News

A season-opening news round-up spanning both sides of the Atlantic. Domestically, Aston Villa name Maggie Murphy managing director, Matt Beard resigns from newly-promoted Burnley after two months, and Leicester City sack Amandine Miquel ten days before kick-off. Coaching moves continue with Rachel Furness taking charge of Newcastle’s U16s, Kerri Welsh appointed England U17 boss, and Izzy Christiansen heading Manchester City’s new Next Gen U21 side. Transfer records tumble as Lizbeth Ovalle’s £1.1m move to Orlando Pride tops Olivia Smith’s earlier British-record fee, while Grace Geyoro’s switch to London City Lionesses is reported close behind. Elsewhere: Nike becomes WSL and WSL 2’s official boot and glove partner, the NWSL sets a new attendance record at Bay FC, arrests follow racist abuse aimed at Jess Carter, and Western United’s men’s and women’s teams enter ‘hibernation’ after their parent company’s liquidation.