Women's Super League

Image source, Inpho

Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward has revealed she turned down an offer to manage a Women's Super League club "a few weeks ago" and has reiterated her full commitment to her present role.

Ward succeeded Eileen Gleeson as Republic manager in January and has been at the helm for four Nations League matches to date, three wins and a heavy 4-0 defeat by Slovenia.

The primary focus for the 41-year-old however is qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, which begins in February.

Ward formerly managed Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Aston Villa in her native country, but stepped down as Villa boss a year ago.

"I'll tell you one thing. I was offered a WSL job a few weeks ago and I turned it down because I am loving what I am doing," said Ward after naming her squad for the forthcoming Nations League games against Turkey and Slovenia.

"Listen, I really wanted the Ireland job. I turned down two other countries that offered me the job whilst I was in the interview process for Ireland because I wholeheartedly wanted to manage this country. So when I say I am in, I am in.

"I am talking long term to the board, not just around the next two games, but how we develop the League of Ireland - we've spoken a lot about that - so there is a bigger picture here. I have loved being here. There have been some challenges of course, but I love being here. I am proud to represent this country."

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum has signed a new contract with the club.

The Norway international joined the Gunners from Sweden's Linkoping FC in July 2021 and has gone on to make 150 appearances, scoring 40 goals.

"I love playing for this club, everything about it – the supporters, the community, playing at Emirates Stadium," Maanum said. "Seeing how the club has developed over the last few years only makes me more excited to continue my journey here.

"We've had such special moments this season and getting to share those with our supporters has been amazing, I'm looking forward to continuing celebrating with them and giving everything for this team."

Renee Slegers added: "I'm delighted that Frida has signed a new contract here with us. She's such an important player in the group and has made a big contribution to what we've achieved as a group during my time as head coach. I know Frida has the ambition and drive to continue striving for improvement as we continue to aim to compete for the highest honours together."

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham forward Lenna Gunning-Williams has signed a new contract until 2028.

The 20-year-old academy graduate has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, including 12 in the Women's Super League.

She also earned her first England Under-23s call-up in October and was nominated for the WSL young player of the year award.

Gunning-Williams spent last season on loan at third-tier Ipswich, where she scored 14 goals in 26 games.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United have decided not to hold an end of year awards night - but players will still be given prizes.

It is the second season in a row that the club has cancelled its awards night and part of the decision was due to disappointing performances on the men's side.

The Premier League side are heading for their worst league finish since the 1973-74 relegation campaign, although they could still qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

However, the women's team have booked their European place for next season and are in a third successive Women's FA Cup final.

Club sources say the Women's Super League players will still be rewarded internally, alongside men's award winners, but not at a lavish party.

There was a feeling that holding such an event, while staff were being made redundant, was inappropriate.

A second round of redundancies, potentially impacting another 200 staff members as part of a broader cost-cutting plan, was announced in February.

That followed a previous round of 250 redundancies in 2024.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis said making Goodison Park the home of Everton women "feels like coming home".

The club have scrapped plans to demolish the 132-year-old stadium, which will now be the largest dedicated women's football stadium in the country.

"It is fabulous news," Brown-Finnis told BBC Radio 5 Live. "The women's team including myself have played at Marine Football Club, we've played at Widnes Rugby League, we've played at lots of different homes but they have never felt like homes.

"It feels like this is Everton Women coming home.

"The statement the Friedkin group have made since coming in by refurbishing Goodison Park to make it fit for purpose for the women's team absolutely shows they want to invest in women's football and keep moving it along that upward trajectory that we have seen in these past five or six years."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool are yet to receive an offer for club-record signing Olivia Smith and are preparing for next season with her in the side.

Canadian international Smith, 20, has been one of the breakout stars of the season having impressed in her debut campaign.

She has attracted interest from several clubs who have made enquiries, but she has two years remaining on her contract and Liverpool are not looking to sell.

It is unclear if there is a release clause in her contract.

Liverpool know she is a key player for their future and hope to build the team around her next season.

They also remain positive in negotiations with midfielder Fuka Nagano, who has not yet agreed a contract extension at the club.

Her current deal expires in the summer but Liverpool hope they can persuade Nagano to sign a new deal.

Asked about the latest on Nagano's future this week, interim manager Amber Whiteley said: "Progress is still ongoing with Fuka and that is the same with a couple of others."