WSL Transfer Buzz part 2

  Safe to say a part 2 concerning the transfer comings and goings within the WSL this winter period was a good call because the activity between the various clubs has only intensified in regards to player movement and even though it still isn't over yet think it's time for an update of just who's gone where. Part 1 of the WSL Transfer Buzz wrapped up the deals done till the 21st of December and we all knew then there were still deals to be done but on this scale.....
   Guess the best place to start with is Notts County Ladies who had worringly not done alot before Christmas and had barely enough players left from the Lincoln set up to make up a team let alone a squad. That was to change big time over these next four weeks 1st in was Carly Telford, the goalkeeper I thought might come to Notts and be reunited with Rick Passmoor who like Ellen White who'd come in earlier played for him during their Leeds days. There were departures but I'll come onto those. Come 2nd Jan it was the clubs marquee signing the only one they've brought in that's made me go "Wow!" Canadian international midfielder Diseree Scott, (The Destroyer) a real coup for the WSL club. Two New Zealand internationals were to sign shortly afterwards midfielder Katie Hoyle and full back Anna Greene both extremely experienced. In between these two signing was that of Scottish defender Rachel Corsie from Glasgow City... at last the squad looked more balanced and looked like it would be a competive force in the WSL in 2014.
    The club wasn't done there however as this past week has seen a further raft of new players coming in firstly Melbourne Victory striker Caitlin Friend who has been in great scoring form in the W League this season. Yesterday saw not 1... not 2... but 3 new players arriving all vastly experienced and English in midfielder Katie Holtham who is from the Nottingham area, Dunia Susi a very versatile player who mainly operates at right back although I think she can do a good job further up the pitch and lastly Rachel Unitt, a long time favourite of mine brings a wealth of experience to the back line. It wouldn't surprise me if Notts aren't finished yet but this is now a very competitive squad vastly changed from last season of course, but then so was the Liverpool team that took the WSL title last season at the moment I'd think only Jess Clarke and Sophie Bradley would be regular starters but who knows.
      There have of course been departures from the club alot of fans favourites with Martha Harris and Karen Bardsly moving to Liverpool and Manchester City respectfully, it was another crowd favorite that moved on the 24th December, Remi Allen to Birmingham a great signing in my opinion Potter and Moore are as good a midfield pair as any in the WSL and adding Remi Allen to that will make the middle of the park a tough place to be. Birmingham also brought in attacker Hannah Keryakoplis. Losing Rachel Unitt was a blow her experience will be missed. Also the club revealed Isobel Christiansen was in talks with another WSL club but as of now nothing has been revealed.
    Casey Stoney another crowd favourite opted not to sign a new deal at Notts and took on a new challenge going back to Arsenal Ladies at last another welcome signing for the club after bringing in Siobhan Chamberlain. Vastly experienced and perfect for a club in transition as players come and go. Arsenal brought in another player with plenty of experience and previous knowledge of the WSL in Dutch star Anouk Hoogendijk. With players leaving in droves it seemed it must have been a relief when 1st Rachel Yankey, then Kelly Smith commited themselves to the club and let's hope the latter especially can have an injury free season as Kelly still has so much to offer. The club needed to bring in additional attacking options and did so yesterday (30th) with the signing of Scottish player Christie Murray, again from Glasgow City. Arsenal still has a very strong starting XI could do with additions to fill the squad.
    Two big departures from the club however were to the benefit of fellow London club Chelsea as Emma Hayes got the signatures of both Katie Chapman and Gilly Flaherty which gives the club an impressive looking spine with Laura Bassett and Eniola Aluko. This week they announced the signing of South Korean star Ji So-Yun who will bring something very different to women's football in England and just today (31st) Swedish player Emma Wilhelmsson. They like Notts will be extremely competitive this season.
    Liverpool had only brought in two players so far and when you have a settled and successful team I think that's all you need, they did however require a new goalkeeper and have signed American Libby Stout from BV Cloppenburg. Their Merseyside rivals have still only made the one signing in Abby Pope but having long term injury victim Fern Whelan returning will be a huge boost have also named Michelle Hinnigan as captain.
   Bristol Academy having lost their manager Mark Sampson needed a replacement and have brought in Dave Edmondson currently coaching in Australia with W League outfit Melbourne Victory will be interesting to see whether he brings anyone over with him. The club has worked hard to secure the signatures of the squad that done so well to clinch second place last season but as yet no news on a new goalkeeper following the departure of Siobhan Chamberlain.
     That leaves Manchester City the team I think everyone expected to do what Notts County has done and buy a new team instead they have been quite sensible in the transfer market gone with the let's find our feet first approach which I think is good as they are the new team to the league have signed Jess Holbrook from Liverpool along with Danielle Young from Blackburn Rovers and Emma Lipman from Leeds. Were launched/relaunched earlier this month becoming Manchester City Women as a pose to Ladies will be a force but maybe not title challenges... yet.
 
  There are still no doubt a few more to come and go two or three notable names still out there more anouncements to come but the teams and coming season is taking shape now, it does need to settle down and it'll be great when at last the football can do the talking.