It could get complicated in the lower leagues if the 2 relegated teams are either north or south based.
It already happens with the current system, if the relegated club would go to one division but the champions of the other division win the playoff. If Wolves had beaten Southampton in last year's playoff to decide who replaced Watford, someone from the south midlands would have had to have been shoved from the South division to the North to balance the numbers.
Shame we couldn't get the win today and keep the perfect record at The Valley for the season. First time I've not seen us win and the first time we've conceded there this season. We did pretty well against a very quick Palace team, on the balance of chances we probably should have won. We had a bit of a patchwork team with Roe and N'Dow out and Bashford did ok out of position at right back. Henson, a player I'm usually farily troubled by was excellent at centre back, strong, didn't get caught out for pace and stepped out of defence well. I think she actually had a better game than Skeels who was quiet, though she did force the issue for the goal. Ayisi is another one I'm not always convinced by but she was strong and quick today, got the assist and we were weaker when she came off. As usual, any unbalancing of the midfield affected us and taking off Simpkins for Roche had Palace start pushing us back immediately. Addison was excellent and should have been involved in a goal but we lacked good decision-making in the final pass. Hennessey barreled around and put their defenders under pressure well and I bet she's a nightmare to have pressing you. Slightly limp end to a very good season and it was great having so many games at The Valley this year. Hope we keep the team together and get more of the same next season.
It could get complicated in the lower leagues if the 2 relegated teams are either north or south based.
It already happens with the current system, if the relegated club would go to one division but the champions of the other division win the playoff. If Wolves had beaten Southampton in last year's playoff to decide who replaced Watford, someone from the south midlands would have had to have been shoved from the South division to the North to balance the numbers.
but the relegated teams will be losing money and potentially having to travel greater distances.
Well-deserved. I also voted for Skeels but I was torn between her and Roe, and I'm really happy that Roe's been rewarded for another great season. Excellent player
Delighted for Beth but I voted for Addison as I just love her commitment. Really hope during this takeover (if it ever happens) the women get to carry on building 🙏🏻
I was initially surprised to hear than Sian Rogers came second in the vote but in hindsight I haven't given her enough credit. She came in to replace our POTY from last season and we haven't missed Cumings for a second (apart from as a person because she was lovely). I've always been impressed by Rogers but when I really think about it she's been superb. Hope we can sign her permanently.
I was initially surprised to hear than Sian Rogers came second in the vote but in hindsight I haven't given her enough credit. She came in to replace our POTY from last season and we haven't missed Cumings for a second (apart from as a person because he was lovely). I've always been impressed by Rogers but when I really think about it she's been superb. Hope we can sign her permanently.
She's been excellent. Although the standard of goalkeeping in the women's game has improved hugely in recent years, there's still a huge difference between the best of them and the rest. We've been fortunate to have a succession of really talented keepers in recent years.
The National League playoff to decide who replaces Coventry in the division will be Nottingham Forest v Watford. To be played on the 20th at Milton Keynes. We're a few weeks from knowing for sure who will come down from WSL to replace Bristol; Reading look favourites for the drop at present.
Watford are confirmed as the team promoted to replace Coventry. This season they've been playing some games at Vicarage Road and some at Wealdstone FC. Nice easy away trip, either way.
The last member of next season's division is confirmed - Reading were relegated from the WSL today so replace Bristol. They've been playing all matches at whatever the Madejski Stadium is called this year, which now has its own station opened since we were last there - Reading Green Park.
Hennessy, Henson, Follis and Bruton leaving at the end of their contracts. Nothing too devastating there. I feel like Follis flattered to deceive a little bit and had some real issues with final third decision-making. The other three were hard workers but generally backups and I think we can get better players in those spots, as much as I enjoyed Hennessy barreling into people late into games. I hope they go on to do good things.
Hennessy, Henson, Follis and Bruton leaving at the end of their contracts. Nothing too devastating there. I feel like Follis flattered to deceive a little bit and had some real issues with final third decision-making. The other three were hard workers but generally backups and I think we can get better players in those spots, as much as I enjoyed Hennessy barreling into people late into games. I hope they go on to do good things.
Hennessy, Henson, Follis and Bruton leaving at the end of their contracts. Nothing too devastating there. I feel like Follis flattered to deceive a little bit and had some real issues with final third decision-making. The other three were hard workers but generally backups and I think we can get better players in those spots, as much as I enjoyed Hennessy barreling into people late into games. I hope they go on to do good things.
Bruton is retiring isn't she?
Bruton announced her retirement before this announcement.
27 Aug first league fixtures 24 Sept first blank weekend due to an international window 10 Dec FA Cup Round 3 (where we enter) 14 Jan, 11 Feb next couple of FA Cup rounds, if relevant 28 April last league fixtures 12 May Women's FA Cup final (or it may be Saturday 11th)
I haven't seen a fixture release date yet. The WSL will be starting and ending several weeks later than the Championship due to the World Cup, which may mean the first few weeks of the season will have match dates and times moved around for TV, as happened last season.
It's incredibly hard to run a women's club in the upper levels completely independently. I can't think of anyone who's made a go of it for more than a few years, other than Cardiff who seem to manage OK one tier below us. Even when we had a period with no meaningful support from CAFC, we still had the club name, which helps a lot in getting sponsorship and donations. I hope Lionesses will be OK, but what they've been trying to do is very ambitious compared to what anyone else has ever managed.
Beth Roe now as well, one year extension. That's three absolutely key players kept. Hopefully we can convince N'Dow to come back permanently and add a quality left back and there won't be a better defence at this level
Comments
Really hope during this takeover (if it ever happens) the women get to carry on building 🙏🏻
Henson started most of the games last season.
27 Aug first league fixtures
24 Sept first blank weekend due to an international window
10 Dec FA Cup Round 3 (where we enter)
14 Jan, 11 Feb next couple of FA Cup rounds, if relevant
28 April last league fixtures
12 May Women's FA Cup final (or it may be Saturday 11th)
I haven't seen a fixture release date yet. The WSL will be starting and ending several weeks later than the Championship due to the World Cup, which may mean the first few weeks of the season will have match dates and times moved around for TV, as happened last season.
So I'm supposed to buy a season ticket without knowing who will be playing. Just over a week until the earlybird discount ends.
London City Lionesses are in big trouble. 8 players have been released.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66041121