The news about Plymouth Argyle Women is awful, no excuses.
But questions need to be asked of Newco and the FA. The costs for clubs rises whilst the rewards diminish as the "big 4" are prioritised with ideas like youth teams at T3 and seeded entry in the FA Cup.
@Adam_Bateman_UK So you genuinely think 3 pts from 6 games vs the top 3 in the WSL is the best return this squad is capable of. That they arent capable of beating any of them in the league?
Because thats nonsense.
The sad thing is nobody is surprised. Tactically out manouvered and he doesnt have the motivational skills to make up for it. He will never consistenly hit top 3.
Another season of Skinner will just generate apathy towards the womens team and that isnt good for the game.
Manchester United end the season with one win in 10 games in all competitions. Just one goal in their last four league games. Injuries not helped but the drop off in the last few months has been dramatic.
@Adam_Bateman_UK Im not saying Skinner should win the league. Im saying hes tactically weak & cant get the best out of the squad. He should have been capable of winning one WSL game vs top 3 over the last 2 seasons.
Get a top manager and build the squad and structure with them, not Skinner
@Adam_Bateman_UK 3 pts from a possible 18 and no wins in 6 attmepts this season in the WSL. This squad is capable of more than that Adam, come on.
Its been 2 years since we beat any of the top 3 in the WSL. Its not a good enough return.
Skinner needs to win this to prove that tactically he can compete with the (current) top 3 but he's tactically out of his depth at this level.
Should have got Martin last summer but Ineos inaction has cost us. Top 3 was v achievable this year.
Board now need to act.
Yesterdays draw with Spurs means we havent beat a top 5 side in the WSL so far this season highlighting the tactical limitations of Skinner.
The clubs hierarchy really missed a trick last summer when Martin Ho was available.
Lets hope for stronger direction this summer.
Feeling positive about tonight. We look better balanced this season on the whole and Chelsea don't look imperious like previous years.
Just pray we play positively and with confidence.
RIP Matt Beard.
A man who cared deeply for women's football and should be seen as someone who helped build the game into what it is today through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.
Football will never forget you.
Tomorrow is the first proper test and measure of our top 3 credentials.
Although we need to start beating last years top 3 in the league, after Thursday a draw or win should both be seen as a good result.
So far so good.
Ziggioti and Rolfo were great signings and no messing around bringing them in to the starting XI.
We need to build more depth now, but it's the best foundation in years. Quality players and a good set of personalities is a great place to be.
I'm excited for this season.
Not a perfect window, but the signings we made are good and not panic purchases outside of our profile.
CL games have shown signs of change (eg at CB)
This feels a better grounding than previous years.
Bring it on.
I just dont see how it can be argued our squad is 17th out of 17 teams like this.
That is why questions need to be asked. I get giving a manager time but you have to have a minimum level of expectation and also see tangible improvements to results over time.
Which player has Amorim improved and how?
What are our patterns of play? How have they improved?
The answers aren't positive in my opinion and that says an awful lot nearly a year in.
@nebularsmusic But we effectively play 2 narrow 10s now. Bruno played there last season and carried our attack. He should never be in a 2 man midfield as a 6 or 8. We lose games in CM and should have prioritised that and WBs
Good win, but hard to take too much from it as Leicester are probably amongst the favourites to go down.
Bit worrying to name half a bench on day 1.
Roll on the big game later this week