Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: cdbearsfan on June 29, 2024, 01:12:01 PM
-
New manager seems as good a time as any to start new season thread. Good luck Bob.
https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/1807006496443519288?t=fPbxJVRptd20UIdrpACi3A&s=19
Seems like he won The Double in the Netherlands before a so-so spell at Leverkusen. Hopefully bring some decent continental talent with him...
-
How do we say his last name?
Welcome Pauw Patrol.
-
I think it's pronounced 'pow' if the ex-Ireland coach Vera de Pauw is anything to go by.
-
I think it's pronounced 'pow' if the ex-Ireland coach Vera de Pauw is anything to go by.
Ah, OK, cheers.
-
Hope for good things from the women's team this season, break that top 4 to 6. Good luck Robert.
-
Hopefully we will see continued investment in the squad and building on the last two seasons.
-
Bayern midfielder on-loan.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c28eg8nel22o
-
Assume the new manager's doing. Be good, please. Elsewhere, Twitterati suggesting Lehmann is in Turin for a medical.
-
That's good. It means Luiz won't be at his best in Italy. If she had stayed and had then broken up we might have been watching classic Luiz and really miss him.
-
Confirmed that Lehmann has joined Juve for an undisclosed fee - if there is a fee that is a good deal for Villa
-
That last sentence, didn't they get together while both were with us?
Juventus have signed Switzerland forward Alisha Lehmann from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old, who has agreed a three-year contract, scored 14 goals in 74 appearances in three seasons at Villa and was named supporters' player of the year in 2021-22.
"I'm overjoyed," she said. "Juve has a great history - so much so that I have to be honest: I was a bit nervous when I got out of my car for my medical check-up and saw so many fans. But everything is great."
Lehmann began her career with BSC YB Frauen in Switzerland before going on to play for West Ham and Everton in the Women's Super League (WSL).
She is the second WSL player to join Juventus this week after Sweden midfielder Hanna Bennison left Everton.
Lehmann's partner Douglas Luiz also moved to Juventus from Villa last week.
"For Douglas and me to be together in the same club is a dream," Lehmann said.
"We have often played in different cities, so being able to have these great adventures in the same place is something wonderful."
-
Yeah, I think so. I don't think it states otherwise, does it?
-
"We have often played in different cities, so being able to have these great adventures in the same place is something wonderful."
It's this bit.
-
"We have often played in different cities [separately], so being able to have these great adventures in the same place [now that we are together] is something wonderful."
That's the way I read it anyway. Maybe she could have worded it better.
-
But as a couple they were at the same club the whole time. It just seems a weird thing to say, "it's a dream to again be at the same club together" would make sense.
-
Yeah, it's a weird way of saying it. Obviously they'd be in different cities on match days, but that's going to be the same at Juve, unless they've got a mixed team I don't know about.
-
Yeah, it's a weird way of saying it. Obviously they'd be in different cities on match days, but that's going to be the same at Juve, unless they've got a mixed team I don't know about.
Maybe the same teams play the same matches for both teams? So if Juventus are playing internazionale in Milan, the female team have the same fixture as well.
-
New signing announced, Paula Tomás from Levante
https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/1810962400805540184?t=8_HxvoJzv683wt4tfUa5LA&s=19
Aston Villa Women are delighted to announce the signing of Spanish international Paula Tomás from Levante for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance and FA approval.
Tomás joins the club on a two-year deal, with the option of a further year, having turned professional with Granotes in 2020.
The 22-year-old left-back has also progressed through the ranks at international level and has two senior caps to her name.
Manager Robert de Pauw said: "Paula is a young and versatile player that can play as a full-back on both sides.
“She is able to defend well and also go up the flanks in attack. I think she will bring intelligence and determination to the team. I’m happy the club were able to bring her here."
Head of Women’s Football, Lee Billiard said: “We are delighted to welcome Paula to Aston Villa Football Club.
“She is a player we have enjoyed tracking and watching. Our first-ever Spanish signing, she is certainly an exciting player that I am sure fans will enjoy seeing play.”
Welcome to Aston Villa, Paula! 🇪🇸
-
The costs of running the ladies team can be taken off our financial losses cant they? So I'm guessing that, on the other side of the ledger, we cant book incoming transfer fees?
-
Sounds good to me, they finished 3rd and 4th last two years so pretty high standard, and two caps for the reigning World Champions can't be bad.
-
Jacob Tanswell reporting that Katie Robinson from Brighton has joined
https://x.com/J_Tanswell/status/1811679154858815527?t=tCFsl7wh6LGjnxB5_9Bxgg&s=19
Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Katie Robinson.
The winger will move to Birmingham after her contract expired at former club Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of June.
Robinson, 21, joined Brighton from Bristol City in 2020 and quickly became a key player, scoring 10 goals in 69 appearances across a four-year spell.
She made her England debut in November 2022 and was part of the squad that reached the FIFA World Cup final last year in Australia and New Zealand.
“Katie has played a key role in the club’s development in the WSL over the last few seasons and contributed significantly both on and off the pitch," said Zoe Johnson, managing director of women’s and girls’ football at Brighton.
Robinson will be hoping to improve Villa, who finished seventh in the Women's Super League last season.
-
She looked a very talented youngster so seems a very astute signing
-
Katie Robinson officially signed - 2 year contract
https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/1812834840447987751?t=Cs_0NhRwtcHSJUTKWzxJQA&s=19
-
Alisha upgrade?
-
You would have thought so…Lehmann was decent but if her talent matched her profile she wouldn’t have been muddling round at the likes of West Ham & Villa
-
From The Athletic
Weeks after leaving her post as manager of Aston Villa, Carla Ward took a holiday with her five-year-old daughter Hartley and it was then that she had the realisation. Afterwards, she caught up with Emma Hayes, the Chelsea turned USWNT manager who, having left the Women’s Super League this summer, can empathise with the push and pull of a coaching career at the elite club level. “I was saying: ‘I spent the holiday with Hartley, rather than on the phone 24/7,'” Ward says. “For managers, it’s relentless, the summer. I needed a real mental and physical break. I’m getting that now.”
Ward was the WSL’s second high-profile loss at the end of last season, leaving without the fanfare that accompanied Hayes’ exit but with no less valuable a lesson to share. Hayes’ final few months in post were marked by exhaustion and warnings that the game had to change somehow if it wanted to keep mothers in management. Ward, too, had found her burgeoning managerial career was coming at a cost to her mental wellbeing and personal life.
Over the past six years, 40-year-old Ward established herself as not only an impressive coach but a credible, forthright voice and spokesperson for the game. Making her name at Sheffield United, where she led the team to second in the Championship, Ward won wider recognition and acclaim for steering a crisis-ridden Birmingham City to safety in 2021 before transforming Aston Villa to the best of the rest and home of WSL Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly.
But the price has been hours and days away from Hartley, and the physical and emotional toll of spinning too many plates.
“You do what you do to give your kids the best possible chance in life,” Ward says. “I almost gave up my life to be able to give her a life. But then, at the same time, you have to start questioning: you do what you do, but then you don’t actually see or spend time with her.”
At Christmas, Hartley began asking Ward when they would see each other and when they could do things together. Ward says the pair have an “unbelievable relationship” but this was the reality of leaving for work at 5am to return at 11pm or sometimes two days later. There were missed school shows, missed school trips. The breaking point came one Friday when Hartley asked if she had to go to school the next day.
“No, baby — it’s Saturday,” Ward replied. ‘”She said: ‘ Well — are you off?’ I said no. She said: ‘When am I going to spend the day with you?’ And it broke…” Ward pauses, briefly. “Yeah. I literally had tears inside me. I was trying not to cry because she’s a five-year-old wanting her mum. Your heart breaks and you think, I want to be a better mum. It was the most difficult couple of months, certainly, of my professional career and my personal life.
“It got to a point where I was thinking, can I walk away from this, and prioritise that time with her? Everyone says kids grow up so fast, you never get that time back and it haunts you. I spent many, many nights in tears. I spent many nights questioning myself. Am I doing the right thing? The conversations were ongoing for months and months and months. It becomes difficult because I just couldn’t do both.
“I knew I had to make a decision when we were winning. Is this because we’ve lost a few games? Was it because there were a lot of things going on around me? But my mind didn’t change. It really was what I believed it was, and it was about the fact I wanted to spend more time with my daughter.”
Ward is anxious that none of this comes across as complaining. She reiterates that she always felt “very, very, very lucky” to work in football and fully anticipates she will remain in the game. Rather, she is speaking to The Athletic because she has always been the kind of manager to wear her heart on her sleeve and she sees this as a vital issue for the greater good of the developing sport. She is hopeful the game can take something from her experiences, that they will help more coaches with young families in a still-developing league (the average age of a WSL manager last season was 43).
The bottom line is that two mothers have recently left the WSL for the same reason. The women’s game is in its brightest era but with increased eyeballs come more pressing demands on those inside the bubble. Its template is the vastly different men’s Premier League. Broadly speaking, women’s football has borrowed its structures and working patterns from those dictated by male managers; yet typically women take on far more of the emotional labour in families and across society. Women’s teams operate with fewer staff, lower wages and smaller budgets. It is a more nuanced picture.
Ward adds that the Villa CEO Christian Purslow “supported me more than anyone would ever realise” as she worked through the mum guilt and the breakdown of her 14-year relationship. “My life was coming down around me while I was still trying to manage,” she says. “That was tough, but I had the complete support of the club when results dropped. That (form) was a reflection, maybe, of where I was at. But they supported me. They looked after me. I don’t know if other clubs do. Not everybody gets that opportunity and that support. I think it’s really important clubs do start to support them and look at the bigger picture: people with kids, people with families at home. We know it’s a results business, but then it has to be reflected with, if not support, certainly watertight contracts or pay increases.
“You have to have a good agent who makes sure your contract’s watertight — that if you do get the sack, you’re looked after.
“As the game grows, the pressures grow. You’re only two or three games away from getting the sack at any given point, at any club. That’s just the reality. Women’s football is changing in the right way, but at the same time, there has to be a level of support for managers. If you’re a male manager and you get sacked, then financially you’re very well looked after. The women’s game isn’t there yet financially, so there has to be some leverage in terms of the pressures.”
Ward left Villa on her own terms — “on one side, it’s harder because you’ve got such good relationships with the players, the board, the fans; it feels like it’s family” — and found some closure in knowing she left them with “strong foundations, an unbelievable squad and an infrastructure off the pitch that just wasn’t there when I first came in”.
She worked for every gain. Her alarm would go off at 5.15am and she would leave at 5.30am to collect her assistant manager, Leanne Hall, from Rotherham. She would arrive at the training ground at 7.30am for staff meetings at 8.15am and a team meeting at 10am. The rest of the day would be a blur of pitch sessions, gym sessions, meetings. Early on, she made deals with the several staff members with kids. “If they committed to staying late on the Tuesday — which would be the night I would usually stay down, because sometimes I’d still be working at 11pm at night — and get everything ticked off for the week, we would let people leave a decent time on Wednesday to go back to pick up the kids from school,” Ward says. “That was my one day where I could get back and pick Hartley up.”
The work followed Ward home. She estimates she would speak to her director of football “up to 50 times a day. There’s never a time where you can switch off. You have to be accessible 24/7. That is the reality. If you’re talking to players, it might be around clips, performance, their everyday struggles”.
She added: “You have to be a mum to these players. With the staff, you might be talking analysis, tactics, acquisition. With the director of football, it might be recruitment, board level, a million and one things. With the board, you might be speaking to them about what you might need in the window, what you might need on the training ground, what you might want for the players. You might talk to commercial, marketing, HR. You have to constantly have communication with all these people. You finally get home — it might be one day, two days later — and you’re absolutely exhausted, but you’ve got to walk in, turn your mum hat on and be mum straight away.”
She reflects now that the strain of fighting for better over eight years might have stacked up more than she realised. During Ward’s spell at Birmingham, players wrote a letter to the board outlining their concerns over facilities, medical support and travel. The club survived relegation under Ward, but she resigned after the final game of the season, having left Sheffield United the previous season amid similar concerns over the direction of the women’s team.
“You’re constantly having to fight, constantly having to get more for the players, constantly having to try to build relationships with everyone at the club to try to welcome the women in,” Ward reflects. “My mentor says working at a million miles an hour is my strong point. But it can also be my weak point, because you can burn out. I think it got to a point after eight years where I realised I needed a real mental and physical break.”
Ward and Hayes’ departures mean there will be just three permanent female managers in the WSL next term. That is dispiriting for Ward, who has benefitted from Hayes’ mentorship “because ultimately she feels strongly about helping females”. Hayes’ view, expressed after Chelsea’s 8-0 win over Bristol City in May, was that female coaches would continue to leave women’s football unless their wellbeing became a priority. “If you’re a parent, forget about it,” she said. Hayes’ suggestion was for husband and wife-style co-coaching teams.
“Do I believe co-coaching is the way forward? Yes,” Ward says now. “Not just for females. If I go back into a club, I would probably consider speaking about that model because I think it would be important. It gives the players two people: a manager who picks a team and looks after them as people, then a head coach who looks after the philosophy, the playing style. I could see that happening. I really could.”
And she will be back — of that she is certain. She has a successful enough CV. “When? I’m not sure — but I’ll be back.”
-
Villa Park to be main stadium next season, will host all league games with Walsall just hosting cup matches.
-
Villa Park to be main stadium next season, will host all league games with Walsall just hosting cup matches.
Makes sense as straight away it increases the unit sales for the new alcohol deal.
Now, if only they could work out how to serve people...
-
It is a really good move, now they need to give the new manager 2 or 3 more good signings to get back to where they were at end of 22-23 season
-
Fixtures announced, click the link for full fixtures
(https://img.gc.avfcservices.co.uk/fit-in/1400x1400/743b9bd0-4828-11ef-ad17-eb128757015b.jpg)
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/22/aston-villa-women-2024-25-wsl-fixtures/
-
Saturday games, please.
-
Carla Ward joining USA coaching staff.
-
Miri Taylor signs on a two year deal, cites amazing new Daly mural as key factor.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/23/taylor-joins-villa-women/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/23/taylor-joins-villa-women/)
-
🙂
-
That mural is sh….
-
Live on BBC2
(https://scontent.fbhx4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/452406415_983882443736867_1690103362422535122_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=HR7y-q8yaXkQ7kNvgEpZwv4&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-1.fna&oh=00_AYBGiGApI1ZrXf8OxHKCxGSgFn8gWTQLLdOGkBu4JCJdyQ&oe=66A61728)
-
Sophia Poor given a professional contract after making her debut last season;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/25/poor-signs-first-pro-deal/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/25/poor-signs-first-pro-deal/)
-
Daphne is off..she has signed for the Arse
https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/1818594957609017368?t=cpUVHMhG4QkUQZsuohbgbQ&s=19
-
Not sure she was that much better than Leat in what was a pretty poor defensive unit for most of the season all told….hopefully bagged a couple of quid for her
-
Aston Villa Women have a new signing from Arsenal (don't know whether she is any good or not)
https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/1818625158376309176?t=wbOpXmLW-6U4HCdOvLSiWg&s=19
Aston Villa Women are delighted to announce the signing of Sabrina D’Angelo following the expiry of her contract at Arsenal.
The 31-year-old joins on a two-year deal having spent the last season-and-a-half with the Gunners.
D’Angelo, who is currently with the Canadian national team at this summer’s Olympic Games, becomes Robert de Pauw’s fourth summer signing.
The experienced goalkeeper also enjoyed previous spells with Toronto Lady Lynx, Western New York Flash, North Carolina Courage and Vittsjö GIK.
D’Angelo registered 15 appearances in all competitions with Arsenal.
Lee Billiard, Head of Women’s Football said: “We are excited to bring Sabrina to Aston Villa Football Club.
“She is an experienced goalkeeper that will help drive standards and create great competition within the goalkeeping unit.
“With her history of winning at both domestic and international level, we believe Sabrina is a perfect fit for helping us move forward.”
-
Hopefully as good as the last goalie we signed from the Arse.
-
Another acquisition. Missy Bo Kearns from Liverpool.
-
Nice.
-
A few unhappy Liverpool fans…
-
When I Googled her I just assumed she was going to be from some mad place like America. Who names their kid Missy Bo?
Anyway, welcome Missy Bo!
-
When I Googled her I just assumed she was going to be from some mad place like America. Who names their kid Missy Bo?
Anyway, welcome Missy Bo!
‘There is some raw work done at the font’
-
https://x.com/avwfcofficial/status/1821516745191866777?s=61&t=5gNHKFDBiIG50p8ei1L0Vg
-
She sounds good. I like wingers. 🙂
-
Interesting development for the women's game:-
https://womensleagues.thefa.com/statement-womens-professional-leagues-limited?sc_src=email_3495389&sc_lid=296508480&sc_uid=i0yrTiT6dH&sc_llid=428639&sc_eh=aa0f25a5323f009d1
-
Katie Robinson and Missy Bo Kearns will be at the store opening tomorrow;
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1824105877634191706 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1824105877634191706)
Plus Sue Cook.
-
Sue Cook's pulled out. 🤬
-
That is bang out of order.
-
Shall I take her out for you?
-
First game of the de Pauw era produces a 1-0 behind closed doors win away to Liverpool.
So, between Villa, Villa under-21, Villa under-18 and Villa Women we are played four, won four for the weekend.
-
Second pre season friendly produces another 1-0 victory. Adriana Leon with the goal against Real Betis.
-
Beeb
Aston Villa have made a move for Brazil international and Levante forward Gabi Nunes.
They would need to trigger a release clause of 300,000 euros (£250,000) to sign the 27-year-old.
Nunes, who has 22 caps for Brazil, was part of the squad that won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Villa have already made seven signings this summer and are investing heavily following the arrival of new manager Robert de Pauw.
If they were to bring in Nunes, it would be a statement of their intent to challenge the WSL's traditional top four - Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Nunes' arrival at Villa would be a club record fee and would sit up there with some of the biggest transfers in WSL history.
Chelsea's signing of Mayra Ramirez for £384,000 remains the British record, while Jill Roord joined Manchester City for a club record fee in excess of £300,000 in 2023.
-
Sounds exciting... so long as she is playing as well as Daly, rather than instead of.
-
Hopefully the planning permission will be given for the new WSL building at Bodymoor and help do it's bit to make us more attractive to prospective players.
-
Victory in our final preseason friendly. 3-1 away at Everton. Own goal, Rachel D & Maz.
-
Aston Villa have confirmed the club-record signing of Brazil forward Gabi Nunes for more than £250,000.
Nunes, who has 22 caps for Brazil, was part of the squad that won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.
-
Aston Villa Women are delighted to announce the signing of Brazilian international Gabi Nunes from Levante, subject to international travel clearance and FA approval.
The forward joins on a two-year deal, with the option of a further year, having turned professional with Centro Olímpico in 2014.
Nunes had further spells with Brazilian sides Corinthians and Madrid CFF before making the move to Spain last year.
The 27-year-old has 22 international caps and featured at this summer’s Olympic Games where she helped her country to a silver medal.
Manager Robert de Pauw said: “I first saw Gabi few years ago; she is a technically gifted player who knows how to find the goal.”
“Gabi is a player who knows how to play in tight areas as well as arriving into the box and getting on the end of crosses.”
“She can play in several attacking positions and will contribute towards our continued development.”
“We are very pleased to welcome her to our team.”
Head of Women’s Football, Lee Billiard said: “We are delighted to welcome Gabi to Aston Villa.”
“She is talented player who brings plenty of experience at both domestic and international level.”
“Gabi is a player we believe can make an impact in the WSL as well as add further depth to our squad.”
“She will excite fans and we look forward to seeing her in claret and blue.”
Welcome to Aston Villa, Gabi! 🇧🇷
-
BBC are saying it is a club transfer record.
-
Aston Villa have confirmed the club-record signing of Brazil forward Gabi Nunes for more than £250,000.
Nunes, who has 22 caps for Brazil, was part of the squad that won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/september/13/villa-women-confirm-nunes-signing/
-
Welcome to Aston Villa, Gabi! 🇧🇷
-
Already mentioned several times here https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=65043.60 as you probably saw already.
-
Such a momentous occasion deserves her own thread discussion!
Womens football only going to get bigger H and V need to get on board and sticky the women's season thread at the very least in fairness.
-
Such a momentous occasion deserves her own thread discussion!
Womens football only going to get bigger H and V need to get on board !
Go and start your own forum then.
-
Such a momentous occasion deserves her own thread discussion!
Womens football only going to get bigger H and V need to get on board !
Go and start your own forum then.
Oh no surprise the bumbling detective is out of touch!
If you love football and love Aston Villa then as much right as men's team and players to be discussed here.
-
The AI troll is trolling again. Off you trot, saddo.
-
No I hadn't and in my excitement I saw a sign to create a new thread. Certainly deserves recognition.
It's a milestone for Aston Villa Women's team.
-
Such a momentous occasion deserves her own thread discussion!
Womens football only going to get bigger H and V need to get on board and sticky the women's season thread at the very least in fairness.
Are we back on the Wankdorf thread again?
-
The AI troll is trolling again. Off you trot, saddo.
Because you don't agree with something I write you insist on this utter nonsense of jibing me. Reported !! It's not only cruel it's tiresome
Can we discuss football please for heavens sake
-
Aston Villa Women are delighted to announce the signing of Brazilian international Gabi Nunes from Levante, subject to international travel clearance and FA approval.
Head of Women’s Football, Lee Billiard said: “We are delighted to welcome Gabi to Aston Villa.”
Welcome to Aston Villa, Gabi! 🇧🇷
Was he picked from a big pool of talent?
-
This is great news.
Didn't I read that her release clause would make her something like the third or fourth biggest transfer fee in the WSL if we met it?
-
This is great news.
Didn't I read that her release clause would make her something like the third or fourth biggest transfer fee in the WSL if we met it?
Yep. This is big for any team.
-
Exciting sounding signing, this.
-
A statement of intent!
Really looking forward to seeing what they can do this season. After the excitement of the season before last, last year was a bit disappointing so hopefully they can be up their near the top 4 again.
-
Such a momentous occasion deserves her own thread discussion!
Womens football only going to get bigger H and V need to get on board !
Go and start your own forum then.
Hmmmmm
S&M?
AtM?
BBBJ?
FE?
R&T?
-
Such a momentous occasion deserves her own thread discussion!
Womens football only going to get bigger H and V need to get on board !
Go and start your own forum then.
Oh no surprise the bumbling detective is out of touch!
If you love football and love Aston Villa then as much right as men's team and players to be discussed here.
Had been giving you the benefit of the doubt, but you've slipped up there.
-
No I hadn't and in my excitement I saw a sign to create a new thread. Certainly deserves recognition.
It's a milestone for Aston Villa Women's team.
It really is. So no better place to discuss it then the Women's Team thread.
-
The big match tomorrow night, the whole country watching us kick off the new season!
Really interested to see how we face up to Chelsea after a positive pre-season with the new manager.
-
The big match tomorrow night, the whole country watching us kick off the new season!
Really interested to see how we face up to Chelsea after a positive pre-season with the new manager.
It's a great time to play them being first game for their new manager but alas suspect a defeat. Chelsea are higher level than Villa here and Villa women are getting used to playing a more possession based game. Nevertheless hoping some debuts and good showings
Maybe there could be a match thread for game today?
And moving forward all games at Villa Park is very encouraging.
-
The big match tomorrow night, the whole country watching us kick off the new season!
Really interested to see how we face up to Chelsea after a positive pre-season with the new manager.
It's a great time to play them being first game for their new manager but alas suspect a defeat. Chelsea are higher level than Villa here and Villa women are getting used to playing a more possession based game. Nevertheless hoping some debuts and good showings
Maybe there could be a match thread for game today?
And moving forward all games at Villa Park is very encouraging.
It doesn’t need a seperate thread, the general one has worked for all the time the women’s team have been in the WSL.
Will be good having the games at VP, some very positive recruitment and getting Parker & Staniforth back fit will be like new signings…will be even better if Daly & Dali get back to their best.
Get a decent head of steam up it would be good to see 10k+ crowds for some of the games during the season…for anyone who hasn’t been it’s good fun
-
7pm on the BBC to see the Ladies vs Chelski
-
And tonight's team is as follows
(https://i.ibb.co/JC9n6Bp/20240920-181955.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JC9n6Bp)
-
Our new signing not in squad, presumably they haven't bothered their arses rushing the work permit through like they do when Arsenal ask.
-
Robert de Pauw on BBC...
Aston Villa boss Robert de Pauw speaking to BBC Two: "So true [a tough start], but last year I had Wolfsburg away in the first game so it was the same level of play. A tough opponent but nothing to lose and all to play for.
On Villa's ambitions this season: "Top six. We want to make sure we give a good performance here today. The players are very focussed and showed in the pre-season that we know how to win. It will be a tough game here but it will be sweet if we win."
New signing Gabi Nunes not available: "Not a big story. She came in last, had an Olympic Games, an Olymic final, so she came in late. She needs to build her conditioning a bit more so we are being patient with her. We don't want to rush things and get her injured."
-
Are the women not going to have Betano sponsorship?
-
Are the women not going to have Betano sponsorship?
Heck failing in his job with no sponser for the Women's Team
-
I'm assuming we are trying to negotiate a separate sponsor, they've had blank shirts all summer.
-
I’ve seen them with Betano though, or am I going mad?
Surely there are a load of companies wanting to sponsor women’s teams in this day and age.
-
I'm not sure if the shirt looks better without the Betano logo on it, or not. It looks like it needs something to balance all the claret, but it may be due to the women wearing claret shorts rather than white.
-
Everything decent originating down the left with Dali and Tomas. Reminiscent of Barry and Jloyd linking up.
-
1-0 Chelsea, scored by Rytting Kaneryd
-
Played okay so far, then they get an excellent goal. Hopefully we don't cave in, now.
-
Thought that was in from Daly. >:(
-
Almost in from our goalie as well.
-
Me too, good save.
-
Hannah fucking Hampton had the game of her life. We deserved at least a draw.
-
Played well, such a shame they couldn’t get that goal. Made it very difficult for them.
-
Hannah fucking Hampton had the game of her life. We deserved at least a draw.
>:(
-
Wasn't she with us for a season?
-
Last season we probably would have lost that 4-0.
-
Very promising. Excellent performance.
-
We definitely looked better than last season. Early days.
-
Despite the defeat, that's an excellent start to the season. D'Angelo and Tomas were particularly impressive. We now have a squad rather than a team, and that bodes well. Kept the ball much better than last season, and I thought Nobbs had her best game for the Club.
-
Saw bits and pieces (before work and after I got here), looked good. Strong finish and plenty to be optimistic about.
I’ve never liked women’s football, couldn’t get excited about the Lionesses. Amazing how my perspective changes when it’s The Villa.
-
Wasn't she with us for a season?
Two.
-
Thought we were good, lots of attacking options and amazing the difference in defence with Parker back in there
-
We will have a positive season.
-
Lucy Parker giving away free tickets for Sunday's game if that's of interest to anyone.
https://x.com/Lucy_Parker98/status/1838899652189434230?t=TyM8tNQYhueMq7p33ZQ4kg&s=19
-
They're showing the Ipswich (men's game) on all the screens before the women's game.
-
It’s a shame the games sort of clash, as I wanted to see this.
-
The Chelsea result last night shows the we did quite well last match albeit not getting any points.
-
Why does the commentator say Missy Bo Kearns's name in full every time?
-
The game is on YouTube for the few of you who give a shit.
-
I'm not in the mood for watching football but we have overturned a one-goal deficit to lead two-one. Leon (78), Daly (88). Just into the second of nine added minutes.
-
Tottenham equalise on 96. 🙄
-
Finishes two-all.
Leon goal:
https://x.com/BarclaysWSL/status/1840439157157445648?t=eQy9jkmweXberQ0BvMvSFw&s=19
Daly goal:
https://x.com/BarclaysWSL/status/1840441605557231924?t=xw5TThOI67uh2IkCKdY6jQ&s=19
-
Why does the commentator say Missy Bo Kearns's name in full every time?
Isn't she out of Dukes of Hazzard?
-
Carbon copy of the men's game! 0-1 down, 2-1 up, fail to hold on and draw 2-2. Daly emulates Watkins by assisting the first, then scoring the second!
-
Dear me, the defending from both teams for all the goals was shocking.
-
Somewhat overlooked given events elsewhere, the women began their League Cup Group Stage campaign with a 2-0 win against Palace. God knows why they didn't change the date to get a better crowd.
Goals from Hanson
https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/1841779352729473172?t=yJN_Rsb9B6-137iukFTOlA&s=19
and Robinson
https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/1841795338614800651?t=5E94aDQDUGZgYpsZjKFFMg&s=19
With England having three teams in this season's Champions League, who all qualify directly for the League Cup Quarter-Finals, only group winners make it through this season. The other result in our group was Charlton 1 Tottenham 2. If the group goes to form you'd expect it to be between us and Spurs for the QF spot.
League action next with a trip to Crawley to play Brighton on Saturday, 1230 kick-off.
-
Rachel Corsie out for eight weeks. The women being a lot more specific about injuries than the men ever are!
-
0-1 Daly 8)
-
1-1 ffs >:(
-
By the time I noticed we'd scored, we'd already conceded.
-
2-1 >:( >:(
-
2-1 down.Shocking defending.
-
FFS. Is our new signing ever going to play?
-
2-2 Daly pen
-
COYVG.
-
FFS. Is our new signing ever going to play?
Why isn't she in the squad when she played in cup? Anyone know?
-
Down to ten.
-
And losing.
This has been a pretty shit start to the season.
-
Really thought we were going to kick on this season.
-
Yep, again.
And with the women’s season being so short, it’s really hard to make up for a poor start.
-
FFS. Is our new signing ever going to play?
Why isn't she in the squad when she played in the cup? Anyone know?
Going to quote myself like a ******, but does anyone know? Has the boss said owt?
-
Nothing online about why she's out. Would imagine manager will be asked about her after the game.
-
Nothing online about why she's out. Would imagine manager will be asked about her after the game.
How have we played? A shame considering we haven't looked too bad against Chelsea and Tottenham (where we fucked ourselves).
-
Ten vs ten, six of ten minutes added on left.
-
Nothing online about why she's out. Would imagine manager will be asked about her after the game.
How have we played? A shame considering we haven't looked too bad against Chelsea and Tottenham (where we fucked ourselves).
Don't know mate have been watching Liverpool and Preston games.
-
4-2. Fucking boo.
-
4-2 .
-
😞
-
Jordan Nobbs now holds the record for WSL appearances. https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/1842576095985733920
-
Has Unai got a sister who needs a job
-
Has Unai got a sister who needs a job
Yes, her name's Una.
-
Has Unai got a sister who needs a job
Yes, her name's Una.
Middle names Paloma Blanca
-
Has Unai got a sister who needs a job
Yes, her name's Una.
Middle names Paloma Blanca
:)
-
Home to Leicester today , surely a must win game .
-
Nunes starts.
-
A 0-0 is not great.
-
Nope, it’s a bit worrying really.
-
Barring survival, our season is basically close to over. All the air is gone already. I know we're the Villa but I preferred us at the Bescot, it sounds like a Covid game with so few people in a bigger stadium. I much preferred the atmosphere there.
-
Nunes off the mark. 🙂
-
Half time 1-0 wow!
Will be pleasantly amazed if Villa win this!
Brilliant finish by our record signing.
-
We will need a second if we're gonna win, I reckon.
-
Boo.
-
We need to at least vaguely offer something going forward. Camping in our half all game was never going to work.
-
bloody hell , i start watching
-
Villa in Manchester collapsing under pressure. I feel like I've heard this before.
-
that is so easy
-
I've never watched our women's team or seen any of their results but for some reason I thought they were quite decent? Just checked the table and saw they are one of the worst teams in the league. At least this season.
Quite surprised by that.
-
Considering the money spent, they should be doing far better. Losing by the odd goal to Chelsea and (if it stays the same) Man City is no disgrace. But two points from matches against Brighton, Spurs and Leicester is shite. Bad starts to the season are getting to be a tradition.
-
I've never watched our women's team or seen any of their results but for some reason I thought they were quite decent?
What made you think that? They're dreadful.
-
They were quite decent the season before last. Despite investment, they've gone backwards since.
-
Is it the players or the coaching?
-
I've never watched our women's team or seen any of their results but for some reason I thought they were quite decent?
What made you think that? They're dreadful.
Ha yes I realise that now, I don't know, I just had it in my head that they were at least decent.
Oh well, I shan't lose any sleep over it.
-
Is it the players or the coaching?
I'd say the latter. I think you have Daly, Nunes, Hansen and Nobbs in the team, you should be able to create more than one chance per half.
-
1st half they seemed to play well, good game plan . I missed the 2nd half
-
The women's top flight is very much the SPL, if the SPL had four adequate sides. One of a couple win it year after year and the rest is about who is particularly shite that season. There is, at least, a hope that will change as the pool of better players expands. Until then, below the European places it's as competitive as this season's Scottish League One.
-
The women's top flight is very much the SPL, if the SPL had four adequate sides. One of a couple win it year after year and the rest is about who is particularly shite that season. There is, at least, a hope that will change as the pool of better players expands. Until then, below the European places it's as competitive as this season's Scottish League One.
Are we the Arbroath of the WSL?
-
I watched about half an hour of the game today. They were never going to hold out to that lead, it was like a training exercise for Man City. A very tough watch to say the least.
-
FFS, ladies. Thanks for cheering us up.
-
Joint bottom is pretty poor / worrying
-
Back in it, Silva again.
-
Currently bottom prior to our evening match
-
Man United away at 6.45. I'm sure that's just what we need to perk us all up.
-
Game is on Sky for anyone wanting to round the weekend off with more pain
-
It is a real shit time for a kick off
-
Finished 0-0.
-
Best performance of the season so far. We deserved more than a draw tonight.
-
That's a decent result even if the Beeb reckons we were the better team.
-
Played well in that one….results will come, hopefully against Palace next weekend
-
Good performance, Nobbs is some player.
I see the official added +10 to try and get ManUre the win and played +13 then had to give up.
-
Great performance by the team tonight.
Getting better and better by the game.
Onwards and upwards.
-
At one point the commentator said the following (I rewound to double check):
"Is this going to be a 3rd draw in a row for Manchester United after a 100% start? Villa haven't drawn any of their last 16 WSL games, 8 wins, 8 defeats."
Which is quite impressive considering we were on 2 points.
-
They're so biased they can't help themselves.
I saw a headline that went: 'Man Utd surprisingly held by Villa'. Look at the match stats and you can tell who was doing the holding.
-
Good luck to the ladies today. Huge game v Palace
-
Good luck to the ladies today. Huge game v Palace
Is it on telly?
-
It's not on TV as far as I know but you can watch it on the YouTube channel.
-
It's not on TV as far as I know but you can watch it on the YouTube channel.
Cheers.
-
1-1, Patten's just equalised as they head to half-time.
-
Now 2-1 to Villa, Rachel Daly in the 5th minute of first-half injury time.
-
Good luck to the ladies today. Huge game v Palace
Is it on telly?
I couldn't see it anywhere (just seen YouTube above)
-
Good luck to the ladies today. Huge game v Palace
Is it on telly?
I couldn't see it anywhere (just seen YouTube above)
There’s also commentary on bbc sport.
-
Villa are all fart and no shit. Absolutely no urgency in the final third at all.
-
3-2 Villa great finish.
-
Apart from that rather wonderful finish with 90 seconds to go. 3-2 to Villa, Ebony Salmon. Cracker.
-
Oh dear 2-2 late equaliser
-
Are we winning or drawing?
-
YAAAS!
-
Brilliant winner in the last minute of stoppage time from Ebony Salmon.
-
Are we winning or drawing?
We won 3-2.
-
They've just followed through!!!
-
Finishes 3-2 to Villa.
-
Get in
-
They've just followed through!!!
They did indeed!! lol
-
That was mad. It was like Everton away.
-
Well done Ladies, to put it mildly a badly needed victory.
-
Brilliant winner in the last minute of stoppage time from Ebony Salmon.
I hope it was a header.
-
I listened to updates in the car and thought that it sounded like a very exciting game; Shebahn Aherne was behind Villa all the way, which is refreshingly different for a TS presenter, although Adrian Durham is often positive about Villa, as well as the Old Boys like Andy Townsend and Gabby, of course.
She’s a John McGinn fan as well, which may explain the partisanship.
Villa came back twice to equalise and go ahead, which augurs well for the rest of the season after a rather dismal start before today. Well played, all!
-
cracking winning goal
-
Well done Ladies, to put it mildly a badly needed victory.
Especially with Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea in the next five games.
-
I listened to updates in the car and thought that it sounded like a very exciting game; Shebahn Aherne was behind Villa all the way, which is refreshingly different for a TS presenter, although Adrian Durham is often positive about Villa, as well as the Old Boys like Andy Townsend and Gabby, of course.
She’s a John McGinn fan as well, which may explain the partisanship.
Villa came back twice to equalise and go ahead, which augurs well for the rest of the season after a rather dismal start before today. Well played, all!
Her sister once played for us aswell. Ruesha Littlejohn.
-
It was ironic that, despite Kirsty Hanson having a decent game, she was responsible for both Palace goals.
-
1-0 down to Spuds in the League Cup
-
Arsenal away in just under an hour, I am less than confident. Salmon replaces record signing Silva after her late winner in the last league game.
-
Losing one-nil.
-
Losing 2-0 at half time and not created a single chance ourselves.
-
Our record against the top teams is utterly pathetic. One win each against Arsenal and Man City, none against Man U and we've managed one goal and zero points in eight league meetings with Chelsea.
-
3-0. Seems I made a wise choice not trying to seek out live coverage.
-
Not exactly covering ourselves in glory this season.
-
Charlton midweek in the League Cup. Given that only the group winners progress, we are likely out anyway so may as well play some kids.
West Ham home and Everton away next two league games. Could really do with some points as it's Man City and Chelsea afterwards and we know how those will go.
-
I've missed a relegation battle, the trepidation makes you feel alive*. Here's to surviving on the final day 🍸.
*it absolutely wasn't abject misery circling the plughole for half a decade.
-
Manager sacked.
-
Manager sacked.
Thank f*** for that
-
Shaun Goater acting up, come of the goat!
-
Fair enough, got better players than lack of progress has shown. Should be in top 6/7 comfortably
Need new mgr bounce
-
I wasn't keen on de Pauw.
The team were brittle under his tutelage, like china in his hands.
I'll get me coat.
-
I wasn't keen on de Pauw.
The team were brittle under his tutelage, like china in his hands.
I'll get me coat.
Did he push too hard ? (grab mine please )
-
Next two league games look crucial and, also, winnable. Could really do with someone in by the weekend unless they think Goater is a viable permanent candidate. Good luck to de Pauw, seemed a nice enough chap but never really got going.
-
Come on the Goat!
-
Might they look back at Carla Ward now she has said she is ready to return to management?
-
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/11/robert-de-pauw-leaves-aston-villa-women-manager
If the allegations are true, then the club's done the right thing.
-
Seem to be all out attack tonight, 4-2-4?
-
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/11/robert-de-pauw-leaves-aston-villa-women-manager
If the allegations are true, then the club's done the right thing.
I wasn't sad to see him go but was surprised by the speed of his departure. This would explain it.
-
Losing already. Goater out.
-
Daly equalises.
-
Also, we've been drawn at home to Oxford United or Bristol Rovers in the cup. Can't argue with that.
-
Salmon puts us ahead. We still need Tottenham to lose at Palace to have any chance of going through, 0-0 at half-time in that one.
-
Tottenham winning ☹️
-
Salmon again, 3-1 Villa. The Goat must stay.
-
Daly again, 4-1. We are still out because Tottenham have won, but hopefully they get a bit of confidence ahead of the weekend.
-
Feed the goat salmon and we will score.
-
Villa 2 West Ham 1 approaching half-time. Leon with both our goals.
-
Dalli with the third for a 3-1 win. Needed that. Mid-season break now until 12th Jan (cup). 18th Jan at Everton is our next league game. Surely we have appointed a permanent manager by then. Wonder if Goater is in the running?
-
Good win .
-
Dalli with the third for a 3-1 win. Needed that. Mid-season break now until 12th Jan (cup). 18th Jan at Everton is our next league game. Surely we have appointed a permanent manager by then. Wonder if Goater is in the running?
Has a men's team manager ever moved directly to a women's team? I have no idea what sort of salary a WSL manager is getting. Is it much below league 2 level of pay? I can't seem to find much on it.
-
Emma Hayes seems to be earning around £1.3 million p/a as USA women's boss, parity with her male counterpart who manages the men's team. Sarina Wiegman earns £400k, but got an extra 50% in bonuses for winning the Euros.
Short of that, there's not much info online. I'd be surprised if many club managers earn much more than £100k per year.
(Men's) League One average is £200k, League Two is £80k.
In short, I doubt you'd tempt someone to move from the English Football League to Women's Super League, unless you're someone like Chelsea who would likely pay far above average.
I'd rather go and get the best available manager from the women's game anyway, I reckon.
-
Cheers. Yeah, all I could find was about Hayes and Weigman.
I completely agree, I would rather find the best women's manager available. I was just curious at how tempting the job would be to those in the men's game. I mean, we are missing out on the likes of Charlie Adam.
-
Sorry, did you say Charlie's Angels?
-
Also, we've been drawn at home to Oxford United or Bristol Rovers in the cup. Can't argue with that.
It's Bristol Rovers (4th tier) after they upset Oxford (3rd). First time they've ever been in the Fourth Round. If we lose that, we can sack whoever we've appointed by then...
-
Good for the 'Gas Girls' (aka Bristol Rovers).
I know their Manager, Nathan Hallett-Young, as I did my UEFA B qualification at the same and have had some dealing with him given his and my day jobs - he works for the Rovers Community Trust.
He can strike some as a bit serious, but he's a good bloke. I still hope we beat them - just not by too many. UTV
-
Anna Leat has left, wanted to go back to New Zealand. We still don't seem to have a new manager yet, not sure if that means Goater is a contender for the job? Bristol Rovers at home in the cup (in Walsall) at 5.45. We really should be winning that.
-
One-nil to us, Leon.
-
Two-nil after 6 minutes, Silva.
-
Three-nil after 8 minutes, Daly.
-
4-0 on 23 minutes
-
Tomas with the fourth.
-
5-0 now!
-
Salmon. Ten is on.
-
Salmon. Ten is on.
They seem to have changed their minds and awarded it as a second Silva goal, now. Be nice if she could get a hat-trick.
-
Salmon. Ten is on.
They seem to have changed their minds and awarded it as a second Silva goal, now. Be nice if she could get a hat-trick.
Who is Silva? The BBC have got Gabi Nunes having scored 2 of the goals!
-
Gabriela Nunes Da Silva, our record signing with an abundance of names. 🙂
-
Salmon. Ten is on.
They seem to have changed their minds and awarded it as a second Silva goal, now. Be nice if she could get a hat-trick.
Who is Silva? The BBC have got Gabi Nunes having scored 2 of the goals!
Gabriela "Gabi" Nunes da Silva. It's a Brazilian thing, that's why they come with nicknames like Gabigol.
-
Gabriela Nunes Da Silva, our record signing with an abundance of names. 🙂
Ah, thanks! Didn't realise.
-
As an aside, it's a shame for the Bristol Rovers ladies that we couldn't have played this at Villa Park.
-
Daly has scored a hat-trick of offside goals, and sounds like visiting keeper playing a blinder. Could have been much worse. Half-time, 5-0.
-
Is it on telly?
-
It's on YouTube I think.
-
6-0, Chastity Grant scores a minute after coming on.
-
Daly subbed off along with D'Angelo, Leon and Salmon.
-
It's on YouTube I think.
-
7-0.
-
8-0 hat trick.
-
Only the 31 shots so far with 25 mins to go.
-
We want TEN!
-
We want twelve, we scored eleven not too long ago!
-
Cor, really?!
-
Cor, really?!
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/january/29/villa-11-0-afc-fylde/
-
It's on YouTube I think.
Thanks both!
-
Nine.
-
Nine.
No!
-
Ja!
-
Baijings on her debut.
-
The draw for the next round is tomorrow at 6.30pm, hopefully we can hold on.
-
I hope those misses just now don't come back to bite us.
-
I'm not sure if they're all unmarried, but surely that's against the rules?
-
Finished nine-nil. BOOOOOO. Goater out.
-
We declared at 9(Nine)-0
Only the forty shots at goal.
-
We were hanging on a bit, there.
-
Home to Brighton or Durham in the next round.
-
Carla Ward appointed as Republic of Ireland women's head coach.
https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025/0115/1490977-carla-ward-appointed-republic-of-ireland-womens-boss/
-
Good luck to her.
-
Continuing the Irish Villa connection. Not sure she has anyone as good as the God-Staunton-Townsend-Houghton axis though.
-
Finally ahead, we have been all over Everton but playing against Levina Yashin. Daly with the goal. Quite difficult to watch two games at once but I'm giving it a go.
-
Half-time one-nil. Enjoying it more than the men's match. Would be enjoying it more if the Everton goalkeeper wasn't having the game of her life.
-
Still 1-0 going into the final stages. 10 shots on target.
-
Everton level, have spent 90% of the game in their half.
-
Kenza Dali away to join San Diego. She's been great for us over the years but not so much this season. She says she's struggled with mental health since coming back from Olympics. Good luck to her.
-
Aston Villa Women is delighted to announce the appointment of Natalia Arroyo as its new Head Coach ✍️
-
Aston Villa Women is delighted to announce the appointment of Natalia Arroyo as its new Head Coach ✍️
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/january/22/natalia-arroyo-appointed-new-women-s-head-coach/
-
Aww, what was wrong with the Goat? Another Spaniard coming to the Villa and taking other nationalities' jobs...
-
I'd have preferred her brother Bronson.
-
Sounds like she has a decent record and happy we've appointed a woman. Hope Goater is able to go back to his previous job or we find another role for him, assuming he wants to stay.
Molta sort, Natalia!
-
Does anyone know if for the women’s games any of the usual car parks are open ?
Looks like the main Villa one is sold out, my wife’s mate is coming to the Chelsea game on Sunday, is it just going to be off road parking ?
-
Villa vs Chelsea women on BBC2 now in Arroyo's first game. Not exactly the easiest of starts.
-
also on youTube for those outside UK.
-
Half-time, 0-0. Have been decent enough.
-
Hit the bar. We've been decent this half. All set up for late heartache, I imagine.
-
And there it is. Own goal, 81 minutes.
-
Yah that was disappointing - up until then i thought we were pretty solid. Unspectactular, but solid.
-
Full-time. We've still never even managed a draw against them in twelve attempts.
-
And there it is. Own goal, 81 minutes.
Disgraceful. I am off to X or twitter or that place called social media to vent my bile with death threats against Sarah Mayling and her family.
-
Classic. I thought we played pretty well against them in the last game, also, with the same outcome.
-
Well played Villa, thought you were well organised and 100% on the pitch…deserved more…onward and upwards
-
Beat Brighton 3-2 and through to the quarter-finals of the cup. COYVG.
-
It was a bit nervy towards the end
-
Poor by BBC not to have the Women’s FA Cup draw on the one show like they have the men’s . No reason not to and in fact even more reason to shoe horn it in on the one show
It’s the quarter finals as well.
The draw is at 630pm
Villa are number 6 Ties played Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March.
1 Manchester United
2 Chelsea
3 Sunderland
4 Manchester City
5 Crystal Palace
6 Aston Villa
7 Liverpool
8 Arsenal
Avoid Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City and Arsenal and there’s a decent chance of semi finals
-
We're away to Man City and Chelsea, Man U and Arsenal have all been kept apart and handed home draws. As bad as it could possibly have been.
There's always next year.
-
Yep, proper shit, that.
-
So it's all rigged in the women's game as well then.... ;)
-
So it's all rigged in the women's game as well then.... ;)
😁 They just can't resist it!
-
I heard they hadn't rotated the balls enough.
-
They love a microwave for the balls them women
-
Unbelievably shit first half from the women against Leicester
1-0 down and lucky it’s not more
-
3-0. This is a disgrace.
-
It's really bad...
-
The quality of football is atrocious.
Every single player is making bad decisions.
And there is more sideways and backwards football than with the men’s team, even when getting battered.
-
I would suggest the new coach will be making a lot of changes in the summer to this squad…this season is massive under achieving with the players they have.
-
I’ve had to stop watching at 77 mins.
It is incredibly bad and painful to watch.
-
Why did we get rid of the GOAT? Get Shaun back!
-
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/february/24/adriana-leon-departs/
She's decent, IMO. But we do have a million attackers, and the season is a write-off anyway.
-
Yeah, I rated her, so I'm a bit disappointed.
-
I’d suspect a massive churn of players is ahead given the results this season and that contracts in the womens game are mainly year to year.
-
Losing 2-0 at home
-
Absolute crap, again. Palace next league game, if we lose that we'll be one point clear of the drop. We have getting twatted by Man City in the FA Cup to look forward to, first.
-
What's gone so wrong this season?
-
Could relegation be scrapped in the Women's Super League and could both the top tier and Women's Championship be expanded?
The answer is yes, with nothing off the table as the company overseeing the top two leagues of women's football proposes a bold restructuring of the pyramid.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5y4xkv6lr2o
-
Agree with expanding the top flight. Only playing 22 games a season is ridiculous. Fuck scrapping relegation though. Even more so if they scrap it for four years, the season would basically be over for half the teams by October.
-
Agree with expanding the top flight. Only playing 22 games a season is ridiculous. Fuck scrapping relegation though. Even more so if they scrap it for four years, the season would basically be over for half the teams by October.
More games would be good, 18 teams is, in my opinion, the optimal amount for a football league.
No relegation for a year or 2 whilst the sort the numbers out seems fine to me but once the leagues are in there 'final' state you have to have relegation.
-
Agree with expanding the top flight. Only playing 22 games a season is ridiculous. Fuck scrapping relegation though. Even more so if they scrap it for four years, the season would basically be over for half the teams by October.
More games would be good, 18 teams is, in my opinion, the optimal amount for a football league.
It's probably the only way there'll be a Villa-Blues derby in the foreseeable future.
-
Live on bbc 1 now.0-0 so far. A hard watch
-
Goodnight Vienna 0-2
-
Agree with expanding the top flight. Only playing 22 games a season is ridiculous. Fuck scrapping relegation though. Even more so if they scrap it for four years, the season would basically be over for half the teams by October.
More games would be good, 18 teams is, in my opinion, the optimal amount for a football league.
It's probably the only way there'll be a Villa-Blues derby in the foreseeable future.
Thank fuck for that.
-
Carla Ward was on prime-time telly in Ireland as a guest on Friday night. A far cry from her days of parroting whatever the Pravda journalist wanted to spoon-feed her on AVTV.
-
Useless bastards losing again, in a match they absolutely cannot afford to lose. They seem determined to get relegated this season.
-
Useless bastards losing again, in a match they absolutely cannot afford to lose. They seem determined to get relegated this season.
Do you think they do it just to annoy you?
-
when they getting rid of relegation 👀
-
Useless bastards losing again, in a match they absolutely cannot afford to lose. They seem determined to get relegated this season.
Do you think they do it just to annoy you?
It's the only logical answer.
-
No sign of a new manager bounce then?
-
I’m watching the game. Jesus wept we are awful, and by the look of some of the team, far from fit.
-
How many managers do we need to sack to get one that isn't shit?
-
How many managers do we need to sack to get one that isn't shit?
Is Unai's wife available?
-
Get her in.
-
Pulled one back.
-
Lost 3-1 and right in the shit, now. Get Goater back in charge.
-
Season goes from bad to worse .
-
I don't know why going by this season, but I really didn't we would lose today.
-
Been awful since Goater was removed.
-
Think that goalkeeping error for the 3rd goal is possibly the worst bit of goalkeeping I have ever seen…a genuine assist
-
Villa play Palace. We know what happens.
-
Is Unai's wife available?
With all the time he spends in the analysis room, she's probably craving a little attention.
-
Since the Goater hasn’t been fed, it’s gone south.
-
Useless bastards losing again, in a match they absolutely cannot afford to lose. They seem determined to get relegated this season.
Bitches, surely.
-
430pm Villa Park
Villa v Man Utd women.
Could this be first league win?
I think when team gets settled to tactics and system of play under
Arroyo then will see a completely different team to get results.
Will also need to bring in the players to suit.
-
Villa v Man Utd women.
Could this be first league win?
Gonna guess no.
-
Thanks a fucking lot Brighton.
-
They’re losing. A hole the size of the Grand Canyon in defence.
-
What was Rachel Daly seeking to do with that pass? Awful.
-
New manager dead cat bounce (looking at P5 L5) .
-
How pissed off must those seagulls be finding themselves outside Villa Park instead of scavenging by the beach.
-
0-2 game over.
-
0-2 . This could get messy .
-
Why have we hired Mick Hucknall as manager.
-
0-3. Ridiculous chipping of the keeper.
-
By the way the commentators for women’s football are as in awe of manure as their male counterparts.
-
Sack this useless idiot and get Goater back. At half-time, ideally. We are going down unless we do.
-
It’s like watching the men from 2015-16
-
Clear foul for goal 3 , ManUre getting the decisions in WSL too then
-
Booooooooooooooooooooooooooo
-
That was a robust challenge
-
It’s a sorry team at the moment. It’s case of surviving this summer and then an overhaul to get players suited to way of playing .
At the moment these players are unable to play the way in which Arroyo has wanted and struggling to implement the ideas. I think she has to be here for the long haul but fear if continued defeats may not.
Against Man Utd women there is a gulf in quality are different level of team play.
-
0-4 , half hour to go still
-
Three weeks off after the Liverpool game. If they lose that, she'll be gone.
-
What’s gone wrong?
Although a distance behind the main 4 they were certainly looking at being the best of the rest.
-
It's been a massive downturn in form and personnel.
With regard to PSR, is there any impact if the women get relegated. I know that finances for the women's team are often cited when declaring overall costs etc.
-
I think women's football is effectively written off from a PSR perspective so should make no difference.
-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj0q6y37pn7o
-
Been awful since Goater was removed.
-
Soffia Kelly and Rachel Maltby have both signed their first professional contracts with the club.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/march/28/Soffia-Kelly-signs-first-professional-contract/
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/march/28/Rachel-Maltby-puts-pen-to-paper-on-pro-deal/
-
Ruesha Littlejohn scored for Shamrock Rovers earlier. https://x.com/ballsdotie/status/1906042637938794609
-
Business as usual for the women.
-
Maybe not, 1-1.
-
Also annoying when the Women's team plays at the same time as the Men.
This would be a huge point for us.
-
We're only fucking winning! 😧
Please hold on, Villa.
-
Liverpool the opponents, Liverpool are losing. So 20 minutes added time seems to have been given.
-
We've actually won a fucking game! COYVG!
-
Great win.
Well done ladies.
-
Wow, are Liverpool as good as their mens side? Arroyo needed this win, the Goat is champing at the bit for another stint.
-
Just seen the score, I don't believe it, well done Ladies.
-
Wow, are Liverpool as good as their mens side? Arroyo needed this win, the Goat is champing at the bit for another stint.
They are not a top 4 team in the league. Usually are the best of the rest. But still a big three points against them at their place so well done.
-
Now that Alisha Lehmann is cutting her teeth in management at MVPS United maybe she could take on the challenge of managing AVW next season🤔
-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cpq77ree58lo
-
Now that Alisha Lehmann is cutting her teeth in management at MVPS United maybe she could take on the challenge of managing AVW next season🤔
You posted that a day early!
-
Currently beating Spurs 1-0 at their place.
-
Bugger me, it's two-nil.
-
Jumps us up an extra place on GD.
-
Here it comes!
-
Two-one. Still ages left.
-
Like to do it the easy way Don't we? Tottenham pull one back.
-
And there we are.
-
Two each. Sigh.
-
2-2. Well done ladies for keeping our season going!!
-
It's back on!
-
3-2 Villa 90+1
-
Great chance of staying up now.
-
A great battling performance and a nice winning goal
-
Good stuff, expected a late goal for Spurs not us when it went to 2-2.
-
Excellent, suspect a huge reset is incoming, presuming that the club still have faith in coach 6/7 ins and outs minimum…this squad should not be in bottom two
-
That’s brilliant, well done Villa women! Should be quite secure for a few years now as they’re expanding the top flight aren’t they?
And quite apart from anything else, a worthwhile PSR blag would have been much harder to justify if we were in the championship.
-
Just watched it on MOTD superb goal for the winner from Kirsty Hanson in stoppage time to give us the vital win.
-
Didn't realise Rachel Daly was so good in the air. Magnificent headers in the build-up to our first two goals.
-
That’s brilliant, well done Villa women! Should be quite secure for a few years now as they’re expanding the top flight aren’t they?
And quite apart from anything else, a worthwhile PSR blag would have been much harder to justify if we were in the championship.
It's the season after next, I believe.
-
That’s brilliant, well done Villa women! Should be quite secure for a few years now as they’re expanding the top flight aren’t they?
Possible derby with Blues next season. Their last game against London City Lionesses will likely decide who's promoted.
-
^^ Thanks both.
-
Why do Palace get to play Chelsea between the champions league legs but we have to wait until next week to play Arsenal? Chelsea are playing their reserves...
-
Never mind, Chelsea two up.
-
Finished four-nil. We are safe if Palace lose this weekend.
-
Palace women losing 5-1 at home to West Ham, so we’ve stayed up.
Wish we were playing them yesterday instead.
-
1-6.
-
Finished 1-7. Arroyo and the players deserve some credit for the recent upturn in form and preventing a disappointing season turning into a catastrophic one. Hopefully finish the season with a bit of decent form and do much better next year.
-
We are considering doing a Chelsea, and selling a stake in the women's team.
-
One-nil up against Arsenal after an encouraging start. Obviously, it'll never last...
-
Absolutely TWATTED that in. 2-0.
-
Playing great, I’m loving this.
-
One-nil up against Arsenal after an encouraging start. Obviously, it'll never last...
Hopefully Arsenal are knackered after their Champions League win against Lyon on Sunday.
-
ANOTHER ONE!
-
Where’s this on cd?
-
ANOTHER ONE!
The bookies will be investigating at this rate.
-
Where’s this on cd?
Sky football
-
And again. This is getting a bit Villa 7 Liverpool 2ey.
-
Where’s this on cd?
Sorry only just spotted this, I see Percy has replied.
-
Good game this
-
what on earth is going on 😳😃
-
Villa penalty turned down, they go the other end and score. 4-1.
-
Uh-oh. 4-2. Well, I did say 7-2. I wasn't hoping we'd let then score two to increase the chances..
-
FFS 4-2
-
7-2 back on! It's FIVE.
-
5-2 incredible stuff
-
Could easily have sent off an Arse scum there.
-
Finishes 5-2. What a win! And three in a row, too.
-
Brilliant win ladies.
-
Class , COYVG's
-
The one game I didn't watch, the bastards.
-
The one game I didn't watch, the bastards.
You know what to do next season.
-
The one game I didn't watch, the bastards.
You know what to do next season.
😡
-
Finishes 5-2. What a win! And three in a row, too.
Were all three after we announced the head of womens sport was out? (I know he hasn't left yet, but I expect he is more on gardening duties now).
When was the last time we beat one of the top so convincingly? Now above Spurs as well which is nice.
-
I don't think we've ever beaten one of the top teams so convincingly.
-
Were many of them deflections like the shitty 7-2?
-
I don't think we've ever beaten one of the top teams so convincingly.
Have we ever beaten one? I think the closest was when we were beating everyone else and only losing them when Daly was on fire. I think we beat Pl
-
I think we beat Manchester City in the first game of the season couple of years ago.
-
Did Arsenal rest players after the CL semi-final? Startling result.
-
I don't think we've ever beaten one of the top teams so convincingly.
Have we ever beaten one?
Beat Arsenal away last game of 22/23 season. Beat Man City opening game of same season then again in the cup later on. Beat Man U on penalties in League Cup Group Stage, also 2022. We've lost every one of twelve meetings with Chelsea, only scoring against them twice.
-
I don't think we've ever beaten one of the top teams so convincingly.
Have we ever beaten one?
Beat Arsenal away last game of 22/23 season. Beat Man City opening game of same season then again in the cup later on. Beat Man U on penalties in League Cup Group Stage, also 2022. We've lost every one of twelve meetings with Chelsea, only scoring against them twice.
It's tricky trying to beat a team with £200m of talent 😜
-
Well done Villa. Cracking win, hoping for a better future.
-
That was great. A sunny afternoon, walk through Aston Hall grounds, good excited crowd and a thoroughly deserved trouncing of the favourites. £10 very well spent. This new coach looks something else, Villa are unrecognisable from earlier in the season.
-
-
That was great. A sunny afternoon, walk through Aston Hall grounds, good excited crowd and a thoroughly deserved trouncing of the favourites. £10 very well spent. This new coach looks something else, Villa are unrecognisable from earlier in the season.
Footy did say that Natalia Arroyo would sort them out. #LaMaestra
-
...after a pretty ropey start, to be fair.
-
Villa women lead 3-2 at West Ham in a topsy turvey game. Elsewhere, SH women fight back to draw 2-2 against London City Lionesses, but they needed a win so they stay down while London go up as champions.
-
4 straight wins. Great turnaround.
-
Yeah superb end of the season
-
Beat Brighton by 4 goals and results go our way we’d finish 5th. Bonkers.
-
Great win. Well done again ladies.
-
I wish momentum didn't matter so much.
-
Villa women must be worth a couple of hundred million pounds by now surely?
-
Beat Brighton by 4 goals and results go our way we’d finish 5th. Bonkers.
Or not. As usual, you can never, ever, trust Arsenal.
-
They just got wrecked 5-2 at home, give them some leeway.
-
Villa women must be worth a couple of hundred million pounds by now surely?
Haven't they closed the door on that loophole now .
-
I think it needs to go to court.
-
Villa women must be worth a couple of hundred million pounds by now surely?
Haven't they closed the door on that loophole now .
As far as I know, the PL haven’t yet approved of Chelsea’s deal with themselves, but the general principle has passed a vote. Villa are thinking of selling a stake in the women’s team to outside investors, which is different and wouldn’t, in my opinion, be as difficult to get approval.
-
If we are going to do that we'd be better building them a ground first so they're more valuable.
-
If they're a part of the club, how can we sell them? Wouldn't that be like selling the youth team?
-
Sell them as well, today, they must be worth a fortune
-
If they're a part of the club, how can we sell them? Wouldn't that be like selling the youth team?
Selling the youth team, you say? 🤔
-
If they're a part of the club, how can we sell them? Wouldn't that be like selling the youth team?
Selling the youth team, you say? 🤔
Chelsea have put a 500M bid in.
-
Dave Woodhall won't be happy when West Brom get a £100 million sell-on fee.
-
Congratulations to Natalia, the boss. Named April manager of the month. Well deserved and really looking forward to next season now!
-
That's nice, well done Natalia. Normally when we reference a "manager of the month", we mean that's how long they lasted!
-
If we are going to do that we'd be better building them a ground first so they're more valuable.
There was talk a few years ago of the women playing at Alexandra Stadium following the commonwealth games. That seemed to go quiet. Although them playing at Villa Park is probably better for all concerned.
-
If we are going to do that we'd be better building them a ground first so they're more valuable.
There was talk a few years ago of the women playing at Alexandra Stadium following the commonwealth games. That seemed to go quiet. Although them playing at Villa Park is probably better for all concerned.
I’m not sure based on this season, perhaps they were better at Bescot, smaller ground, crowd involved, opponent not inspired by playing at a world class ground. In hindsight did they move permanently a bit early
-
They had a pretty ropey home record at Bescot, I'm not sure it's made a difference in that respect.
-
I don't think they moved too soon, it's just that we're pretty new to the top end of womens football and we need to go through this process of not only learning how to compete but also learning how to maintain that level year-on-year.
From what I've seen ew appear to be much better structured under the new coaching than we have been, which should make it easire to build on the recent performances and push back to the top half of this table. The gap from the top 2-3 to everyone else is huge though so we need to be patient.
-
Sale and lease back surely? To Oriscom.
-
Corsie, Nobbs, Turner and Pacheco all leaving.
-
No announcement re: Daly (or her fiancée), hopefully means she's staying for at least another term. The four have given us good service, surprised at Turner and Nobbs going, though they're both in their thirties. Corsie has had no luck with injuries lately. I'm hoping this will like a Villa (men) 95/96 type pre-season where we bring in loads of younger players.
Mildly annoying that Pacheco leaves before her Filipino passport came through so I don't get to tick another country off the list I carry around in my head.
-
Hope she stays, still a solid player.
Shame about Nobbs and Corsie too, always thought Pacheco was a decent enough player too
-
Half-time Villa 2 Brighton 0.
-
Top half finish if Chelsea find a winner against Liverpool. Mental that is even on the table.
-
And just like that....
-
Chelsea did score, all the results went our way. Despite a late Brighton goal we've won three-one and finish sixth! Happy Pachecho got a farewell goal, I've always liked her.
-
Well done ladies, a remarkable end to the season.
-
Sensational 5 on the bounce, no other team can equal that for the end of the season. Well done ladies.
-
-
Quite a claim...that we've beaten the European Champions 5-2 in the past month, especially when Barcelona couldn't even score one!
-
I'd still rather Arsenal had lost, but decent claim anyway 🙂
-
Corsie, Nobbs, Turner and Pacheco all leaving.
Corsie now retiring (after the upcoming Scotland games). A shame, but at least she already seems to have a media career to fall back on.
'Chronic pain' forces Scotland captain Corsie to retire - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cx27l9gg924o
-
New DoF for the women’s team - Marisa Ewers;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/may/30/marisa-ewers-appointed-director-of-women-s-football/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/may/30/marisa-ewers-appointed-director-of-women-s-football/)
-
Ah hello again, Marisa. 🙂
-
Elsewhere, I see Sarah Mayling has signed a contract until 2027. Hopefully this means Daly stays, too.
-
Yeah, hope so!
-
Elsewhere, I see Sarah Mayling has signed a contract until 2027. Hopefully this means Daly stays, too.
Just announced extended by the same length of contract :-)
-
Hurrah. We need to persuade all the players we want to keep to get engaged to each other...
-
Hurrah. We need to persuade all the players we want to keep to get engaged to each other...
Emi and Ollie are both already married to other people, unfortunately.
-
The selfish twats.
-
I would like to see the reality show “Emi & Oli” as they learn to live together and get into all sorts of scrapes and tricky situations.
-
Emi: "Ollie, have you seen my Yashin Trophy?"
*cut to garden, Super John is burying Yashin Trophy again.
*cut to Ollie looking sheepish.
*pause for audience hysterics.
-
Missy Bo Kearns has come on for her England debut in Spain.
-
Missy Bo Kearns has come on for her England debut in Spain.
Does that mean we're level with Spurs now?
-
Missy Bo Kearns has come on for her England debut in Spain.
Does that mean we're level with Spurs now?
Sadly not. The way she's going she could end up getting sent off.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GtZG_1_WUAArbOu?format=jpg&name=small)
-
Well done Rachel
-
Will temporarily withdraw my opposition to the Honours System to say well done Rachel.