TARGETING TOP SPOT – Brum Revving Up

Having narrowly missed out on promotion last season, Amy Merricks’ Birmingham City will view anything less than top spot an under achievement, according to our writer Clare McEwen.

Head Coach: Amy Merricks came close to winning the Championship with Birmingham last season, despite it being her first season in charge. She’ll be trying to do one better this time and be the manager who gets the Blues back into the WSL.

New signings: Ebonie Locke (first pro contract), Lily Crosthwaite, Shannon Cooke, Chelsea Cornet, Veatriki Sarri, Lucy Newell (loan), Batcheba Louis, Oceane Hurtre, Adriana Franch, Ji So-yun (loan)

Having finished a close second to the well-backed London City Lionesses last season, the Blues will be hoping to go one better this season. They’ve made some strong summer signings, including WSL players Shannon Cooke (from West Ham), Veatriki Sarri (from Everton), and Lucy Newell (on loan from Manchester United).

They’ve also brought in Scottish international Chelsea Cornet. In a late deal, the Blues secured the surprise loan of ex-Chelsea legend, and highly experienced South Korean international, Ji So-yun, who joins her compatriot, Lee Geum-min. There can be know doubt that Birmingham City mean to be back in the WSL next season. And with Northern Ireland international Simone Magill in cracking form in their 5-1 demolition of Bristol City on the opening weekend, you wouldn’t bet against them.

Outlook: After some difficult years in the early 2020s, Birmingham City are rebuilding themselves with the aim of becoming a WSL team again. Their detail-driven coach, Amy Merricks, will have meticulously planned for the season ahead and they’ll be focused from the start on a promotion spot.

With two spots up for grabs this year, the Blues will know this is their chance to get back to the top division. With eight strong new signings, it’s clear they don’t want second place though: they’re going for the Champions spot.

Will finish: Champions