cidercity1987 Posted May 7, 2021 Share Posted May 7, 2021 21 minutes ago, pogue malone said: Brum 1pt deducted How convenient, a token punishment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted May 7, 2021 Share Posted May 7, 2021 1 hour ago, cidercity1987 said: How convenient, a token punishment It won't be of they lose and we win. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted May 7, 2021 Share Posted May 7, 2021 A piece of judicious judgement passed down from the FA. I can see if they deducted ten points it would cause some upset, or did nothing there would be calls from different clubs. This has made the last game a nail-biter and muddied the picture. However, we still need a win; the only difference is that there are two other clubs that need a result. In theory we have a better chance - slightly. Maybe the bookies are enjoying it more now. COYR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted May 7, 2021 Share Posted May 7, 2021 (edited) FA WSL Rules re ineligible player. What was the result of the game in question? Edited May 7, 2021 by Davefevs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warwickshire Red Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 Believe it was a draw so they lost the point gained from the match so seems fair. Journalist covering WSL on the radio correctly predicted this is what would happen. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerseybean Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 17 hours ago, pogue malone said: Brum 1pt deducted https://www.skysports.com/football/news/28508/12299695/birmingham-city-women-deducted-one-point-after-mistakenly-fielding-ineligible-player Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 Congrats to Ebony Salmon who won Women's Player of the Year & Women's Young Player of the Year in the Supporters Club & Trust's End of Season Awards, which included City Women for the first time! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 (edited) Today's squad. Kick off 2:30. COYR First appearance from Megan Wynne after injury (on the bench). Where is Ella Mastrantonio!? Edited May 9, 2021 by shahanshahan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Said Red Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 1 0 down:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleepy1968 Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 36 minutes ago, Port Said Red said: 1 0 down:( And it could be 4 or 5. I've watched the last 4 games and their standard is extremely poor. At least they try hard. What a way to round off the season for Bristol 'football'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 9, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 9, 2021 No attacking threat at all in the first half, very disappointing so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Said Red Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 1 minute ago, phantom said: No attacking threat at all in the first half, very disappointing so far 3 minutes ago, Sleepy1968 said: And it could be 4 or 5. I've watched the last 4 games and their standard is extremely poor. At least they try hard. What a way to round off the season for Bristol 'football'. Ebony Salmon stands out a mile doesn't she? I doubt she will be hanging around no matter the outcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleepy1968 Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 1 minute ago, Port Said Red said: Ebony Salmon stands out a mile doesn't she? I doubt she will be hanging around no matter the outcome. Yep and you're right she'll be on to bigger and better things next season. Her days of getting no service at all, and chasing hopeless balls will be over in about 45 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Red Hat Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 50 minutes ago, Port Said Red said: 1 0 down:( Ten already? Jeez. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 2-0, not good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 9, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 9, 2021 17 minutes ago, Port Said Red said: Ebony Salmon stands out a mile doesn't she? I doubt she will be hanging around no matter the outcome. weirdly playing wide left in midfield most of the first half having no influence on the pitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chucky Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 Got 1 back 2-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
napper Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 3-1 12 mins left Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 Birmingham go 1-0 down but that's not going to matter it seems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clevedon Red Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 49 minutes ago, phantom said: No attacking threat at all The new Bristol Sport catchphrase. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Sinclair Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 3 minutes ago, Clevedon Red said: The new Bristol Sport catchphrase. "Attack, attack, attack is what we lack" - we ought to adopt Yellow Pearl as the club anthem on this basis 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Musicworks Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 7 minutes ago, Clevedon Red said: The new Bristol Sport catchphrase. Bristol City catchphrase maybe but Bristol Bears are part of Bristol Sport and they certainly have an attacking threat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmite Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 What a sterling year for Bristol professional football. City, Rovers, Women. It can only get worse if there are 3 relegations next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Said Red Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 14 minutes ago, Erithacus said: Birmingham go 1-0 down but that's not going to matter it seems. There is part of me that hopes they stay up. You have to believe it was a genuine administration error that caused the points deduction, so just imagine being the person responsible for that if it was to cause their relegation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 A final game defeat then, no need to hope for other teams to help. A really big disappointment for so many on the team, on and off the pitch, but the table does not lie. We weren't up to the mark. It will be a difficult season in the Championship, especially if the better players move on. How will the club's leading lights prepare for it? 4 minutes ago, marmite said: What a sterling year for Bristol professional football. The Covid season of 2020-21 in Bristol has been a crash. No-one saw it and perhaps that was a factor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 9, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 9, 2021 Simply we were just not good enough, lacked quality in the squad and too reliant on a handful of players. After the way we started the season it's amazing we had a chance of survival coming into the last game of the season. The Championship is a massive drop in quality so as long as we keep the majority of the squad we will compete at the right end. The biggest concern has to be missing out on the additional tv coverage and money associated with it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedInDevon Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 What a god awful season for Bristol football as a whole - 2 relegations and almost a 3rd (although City deserved to go down to be honest!). As a life long City supporter, I can't say that I am too hopeful for next season at the moment. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redpole Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 I was disappointed that Bristol City main Twitter account didn’t mention it on their thread today wishing the girls good luck. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B1ackbird Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 7 minutes ago, RedInDevon said: What a god awful season for Bristol football as a whole - 2 relegations and almost a 3rd (although City deserved to go down to be honest!). As a life long City supporter, I can't say that I am too hopeful for next season at the moment. I comfort myself in the belief that Nigel Pearson wouldn't have taken the job if he didn't have assurances that he can rebuild the squad as he wants to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUSSEL85 Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 21 minutes ago, redpole said: I was disappointed that Bristol City main Twitter account didn’t mention it on their thread today wishing the girls good luck. Indeed. I myself don’t watch the women’s game as I personally don’t find the enjoyment as much but I do keep an eye on the results and was hoping for updates, alas nothing. Poor from the club. Wishing the vixens well in the next campaign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 2 hours ago, Sleepy1968 said: I've watched the last 4 games and their standard is extremely poor. At least they try hard. What a way to round off the season for Bristol 'football'. You are not wrong. What I don't understand, it would have taken such modest investment (compared to the money spent on the mens) to have kept them in the top division. A half-decent CM and CB would probably have been enough. Now their few good players will leave and it won't be easy getting back with only 1 team promoted each season. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redpole Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 4 minutes ago, old_eastender said: You are not wrong. What I don't understand, it would have taken such modest investment (compared to the money spent on the mens) to have kept them in the top division. A half-decent CM and CB would probably have been enough. Now their few good players will leave and it won't be easy getting back with only 1 team promoted each season. Not ideal time to be relegated with the new deal agreed with SKY. There is such a gulf between the top 4 teams and the rest of the league. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarksRobin Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 The ladies team has been on a downward trend since becoming Bristol City ladies. I’m not saying Bristol Academy wouldn’t have suffered the same fate but it’s difficult to see what benefits being part of the Bristol Sport family has brought. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveybadger Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 26 minutes ago, WarksRobin said: The ladies team has been on a downward trend since becoming Bristol City ladies. I’m not saying Bristol Academy wouldn’t have suffered the same fate but it’s difficult to see what benefits being part of the Bristol Sport family has brought. Interesting that Lansdown has ploughed money into Bristol rugby which has made a huge difference ( in terms of attracting a top coach and facilities in particular). It really feels like a missed opportunity to not make a decent investment into the women’s team, which would have resulted in a much higher profile for the club and Bristol Sport as a whole. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 Really gutted about today, although I feel it's been on the cards since the first game of the season, or even in last season. Felt we played better last week against United than we did today. 35 minutes ago, WarksRobin said: The ladies team has been on a downward trend since becoming Bristol City ladies. I’m not saying Bristol Academy wouldn’t have suffered the same fate but it’s difficult to see what benefits being part of the Bristol Sport family has brought. Had Bristol Academy not become Bristol City, we wouldn't be talking about them on OTIB! However I was informed by another fan that Bristol Academy had a crowdfunder at one point, before being taken over by Bristol City/Sport 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 37 minutes ago, WarksRobin said: it’s difficult to see what benefits being part of the Bristol Sport family has brought. True. I doubt Bristol Academy would have been able to find the funds to develop so in theory having the Bristol Sport backing should have seen a level of investment that could have seen them at least competing in the top half of the table. As it stands, I think someone forgot to remind the family that they actually own the team. With 2 points from the first 10 games and no apparent demand for improvement or signing new players, shunting the team off to Bath to play (not that this really mattered without fans) and the lack of discussion around the team from the club all means it would seem they couldn't really give a.toss what the Ladies team does. It's a wasted opportunity as women's football is steadily growing and it's another chance of getting the shirt seen by the wider community. I thought Bristol Sport was all about maximising the brand. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 9, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 9, 2021 1 hour ago, steveybadger said: Interesting that Lansdown has ploughed money into Bristol rugby which has made a huge difference ( in terms of attracting a top coach and facilities in particular). It really feels like a missed opportunity to not make a decent investment into the women’s team, which would have resulted in a much higher profile for the club and Bristol Sport as a whole. Add to that, that Bristol Sport were chucking money at a racing driver and badminton side at one point, I can't believe the investment required for the womens side would have been that great to even get them as a mid table side. The WSLs profile is going to take off next season and sadly we've missed the boat. I really feel for Matt Beard and his squad tonight as they couldn't ever be faulted for effort but sadly just not up to the required standards to stay in the league Sky struggling again 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILINFRANCE Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 2 hours ago, phantom said: Add to that, that Bristol Sport were chucking money at a racing driver and badminton side at one point, I can't believe the investment required for the womens side would have been that great to even get them as a mid table side. The WSLs profile is going to take off next season and sadly we've missed the boat. I really feel for Matt Beard and his squad tonight as they couldn't ever be faulted for effort but sadly just not up to the required standards to stay in the league Sky struggling again You have lost me as to why Sky might be struggling, but I assume you have noticed who took 4-74 for Kent - our former academy player, Nathan Gilchrist, who apparently rejected our contract offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superjack Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 (edited) 25 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said: You have lost me as to why Sky might be struggling, but I assume you have noticed who took 4-74 for Kent - our former academy player, Nathan Gilchrist, who apparently rejected our contract offer. The badges. Edited May 9, 2021 by Superjack 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILINFRANCE Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 7 minutes ago, Superjack said: The badges. Badges? You mean Spurs! We don't need no stinking badges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 10, 2021 Share Posted May 10, 2021 18 hours ago, phantom said: Sky struggling again Looks like we dodged a bullet in case Sky were going to treat us that way in the new WSL TV deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 10, 2021 Share Posted May 10, 2021 Ellen Jones, who got promoted from the academy to the first team this season, has confirmed she is leaving. And so the exodus begins... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 Just realised...doesn't this thread need to be renamed now as City Women are no longer in the WSL? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 The first of how many? Especially disappointing seeing as she has come through the Academy. Two prime names I fear will go are Ebony Salmon and Sophie Baggaley, both of whom contributed heavilly to the side's successes this season (what there were of them) and could be just the job for another WSL team. Has there been any indication from the club about who is going to be in charge from now? Getting the side organised will be most important and the sooner they start, the better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 11 hours ago, Erithacus said: The first of how many? Especially disappointing seeing as she has come through the Academy. Two prime names I fear will go are Ebony Salmon and Sophie Baggaley, both of whom contributed heavilly to the side's successes this season (what there were of them) and could be just the job for another WSL team. Has there been any indication from the club about who is going to be in charge from now? Getting the side organised will be most important and the sooner they start, the better. Ellen Jones posted on her Twitter using emojis suggesting she is going to the US, so it seems she'll be playing college football there. I realistically don't expect Salmon to stay, especially if her contract is up anyway. I believe Baggaley's contract is also up as well. No news yet about head coach, however the club confirmed this morning that assistant manager Marco Chiavetta has stepped down from the club! I expected some sort of change within the coaching set-up anyway https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/chiavetta-departs-bristol-city-women/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 12, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 12, 2021 18 hours ago, shahanshahan said: Just realised...doesn't this thread need to be renamed now as City Women are no longer in the WSL? The name is because the thread also discussed the WSL, sadly not because we were in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 46 minutes ago, phantom said: The name is because the thread also discussed the WSL, sadly not because we were in it Hopefully the name won't need changing if it'll be changed back again 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 (edited) https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/haaland-signs-for-selfoss-fc/ This is a surprise. I thought she'd make a great #1 next season if Baggaley were to leave this summer. Best of luck, Beni! Edited May 12, 2021 by shahanshahan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elhombrecito Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Said Red Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 42 minutes ago, elhombrecito said: Yep. https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/salmon-departs-the-west-country/ As I said in a previous thread, she was the only player who looked like Premiership class in the games I saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 13, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 13, 2021 20 minutes ago, Port Said Red said: Yep. https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/salmon-departs-the-west-country/ As I said in a previous thread, she was the only player who looked like Premiership class in the games I saw. Just a shame out most attacking threat was moved back into midfield for the last few games 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Said Red Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 19 minutes ago, phantom said: Just a shame out most attacking threat was moved back into midfield for the last few games Really odd decision, I would love to know the reasoning behind it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 13, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 13, 2021 Matt Beard confirmed as leaving too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redpole Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 2 minutes ago, phantom said: Matt Beard confirmed as leaving too Will Tanya be coming back after maternity leave? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 Beard's departure was not unexpected as there were rumours of other irons in the fire. However, that clearly points to Oxtoby returning so it would appear the club has started to get things organised. The sooner the retained players are known the sooner the work can start. The Championship is going to be a tough place - much tougher than the last time the girls topped it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarksRobin Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 When are they being unveiled by Ipswich? 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 Sad that Matt is leaving, think his done a very good job, considering the shambles he took over. Don't see a quick return to the top flight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 13, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 13, 2021 1 hour ago, Erithacus said: Beard's departure was not unexpected as there were rumours of other irons in the fire. However, that clearly points to Oxtoby returning so it would appear the club has started to get things organised. The sooner the retained players are known the sooner the work can start. The Championship is going to be a tough place - much tougher than the last time the girls topped it. The odd thing is that she must still have months of maternity leave to take Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E.G.Red Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 1 hour ago, phantom said: Matt Beard confirmed as leaving too Gone to Liverpool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 Back to the scene of his major triumphs: 2012-15 under his management saw several league and cup wins (assuming Vicky Jepson is making way). The thought is that Liverpool were such serial winners then, but have now spent a couple of unremarkable seasons and ended up third in the second tier (behind Leicester City and Durham). It's not a place where a glittering history makes much impact. Tough times ahead, methinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E.G.Red Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 (edited) 11 minutes ago, Erithacus said: Back to the scene of his major triumphs: 2012-15 under his management saw several league and cup wins (assuming Vicky Jepson is making way). The thought is that Liverpool were such serial winners then, but have now spent a couple of unremarkable seasons and ended up third in the second tier (behind Leicester City and Durham). It's not a place where a glittering history makes much impact. Tough times ahead, methinks. Vicky left by 'mutual consent' in January. Amber Whitely was interim manager and won the Championship manager of the month ward for April Edited May 13, 2021 by E.G.Red Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerseybean Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 1 hour ago, E.G.Red said: Gone to Liverpool https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57081676 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 13, 2021 Admin Share Posted May 13, 2021 Kentucky in America 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shahanshahan Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 Well today was a mad day regarding City Women news. Genuinely didn't think Matt Beard would want to step down to the Championship, but he has history at Liverpool. As for Ebony Salmon, I didn't expect her to leave England at all. However the NWSL is hotting up, and they play a summer league. I wish them all the best, apart from next season when City play Liverpool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
And Its Smith Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 Barcelona absolutely superb. Bonmati, Hermosa and Martin’s all incredible as were most of them really. Clearly a better team than Chelsea but Chelsea will be gutted as they didn’t show what they can do at all really. Kirby and Kerr just couldn’t get into the game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 (edited) Does anyone else think that, if it wasn't for the fact that Tanya Oxtoby was due to take time off for the birth of her child then she would have been let go due to the poor performance of the team? It may have put the club in a very difficult position because, let's face it, up to the start of her maternity leave, City were awful and there was little sign that things were going to change. I could just imagine how poor it would look to sack someone about to go maternity leave. I posted a few pages back that this is very much a missed opportunity by the club. Women's football is growing in popularity and respect with each passing season and with only 1 up 1 down getting back into the top flight will be tough. Much like the Rugby where SL was able to buy the best coaching and playing staff for far less cost than the men's footballing equivalent, the level of investment to ensure a competitive ladies team is far less than the men's. Edited May 16, 2021 by Midlands Robin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 15 minutes ago, Midlands Robin said: Does anyone else think that, if it wasn't for the fact that Tanya Oxtoby was due to take time off for the birth of her child then she would have been let go due to the poor performance of the team? It may have put the club in a very difficult position because, let's face it, up to the start of her maternity leave, City were awful and there was little sign that things were going to change. I could just imagine how poor it would look to sack someone about to go maternity leave. I posted a few pages back that this is very much a missed opportunity by the club. Women's football is growing in popularity and respect with each passing season and with only 1 up 1 down getting back into the top flight will be tough. Much like the Rugby where SL was able to buy the best coaching and playing staff for far less cost than the men's footballing equivalent, the level of investment to ensure a competitive ladies team is far less than the men's. I just think City are seriously underfunded against the other teams. They got a few in during the window from memory and it made them a tad more competitive. I’m sure Beard had an impact too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midlands Robin Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 I agree @Davefevs and I can't see the excuse as to a reason why that's the case. Yes we all know times are hard due to covid but it's almost as if it's the team that Bristol Sport forgot. A real shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erithacus Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 The CL Final has shown a number of things. The standard of top European football has risen much higher than the WSL. Granted, Barcelona are not short of money or top class resources but the fact is that nearly all the players were Spanish, and most of them brought up through their academy. Compare that to Chelsea's imported talent. For all the talk of the WSL being a shining beacon it looks a little pale now. It seems that the NWSL of America still has a big draw (two City players are off this season). The real state of play is revealed. Chelsea are a good team, no doubt, but they were a yard slower, a touch poorer and tactically second best. Yes, they may not have had their best XI available but they were shredded down both wings and found the midfield almost impenetrable. I thought former Vixen Sophie Ingle was a lost soul for much of the game and the Kirby/Kerr partnership was unable to make any real impression. Giving a freak own goal away in the first minute and suffering a soft penalty shorly after made for a comfortable match for a side who were clearly well drilled and in a familiar pattern. Typically Spanish, and difficult to deal with when on top. One thing that crossed my mind is that City (as Academy) beat Barca at Ashton Gate seven years ago. Look how the two clubs have progressed. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRock Posted May 17, 2021 Share Posted May 17, 2021 8 hours ago, Erithacus said: The CL Final has shown a number of things. The standard of top European football has risen much higher than the WSL. Granted, Barcelona are not short of money or top class resources but the fact is that nearly all the players were Spanish, and most of them brought up through their academy. Compare that to Chelsea's imported talent. For all the talk of the WSL being a shining beacon it looks a little pale now. It seems that the NWSL of America still has a big draw (two City players are off this season). The real state of play is revealed. Chelsea are a good team, no doubt, but they were a yard slower, a touch poorer and tactically second best. Yes, they may not have had their best XI available but they were shredded down both wings and found the midfield almost impenetrable. I thought former Vixen Sophie Ingle was a lost soul for much of the game and the Kirby/Kerr partnership was unable to make any real impression. Giving a freak own goal away in the first minute and suffering a soft penalty shorly after made for a comfortable match for a side who were clearly well drilled and in a familiar pattern. Typically Spanish, and difficult to deal with when on top. One thing that crossed my mind is that City (as Academy) beat Barca at Ashton Gate seven years ago. Look how the two clubs have progressed. Yes. Agree. Another major factor for me, was the strength in the tackle, physical stature and general athleticism of the Barcelona players that was on another level and then some. A criticism of my very own Bristol City mens team I’ve made over many years and, very belatedly, now - hopefully - being addressed by Nige. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.