Kerys Kicks

Birmingham City skipper Kerys Harrop uses her column to welcome Phil Neville’s appointment as England manager, calling it a surprise but a positive one given his experience at the highest level and his schooling under Sir Alex Ferguson. Having spoken to England players after the SheBelieves Cup, she reports nothing but positive words about him and notes that gaining players’ respect appears already achieved. Harrop congratulates Arsenal on a fifth Continental Cup and gives a shout out to team-mate Ellen White for her SheBelieves form after another injury-affected year. She welcomes Neville’s fresh outlook giving opportunities to players such as Anita Asante, Abbie McManus and Georgia Stanway, and hopes Birmingham’s 2-0 league win that ended Manchester City’s unbeaten run showcased Jess Carter and Aoife Mannion, while regretting a 3-1 extra-time FA Cup exit to the same opponents.