Toone Hits Hat-trick | Sam Kerr in Court | Arsenal Appoints Coach

January 20, 2025

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY
IN THIS WEEK’S ROUND-UP...

  • Picks from the pitch: Our top five WSL moments of the week

  • Latest headlines: Sam Kerr Pre-trial hearing

  • Fave finds: Hall of Fame gets four new legends

  • What we’re watching: Our pick of the week’s upcoming matches

  • Jobs: New opportunities in football

⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH

Our top five moments from this week’s WSL action

  1. Ella Toone is officially back with a vengeance. A goal on her return last week, now a hat-trick in the Manchester Derby. By her own admission, the time out has done her nothing but good. Manchester City made some horrific mistakes at the back and Toone was there every time to mop up and bang another one in. It’s great to see her smiling and enjoying football again!

  2. This Aggie Beever-Jones strike from the edge of the box was a screamer.

  3. Courtney Brosnan deserves a special mention for some impressive saves as Aston Villa put in attack after attack.

  4. Another Everton player made this list this week, Veatriki Sarri grabbed this lovely 89th-minute equaliser.

  5. Olivia Smith was finally back in the goals… and what a way to do it.

WSL SCOREBOARD: MATCH DAY 11
AS IT STANDS
🚨ICYMI

Top Headlines

🚓 Sam Kerr appeared in court at her pre-trial hearing this week. She was charged with causing a police officer harassment, alarm or distress last year after an incident on 30 January 2023 during which Kerr allegedly called a police officer a “stupid white bastard” while he responded to a complaint about a taxi fare. Her trial will begin on 3 February and last four days.

👐 Katrina Gorry has spoken about her four-year battle with an eating disorder, which she said crept up on her as she went through a tough time off the pitch. The West Ham captain and Matildas player explained how hard she found finding support as people struggled to know what to say or how to help. She finds herself opening up the conversation about the issue with other players now, providing the support and understanding she didn’t have.

👼 It’s been a bit quiet since Chelsea revealed they were inviting offers for a stake in their women’s team. It’s understood that one of Angel City’s (NWSL) owners, Monarch Collective, is interested in investing to broaden their portfolio to the UK. Talks are said to be at an advanced stage, but there’s no guarantee a deal will be reached.

💳 Manchester City has welcomed Revolut as its new global partner. It’s Revolut’s first investment in women’s football and will see them work to increase global awareness of Manchester City. It’s great to see another example of an exclusive women’s-team partnership.

Everton’s new owners are said to be “very positive about the women’s programme” according to manager Brian Sorensen. They’ve been pretty busy in the January transfer window so far, and Sorensen teased that perhaps new facilities and staff could be on the cards too. It can only be a positive step forward for Everton who have struggled in recent seasons.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Celtic and Rangers (The old firm) might have ambitions to join the WSL. Talks are very early stage and perhaps part of the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited’s (WPLL) exploration of how the WSL could operate going forward. The Cutback wrote a great summary about the situation and why it's highly unlikely this will ever happen.

🇺🇸 Ally Sentnor has been named U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year with 55.8% of the vote. She bagged three goals and four assists in 21 games for Utah Royals last season and has been a standout player for the US Youth National Team 

🇺🇸 Meanwhile, Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has been named the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year 2024. The 36-year-old announced her retirement from International football in November.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

Top Links

🔎 IN FOCUS

Equal Playing Field challenges unfair pitch access

If you’ve ever tried to book pitch space for your club, you’ll know how impossible it is to find an affordable pitch at a reasonable time in an accessible location. Now a group of women’s and non-binary clubs have come together to call for equal access to community pitches. 

Talking to Sky Sports, Equal Playing Fields highlights, among other issues, that community clubs have had their block bookings cancelled in favour of corporate leagues and are calling for fairer equal pitch access and regulation of community venues.

League operators have said that it’s the underfunding of venues and facilities that has led to a shortage of pitches. 

👀 FAVE FINDS

Four legends enter the Hall of Fame

The Barclays Hall of Fame introduced its newest members, Steph Houghton, Gilly Flaherty, Rebecca Welch and Alex Scott this week. All of them are deserving legends in their own right, check out their interviews here:

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Arsenal finally appoints new head coach

The wait is over. In what has felt like the most drawn-out recruitment process of all time - has finally been announced as Arsenal’s new head coach. They could hardly not offer it to her after she managed to turn Arsenal’s fortunes around, unbeaten in 11 games.

Beyond the results, the atmosphere at Arsenal has shifted under Slegers, players have talked about her igniting the teams’ self-belief. Empowerment, enjoyment and respect are the buzzwords that come up time and again. And if those three fundamental things were missing during Eidevall’s time then it’s no wonder Arsenal looks like a new squad now that Slegers has taken the reigns.

CONFIRMED TRANSFERS…

  • Kathrine Kühl has joined AS Roma from Arsenal on a permanent deal.

  • Aston Villa’s Kensa Dali has left Aston Villa and is close to completing her move to San Diego Wave. It’s thought the deal will be completed this week.

  • Anna Leat has left Aston Villa by mutual consent. The New Zealander wanted to be closer to family and the club didn’t want to stop her from doing so. She is currently without a club.

  • Canadian international Clarissa Laris­ey has joined Crystal Palace until 2027.

  • Japanese midfielder Aemu Oyama has joined Manchester City on a deal until 2027. There’s a lot of excitement around the 20-year-old, who has been earmarked as one of Japan’s rising stars. She’ll bring technical ability, composure and strong decision-making to City’s midfield.

  • Poppy Pritchard has joined Newcastle United on loan. The Man City player’s previous loan at Crystal Palace was terminated early.

  • Charlotte Wardlaw also joins Newcastle on a permanent deal from Chelsea.

  • Marie Höbinger has signed a new three-year deal with Liverpool.

  • It’s official, Jaedyn Shaw has been traded to North Carolina Courage in one of the biggest trades in the NWSL’s history. It’s understood San Diego Wave will get $450,000 now, with additional fees possible depending on unspecified conditions being met. Shaw on the move: “I’m excited to experience a new style of play and to learn and grow alongside amazing players and coaches. I can’t wait to get to work and help bring another championship to Courage Country.”

RUMOURS…

Some juicy rumours are flying around this week.

  • First up… is Chloe Kelly heading to Manchester United? It would be a huge move, not least because of the small fact that City and United are arch-enemies. We’re still trying to imagine a reality where this could ever happen in men’s football… it’s kind of fun though and we’re here for the drama.

  • Meanwhile, it’s being reported that German rising star Jule Brand could be headed to Man City. Her contract at Wolfsburg is up in the summer, and unless a big offer comes in from the likes of Bayern Munich, it’s unlikely she’ll stay in Germany.

  • Then we have Naomi Girma. Word is that Arsenal and Chelsea are after her signature, but Lyon might be eyeing up a move with a £1 million offer reportedly being on the cards 👀. BTW, Emma Hayes has called Girma the best defender she’s ever seen, so expect a record-breaking deal if it happens.

  • And Finally, Ève Périsset could be off to San Diego Wave. Her Chelsea contract ends in the summer.

MANAGEMENT MOVES…

  • Carla Ward has been named the new Ireland head coach. The ex-Aston Villa manager has spent time working with different clubs since she left at the end of last season, including Emma Hayes and the USWNT at the Paris Olympics.

  • Mark Parsons returns to the NWSL as Angel City’s new Sporting Director. He’ll oversee all football operations from scouting and analytics to nutrition and player care. The Englishman’s experience is vast, and he’s the only head coach to have won an NWSL Shield, Championship and Challenge Cup.

🧠 QUIZ

Which footballer has just invested in a sports bra company?

(Answer at bottom of the email)

👟 KIT DROP

Mizuno launches speedy new boot

Mizuno has launched their Alpha II Japan boot, made to be the best lightweight boot on the market. If you’re a speedy one, looking for rapid acceleration, quick changes of direction and a barefoot feel, then this could well be the boot for you. Available now.

PSG x Jordan have dropped their new ‘WINGS’ collection. There’s a fourth jersey which features a design that plays on Jordan’s classic Wings logo, and a range of limited edition lifestyle pieces including hoodies, sweaters, jackets and tees. Available from 22 January on from PSG or NIKE.com

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

Upcoming events

Toca Social women’s hour
In an attempt to get more women playing football, Toca Social has introduced a women’s hour where women play for free. Every Wednesday 7-8pm. Info here.

Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up.

🛋️ ACL WATCH + INJURY UPDATES

Lily Agg becomes the third Ireland player to suffer ACL tear.

Ireland’s new coach, Carla Ward, has been hit with an injury blow just days into the job. Birmingham City and Ireland Midfielder, Lily Agg suffered an ACL injury during a league game last week. She’s already had a successful surgery but faces a long recovery.

📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Women's League Cup Quarter-Final
Wednesday 22nd January
18:45 - Chelsea vs Durham Women [WSL YouTube]
19:00 - Manchester United vs Manchester City [MUTV, WSL YouTube]
19:15 - Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal [WSL YouTube]
19:30 - Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United [WSL YouTube]

Women's Super League
Saturday 25th January
12:00 - Aston Villa Women v Manchester City [Sky Sports]

Sunday 26th January
12:30 - Chelsea vs Arsenal [BBC Two, BBC iPlayer]
14:00 - Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur [WSL YouTube]
15:00 - Leicester City vs Liverpool [WSL YouTube]
15:00 - West Ham United Women v Everton Women [WSL YouTube]
18:45 - Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion [Sky Sports ]

Upcoming competitions:
Subway Women’s League Cup: 22 January - Quarter Final Fixtures
Women’s Champions League: The quarter-final and semi-final draw will be held on Friday 7 February

📂 JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

More Women Working in Football

🧠 QUIZ ANSWER:

Which footballer has invested in a sports bra company?

Millie Bright has invested in sports bra brand, Maaree which was set up in 2018 by sports bra performance tester, Mari, after struggling to find the right support and fit. The first prototype was hacked together using charity shop belts in 2016, and since then they’ve gone on to win multiple awards for their designs.

“Amazing to be a part of a brand that has nailed the comfort and support whilst playing sports. This has been something I’ve struggled with for a long time.” – Millie Bright

Help make us better!

How was this week's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

P.S. If you know a WSL fan who’d love to read this email, please forward this one or share a link :)

More women watching, playing and working in football