Mixed feelings certainly, always a casual fan of the women's game the inception of the FAWSL in 2011 really got me involved falling in love with the game, initially a supporter of Lincoln Ladies, anyone who has read the blog knows where the journey has taken me since. In the early seasons feel the FAWSL was going in the right direction, latter seasons lost its way, with chaotic fixture scheduling that wasn't good for players or their fans. Can't deny attendances have grown hugely positive in that regards and hope that they will continue to do so, moving back to the winter has its challenges, know how it can work, but whether it does is another matter I'm an optimist. Before then however we have the Spring Series.
The Spring Series will see all the teams from FAWSL 2 play each other once between the season opener on Feb 11th till Sun 21st May. The FAWSL 1 kick-off isn't till April and that preview will be saved for a later date. For now the focus is on FAWSL 2. The Spring Series has been described as an extended pre-season with the 10 sides in the division more or less playing friendlies. A trophy for the top side of course, nothing to lose at the other end of the table. I would disagree and am excited by the Spring Series actually think it will be a very useful exercise for all the clubs.
An opportunity to bed in new players, try new things, play without pressure to a degree afterall a good run in the Spring Series could carry momentum into the 2017/18 season. May or may not give an indication as to how things may go later in the year guess that comes down to how you gauge things? Suspect it will benefit, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC the most as it will give the newly promoted side time to find their feet in the new league. Took Sheffield FC Ladies a few games to get going in FAWSL 2 last season, improving in the latter half of the season. Watford Ladies too following their recent troubles as they look to rebuild following a troubling period recently. Will come on to both further in the preview below a look at each club, the In's and Out's and so forth. Predictions? I think I'll keep them to myself for the Spring Series.
Aston Villa Ladies
Head Coach - Joe Hunt
Players In - Alice Hassall (Notts County Ladies)
New Contracts - Bethan Merrick, Jade Richards Elisha N'Dow, Mollie Rouse, Amy West, Katy Moran, Chloe Jones, Maddy Cusack, Hannah George, Chloe Beattie, Tash Baptiste, Kerri Welsh, Lucy Porter, Lucy Shephard, Alys Hinchcliffe, Grace Smith, Nicola Potts
New Contracts - Bethan Merrick, Jade Richards Elisha N'Dow, Mollie Rouse, Amy West, Katy Moran, Chloe Jones, Maddy Cusack, Hannah George, Chloe Beattie, Tash Baptiste, Kerri Welsh, Lucy Porter, Lucy Shephard, Alys Hinchcliffe, Grace Smith, Nicola Potts
Players Out - Sarah Mayling (Birmingham City Ladies)
Aston Villa Ladies have on the whole retained the services of much of their squad from last season with the exception of Sarah Mayling joining Birmingham City Ladies. Have a young and exciting squad and players coming through from the youth sides. Mollie Rouse came into the side last season from the youth set-up and did very well for the 1st team will be an influential player this time around to an England Youth International, two more make the step up to 1st team football for the Spring Series, Lucy Porter and Lucy Shephard. Alice Hassall is another England Youth International joins the club from Notts County Ladies and played very well for Aston Villa Ladies in the FA Women's Cup last weekend.
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| Mollie Rouse an excellent 1st season with the Aston Villa Ladies 1st team |
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC
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| Brighton & Hove Albion WFC celebrating the FAWPL Play-off win to earn promotion to the FAWSL |
Head Coach - George Parris (interim manager)
Players In - Emma Byrne (Arsenal Ladies), Laura Rafferty, Jenna Legg, Alessia Russo (all Chelsea Ladies), Sophie Perry (Reading FC Women)
Players Out - Lily Agg (Bristol City Women)
Winning last May's FAWPL Play-off match to earn their place in the FAWSL 2, FAWPL Southern Division Champions make their league bow this Saturday in the Spring Series. Retaining much of the squad that won the title last season have added highly experienced Irish International goalkeeper, Emma Byrne from Arsenal Ladies to their squad with Faye Baker recovering from injury available. Sophie Perry returns to the club after a short spell with Reading FC Women, along with Laura Rafferty, Jenna Legg and Alessia Russo joining from Chelsea Ladies. As I said I think Brighton will benefit the most from the Spring Series as it will give them the time to adapt to playing at a higher level and prepare them well for the 2017/18 season later in the year.
Winning last May's FAWPL Play-off match to earn their place in the FAWSL 2, FAWPL Southern Division Champions make their league bow this Saturday in the Spring Series. Retaining much of the squad that won the title last season have added highly experienced Irish International goalkeeper, Emma Byrne from Arsenal Ladies to their squad with Faye Baker recovering from injury available. Sophie Perry returns to the club after a short spell with Reading FC Women, along with Laura Rafferty, Jenna Legg and Alessia Russo joining from Chelsea Ladies. As I said I think Brighton will benefit the most from the Spring Series as it will give them the time to adapt to playing at a higher level and prepare them well for the 2017/18 season later in the year.
Doncaster Rovers Belles
Head Coach - Emma Coates
Players In - Sophie Walton (released by Notts County Ladies), Mayumi Pacheco, Kirsty Hanson (both Liverpool Ladies)
New Contracts - Emily Simpkins, Sophie Barker, Samantha Tierney, Rachel Newborough
Players Out - Katrin Omarsdottir, Sue Smith, Carla Humphrey (end of loan Arsenal Ladies)
After winning promotion back to FAWSL 1 last season I was opptimistic that Doncaster Rovers Belles would not only be safe from relegtion but even challenge for a place in the top half of the table. Got it completely wrong as did so many other. Having signed some high profile names and having a very strong looking attack things just didn't work out early losses saw the depature of manager Glen Harris. Emma Coates taking over as Head Coach. Were unlucky with injuries up front, top scorer last season Courtney Sweetman-Kirk fracturing her leg in a friendly. Sue Smith was out injured all season, Natasha Dowie left and late on Jessica Sigsworth was ruled out too. Doncaster Rovers Belles nearly went the entire season without a point on the board finally getting a win away to Reading FC Women 0n the last day of the season. Relegated back to FAWSL 2 the Spring Series gives them the opportunity to get rid of any relegation blues. Have a strong squad, Sweetman-Kirk, not getting the opportunity to shine in FAWSL 1 is a proven striker in FAWSL 2 and back to full fitness. Defender, Mayumi Pacheco was a stand-out player coming in on loan from Liverpool Ladies has now signed with the club on a permanent basis. Sophie Walton also joins after being released by Notts County Ladies, having recently had a baby she is working her way back to full fitness and will be a very good addition to their squad.
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| Mayumi Pacheco impressed on loan last season, makes the moves to Doncaster permanent |
Durham FC Women
Head Coach - Lee Sanders
Players In - Grace McCatty (Bristol City Women), Zoe Ness (Mallbackens IF)
New Contracts - Sarah McFadden, Emily Roberts, Sarah Wilson, Jen Jennings, Natalie Gutteridge, Rebecca Salicki, Helen Alderson, Nicola Gibson, Ellie Christon, Annabel Johnson, Beth Hepple, Nicki Gears, Tyler Dodds, Jordan Atkinson, Rachel Lee, Megan Brothwick, Mercy Darkoah
New Contracts - Sarah McFadden, Emily Roberts, Sarah Wilson, Jen Jennings, Natalie Gutteridge, Rebecca Salicki, Helen Alderson, Nicola Gibson, Ellie Christon, Annabel Johnson, Beth Hepple, Nicki Gears, Tyler Dodds, Jordan Atkinson, Rachel Lee, Megan Brothwick, Mercy Darkoah
Players Out -
Durham FC Women are a side that has grown as the FAWSL 2 has developed, getting better year on year and involved in the race for the title for a good portion of last season will be strong again this time round in the Spring Series. Have again retained much of their squad from last season. Have made two signings bringing in former Bristol City Women captain, Grace McCatty although she has undergone surgery recently and is unlikely to future in the Spring Series, aiming to be ready for the new 2017/18 season. A wealth of experience is fantastic signing for Durham. Also signing for Durham is Zoe Ness returning to the club after 2 years playing in Sweden for Mallbackens IF. Had a great debut season FAWSL 2 for Durham in 2014 the Scottish International will be one to look out for in 2017.
Durham FC Women are a side that has grown as the FAWSL 2 has developed, getting better year on year and involved in the race for the title for a good portion of last season will be strong again this time round in the Spring Series. Have again retained much of their squad from last season. Have made two signings bringing in former Bristol City Women captain, Grace McCatty although she has undergone surgery recently and is unlikely to future in the Spring Series, aiming to be ready for the new 2017/18 season. A wealth of experience is fantastic signing for Durham. Also signing for Durham is Zoe Ness returning to the club after 2 years playing in Sweden for Mallbackens IF. Had a great debut season FAWSL 2 for Durham in 2014 the Scottish International will be one to look out for in 2017.
Everton Ladies
Head Coach - Andy Spence
Players In - Amber Stobbs (Reading FC Women) Olivia Chance (Breidablik)
New Contracts -
New Contracts -
Players Out - Ellie Stewart (Blackburn Rovers Ladies), Millie Turner (Bristol City Ladies) Jenna Dear, Rosella Ayane (end of loan Chelsea Ladies)
Missed out on promotion to FAWSL 1 last season with a 3rd place finish pushing the eventual top two Yeovil Town Ladies and Bristol City Women all the way. A few departures
Ellie Stewart and Jenna Dear not having their contracts renewed. Millie Turner has signed for Bristol City Women. Have strong squad adding attackers Amber Stobbs and Olivia Chance to the front-line. Head Coach Andy Spence always looking to develop young players and bring them through into the 1st team the club will be amongst the contenders for the Spring Series trophy you would think.
Missed out on promotion to FAWSL 1 last season with a 3rd place finish pushing the eventual top two Yeovil Town Ladies and Bristol City Women all the way. A few departures
Ellie Stewart and Jenna Dear not having their contracts renewed. Millie Turner has signed for Bristol City Women. Have strong squad adding attackers Amber Stobbs and Olivia Chance to the front-line. Head Coach Andy Spence always looking to develop young players and bring them through into the 1st team the club will be amongst the contenders for the Spring Series trophy you would think.
London Bees
Head Coach - Dave Edmondson
Players In - Lucy Loomes (Millwall Lionesses), Anne Meiwald (Chelsea Ladies), Laura-May Walkley (Reading FC Women), Amber Tullett, Jordan Littleboy, Mollie Burgess (all Watford Ladies) Evie Clarke
Re-signed - Jo Wilson, Sophie Forgarty, Emma Beckett, Ashleigh Goddard, Paula Howells, Sophie Harris, Rebecca Anderson, Aoife Hurley
Players Out - Anoria Georgiou, Danielle Scanlon, Deanna Cooper, Nikki Watts, Meghan McKeag (Watford Ladies)
Fair to say it took London Bees a while to find themselves in FAWSL 2. A difficult couple of 1st seasons with a high player turn over and managerial change, Dave Edmondson took on the role last season and London Bees found some stability and form playing so good attractive football with a memorable win over Chelsea Ladies in the Continental Cup along the way. Have resigned several of their top performers from last season, have strength in depth adding to the squad to bringing in Watford Ladies trio, Amber Tullett, Jordan Littleboy and Mollie Burgess. Lucy Loomes rejoins the club after a season with local rivals Millwall Lionesses. Anne Meiwald is a good signing from Chelsea Ladies and Laura-May Walkley brings with her experience from playing in FAWSL 1 with Reading FC Women. The Spring Series will give London Bees a platform to further improve and set themselves up for perhaps a promotion push when the 2017/18 season begins.
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| Jordan Littleboy joins London Bees for the Spring Series |
Millwall Lionesses
Head Coach - Lee Burch
Players In - Ellie Mason, Phoebe Read (both Watford Ladies), Sarah Kempson (Portsmouth FC Ladies)
Re-signed - Ashlee Hincks, Jordan Butler, Sarah Quantrill, Amber Gaylor, Megan Wynne, Billie Brooks, Leighanne Robe, Georgie Giddings, Leigh Nicol
Players Out - Lucy Loomes (London Bees) Rinsola Babajide (Watford Ladies)
Millwall Lionesses have had a turbulent time in FAWSL 2 looking to have a strong competitve squad went it began have under-performed in recent seasons, player turn over and manager departures haven't helped. Have the makings of a decent squad and have resigned several key players from last season, adding Phoebe Read and Ellie Mason from Watford Ladies to bolster their attacking options having lost Lucy Loomes and Rinsola Babajide to their London rivals. Sarah Kempston also joins the club getting a chance to impress in the FAWSL having done very well in the FAWPL with Portsmouth FC Ladies. Momentum will play a vital role in the Spring Series and Millwall Lionesses could be a side to benefit from this one off competition.
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| Striker Ellie Mason joins from Watford Ladies |
Oxford United Women
Head Coach - Karl Milgate
Players In - Emily Donovan (Yeovil Town Ladies)
New Contracts - Jess Frampton, Sophie Baker, Madi Lee, Lauren Haynes, Holly Pickett, Riva Carsley, Ini Umotong
New Contracts - Jess Frampton, Sophie Baker, Madi Lee, Lauren Haynes, Holly Pickett, Riva Carsley, Ini Umotong
Players Out - Katherine Nutman, Hannah Cox (Oxford City Ladies)
Oxford United Women ended up finishing 2nd bottom in FAWSL 2 last season which was something of a surprise especially when they had 13 goal striker Ini Umotong in their side. Had looked to have been improving season after season since the FAWSL 2 began in 2014 a set back in 2016. All change at the start of the Spring Series manager Les Turner departing, Karl Milgate takes of the Head Coaches role. Little player movement, club captain Kat Nutman leaving after 3 years with the club along with experienced goalkeeper Hannah Cox who joined Oxford City Ladies. Have signed Emily Donovan from Yeovil Town Ladies. Umotong re-signing with the club is a huge boost a powerful striker their opposition defenders will continuing leaving Abingdon with a few new bruises. The Spring Series a good opportunity for Milgate to assess his squad and prepare for the 2017/18 season.
Oxford United Women ended up finishing 2nd bottom in FAWSL 2 last season which was something of a surprise especially when they had 13 goal striker Ini Umotong in their side. Had looked to have been improving season after season since the FAWSL 2 began in 2014 a set back in 2016. All change at the start of the Spring Series manager Les Turner departing, Karl Milgate takes of the Head Coaches role. Little player movement, club captain Kat Nutman leaving after 3 years with the club along with experienced goalkeeper Hannah Cox who joined Oxford City Ladies. Have signed Emily Donovan from Yeovil Town Ladies. Umotong re-signing with the club is a huge boost a powerful striker their opposition defenders will continuing leaving Abingdon with a few new bruises. The Spring Series a good opportunity for Milgate to assess his squad and prepare for the 2017/18 season.
Sheffield FC Ladies
Head Coach - Zoe Johnson
Players In - Natasha Flint, Lagan Makin (Flyde Ladies) Hannah Dale (Liverpool Ladies - loan)
New Contracts - Carla Ward, Juliana Draycott, Danielle Cox, Rhema Lord-Myers, Billie Murphy, Emma Johnson, Chloe Dixson, Sarah Jackson, Sherry McCue, Ellie Gilliatt, Emma Lipman, Hannah Cain, Sophie Jones, Suzanne Davies, Kennedy Owen
New Contracts - Carla Ward, Juliana Draycott, Danielle Cox, Rhema Lord-Myers, Billie Murphy, Emma Johnson, Chloe Dixson, Sarah Jackson, Sherry McCue, Ellie Gilliatt, Emma Lipman, Hannah Cain, Sophie Jones, Suzanne Davies, Kennedy Owen
Players Out - Olivia Wild ( Flyde Ladies) Kirsty Hanson (end of loan Liverpool Ladies)
The 1st side ever promoted to the FAWSL, Sheffield FC Ladies took a few games to find their feet in the league last season getting into better form late on in the campaign eventually sealing a top half finish. Will be looking to improve on this during the Spring Series and could be dark horses for top spot. Have retained the services of pretty much all last season's squad who have certainly grown after their debut season in the FAWSL. Have brought in Natasha Flint from Flyde Ladies, at Manchester City Women previously doing well for both will get the goals for Sheffield, Also joining Flint from Flyde is Lagan Makin with Hannah Dale joining on loan from Liverpool Ladies.
The 1st side ever promoted to the FAWSL, Sheffield FC Ladies took a few games to find their feet in the league last season getting into better form late on in the campaign eventually sealing a top half finish. Will be looking to improve on this during the Spring Series and could be dark horses for top spot. Have retained the services of pretty much all last season's squad who have certainly grown after their debut season in the FAWSL. Have brought in Natasha Flint from Flyde Ladies, at Manchester City Women previously doing well for both will get the goals for Sheffield, Also joining Flint from Flyde is Lagan Makin with Hannah Dale joining on loan from Liverpool Ladies.
Watford Ladies
Head Coach - Keith Boanas
New Contracts - Ruby Baxter, Anneka Nuttall, Adekite Fatuga-Dada, Lucy Gillett, Charlotte Kerr, Lauren Jordinson, Chloe Bassett, Kerry Walklett, Caoimhe O'Reilly
Players Out - Anne-Laure Davy (ASJ Soyaux), Amber Tullett, Jordan Littleboy, Mollie Burgess (all London Bees)
Well had I started writing this Preview a week ago then I' have been saying "Will Watford Ladies even be starting the Spring Series?" Forfeited their FA Women's Cup match away to Doncaster Rovers Belles last Sunday, it happens but this is an FAWSL side we are talking about. Players told they can leave find new clubs several have. I'm pleased to say there was much better news during the week starting with the appointment of a new head coach Keith Boanas. The highly experienced women's football coach returning to the English game after looking after the Estonian Women's National side in recent years. A real coop for Watford Ladies and a much needed slice of good news 2 difficult seasons seeing them finish bottom of FAWSL 2 this is a new beginning. With players departing the club announced just today who they had managed to retain and sign up for the Spring Series. 5 players from last seasons squad with 3 more from the youth set-up stepping up signed 5 more with experienced striker Cherrelle Albert coming in having previously represented Millwall Lionesses, West Ham United Ladies and QPR Ladies. A surprise but really exciting is the capture of young striker Rinsola Babajide from Millwall Lionesses a huge talent and threat in front of goal. Joining her in attack Leah Cudone getting her chance in the FAWSL after several prolific seasons in FAWPL South East Division One with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies doesn't go too many games without getting her name on the scoresheet leaves the club sitting top of the table having scored 15 goals from 21 appearances so far this season. Lilli Maple joins from Crystal Palace Ladies. Meghan McKeag has previously played for Watford Ladies. Defender Vicky Neal also joins Watford Ladies for the Spring Series had been with them in 2015 however a serious injury kept her from getting her chance in FAWSL 2 is a quality defender and it's good to see she will have another opportunity to show what she can do. The Spring Series now becomes a vital opportunity for the club to rebuild and move forwards.
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| 15 goals from 21 appearances for Leah Cudone for MK Dons Ladies prior to joining Watford Ladies |
At the end of the Spring Series a Head Coach can say the season's only half finished which might sound odd but you've only played each other once so it's true, it'll be a case of continuing what they have acheived or improving sharply because come the 2017/18 season relegation is real. Sure their will be a few more In's and Out's to add will do so as they get announced. Will be interesting to see how the next few months unfold. Best of luck to the 10 sides involved.
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