Welcome to season 14 of the Women’s Super League. Or, as it could be taglined, WSL: A New Era.
Nowhere is the fresh start more apparent than at Chelsea. After five successive titles, Emma Hayes has left for the United States women’s national team job, with Sonia Bompastor taking over her spot. Might Chelsea’s dominance finally end?
Arsenal and Manchester City will hope so, but Manchester United have experienced a tumultuous summer, with off-field uncertainty and England internationals Mary Earps and Katie Zelem leaving.
Liverpool, who finished fourth last season, have strengthened again as they look to push into the top three.
We need to talk friendship bracelets, too…
GO DEEPER
Seven WSL players to watch out for as new season kicks off
No Hayes, no problem?
All eyes are on Chelsea as they enter unfamiliar territory. Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor called Hayes’ departure, after 12 years and seven league titles, an “opportunity” at the WSL media day last week.
Looking at the changes at Chelsea, Hayes took five members of staff with her (Stuart Searle, Denise Reddy, Bart Caubergh, Ferdia O’Hanrahan and Cameron Meighan), while long-serving players Fran Kirby, Melanie Leupolz, Maren Mjelde and Jess Carter have also left. Then there are the absentees: Sam Kerr, Mia…
