit Arsenal this eveningCredit: Getty
      But they have a game in hand on Leicester City who are propping up the table. 
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      Beard added: “At the start of the season, we identified a mini-league we would be in. We want to make sure we finish at the top of that. 
      “Right now we are in a good position.” More

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      Eni Aluko to host Women’s Football Awards as heroes of the game set for honours

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      FOOTBALL star Eni Aluko is set to host a major event celebrating the achievements of women in football.The Women’s Football Awards, which will take place in May, will celebrate the people, brands and organisations who are contributing to the phenomenal growth of the sport.
      Eni Aluko is hosting the Women’s Football Awards
      Jamie Carragher will be hosting the show with EkinCredit: Getty
      Former Chelsea and England international legend Eni plus Sky Sports presenter Jamie Carragher will take the helm at the bash and will be joined by leading personalities from the women’s game, male football allies and celebrities.  
      It is the first time that all levels of women’s football will be recognised at one flagship event and it will pay tribute to grassroots greatness as well as national and international superstars of the women’s game.
      The event, which is sponsored by SHEIN, comes ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup and has been backed by England internationals Beth Mead, Jess Carter, Nikita Parris and Toni Duggan.
      Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Scotland forward Caroline Weir has given her support to the initiative as has Everton star Conor Coady and Sky Sports News anchors Pete Graves and Hayley McQueen.
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      Award categories include Player of the Year, International Football Player of the Year, Club of the Year, Grassroots Initiative of the Year, Lifetime Achievement as well as a series of accolades for people and brands working behind the scenes to expand the reach of women’s football.
      Eni, who made 102 appearances for the England national team and is now a leading women’s football broadcaster, said: “The Women’s Football Awards is going to be an event of celebration that will shine a light on players, individuals and organisations doing phenomenal work to grow the women’s game.
      “The awards will be an important platform to recognise the key players and allies both on and off the pitch, who have raised the bar for women’s football. I’m delighted to be hosting with Jamie Carragher, it is going to be a special night.”
      Arsenal and England international Beth Mead said: “The Women’s Football Awards will celebrate the success of women in football in the UK and all over the world.
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      “This is a major event which will shine a light on the success in the game and the people, brands and organisations which support its growth. I am so pleased to be supporting it.”
      The public can now nominate for the Women’s Football Awards shortlist at www.womensfootballawards.com
      The shortlist will be announced on 4 April 2023 ahead of the awards event, held in partnership with SHEIN, on Thursday 25 May.
      Beth Mead is supporting the award showCredit: Getty More

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      Eidevall praises Little and his Conti Cup-winning aces after Arsenal end trophyless run with defeat of Chelsea

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hailed Kim Little’s ‘phenomenal’ display as Arsenal went all guns blazing, sinking Chelsea. Their nightmare start turned into a dream finish – with Highbury legend Ian Wright watching as the Gunners lifted the Conti Cup after a 3-1 win. 
      Arsenal lifted the Conti Cup trophy for a sixth time after beating Chelsea at Selhurst ParkCredit: Getty
      Stina Blackstenius levelled for Jonas Eidevall’s side after Sam Kerr gave Chelsea a second-minute leadCredit: Getty
      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes says Kim Little ‘ran the show’ with the Gunners skipper firing her side ahead from the penalty spotCredit: AFP
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright was among the high profile football figures watching the match at Selhurst ParkCredit: Getty
      The performance saw Stina Blackstenius answer her doubters with her equaliser paving the way for a fightback. 
      It also saw skipper Little get her wish of another ‘special’ cup-winning moment with Arsenal ending a silverware dry spell stretching back four years to 2019. 
      The midfield veteran was among her side’s standout performers netting a goal that gave them a lead over the beaten Blues.
      Gunners chief Eidevall said: “When you thought she couldn’t get better, she put on that performance. 
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      “I told Kim straight after the game, I wasn’t sure if it was possible this is the best you’ve been since I’ve been the coach. 
      “She was phenomenal. She played close to a perfect match. 
      Arsenal’s first trophy win under Eidevall was watched by a 19,010-strong Selhurst Park crowd including club CEO Vinai Venkatesham .
      The result saw Chelsea consigned to League Cup final heartbreak for a second successive year. 
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      And the Gunners sealed their first tournament final victory over their rivals since the 2016 Women’s FA Cup final. 
      Eidevall said: “When you look at the last decade, Arsenal have not been the leading club in women’s football in England. Historically, it has been. 
      “That is of course an ambition for the club to go back to regain that position in women’s football again. 
      “With that being said, with the number of trophies that we won in the last 10 years, we know it’s difficult,
      “It’s a really tough competition.
      “But that’s the ambition for us to come back to, and to compete in any trophy that we go in for.
      “it was really nice that we could go the whole way (in this one) because it can fill us with belief.
      “What was important is that we showed we could come back from a defeat last Sunday.
      “From losing a game and turning it into a winning result, we showed that we could win a final against Chelsea. 
      “They’ve been winning a lot of finals lately here domestically.
      “Hopefully it can fill us with belief going forward.”
      Arsenal were caught cold in the second minute after a loose ball led to Guro Reiten crossing for Sam Kerr to head home. 
      They mounted a fightback winning a couple of corners before eventually levelling in the 16th minute.
      They did so with Blackstenius slotting home after Frida Maanum’s strike deflected off Magda Eriksson. 
      Arsenal fought their way back after going behind early on courtesy of Sam Kerr’s headerCredit: PA
      Arsenal took the lead several minutes later after Katie McCabe was caught by Sophie Ingle with Little’s spot-kick sending Ann-Katrin Berger the wrong way. 
      A McCabe and Berger collision saw play paused after both went down following the Gunner ace’s high challenge
      And Republic of Ireland international was later cautioned. 
      Rafaelle made some vital interventions thwarting Kerr on the counter before prompting a Niamh Charles own-goal on the stroke of half time. 
      The second spell saw Erin Cuthbert’s shot fly wide off the post with Lauren James firing over in the 55th minute
      And Leupolz came close pulling one back late on with Arsenal holding out to seal their trophy triumph.
      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said: “I asked my analysts what they did differently.
      “They didn’t do anything apart from Foord coming in and being a bit more narrow.
      Jonas Eidevall reckons Arsenal’s league cup win will give side more belief in their bid to win more silverwareCredit: Getty
      “There wasn’t anything distinctly different. 
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      “Their aggression was different, the intensity of what they did in and out of possession – Kim Little ran the show – that’s not about tactics, that’s just about players.
      “More of their players played well today than us. It’s a football match, that’s what happens. It’s their week.” More