Women's Super League

Emily Salley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Matt Beard's family have been "blown away" by the support shown to them since his death, says Liverpool head coach Gareth Taylor.

Former Liverpool boss Beard, who guided the Reds to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, died at the age of 47 on Saturday.

In his pre-match news conference before Sunday's game against Manchester United, Taylor said he had spoken to Beard's wife and brother on Friday.

"They've just been blown away with the support that's come from the football club and the people of Liverpool," Taylor said.

"The outpouring has been incredible for Matt, not obviously just here from Liverpool Football Club and all of the people who are associated with him for so many years, but also the people in the women's game and even further beyond that."

Earlier this week, broadcaster Jacqui Oatley set up a fundraising page to raise money for funeral costs to help Beard's family, and more than £50,000 has been donated so far.

Taylor, who was appointed as Liverpool's manager in August, said Beard's death "can be something that really galvanizes everyone together" at Liverpool.

"What it's taught me is everything that I thought it was from the outside, looking in - just an incredible club to be a part of," Taylor added.

"Of course, we would never want what this football club has had over the last few months in losing special people. But we really show our true colours when that happens."

Image source, London City Lionesses

London City Lionesses have confirmed their plans for a new "world class" training centre have been approved by the local council.

The club said the new facilities at Cobdown Park in Ditton will "rival that of a men's Premier League team and be built to specifically meet the needs of women".

The plans, which were approved on Thursday, include a new performance campus building, academy building and 3G pitch.

"This facility will remove the barriers that have long held women back in sport and ensure the next generation of girls have the environment they need to thrive," London City owner Michele Kang said.

The club said they hoped the facility would be completed in 2027, with work starting in 2026.

It said the campus would create over 50 permanent jobs across their operations, while it also aims to "play a significant role in growing the girls' game in Kent".

London City were promoted to the Women's Super League this summer and have attracted big-name stars, including Grace Geyoro, from Europe's most prestigious clubs.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner said hosting Paris St-Germain at Old Trafford in the Women's Champions League is a "moment to celebrate".

United came through four qualifying matches to reach the main draw of the competition for the first time.

The club announced on Tuesday that their game against French side PSG on Wednesday, 12 November will be played at Old Trafford.

"For us to be part of it will be a marker in the women's history of this wonderful football club," Skinner said.

"Hopefully it is a poetic night. We have to do that with the performance and the result."

United's other two home games in the Champions League, against Valerenga and eight-time winners Lyon, will be played at Leigh Sports Village - where the women's team usually play their home games.

"Usually, I would like the comfortable surroundings, when you know what level of performance you are going to get. But you can also create special memories in those moments too," Skinner added.

"I am hoping against PSG we can create a special moment."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner says the best tribute he can give to Matt Beard is for his side to "go out and put on a fantastic performance" against Liverpool on Sunday.

Former Liverpool manager Beard died at the age of 47 on Saturday.

"The best tribute we can pay to someone like Matt, knowing his character, is to go and put on a fantastic performance and try to win the game because that is what he always tried to do," Skinner said in his news conference on Friday.

"He always tried to win the game. To pay him a tribute and credit, we have to try and do the same."

Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. He returned for a second spell at the club in 2021 but was sacked in February this year.

Skinner said Sunday's game will be "highly charged with emotion".

"Everyone is charged with emotion and that can go two ways for a team. It can galvanise, promote and push you or it can consume you," he said.

"There will be respect for the great man."

Two members of Skinner's coaching staff - Scott Rogers and goalkeeper coach Joe Pott - used to be Beard's assistants, and Skinner said they are in "disbelief".

"They didn't feel anything like this would every happen. It will take time to come to terms with it. That is human nature. We will be here for them as a football community," he said.

"Right now, it is about talking. It is about keeping the memory alive and having good conversation around it. Rather than push it back and not talk about it, talk about it, feel the emotions of it and really continue to add it as part of your life."

Emily Salley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said it "hurts" her to leave United States defender Jenna Nighswonger out of the Gunners' matchday squads.

Nighswonger joined the club from Gotham FC for £80,500 on transfer deadline day in January.

However, the 24-year-old American made only four Women's Super League appearances last season and she has not been in the squad for any of Arsenal's three WSL matches this term.

Speaking on the Crossways podcast, Arsenal legend Ian Wright asked for "clarity" on the situation.

Wright said: "I need some clarity on what's going on with Arsenal and Jenna. [She had] a good pre-season, I'm hearing from people. [She's] more than capable of playing at this level - she's not even in the matchday squads."

Slegers emphasised that Nighswonger is still "part of the team."

"It is a burden I have to carry," the Arsenal boss said on Thursday.

"When the whole squad is fit we have so many options and I will only be able to start 11 players and change a maximum of five players.

"That's the rules within the game that I have to work with, even though it hurts me. That's the rules of the game and, at the end of the day, it's my job."