Promoted side’s first few months in WSL have exceeded expectations, says delighted managerMost promoted sides, paired away with last season’s runners-up in their opening match in the top flight, would not be particularly upset by a 1-0 defeat. But that was not how Casey Stoney saw Manchester United’s loss at Manchester City in September: “It is a strange feeling because you’re gutted you have just lost 1-0 to one of the best teams in the country but it’s because you competed so well and knew you could get more out of the game.” Her side have certainly not been treading water since in their first season in the Women’s Super League. Related: Caroline Weir fires Manchester City to opening-day win...
There is a real optimism in women’s football but while attitudes generally have changed dramatically not everyone is on the same pageWomen’s football has come a very long way in a decade. Ten years ago there existed an indifference towards the few women who chose to persevere in what many viewed a novel and headstrong manner to play the men’s game – because, let’s face it, that is what “the people’s game” actually meant. Now, Chelsea’s Fran Kirby can post photos on social media of her dog sitting in front of a Bentley. It may be a loaned Bentley (the gap hasn’t closed that much) but the England forward does have numerous sponsorship deals, with Nike and Swarovski among others.If...
Prospect of two great players at rival clubs pushing each other is just one cause for excitement about women’s football in 2020Friday is the day that Sam Kerr officially joins Chelsea as the mid-season transfer window opens, the arrival of the player I consider the best No 9 in the world ending an amazing year for women’s football.It has been a year of massive forward strides. The World Cup obviously was huge, and Megan Rapinoe brought positive attention to the women’s game by being brave and speaking about important issues while also doing her talking on the pitch, and there have been big signings, and groundbreaking sponsorship and broadcasting deals. Meanwhile clubs playing in men’s stadiums has become normalised and...
Increased investment from top clubs into their womens setups, TV rights and major sponsorships deals are adding to rapid growth off the fieldThe fact the Womens Super League salary cap is set to be reviewed, according to the FAs director of the professional womens game, Kelly Simmons, is a significant step in the development of a professional womens league. Were open to looking at it if the clubs think it is restrictive, said Simmons. Well have that chat with the new WSL board at some point. Its important were driving on- and off-field investment as were building the game.She added: Its just about trying to get the right balance, the right number, to ensure that everything off the pitch enables...
Adaptability was key for our injury-hit side last season. Now we’re fit and ready for a Champions League challenge tooEvery time someone gets injured, a bit of your game falls away, and you have to fill the gaps. Last season, with a huge injury list including players such as Jordan Nobbs, Kim Little and Danielle Carter, I think we did amazingly well at Arsenal. Wherever people had to play they did – we picked up the roles quite quickly.As one of the players who was still fit, I weirdly didn’t feel more pressure. I just really wanted to win the title. We were all desperate for that first title for Arsenal in seven years and everyone was on the same...