Last weekend, the Barclay’s Women’s Championship held its opening games of the season. The second division of English women’s football is home to 12 teams all fighting for the top spot, securing promotion into the Women’s Super League. Last season, Bristol City secured promotion and will now play in the WSL. However, for the first time ever there will be two teams being relegated this season. This follows the elimination of the play-off between the FA Nations League North and South Division winners, seeing them both be promoted into the Championship.
Want to know more about the Women’s Championship and the 12 teams in it? Here’s a handy guide as the season kicks off.
Birmingham City
One of the biggest names in the Women’s Championship is Birmingham City. Despite being a club that was a founder member of the WSL and were two time runners-up, they became relegated to the Championship in 2021. After coming to close to winning last year, losing out to Bristol by a single point, manager Darren Carter and the club will have high expectations of promotion.
Despite missing out, Birmingham had a positive season in 22/23 especially in the second half. They held a 9 game unbeaten record and even beat champions Bristol City 2-0 in their final game.
This season, Birmingham will be without striker Ashley Hodson, who completed her loan from Liverpool, and scored 4 goals in 16 appearances. They still have strong attacking talent, for example 22/23 Women’s Championship player of the season Jade Pennock, who netted 14 goals last season.
Birmingham also lost experienced fullback Harriet Scott who stepped away from football this summer to pursue a career in the NHS. However, they’ve certainly added talent into the squad, with the likes of midfielders Remi Allen and Lily Agg, as well as the bright young talent of defender Neve Herron. Louise Quinn also extended her time with the club this summer, being named Birmingham’s club captain and Christie Harrison-Murray the team captain. Impressively, this Championship club also boasts of World Cup talent, with Louise Quinn and Lucy Quinn representing the Republic of Ireland this summer, and Jamie Finn selected as a training player. Having teammates who have played against some of the best in the World will only strengthen this squad.
Birmingham suffered a 1-0 loss on the opening day to Blackburn Rovers, with Darren Carter frustrated at the team’s lack of intensity. They’ll be eager to learn and put things right in their next games, but it just goes to show that no points are simply given in this league.
Blackburn
Blackburn Rovers will definitely be looking to improve from last season, having finished tenth in the Women’s Championship with 23 points, only winning a quarter of their games. The team especially struggled to pick up points in away fixtures. With long-serving defender Kayleigh McDonald parting ways with Rovers after 7 years amongst other departures, manager Simon Parker has looked to strengthen his backline this summer. This included a permanent deal for Rovers youth system product Emma Taylor, as well as a season-long loan for Liverpool centre back and young Lioness Hannah Silcock. Blackburn Rovers also signed forward Georgia Walters after spells at Liverpool and Sheffield United, all the more important given the news that forward Farah Crompton is out for the season following an ACL injury.
This summer, Blackburn Rovers have done as much work off the field as they have done on. The rise of the Lionesses has put women’s football in the limelight, and they’ve used this momentum to send the club in the right direction. Firstly, like many women’s football teams in the last few years, the club has rebranded their name from Blackburn Rovers Ladies to Blackburn Rovers Women. It may seem like a small change, but a massive step in terms of the club’s professionalism and identity of their women’s side. General manager Ellis Clarke explained how this aligns with the club’s ‘One Rovers’ vision. Equally, this season, players will wear blue shorts instead of the traditional white. Following on from other teams including England’s Lionesses, it will certainly make a huge difference in players feeling comfortable and confident when they step on the pitch. Psychologically, Blackburn Rovers seem to have made huge steps this summer in making their players feel valued and respected.
This certainly paid off in their first game of the season, beating dominant team Birmingham City 1-0 after a strike from Meg Hornby to claim their first deserved win.
Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic are certainly a team who are looking to push up alongside the top Women’s Championship teams and be in the fight for promotion, having finished fourth place last season. It’s clear they’ve looked to bring in experienced players who know what it takes to play at the top level of women’s football, and this is reflected in their transfer window. Bringing in Liverpool’s Carla Humphery has not only strengthened Charlton’s defence in giving her deserved game time, but also brings a player who knows what it takes to win the championship and seal promotion.
Charlton also signed WSL legend Kate Longhurst, who will slot into the midfield, hoping to bring a sense of stability and experience to the team. Longhurst will co-captain the club alongside 21 year-old Kiera Skeels. Both players will bring very different leadership qualities that are both needed. Young Arsenal forward Freya Godfrey also joined Charlton on loan, looking for regular game time. Charlton already have a good foundation of players to make additions to, including their top goalscorer Melissa Johnson and midfielder Freda Ayisi. They’ve shown their potential with a positive pre-season, including beating WSL side West Ham 5-0. To be a side really challenging for the title, they’ll need consistency of these positive performances throughout the season.
Charlton had a positive first game against Sheffield United, with new signing Kayleigh Green putting her side ahead within fifteen minutes. They’ll be frustrated to have conceded in injury time and to only walk away with a point, but there’s positives to take, including a confident performance from goalkeeper Sian Rodgers.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace will be looking ahead of this season with optimism, following a positive last campaign. They finished fifth, making that their second-successive top five finish in the Women’s Championship, which saw such a high turnover of players, bringing in 15 new signings last season, pay off. Palace were let down by an inconsistent middle of the season but finished strong, and they’ll be carrying this momentum into their upcoming games and wanting to build on this progress- looking to push for the top of the table rather than settle as a mid-table club.
This summer, three players were released from Crystal Palace upon the expiry of their contracts- Rianna Dean, Holly Olding and Emily Wilson-White. New head coach Laura Kaminski was appointed and four new players signed. Defenders Lia Cataldo and Republic of Ireland international Hayley Nolan joined the Eagles, as well as experienced attacker Shanade Hopcroft from London City Lionesses, and youngster Keira Barry joined on loan from Manchester United. Goalkeeper Fran Kitching was also offered a new contract- fantastic news for this Palace team, as she’s been a stand-out player and a crucial reason for their positive finish to the season.
Crystal Palace also appointed the new captain of 22 year old Aimee Everett, who takes the armband from Annabel Johnson, who’s just signed a new deal with the club. Although one of the youngest players in the team, Everett has the vital experience of securing promotion from the Championship with now-WSL sides Liverpool and Leicester, and will be wanting to carry the Eagles to the same victory.
Palace have been making improvements on the pitch- quite literally, as they have announced that all of their home games from the 23/24 season will take place at the VBS Community Stadium, moving from Hayes Lane. Playing on a high quality and real grass pitch will no doubt produce a better standard of football. It’s these small gains that every club must be pushing for, to edge ahead of their competitors.
Crystal Palace managed a draw in their opening game against WSL-relegated side Reading, after a late goal from their number nine Elise Hughes. Through only taking the one point, they were definitely the better side attacking-wise, and should take this momentum into their next game against Birmingham City.
Durham
It’s fair to say Durham had a disappointing campaign last season in the Women’s Championship. A club that should be pushing for the top of the table ended up finishing 7th – skipper Sarah Wilson put some of this down to naivety at the start of the season. The standards of this competition get higher every year and no game is a guaranteed three points. Durham is definitely in a transitional period at the moment but this season will hopefully progress in the right direction. They’ve been committed to tying down key players with new contracts, such as forward Jess Clarke, midfielder Dee Bradley and the club’s longest serving player, Beth Hepple. Sarah Robson also signed a new contract, a fan favourite for scoring late goals including against United and Lewes.
Durham have had a preseason of mixed results, including a 3-0 win against London City Lionesses, but lost twice to Birmingham City. They drew with newly promoted Watford on the opening day of the season, with Mollie Lambert putting them ahead within two minutes, but also conceding within the first half.
Lewes
Lewes caught the eyes of many fans last season due to their admirable run in the FA Cup, reaching the quarter-finals and putting up a good fight against WSL side Manchester United. Not only did they impress on the field but also off, in demanding equal prize money in the FA cup for both the men’s and women’s sides which would be ‘transformative’ for smaller clubs in the women’s game.
Their Women’s Championship run however was less thrilling, finishing 9th place having picked up 26 points. Last season was one of transition for Lewes. With new manager Scott Booth and a lot of new signings, the team were learning to adjust to one another and a different style of play.
Lewes brought in nine new signings this summer, in a bid to strengthen their backline but also to create more goalscoring opportunities. These included defenders Grace Garrard and Grace Riglar, who has experience of promotion from the Championship with Leicester City. Young forward Kate Oakley also moves from Liverpool’s academy, and 18 year old forward Reanna Blades joins on loan from Chelsea. Equally as important for Lewes is the retainment of club captain Rhian Cleverly, who enters her fifth season as Rook and has been instrumental for the team on and off the pitch.
It’s disappointment for Lewes on the opening day as they suffer a 4-1 defeat to Southampton, despite an impressive early goal from new signing Holly Olding. It’s clear that their defensive line needs time to work together and play cohesively. Nevertheless, a huge positive was the record attendance of 908 fans at the Dripping Pan Stadium.
London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses are a club with a lot of ambition and a clear plan for promotion. They came close last year, finishing third but only three points behind champions Bristol. What makes this all the more impressive for this club only founded in 2019, is the financial instability that was happening behind the scenes. This summer, the players demanded for new investors or buyers, stressing that the club’s very existence was under threat and they were facing a critical challenge. Very few players remained contracted, and injured players faced uncertainty over the medical support that they would receive.
This was perhaps a factor explaining the high turnover of players and staff that London City Lionesses have experienced this summer. They saw the departure of Kyra Carusa, forward Sara Ewans, Jamie Lee Napier moving to newly promoted Bristol and Hayley Nolan leaving to pursue other opportunities. Harley Bennet, captain for the last two seasons, also left for Watford. While some clubs would take this as a blow, London City Lionesses used this opportunity to bring in experienced players with high standards to elevate the group and balance the youth talent that already exists in the team. Ex-Arsenal stars Emma Mukandi and Dan Carter joined the club, as well as Republic of Ireland’s Ruesha Littlejohn, and Aston Villa teammate Chaney Boye-Hlorkah. Other additions include Republic of Ireland teammates Niamh Farrelly and Grace Maloney, plus Kiwi Paige Satchell.
A new captain was also announced of Lois Joel, who spent her first season at the club after playing at West Ham after a spell in America. With new head coach and assistant coach appointed as Candice Morray and Nicola Williams, London City Lionesses will be using this fresh start to their advantage, looking for promotion.
London City Lionesses drew their opening game against Sunderland with neither team able to score, but London City especially failing to create goalscoring chances. Lois Joel reiterated that the team remain optimistic- having so many new signings with many not there for preseason means they’re still trying to play as a cohesive team. New signing Grace Moloney especially put in an excellent performance to make sure her side walked away with a point.
Reading
A disappointing campaign in the WSL saw Reading drop into the Women’s Championship after eight years in the top flight, following Leicester City’s remarkable comeback to fight for their place in the league. Not only that, but Reading Women also announced that they were reverting back to a part-time model due to the difference in financial backing compared to other clubs. They were the only team in the league not to have a male Premier League counterpart, and eventually it caught up with them.
Understandably, a huge proportion of players made the decision to leave Reading in the summer, including captain Emma Mukandi, striker Emma Harries and Royals legend Rachel Rowe. Lily Woodham has now been named the club’s new captain. Manager Kelly Chambers also parted ways with the club that she had been at for over 20 years. Liam Gilbert was announced Reading’s new manager, and was not long to start bring players into the set-up. This included the return of defender Rachel Dugdale, Charlie Estcourt, Georgia Wilson, plus a number of youth players integrating into the first team. Midfielder Ava Kuyken also entered the squad, however less than two weeks in suffered the huge blow of rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament, seeing her sidelined for the whole season ahead.
Moving into a new league will be difficult for Reading players to adapt to. Compared to the WSL, the Championship is much more transitional and anyone can beat anyone- an exciting prospect for the club. For many, it’s difficult to see how Reading will make their way back into the WSL, given the rising standards of the Championship and especially how many clubs now operate on a full-time basis. But, they do still have quality and experienced players such as ex-Chelsea player Deanna Cooper, who reiterated the club’s desperation to get back into the WSL. Cooper scored Reading’s first goal in the Championship against Crystal Palace, through went on to draw the game as their opponents pulled one back in injury time. However this still goes to show the value of having ruthless players who know what it’s like, and are hungry to, win.
Gilbert also spoke of the importance of having a positive mentality and being pragmatic. Fresh faces and a new feel was certainly what Reading needed after last season- will this be enough to carry them back into the top flight?
Sheffield United
Sheffield United finished eighth in the Women’s Championship last season on 27 points, having won 8, drew 3 and lost 11. After Neil Redfern parted ways with the club in February, Johnathon Morgan stepped up as their new manager. He’s managed a huge turnover of players, with many seeing out the end of their contracts, such as Georgia Walters, Ellie Wilson and Naomi Hartley. Other players also moved on from Sheffield, including forward Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Alethea Paul and youth star Mia Enderby, who was signed by WSL club Liverpool.
Morgan brought in Sophie Barker on a permanent deal to captain the club, after her loan spell from Leicester City. Goalkeeper Fran Stenson was also rewarded with a permanent contract following a loan at Sheffield from parent club Arsenal. Other arrivals included striker and Man United youth player Jess Sigworth, forward Isobel Goodwin (previously at Aston Villa and recently relegated Coventry), and striker Ashley Hodson, who had a positive loan spell at Birmingham from Liverpool last season. Players like Hodson, having won the Championship with Liverpool, are so crucial for this team and raising their ambitions. It’s clear that Sheffield United have especially focused on bolstering their front line with experienced and prolific goalscorers. Their number nine Rebecca Rayner will still have a huge role to play this season, especially having scored a late goal to claim a point against Charlton on the opening day.
Sheffield United have a clear goal this season of getting back to dominating the Championship and challenging for promotion into the WSL. Their ambition is not only shown by their signings but they’re also transitioning to a full-time playing model, which will raise that standards and professionalism of the club. Even more, they’re due to play all of their home matches at Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United. It’s clear that the club as a whole are prepared to invest in their women’s team this season, and with this, we’d expect to see improvements in performances and points.
Southampton
This is Southampton’s second season in the Women’s Championship, after securing promotion from the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division in 2022. They’ll be really proud of their first season establishing themselves in the second flight of women’s football, with a comfortable sixth-place finish. Their promising campaign was certainly helped by the team turning fully professional last season and playing all of their home games at St Mary’s. Standout players last season included defender Laura Rafferty, who scored three goals for the club including goal of the season.
After announcing the departures of Ella Pusey, Georgie Freeland and Phoebe Williams, the Saints were quick to bring in new players. It’s clear that playing for Southampton is an appealing prospect, with the club progressing so much in the space of a season. So much so that they’ve attracted the likes of Jamaican forward Atlanta Primus, Rianna Dean from Crystal Palace, Leicester midfielder Molly Pike, and striker Emily Kraft from Lewes. Midfielder Chloe Peplow also becomes a permanent Saint after a loan spell from Reading, and Chelsea academy graduates Isabel Milne and Emma Thompson also join.
A 4-1 victory against Lewes on the opening day has set the tone for Southampton’s season. With four different goalscorers, they’ve got the talent up front but have a solid backline too. It seems like this Saints team are playing really cohesively, and hopefully they can carry this momentum right through the season.
Sunderland
Sunderland would have been grateful for Coventry’s poor campaign last season as their relegation effectively kept them up, finishing 11th place with 18 points. Throughout the season they’d just struggled for goalscoring opportunities plus being quite weak defensively, leaving them succumb to some heavy defeats. A club that historically has been so prominent in women’s football and home to stars such as Beth Mead and Jill Scott, will be wanting to turn its fortune around and have a solid season in the Championship.
Sunderland let go of nine first team players this summer. They were keen to keep some of these departing players, but many made the choice to look for a new challenge this season. Sunderland made a number of signings, including the arrival of Natasha Fenton from Blackburn Rovers. The midfielder will have a important role to play as she captained her former side last season. Former Leicester City forward Ellen Jones also joins the club, as well as midfielders Jenna Doar and former London Lioness Katie Kitching, to name a few.
In a bid to give the club a kick-on in the Championship this year, Sunderland also announced the introduction of their new hybrid model, which would see some players become full-time professional footballers, while others maintain playing part-time alongside their respective careers. This positive change shows the club’s commitment to the women’s side.
Sunderland would be pleased to take a point against London City Lionesses in their first game back, with a positive performance against a team pushing for promotion. Even from one game, it’s clear that they’ve improved attacking-wise, so it’ll be exciting to see what’s to come.
Watford
Watford are the new team in the Women’s Championship this season, having achieved promotion from the FA Women’s National League South last season, and beating North Division winners Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the play-off. Watford have had recent experience in the second-flight, having been promoted into the Championship in 2021, but relegated back down in their first season. They’ll be determined to change this fate and have a really positive first season back, especially given there are now two spots for relegation.
Given the retirement of former captain and hornets legend Helen Ward, Megan Chandler has been named new Watford captain. Ward stays within the club, working as their new general manager. New summer signing Harley Bennet now takes the role of vice-captain, having captained her formed club London City Lionesses for the last four seasons.
Watford welcomed a number of signings to boost their squad this season. This included creative midfielder Coral Haines from Crystal Palace, Oxford United forward Carly Johns, and midfielder Charlotte Fleming. Arsenal youth trio Michelle Agyemang, Katie Reid and Laila Harbert also join on loan for some valuable game-time: Agyemang especially a prolific striker for both England and Arsenal youth sides.
Watford will be pleased to have picked up a point in their opening game to get their season going, with new number nine Carly Johns cancelling out Durham’s early goal. They take on London City Lionesses next- a tough game, but there’s no easy games in this league.
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