The competitiveness didn't just extend to the title race it was a close season all round with just 10 points separating the top 7 teams, and the chances are it will prove to be just a close in 2015. Money has come into the game at the top level with a handful of clubs now investing heavily in their women's team, more clubs will need to follow suit if the game really is to grow long term but we have a start and it is giving women footballers a chance to turn the game they love playing into a profession.
I did think after last summers highly turbulant transfer period with a lot of comings and goings between the WSL clubs that this close season might be more settled... it certainlty didn't start that way, no sooner had the 2014 season ended and players announced they were off to pastures new, December was a busy month. So much so I decided to post the early comings and goings on the blog. It settled down a little in the New Year, though there has been a good deal of movement between the eight FAWSL 1 clubs.
Time to bring it all together then with the season due to start on Wednesday with newly promoted Sunderland Ladies travelling to the Select Stadium to play champions Liverpool Ladies. Tried a new format last week when previewing the new FAWSL 2 season so will be taking a look at the transfers in and out of each club and a recap and preview too. Predictions as to how they may fair I will leave till the end.. because well it's going to be a tough one.
LIVERPOOL LADIES
Last Season - Champions
I had tipped Liverpool Ladies to win a 2nd successive title at the start of the season, but then the club suffered a couple of injuries to key players which made the squad look a little bare. Never looked to get going during the season were never leading the way but kept plugging away picking up results weren't losing games the draws proving useful. Were out of it until Fara Williams tried her luck from distance against Birmingham (sorry to bring that up Birmingham fans). The win meant they were still in the title race on the final day but very much the outsiders. The rest is history they won their match the others didn't cue the celebrations.
In - Line Smorsgard (Arna Bjornor), Ingrid Ryland (Klepp), Satara Murray (UNC), Asisat Oshoala (River Angels).
Out - Gemma Davison (Chelsea Ladies), Amanda Da Costa (Washington Spirit), Lucy Bronze (Manchester City Women), Nina Pederson (Turbine Potsdam), Claudia Walker, Megan Alexander, Ellie Stewart (all Everton Ladies).
Not long after lifting the WSL 1 trophy for the 2nd time both Lucy Bronze and Amanda Da Costa announced they were moving on to take on new challenges. With Gemma Davison and Nina Pederson leaving too manager Matt Beard didn't rush to bring in new faces those that have come in bring a lot of experience and talent with them the most notable being Asisat Oshoala, just 20 years old a huge talent, African player of the year, the 1st African to play in the WSL a sought after player a real coup for the club. Experience comes in two Scandinavian players coming in, both Norwegian internationals, Line Smorsgard and Ingrid Ryland will strengthen the forward and back lines respectively. Satara Murray arrives from the USA, 21 years old a powerful player I saw her in action when Liverpool Ladies played Derby County Ladies in a pre-season friendly very pro active at the back will bring something new to the WSL this season.
Liverpool Ladies also have a couple of their long term injured stars returning to full fitness for the coming season. German Nicole Rolser is back after missing most of last season was a highly influencal player in their debut title success. Also back, although she hasn't got her Liverpool career started yet is Lucy Staniforth sure the club will be careful in managing her return after suffering two ACL's in two years I'm sure everyone will delighted to see her playing again. It's not only the players they've brought in but the ones coming through there are a number of squad players stepping up from the development set up too.
CHELSEA LADIES
Last Season - 2nd
Emma Hayes' side came so close to clinching their 1st WSL title losing out after leading going into the final day after defeat to Manchester City Women. Started the league campaign well enough had brought in several new faces noteably Korean star Ji So-Yun who quickly formed a great understanding with Japanese star Yuki Ogimi. Eniola Aluko too was showing great form for club and country. After the mid-season break Chelsea had a purple patch that pushed them into contention for the title a real blow to miss out as they did.
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| Millie Bright |
Out - Yuki Ogimi (Wolfsburg), Laura Bassett, Rachel Williams, Danielle Buet (all Notts County Ladies) Emma Wilhelmsson, Christiane Endler.
Five in and five out for Chelsea Ladies and they seem to have gotten most of their new signings in nice and early as they prepare for the new season. Is a big blow to lose Yuki Ogimi was a huge success during her time in England a pleasure to watch and I'm sure an influence to may a young player. Hedvig Lindhal is a vastly experienced keeper the Swedish international will have to be on her game though if she is to start ahead of Marie Hourihan who had a great season last year in goal for Chelsea. Millie Bright was a fans favourite at Doncaster Rovers Belles has gotten into the England U23 set up and has the opportunity to shine at Chelsea.
So-Yun and Aluko have signed on for the new season will be important players once again, Hayes has assembled a good blend of young talent with experienced internationals. Of all the youngsters coming through last season, one of note was Hannah Blundell who went on to feature for the U20's last year in Canada.
BIRMINGHAM CITY LADIES
Last Season - 3rd
They were going to get relegated last season weren't they? Despite never finishing outside of the top half of the WSL the arrival of greater finance at other WSL clubs old and new was supposed to spell trouble for the likes of Birmingham. Transfer activity was quiet compared to other clubs last season even though they had reached the quarter finals of the Champion's League beat Arsenal Ladies then carried that early momentum and confidence into the season, were at the top or there abouts all the way only to see it fall from their grasp on the final like Chelsea Ladies.
In - Alex Windell (Birmingham City Ladies), Freda Ayisi (Arsenal Ladies).
Out - Katie Wilkinson, Hannah George (both Aston Villa Ladies), Hannah Keryakoplis.
Very little transfer activity by the club which is a good thing were some rumours floating about that the odd key player might be tempted away, but that didn't prove to have any mileage in it. Is a relatively young squad and that is manager David Parker's policy give youth its chance has assembled a good squad and I totally agree with what others have told me, keep it together and it will only get better. Alex Windell coming in from Bristol Academy can play in a number of positions. Freda Ayisi comes in from Arsenal Ladies full of potential, just the sort of player the club would target to bring in and gives them something different in attack.
I admit I chickened out of bumping up their chances last season even though I thought they had a good starting XI, just felt after that it was a little light, proved me wrong in that regards with players coming through, have strengthened since then, Jo Potter, Jade Moore and Remi Allen are a strong midfield trio.
ARSENAL LADIES
Last Season - 4th
The 2014 FAWSL season was the toughest Arsenal Ladies have faced in a long time after a long period of being the dominant force in women's football in England. Losing the title to Liverpool Ladies saw the club enter a period of transitition as it saw a host of top name players leaving rather than queuing up to join the club. Manager Shelley Kerr had a tough job on her hands left the club (too soon perhaps) her final match an FA Women's Cup victory. The club were patient in naming a successor, brought in Pedro Martinez Losa towards the end of the season giving the Portugese coach who previously been in charge of NWSL side Western New York Flash a handful of games to assess the squad. With Jordan Nobbs returning from a long lay off through a back injury the club rallied towards the end of the season finishing in the top half of the table.
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| Lianne Sanderson |
Out - Niamh Fahey (Chelsea Ladies), Yukari Kinga, Shinubo Ohno, Christie Murray (Bristol Academy), Freda Ayisi (Birmingham City Ladies).
Although they took their time in naming Shelley Kerr's successor Arsenal Ladies did get Pedro Martinez Losa in before the end of the season giving him a good opportunity to assess not only his squad but the WSL as a whole. Three quick arrivals were announced after the season with Lianne Sanderson, having recently returned to the England set up now returning to England and her former club following a successful spell overseas. Along with Sanderson came to new signings from Bristol Academy, Jemma Rose a young central defender who is on the fringes of a senior England call up and Spanish striker Natalia Pablos Sanchon who is a proven goal scorer in the WSL.
Since then Arsenal have added Spanish star Vicky Losada from Barcelona and Chioma Ubogagu from the US to their squad. Have lost Japanese stars Yukari Kinga and Shinubo Ohno. It's another squad mixed with great young talent and experience of all the player comings and going this close season Arsenal Ladies have been the ones I have liked the most.
MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN
Last Season - 5th
New entrants to the FAWSL1 last season caused controversy, but the club brought a lot of money with it and are investing heavily in their women's team. Last year they brought in the likes of Jill Scott, Karen Bardsley, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan. Got off to a poor start took the new faces a while to get it right the spotlight the club was under meaning the pressure to achieve was ramped up, once the results started to come they moved up the table to finish in 5th place and of course went on to win the Continental Cup final.
In - Lucy Bronze (Liverpool Ladies), Demi Stokes (South Florida University), Jennifer Beattie (Montpellier), Sarah Wilsthire (Yeovil Town Ladies), Nikita Parris (Everton Ladies loan), Natasha Harding.
Out - Betsy Hassett, Danielle Young, Danielle Lea (both Everton Ladies), Andrea Worrell, Stephanie Marsh, Kim Turner.
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| Will Steph Houghton & Lucy Bronze be the centre back pairing for club as well as country? |
Have built upon last season by bringing in another batch of proven international players. A new stadium has been built next to the Etihad to house the youth and women's teams, looks an impressive facility. Manager Nick Cushing has brought in virtually a new defence with Lucy Bronze and Demi Stokes having established themselves in the England squad over the last 12 months and Scottish international Jennifer Beattie returning from a spell in France. Up front have added two exciting talents in Nikita Parris on loan from Everton Ladies and Welsh international Sarah Wiltshire. Have of course let several leave too not many remain from the squad from just 2 seasons ago.
For all the buying power Manchester City have some promising youngsters too notably Keira Walsh and Natasha Flint. The pressure and expectation has been ramped up again, money can go a long way to buying the WSL title, the difference now, say to just 4 years ago is that their are enough talented players to fill the squads of more clubs. Manchester City have their critics but on the whole I think they are going about things the right way, their approach has captured the attention of a wider media audience, but if they are to truly succeed then they need their rivals to keep up, more investment needed yet.
NOTTS COUNTY LADIES
Last Season - 6th
The other controversal team to enter the FAWSL 1 last season after they rebranded and moved to a new county having previously played as Lincoln Ladies for the previous 3 FAWSL seasons. Was virtually a new squad brought in as all but a handful of the Lincoln squad brought into the project. Did promise more money and ambition, and this was evident by the players they brought in assembled a new and impressive looking squad in a short period of time with the likes of Ellen White and Canadian international Dersiree Scott coming in. Injuries were to play a big part in their season lost more than their fair share for the season due to the dreaded ACL injury including White.
Hit the ground running with Jess Clarke in spectacular form were the early pace setters Rick Passmoor setting up a side that was hard to break down they were undefeated going into the break. Had alot of draws amongst that though would end up having the best defensive record in the league but ended up hovering closer to the wrong end of the table before pulled clear to finish in sixth.
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| Alex Greenwood |
Out - Katie Hoyle (FC Zurich Frauen), Danielle Brogan (Adelade United), Caitlin Friend (Melbourne Victory), Katie Holtham, Rachel Corsie (Seattle Reign).
Have lost the spine of that side with defender Rachel Corsie and New Zealand midfielder Katie Hoyle moving on. Desiree Scott is with the Canadian Women's squad in a residency camp until the World Cup and will be unavailable until after the break. Have brought in another group of experienced internationals Laura Bassett is an England regular, following her from Chelsea are Rachel Williams and Danielle Buet, both of whom were involved with England two years ago but form and injury has seen both fall away from the reckoning. Jess Sigsworth is a promising youngster coming in from Doncaster Rovers Belles. Fern Whelan and Alex Greenwood were part of the Everton defence that got relegated last season, both very good Greenwood is vying for a place in the England World Cup squad, long term injury has seen Whelan drop out of the England picture, a few players at Notts County who will be looking to make an impact this season.
Ellen White is back to full fitness and rearing to go, Notts Conuty will need to score alot more goals if they want to improve on 6th place and with Aileen Whelan, Jess Clarke and Fiona O'Sullivan they now have the firepower. Let's hope the squad isn't so injury prone in 2015.
BRISTOL ACADEMY
Last Season - 7th
Finished in 7th place last season, but like I said earlier in this piece that was just 10 points from the top finisher. Got their league season off to a reasonable start, coming back after the mid-season break went through a long losing streak winning just 2 of their last nine matches to keep themselves away from the bottom of the table. The season of course finished on a high as the club having quaified for Europe the previous season made it into the quarter finals after a memorable 2 leg win against Barcelona.
In - Hayley Ladd (Coventry City Ladies), Nadia Lawrence (IBV Vestmanneyjar), Sharla Passariello (University of South Florida), Lauren Townsend (Cardiff City Ladies), Christie Murray (Arsenal Ladies).
Out - Laura Del Rio (Washington Spirit), Corinne Yorston (Yeovil Town Ladies), Jemma Rose, Natalia Pablos Sanchon (both Arsenal Ladies), Alex Windell (Birmingham City Ladies), Judith Fernandez (CE Saint Gabriel), Natasha Harding (Manchester City Women), Lauren Haynes (Aston Villa Ladies).
Since then though the club has lost a host of its star players, notably their attackers Laura Del Rio, Natalia Pablos Sanchon and Natasha Harding aswell as defenders Jemma Rose and Corinne Yorston. Has left the club and manager Dave Edmondson with a rebuilding job. Have retained the spine of the side, Jasmine Matthews, Angharad James, Sophie Ingle and Nikki Watts.
Took their time in bringing in new faces have added Scottish international Christie Murray from Arsenal Ladies along with Welsh internationals Lauren Townsend, Hayley Ladd and Nadia Lawrence. Sharla Passariello returned the the club where she was a centre of excellence player before going to the United States to play her football. The new signings will need to settle in quickly. An exodus of players can hit a squads morale could be a tough season ahead.
SUNDERLAND LADIES
Last Season - FAWSL 2 Champions
There were more than a few voices that said Sunderland should have been the team given a place in FAWSL 1 over Manchester City Women as they had won the Women's Premier League for the last three seasons were the best side outside of the FAWSL. Whatever the case they entered FAWSL 2 which wasn't a bad thing by any stretch, were the favorites to win the title were a team used to winning and in Beth Mead had a proven goalscorer still in her teens.
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| Beth Mead |
In - Cartlon Fairweather (manager), Suzane Mulvey (Rangers), Victoria Williams (Doncaster Rovers Belles) Brooke Chaplen.
Out - Mick Mulhern (manager), Helen Alderson (Durham Women FC)
The 1st change upon securing promotion to the top teir of women's football was Mick Mulhern stepping down as 1st team manager. The club has brought in Carlton Fairweather to take over the role. The club hasn't been overly active in the transfer period and took it's time in bring players in have added three new faces, striker Suzane Mulvey joins from Rangers, with Victoria Williams coming in from Doncaster Rovers Belles, a powerful and versatile player she can play in a number of positions in defence and midfield. The latest signing announced just today is an excellent addition to the squad bringing valuable experience in playing in the FAWSL 1 with her Brooke Chaplen released by Everton Ladies at the end of last season I've been waiting to see which club would get her signature for the coming season, now we know.
Newly promoted the aim has to be to keep in the division, will be a tough ask anyone who watched the Continental Cup group stages last season saw the gap between FAWSL 1 and 2. Sunderland are well epuipped to rise to the challenge, have plenty of good young players, a stable and settled squad, and one that has been used to winning matches in recent seasons.
Final Thoughts & Predictions
Said I would leave it till the end to make my predictions as to how I think the league will pan out in turn of placings. Is a tough one could argue the case for 6 of the clubs looking at making top spot theirs and no doubt that will be the goal. Is a highly competitive league, the finance at their disposal Manchester City Women can attract the best playing talent, there is more to go around than just one team now so just getting what you think is the best in is no guarantee of success.
Personally I really like the signings Pedro Martinez Losa has made to the Arsenal Ladies squad, have added a potent goal threat to the side, have stabalised not lost many players this time around have some really good young players too, Leah Williamson and Jade Bailey to name two. I think they are back to challenge for top spot.
Actually feel that Liverpool Ladies are stronger this season than they were last despite losing Lucy Bronze and Amanda Da Costa, manager Matt Beard has recruited some useful overseas experience, Asisat Oshoala will want to show what she can do. Nicole Rolser returning from injury is a massive boost too. Key might be in getting Natasha Dowie back to the blistering goal scoring form she had in her 1st season at the club.
So Arsenal Ladies and Liverpool Ladies are the teams I fancy at the top of the FAWSL.
That said there is every possiblity that Birmingham City Ladies, Chelsea Ladies, Manchester City Women and Notts County could all be up their instead, they will all take points off each other, and if 1 of 6 teams can challenge for the title then one will end up 6th.
A stable squad they did so well last season, Birmingham City Ladies can't be written off in the title hunt, is a blow for the club losing Chelsea Weston to injury for a long spell ,was in my opinion the best right back in the FAWSL last season. Will wear the underdog tag but are more than capable of mixing it with the best.
In regards to Chelsea Ladies I feel the loss of Ogimi has pulled them away from the top of the table, I know one player doesn't make a team but the japanese star was involved heavily in their build up play. Emma Hayes has plenty of exciting talent at her disposal and goals will come from all over the park.
Manchester City Women are title challengers of course have to be considered that purely on the players they have bought in over the last two seasons will be aiming for the top but like I said the best talent isn't all in the possession of one team makes thing's very interesting and they can finish a match with 8 attackers on the pitch if they want to.
Notts County will have ambitions for the top of the table too, just feel that what they have brought in is counter balanced by who has left meaning I don't feel they are stronger than they were last season. The key difference this season though is they have more attacking options available were the lowest goalscorers last season have Ellen White back now. Know they will be a hard team to break down 6 draws last season can they turn these into wins and if they do will climb up the table.
That leaves Bristol Academy and Sunderland Ladies, both of whom I don't see as title challengers but rather slugging it out at the bottom of the table to avoid the drop. Both need to be hard to beat. Mead will score goals in the top tier will need contributions from others. The number of departures from Bristol Academy are hard to replace lost alot of goals will be vital they keep them out at the other end.
Clear as mud then 6 teams capable of challenging for the title it'll be a right mess! Highly competitive let's hope more managers choose to go for the win rather than start with the "we mustn't lose it approach."
I'm going for Arsenal Ladies for the title.
Six league games before the break for the World Cup will it be a distraction for some players Mark Sampson the England manager has said he will pick form players, think he must have 20+ names of his squad written in already, will anyone start the season brightly enough to force her way onto the plane.. guess we'll have to wait and see?
All kicks off on Wednesday 25th with Liverpool Ladies v Sunderland Ladies live on BT Sport. 4 more clubs get their league campaigns started on Sunday the 29th March with Birmingham City Ladies hosting Manchester City Women and Notts County Ladies at home to Chelsea Ladies. Arsenal Ladies and Bristol Academy have to wait unti lthe 2nd of April to get underway.
An exciting season ahead, Birmingham City Ladies have the best cheeseburger in the FAWSL 1 so at least that settles one thing. Enjoy the season everyone who ever you're supporting.
