Tom Garry

Rachel Daly discusses entering her fifth season as Aston Villa captain, her commitment to the club, and her role as a mentor to younger players. She says retiring from England duty allowed her to recover better, spend more time with family and focus fully on club football. Daly wants Villa to improve on last season’s ninth-place finish during a rebuilding campaign, while welcoming the Women’s Super League’s expansion. Villa face a demanding start against Chelsea and Manchester City, but Daly remains confident in the team’s prospects.

Spain defender Mapi León explains her decision to leave Barcelona for London City Lionesses, saying she wanted a new challenge and the opportunity to adapt to the more transitional, high-pressing and competitive style of the Women’s Super League. She is attracted by owner Michele Kang’s ambition and commitment to building a club for women, while embracing life in England alongside fellow former Barcelona star Alexia Putellas and other major signings. León hopes to bring greater calm and control from centre-back as London City prepare to open their season against Manchester United.

Jordan Nobbs says winning promotion to the Women's Super League with Newcastle would fulfil her ambition of restoring north-east representation in the top tier. After Newcastle finished sixth in WSL2 last season, the club has recruited Martha Thomas, Leanne Kiernan and Gemma Evans and is openly targeting promotion. Nobbs believes the team can improve by converting last season's nine draws into wins and says top-flight status would help revive women's football across the region.

Alexia Putellas discusses her move from Barcelona to London City Lionesses, emphasizing her hunger to win and commitment to the club’s ambitious project despite its limited top-flight history. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner believes the competitive Women’s Super League can make her a more complete player by exposing her to different tactical challenges. She will join fellow high-profile signings including Kadidiatou Diani, Mapi León and Mary Earps, with the club aiming to establish itself after promotion and a sixth-place finish in its debut WSL season.

Kerolin did not report for Manchester City’s pre-season training in July before completing a move to Barcelona, leaving City staff and teammates disappointed. Barcelona signed the Brazil forward for an initial €1.2m (£1m), potentially rising to about £1.25m, making it a record transfer fee received by a Women’s Super League club. Kerolin had scored 14 goals and provided six assists during her time at City, helping the club win the WSL title and Women’s FA Cup, but reportedly departed without saying goodbye in person. Manchester City later thanked her and wished her well, while the clubs are scheduled to meet in a pre-season friendly.

Barcelona have signed Brazil forward Kerolin from Manchester City for a fee reportedly worth about £1.25m, making it a club record for Barcelona and the largest reported sale by a Women’s Super League side. Kerolin, who helped Manchester City win the WSL title and Women’s FA Cup last season, is expected to strengthen Barcelona’s attack and contribute in the Champions League. The transfer follows major departures from Barcelona, including Alexia Putellas, Mapi León, Ona Batlle and Salma Paralluelo.

Marc Skinner has left Manchester United Women after five years amid a fundamental disagreement over transfer spending. Although he divided opinion, Skinner is credited with overachieving on a budget far below those of Chelsea and Arsenal, reaching four domestic cup finals and winning the 2025 Women’s FA Cup. United now plan to prioritize academy development and young homegrown players because they consider current transfer-market spending unsustainable, despite previously targeting a first Women’s Super League title by 2028. His successor will need to develop younger players while accepting that established stars may be attracted away by better-funded rivals.

Chelsea are close to signing France forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United in what would be a record sale for the club, with a fee expected between £750,000 and £850,000. United opted to sell after failing to secure a contract extension and plan to reinvest the funds in the squad. Malard, previously coached by Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor at Lyon, is anticipated to strengthen Chelsea’s attack alongside newly renewed Aggie Beever-Jones. Additional Women's Super League transfer activity includes Arsenal signing Germany youth forward Lisa Baum and Everton acquiring France under‑23 forward Noémie Mouchon on a free transfer.

Build‑up to the France–Morocco World Cup quarter‑final covered team news, disciplinary developments and political controversy, including Jarell Quansah’s two‑match ban and debate over government influence on match scheduling. Updates detailed injuries such as Christian Pulisic’s leg microfracture, Norway’s rise led by Erling Haaland, and concerns surrounding officiating and preparation. Broader World Cup narratives highlighted multicultural team identities, fan travel, and tournament statistics as attention turned to the upcoming knockout matches.

The inquest into the 2023 death of Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack has been adjourned again after new documents were submitted, requiring additional witness testimony. The coroner plans to recall several former club medical staff and may seek further evidence from Cusack’s GP, as well as contact a former assistant physio now working abroad. Previous delays have stemmed from late evidence disclosures and disputes over the scope of the proceedings. Missing sections of Cusack’s medical records prompted the coroner to request forensic audits and additional records from the local NHS trust. The hearing will resume on 7 December, with remaining witnesses, including club staff and the Football Association, scheduled before conclusions are delivered later.

Testimony at an inquest revealed that Maddy Cusack asked former Sheffield United chaplain Delroy Hall not to disclose their conversations as she struggled with the demands of dual roles in football and marketing. Senior club figures said they were unaware of her difficulties and explained delays in transitioning the women’s team to full‑time status, citing financial dependence on the men’s team and sustainability concerns. Evidence highlighted internal tensions, recruitment discussions and financial losses within the women’s program. The inquest will continue on Thursday.

London City Lionesses have signed two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas on a free transfer after her departure from Barcelona. The move signals major ambition from the club, owned by Michele Kang, who presented Putellas at an event in New York. Putellas joins a growing roster of high-profile arrivals, including Mary Earps, Janni Thomsen and Nicole Anyomi, with further signings expected. Her decision was influenced by the club’s independence, its focus on women’s football and avoiding a move to Barcelona’s Champions League rivals. The signing is positioned as one of the most significant in Women’s Super League history.

Testimony at an inquest into Maddy Cusack’s death described Sheffield United as unprepared for the women’s team’s transition to full-time status and failing to support players adequately. Former general manager Ian McCallum said the club had been naive and that Cusack was let down in several areas. Evidence highlighted concerns around the appointment of manager Jonathan Morgan and gaps in procedures for reporting wellbeing issues. Senior club staff are expected to give further evidence as the inquest continues.

Testimony at the inquest into the death of footballer Maddy Cusack revealed that her former manager, Jonathan Morgan, told an FA investigation she was “generally a liar,” comments he defended by claiming she omitted key information about his support. Morgan denied accusations of shouting at her or calling her derogatory names and said he had been concerned about her wellbeing. He acknowledged difficulty managing her earlier in their careers and explained his initial decision not to select her at Sheffield United as medically advised due to injury. The inquest examined team dynamics, her fitness, her mental state, and interactions involving her long‑distance relationship. Morgan rejected claims he humiliated her but admitted to light‑hearted comments he considered banter. The inquest continues with further testimony scheduled.

Arsenal have signed Germany forward Selina Cerci from Hoffenheim, with head coach Renée Slegers and director of football Clare Wheatley describing her goalscoring record and attributes as major assets. Cerci becomes Arsenal’s second summer arrival from the Frauen Bundesliga. Lyon have secured Sweden winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd from Chelsea, where she contributed to seven major trophies. Chelsea have also extended the contract of England striker Aggie Beever-Jones until 2030, reinforcing their long-term squad planning.

Witnesses at an inquest into footballer Maddy Cusack’s death described concerns raised about Sheffield United manager Jonathan Morgan, with former goalkeeper Nina Wilson stating she tried to escalate issues but felt ignored. Testimony depicted understaffed and overstretched conditions at the club, while accounts varied on whether Morgan bullied or intimidated players. Evidence showed Cusack had been struggling with workload pressures and low mood before her death. The inquest continues with Morgan scheduled to give evidence.

Georgia Stanway completed a free‑transfer move to Arsenal, aiming to win more trophies after a title‑filled spell at Bayern Munich. Arsenal praised her leadership, experience and proven record at club and international level, while head coach Renée Slegers said she will strengthen the team’s midfield for the upcoming season. Stanway, a key figure in England’s recent European Championship wins and World Cup run, previously enjoyed major domestic success at Manchester City.

An inquest into the death of footballer Maddy Cusack heard testimony from her mother alleging that Cusack felt unable to report grievances out of fear of being blacklisted and that manager Jonathan Morgan’s actions contributed significantly to her distress. The hearing revealed extensive loss of medical records across the women’s game during a system transition, with the club doctor acknowledging failures to report the breach. Discrepancies in accounts of Cusack’s medical status before her death, concerns about organisational support from the PFA and FA, and questions about communication between medical staff and the family were highlighted as the coroner continued examining systemic issues surrounding Cusack’s final months.

England prepare to face Mexico in the last 16 after recovering to beat DR Congo, while Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane drew praise for their performances. Germany are reportedly set to dismiss Julian Nagelsmann following their early World Cup exit, with Jürgen Klopp emerging as the leading candidate to replace him. Spain seek to end a long knockout-stage drought as they meet Austria, and Mexico’s strong form heightens anticipation for their clash with England at the Azteca. Additional updates include transfer news, reactions from players and managers, and global fan perspectives as the tournament enters its latter stages.

Layla Drury, Manchester United Women’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer, is set to become the club’s youngest professional signing at 17 after debuting and scoring in an FA Cup match at 16. She will join the first team full time next season as part of United’s push to develop homegrown talent. London City Lionesses also strengthened their squad by signing Germany forward Nicole Anyomi following her departure from Eintracht Frankfurt.

An inquest into the death of footballer Maddy Cusack heard testimony from former Sheffield United physio Francesca Carr, who said the club’s shift to full‑time operations in 2023 was rushed and under‑resourced, leaving staff overstretched and players without adequate support. Carr described concerns about multiple players’ mental wellbeing and said Cusack had shown signs of distress that summer. She also confirmed her advice that Cusack was unfit to play in manager Jonathan Morgan’s first match, contradicting claims that she had been unfairly dropped. Additional witnesses, including Cusack’s former captain, linked her deteriorating mental health to financial worries and her girlfriend’s move to another club. Further testimony from club officials and Morgan is expected as the inquest continues.

Live coverage highlighted England’s buildup to facing DR Congo at the World Cup, alongside major developments including Marcelo Bielsa’s resignation as Uruguay coach, France’s continued dominant performances, multiple transfer moves across European clubs, and tragic crowd incidents in Mexico City following celebrations. Commentary also examined tactical previews, political messages of support, managerial departures, and broader issues affecting fans and host cities.

Ellen White reflects on her transition from England’s record‑scoring striker to television pundit, emphasising the need for fairness and empathy when offering on‑air analysis. She describes the honour of her induction into the National Football Museum’s hall of fame and looks back on key moments in her career, including her development at Birmingham, her peak form at the 2019 World Cup and the confidence placed in her by coaches such as Phil Neville and Sarina Wiegman. White praises Harry Kane’s leadership and finishing ability and expresses optimism about England’s prospects at the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Brazil, citing Wiegman’s experience and the squad’s strength.

Forest Green Rovers have disbanded their women’s team for the 2026–27 season to focus resources on returning the men’s team to the English Football League after relegation in 2024. The club stated that women’s football may return in the future when a sustainable programme is possible. A potential partnership with Hartpury University failed to materialise, prompting the club to withdraw from joint operations including a youth training centre. The decision comes shortly after the Football Association confirmed the women’s team’s placement in tier five for the upcoming season.

Testimony at an inquest described how Maddy Cusack’s wellbeing declined after new Sheffield United manager Jonathan Morgan allegedly made comments about her weight and called her “psycho.” Her girlfriend, Grace Riglar, said Cusack felt uncomfortable under Morgan, considered her omission from the team a personal attack, and experienced changes in eating habits and rising anxiety. Additional evidence from colleagues described noticeable changes in her demeanor in the weeks before her death. The inquest continues.

Testimony at an inquest into the death of Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack focused on her father’s claim that manager Jonathan Morgan’s behaviour was the main cause of her deteriorating mental health. The inquest reviewed her concerns about Morgan’s return to the club, allegations about his managerial style, and disputed accounts of her playing time. Evidence from a doctor indicated Cusack feared mental health stigma when requesting a sick note. The proceedings will continue with further testimony from family members, club staff and Morgan.

Norway’s ‘Viking row’ World Cup celebration has drawn irritation from Sweden and envy from Denmark, while the team’s strong performances continue to fuel excitement at home. Sweden’s players dismissed the ritual as overused and reminiscent of Iceland’s thunderclap, and a Danish columnist described Norway’s success as painful for their neighbours. Gianni Infantino defended hydration breaks amid global heat, and wider tournament updates included key group‑stage scenarios, injuries, managerial news and commentary on England’s form. The rolling coverage also highlighted standout teams, punditry reactions and shifting knockout‑stage prospects across the tournament.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Lazio Women unlawfully ended Maja Göthberg’s employment because of her pregnancy, ordering the club to pay more than €69,000 in compensation for lost salary and breach of medical privacy. The case marked the first successful CAS decision under Fifa’s strengthened maternity regulations. WhatsApp messages confirmed the club knew of her pregnancy despite initially denying it. Göthberg and Fifpro said the ruling reinforces protections for pregnant players, while Lazio acknowledged the decision and pledged to improve internal procedures.