The Women's Rolling Football Thread season 2023-24

[DuncinToffee]

Calling all football fans to discuss all things related to the beautiful game

Let us know who you support

Let's hope.

@BellaAmorosa Arsenal.com are streaming the match tomorrow just in case you don't know as they like keeping it a secret.

I much prefer female coaches for women's teams because it makes abusive behaviour less likely - not impossible, of course, but far less likely. I also think a woman coach can probably get an extra 1-2% out of women players - they have all been through the same mill, growing up as a girl/young woman who loves to play football. There's also practical stuff like the fact that the coach can go into the players' dressing room post match or whenever without it being an issue.

Having said that, I think that the male coaches we have in the WSL do seem to be a great bunch who respect their players and appreciate the game. Part of the problem with the reprobates who are in charge in some countries and at some clubs is that they see women's football as second class by a long way, and women players just as second-class men players, if you see what I mean. They resent the lower status, the much lower salary and worse - or nonexistent - facilities. (Not talking about the WSL here, obviously). And they take it out on the players, or they think they are owed some "perks" to make up for it all. It's a fundamental lack of respect for the players and the game which leads to treating the players badly. And that attitude comes from the top - the football authorities. Whereas women coaches have never expected to coach in men's football and they are usually evangelists for the women's game. Obviously it doesn't always work out (cough Corinne Diacre cough) but it's rare that you get this kind of problem.

Thanks, @MustTryHarderAndHarder - I pop onto the club website regularly, so I had seen that. I hope the sync is ok this time.

I like the recent developments but I still hope that getting rid of a couple of officials will not be the end of it. There has to be a wide-ranging inquiry and the women - the players and some of the officials, coaches and backroom staff - have to have their say publicly.

This is what I've been saying since it happened.
The "kiss in front of the World's cameras" HAS TO be the trigger for a full and proper investigation.
Sadly the players who refused to play, and ended up missing out on the chance of a World Cup Winner's medal by refusing to play, didn't shake the Spanish FA enough to do anything about it.
This, surely has to.

Linkoping down. Now we have to get past Paris FC. I am unaccountably nervous.

Ebony Salmon coming back to Aston Villa is fantastic for her and them. The WSL is going to be🔥🔥next season.

I am just reading on the BBC website how the qualifying works, good luck Arsenal.

Aston Villa is looking strong for next season.
Will Man U hold onto Mary Earps? I have seen a lot of rumours about her wanting to leave.

Hope the nerves holding out @BellaAmorosa

I am keeping an eye on the match via twitter.

Will Man U hold onto Mary Earps? I have seen a lot of rumours about her wanting to leave

I don't think so. She doesn't have that emotional attachment from being a local supporter, like Toone or Zelem. From the GQ interview that BellaAmorosa posted and her speech when she won the FIFA Golden Glove (not the World Cup one), it sounds like she thinks it was Sarina who really helped her. Man Utd's no 2 goalkeeper played under Marc Skinner at Birmingham and I suspect she correctly assesses that if they started playing at the same level, Baggaly would get chosen over her.

I love Mary Earps (I even started a thread about her) and I'd be sad to see her go but it could be the right move for her.

Incidentally, there was an article about Mary Earps on The Athletic sports website. Somebody posted a link to the same interview BellaAmorosa gave us but days later. There were lots of 'great link thanks' posts and likes. I laughed to myself. BellaAmorosa 1, The Athletic 0, I thought! 😀

Villa are my break through team for this season's WSL. Carla Ward has done brilliantly and they have made some astute signings.

Oops, I have saved that interview but forgotten all about it, thanks for reminding me

Shame about the Arsenal result Bella

Thanks for the emotional support, ladies!

Turns out I was right to be nervous. Oh, well. It's the league title and the domestic cups to fight for now. It might actually help us not to have the extra games. (tries desperately to see the positive side of going out of the qualifying tournament for the CL, not even the CL proper and fails miserably).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66637879

Well, that has cheered me up no end, @CrossPurposes! A little sunshine on a dark day.

I'm delighted he has gone, but hope that doesn't stop a full investigation into the culture of the Spanish FA. A full and thorough investigation and complete change is needed, which will be helped hugely by him and Vilda going, but I think all the women that refused to play for the Team long before the World Cup should have chance to have their say, and influence the changes that need to be made.

Exactly. There are still people who are asking if it is right that he has lost his job and career because of a kiss.

They are missing the point. He was vilified in the press because of the culture that he and his cronies had created in the Spanish FA. They felt that they could do anything they wanted to do and that no-one could touch them. That the women players did not matter and did not have a say in anything. That is why he and Vilda lost their jobs, not because of a kiss.

There are still people who are asking if it is right that he has lost his job and career because of a kiss

And because he was completely entitled and unapologetic. The kiss was wrong but his reaction compounded the situation.

Article on Rubiales' resignation by Alex Ibaceta in the Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/sep/11/rubiales-resigned-to-protect-spain-mens-world-cup-bid-not-for-the-womens-game

Transfer window closes today. It looks like we will be losing Gabby George to Man U.

I saw that. Sorry to hear it. Is GG a Manchester girl anyway? I recall reading somewhere that she was a big Man U fan. It's hard to resist the pull of your childhood club, I suppose.

I'm hoping and praying and refreshing blog sites, desperate for a RB/CM or at least a RB. We need some good news after the horrible disappointment of last Saturday.

nettie
I also see that Sophie Baggaly is leaving ManU and Phallon Tullis-Joyce (what a name!) is replacing her.
Fwiw, I don't think Mary Earps is leaving, or at least she's not coming to Arsenal.

Oh yes, GG is a Man U girl, she was in their youth team till 14.

I think it was expected and the club has recruited replacements

I also think Mary Earps will stay put.

Arsenal is close to signing Kyra Cooney-Cross from Hammarby according to the latest rumours.

I am so excited, but trying not to emotionally over-invest until we get the official announcement.

A little reminder never to trust my transfer predictions 😳 I hope it goes well for Baggaley. Maya Le Tissier came from Brighton so we owe them a good signing! I've not heard of Tullis Joyce but apparently she played for Reims before OL Reign and seems to have travelled quite a bit in her club career. Gabby George is Jesse Lingard's cousin.

it looks like it was a busy transfer deadline day all round.

The Spanish players are not backing down

https://x.com/GirlsontheBall/status/1702615125146931456?s=20

Statement from the Spanish players expect at 11:00 BST (noon CET). Expected to say they will not play in the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

PSG at home for Man U, tasty.