CHALLENGE – Welcome to WSL2, where anyone can beat anyone
WSL2 is a ridiculously competitive league. Its strength and depth throughout makes it one of the most exciting leagues in the world. There is quality to be found in every team and every game.
And that includes the three new teams coming up: Burnley, Watford, and Wolves. There are no easy games and no nailed-on victories. Every point is fought for. Clare McEwen previews what is going to be another cracking season in the second tier.
The message from all the WSL2 players throughout the league’s media day at St George’s Park was simply that anyone can beat anyone in this league.
We’ve prepared a pretty meaty preview to get your teeth into, so grab yourself a beverage and/or healthy snack, and settle in to learn all you need to know about WSL2 for 2026-27.
BRISTOL CITY – PROMOTION PRIMED
Head coach: Charlotte Healy
Key players: Katie Robinson came back to the club in January 2026. She’s amassed plenty of WSL experience and will be hoping to lead the charge. Emily Syme was named in the WSL2 Team of the Season last year. And Sophie Ingle (above) continues to lead.
Signings: Eilidh Shore, Alexia Apostolakis, Lotta Lindström, Brooke Aspin, Hope McSheffrey, Emma Bissell, Signe Markvardsen
Loans: None
Bristol City finished fourth in the league last season, and with the three above them all going up, they will be hoping that bodes well for them this time around.
The word from inside the club is that they want nothing less than promotion. But after talking to the other clubs, so does everyone else!
With more investment across the board, the league only gets tougher and tougher.
However, Bristol City are improving the professionalism within the set-up all the time – with more staff and a desire to get them WSL-ready. The team is now a separate entity from the men’s team and Mercury13’s investment puts them in a strong position to build further.
During a roundtable chat with Katie Robinson and Ella Powell, Powell talked about the improved nutritional value in the food served in the canteen. Detail is what sets the best teams apart – marginal gains, and all that.
The details they’ll most want to improve on the pitch, though, are cutting down the number of goals scored against them. The signing of centre-back Brooke Aspin and full-backs Alexia Apostolakis and Signe Markvardsen should help that.
Aspin, who was part of City’s promotion winning squad in 2022-23, returns after a few seasons with Chelsea. Although she didn’t make any appearances for the Blues – in part due to an ACL injury – she was part of a squad who won five trophies while she was there. She began her senior career with Bristol, returned on loan during her time as a Chelsea player, and now returns on a permanent basis. She also brings international experience as a Young Lioness.
Apostolakis is a young right-back from Australia. Despite being only 20, she brings plenty of international experience having played at two U20 World Cups, captained the team at this year’s Asian Cup, and made her senior Matildas debut in July 2025. This is her first time playing domestically outside of Australia but she’s a solid addition to the squad.
Danish left-back Markvardsen signs just as the season starts, bringing experience from top-level Danish team HB Køge. She had a successful spell in US soccer before returning to Denmark. During her time with HB Køge, she played in both the UWCL and UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
Although new signings mainly focused on the defensive line, they’ve also strengthened the midfield.
Midfielder Eilidh Shore brings a winning mentality, joining from SWPL champions Hearts and Finnish forward Lotta Lindström joins from London City Lionesses.
Emma Bissell returns to her former club from newly-promoted Charlton Athletic and brings prior WSL experience from Everton and Manchester City.
Young Welsh goalkeeper Hope McSheffrey joins from Arsenal’s academy.
The professional environment and playing their home games at Ashton Gate both feed into the team’s promotion goal. The Robins will be one of the teams very capable of taking the WSL2 title this season if that new-look defence can reduce the GA column.
BURNLEY – COLLECTIVELY STRONG
Head coach: Jackie Bachteler
Key players: Rachel Williams brings top level experience and world-class finishing to the team – the headline signing. Maddi Wilde comes from London City Lionesses and has twice been promoted from WSL2 (LCL and Bristol City).
Signings: Isabella Fisher, Christie Harrison-Murray, Deanna Cooper, Maddi Wilde, Charlie Wellings, Kiera Sena, Jackie Burns, Tyler Toland, Jamie Finn, Jessica Hennessy, Rachel Williams
Loans: None
Experienced coach Jackie Bachteler came in over the summer to take charge for Burnley’s first WSL2 campaign. Over the past few seasons, Burnley’s increased investment and professionalism has built a very strong team environment.
Last season in the Northern Premier Division, they finished unbeaten with 20 wins and two draws. Along the way, they scored 63 goals and conceded only 5. Bachteler has inherited a very strong team.
On top of that, they’ve had a busy summer recruitment campaign. Bachteler has brought in a host of experience – both international and WSL/WSL2 – with the most eye-catching being Rachel Williams from Leicester City.
And as Alethea Paul alludes, they’re a well-balanced team ready to test themselves.
What can we expect from Burnley this season after such a cracking last season?
Obviously we’re coming off the back of a pretty big high. We achieved what we wanted to achieve, which was the main thing. And I think we’re looking really positive for the season.
It’s new. New for the club, new for the staff, the players. But we’ve got a good balance of experience and then new exposure to the league as well. So I think we’re in a good position.
What can fans expect on the pitch? More of the same or do you have to tweak it a little bit at this level?
Yeah, it’s going to differ slightly and game plans will differ because of different structures of teams.
I think in the previous league you could probably stick to your style of play for the majority of the games. So there might be some games where you have to be more defensive, more attacking, but everyone’s aware of that.
We’ve got a pretty clear game model that everyone understands, so we’ll build on that for each game.
What’s it felt like during pre-season so far?
I think we have had a really positive start. We managed to go away as a team as well, which helped – we went to Alicante, had five, six days out there. So that was a lot of bonding time for staff and players.
And we’ve still got a bulk of the staff from last season as well. And I think the players that we’ve bought in have bought a lot of experience.
As a collective. I think we’re looking really strong.
Any fixtures you’re particularly looking forward to?
I think the majority from last season will say Wolves just because they were our rivals last season.
I’m pleased for them that they’ve managed to come up as well because they’re a great side and it was really close between us. So I’m glad they managed to do it in the end.
Any team really. We get to travel this season, which we didn’t get to do in tier 3. That’s another exciting thing.
I hadn’t really thought about the travelling. There’s lots of new aspects to moving up. How do players deal with that?
I think everyone’s adapting well. The majority of us have already been in the league so you’re used to travelling, and with international experience as well.
The young ones that are coming up that maybe haven’t experienced it, it’s quite a professional environment, so we’ll keep them in check, make sure they’re all right.
Yeah, everyone’s good with it.
Who’s the team DJ?
Well, it was me last season. But I don’t know, I’ve not decided what role I want to take.
I don’t know whether to give it to the younger lot. I’m not too sure.
It depends what they put on. So, yeah, we’ll see what happens through pre-season.
Yeah, usually myself. But it’s been Eva, the younger goalkeeper on our team at the minute. She’s doing all right, so we’ll let her have it for now [laughs].
After an excellent season in Tier 3, Burnley have put the finishing touches to their squad with some smart summer signings. They may be among the newcomers but they are a strong unit and will embrace the ‘anyone can beat anyone’ spirit.
DURHAM – MOVING ON
Head coach: Willie Kirk
Key players: Beth Hepple, the midfielder was the club’s top scorer last season with eight goals and has racked up 200+ appearances with the club. Watch out for her eye-catching worldies.
Signings: Jade Pennock, Dee Bradley, Rachel Lowe, Olivia Fergusson, Madison McComasky, Bayley Hutchison, Emma Brown
Loans: None
At the end of last season, Durham’s future looked in doubt as they desperately sought a new investor to keep the club alive. It was a troubling period not just for all involved, but for the wider football community.
But just a couple of weeks later, the club’s future was settled with new investment and Durham could breathe again.
All this drama came after a tough season on field as they finished 10th.
Once the finances were settled, they brought in new manager Willie Kirk. Kirk has a long CV of experience but left Leicester City under a cloud when he was sacked two seasons ago.
Summer signings include international experience, goalscoring pedigree, and a young SWPL-title-winning goalscorer – all of whom will strengthen Durham for the season ahead.
Another goalscorer, Lucy Watson, talks me through what to expect from Durham this year.
It’s a new chapter for Durham, how does it feel within the team?
Yeah, I think it’s exciting. We all just want to start the season as we mean to go on. And show the fans what we’re ready to do. Definitely exciting.
Obviously season to season things are going to be different. There’s going to be changes but we’re all settled, we’re excited for the season ahead, and we obviously trust what we can do.
What can we expect to see from you all on the pitch this season? What could new fans expect?
Exciting football. We want to attack as much as possible, score lots of goals.
But then at the other end, we don’t want to concede goals.
So, yeah, some goal line clearances, some worldies, a bit of everything, really [smiles].
And we have a family feel to the club, so definitely as a new fan you would get that feeling.
The culture is a big thing at Durham. I think that’s also a nice thing. It brings fans in and then also keeps them there.
What do the new signings bring to Durham?
I think they’re exciting. We’ve signed some good people. Maybe there’s some more people coming through the door. We have a system of how we want to play and they’ll fit into it really well.
Looking forward to watching them this season, and playing with them.
What are the hopes for the season?
I think the league’s getting better year by year, but I think that we just want to finish higher than we did last season. I think that’s the main thing, that’s what everyone wants to do.
So finish as high as possible and show you entertaining football.
Are there any fixtures in particular you’re looking forward to?
Maybe just the derbies against Sunderland and Newcastle, they’re always good.
You get a lot of fans, it gets a little bit rowdy, they’re the best type of games.
Do you have a team DJ?
Me!
What do you play?
Just a mix. I try to keep everyone happy.
Upbeat, pumping songs, just getting us ready for the games
Is it stressful?
Uh, sometimes, yeah [laughs]. I’m queueing all the songs, getting them ready, but no it’s good. Sometimes we have sing songs. Sometimes we have upbeat. Just depends. Keep everyone happy.
Durham’s expectations for the season are realistic – they want to improve on last season’s 10th place. Given how the summer started for them, they’ll be happy to be here and ready to make the most of it.
IPSWICH TOWN – STANDING FIRM
Head coach: David Wright
Key players: Kit Graham’s WSL experience continues to help Ipswich as she converts her loan spell into a permanent deal. Georgia Timms arrives from an excellent season at Hearts, where she bagged 19 goals and six assists and picked up Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year awards.
Signings: Kit Graham, Rosie Livingstone, Megan Hornby, Jenna Slattery, Aimee Palmer, Georgia Hunter, Eilidh Adams, Georgia Timms, Kenzie Weir, Emma Lawton and Tegan McGowan, Jorja Fox, Rosella Ayane.
Loans: Princess Ademiluyi (Gotham FC – until December), Ava Baker (Birmingham City)
Head coach David Wright took over in January 2026 with the club rooted to the bottom of the table. He oversaw a late-season comeback and guided them to safety – a ninth place finish in their first WSL2 season.
Ipswich have been busy in the transfer window, bringing in 13 new signings – including a lot of extra fire power.
Among them is exciting young winger Rosie Livingstone who’s moved down from Scotland. She made her debut for Hibernian at age 15 and last season scored 5 goals and recorded 8 assists in 26 games. She won the club’s Player of the Year award and was nominated for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year Award, before moving south to England.
She’s an exciting prospect and a delight to speak to:
So what brought you to Ipswich? Why was this the right next move for you?
I had a really successful season at Hibs and I think the WSL and WSL2 are really attractive leagues – they’re so well organised and structured.
I think the competition within the weeks is really good and as soon as I got interest from Ipswich, I was keen to look into it and understand the club.
As soon as I spoke to Wrighty – he’s a great manager, so I was really keen to play under him – I’m gonna go and do it.
Does it feel like a natural pathway from the Scottish league?
Yeah, I think so. I think we’re seeing it a lot more now. A lot of Scottish players are in the [English] leagues now, it’s nice to have a few familiar faces.
But, yeah, it feels natural to me. I think the leagues are similar but I think the competition within WSL2 is a little bit more consistent.
The split in Scotland is my favourite part of the year. They do the top six and the bottom four, and you play teams twice at the end of the season. I think that’s the best part of the Scottish league, but it almost feels like that part is what you get across the full season here.
So yeah, I think it’s similar but it also does feel like that natural progression is definitely there.
What do you think we can expect from Ipswich this season?
I’m still trying to find my own way but I think from watching the girls at the end of last year, we put out a lot of really solid performances.
I think if we can perform the way they performed at the end of last year, that’ll put us in good stead.
We’re definitely still developing as a team, a lot of new faces and stuff, but I think teams should be ready because we’ve got a lot to give and a lot to show.
How does it feel coming into the team? It’s quite a big deal – you’re very young, moving country, it’s a lot.
I mean, it’s only what, a 7-8 hour drive so it’s not awful. It’s not Mission Impossible to get home if I need to but, yeah, it’s been really nice.
I knew a few girls on the team before, which is obviously helpful, but honestly I thought I was going to find it a lot harder than I have. I would say, it’s been quite seamless, the transition so far.
It’s been really welcoming and I feel really settled and it’s only been a month or so now.
So yeah, it definitely feels right and the football has been really good. I feel like I’ve already learnt so much. It’s feeling like the right decision.
What are your hopes for this season?
My first goal is always to stay injury free!
No, I think, I would like to just be as involved in the team as I can be. I like to not put too much pressure on myself of I want to score this amount of goals, I want to start this amount of games, I want to do this and that.
I just want to prove myself in the league that I can go and play that step above where I was at. And just see where the wind takes me, to be honest.
Just contribute as much as I can. And be the right character on and off the pitch, is probably always a goal that I know that I can control. I know I can be a good person on and off the pitch and that puts me in a good mindset to perform well.
I’ve been asking everyone about who the team DJ is, I don’t know if you know that yet?
I don’t know, you know. Nat [Natalia Negri], in the gym, has put a good few tunes on the list and it’s been good so far. I don’t know if we have a set one yet. I don’t know yet.
What would you be playing if it was you?
I have quite a mixed bag. I think on a game day, I’d play quite a lot of old dancing classics like a bit of Whitney Houston, maybe even a bit of Abba – I like a bit of Abba.
People like that, you can just have a little dance. Normally, with those two and a few others, you’re pretty safe.
A tricky introduction to WSL2 became a strong finish to Ipswich’s first season at this level. It built confidence and belief in the manager and the team. Now, with a host of very good summer signings, Ipswich are ready to consolidate their place in WSL2 more convincingly and prove they won’t be so easy to beat this time around.
LEICESTER CITY – HUNGRY FOXES
Head coach: Rick Passmoor
Key players: Captain Sam Tierney has recently signed a new contract and her leadership and experience will be a key factor if Leicester are going to go straight back up to the WSL. Newcomer Leah Eddie brings her Scottish experience to stabilise the back line, and fan-favourite Alisha Lehmann will be watched closely by all.
Signings: Leah Eddie, Sarah Mayling, Jessie Stapleton, Jess Ziu, Libby Bance, Paulina Nyström, Poppy Pritchard
Loans: Araya Dennis (Tottenham)
Leicester City had a torrid time in the WSL last season. Managing just two wins and three draws, and shipping 52 goals. Rick Passmoor has noted that and brought in key defenders to shore up the backline.
Leah Eddie is a Scotland international with loads of experience over the border. Sarah Mayling converted her loan into a permanent deal and brings her extensive experience at Aston Villa to the team. And the Republic of Ireland international Jessie Stapleton also brings her experience to bolster the previously leaky defence.
But they’ve also lost a lot of players and need to compete well from the start in a notoriously difficult league.
Are Passmoor’s new-look team up for it?
They’re ready to battle, as Alisha Lehmann tells me.
Obviously last season didn’t end as you wanted but what can we expect from Leicester this season?
I think a lot of things have changed in the club, in the staff, the players.
We’ve started very strong. Everyone’s so motivated to work hard, so motivated to win games.
I think in this pre-season, the plan is that we just grow together – because we have a lot of new players – that we find the confidence, that we can make our game plan for the season.
It’s been really good. I can’t wait to start the season.
What are fans going to see from you on the pitch this season?
I hope they see that I’m full of energy, that I want to score.
I want to give everything for Leicester, I want to give everything for the team, for the staff. I hope they see me confident, and scoring some goals.
What brought you here to Leicester?
I really wanted to come back to England because I really missed it. I’ve had a long life, you know, in England [laughs].
So, I really, really wanted to come back. I knew the sports director at Leicester and we spoke a bit. He was like, yes it’s an option. And for me, it’s perfect.
Some years before I was already speaking with them, saw the training ground and stuff but then I decided to go to Aston Villa. Now it was the time to join and, for me, it is a good decision.
Leicester are maybe expected to do well in WSL2. Does that pressure add extra excitement or does it feel like pressure?
I’m not sure if anyone really expects that because we just got relegated and half of the team left. So I think we still, like every other team, need to prove ourselves.
And we want to do that. We want to be the team that everyone wants to beat and I think we need to work at a point where we can be so focused and do everything the right way.
What are the new signings bringing?
I think we’ve made some great signings. We have a lot of girls with a lot of energy. Some youngsters that are so hungry to succeed, so hungry to play, win and score.
And I think this is really good for a team to have that because they give the energy and we more experienced players can teach them. It’s a good combination we have right now.
And on that, you obviously bring a wealth of experience. What do you see is your role not just as a player but as a leader?
Obviously in the last few years I became a little bit more mature and I learnt a lot in my life.
I learnt a lot from people, from different coaches, different players, players I played with in different countries as well. So I think I bring that.
I’m someone, when I speak to people or I play with people, I like to learn a lot. So I take all of this with me that I can teach the younger ones and see them also succeed in our team.
What are you really looking forward to about WSL2?
I’m just looking forward to playing games again.
I think this summer was way too long. It felt so long to have no games, no training. So I’m really excited to play football again. Hopefully win some games and prove not just to the fans, but prove to ourselves that we have football in us and we have the passion.
We want to play for this club and give everything for ourselves.
And I’ve been asking everyone this, who’s the team DJ?
[thinks] Oh, our DJ is our kit man. He always plays music.
After losing the WSL play-off final last season, Leicester City have been forced to re-evaluate and re-build. With many players leaving and a very tough league to contest, there is no guarantee the Foxes will find themselves fighting for promotion at the end of the season. But with some key signings from the WSL, an experienced manager in Rick Passmoor, and a determination to win back their place in the top-flight, they will undoubtedly bring more fight this season.
NEWCASTLE – ALL IN
Head coach: Tanya Oxtoby
Key players: There’s too many potential key players to name: Jordan Nobbs, Aoife Mannion, Demi Stokes, Leanne Kiernan, Gemma Evans, Martha Thomas, Kathleen McGovern, loanee goalkeepers… On paper, Newcastle’s squad is terrifying.
Signings: Morgan Gautrat, Gemma Evans, Hildur Antonsdóttir, Hanna Németh, Kathleen McGovern, Rachel McLauchlan, Mollie Lambert, Katie Bradley, Leanne Kiernan, Martha Thomas
Loans: Kayla Rendell (Manchester United), Jessie Gale (Arsenal)
Newcastle United went into last season with high expectations. Everyone thought they’d be fighting for a promotion spot. But although they didn’t suffer many losses, the nine draws meant they were dropping points almost every week. They dumped their head coach and finished the season a disappointing sixth.
With the type of set-up envied by many, Newcastle need their performances to match their ambitions. Their summer transfer window business shows they’ll keep building until they get a berth in the WSL.
They’ve bought in some big names and some bright stars. Martha Thomas (Spurs), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool) and Gemma Evans (Liverpool) bring the WSL experience while Scotland’s international striker Kathleen McGovern brings an enviable record from just north of the border.
McGovern scored 28 goals in 25 appearances for Hibs – across two seasons – and the Scottish international wants to bring her goalscoring aggression to the Magpies. With a hat-trick in pre-season against Burnley, she’s starting as she left off.
What brought you south of the border? I know it’s not that much south of the border!
I think being close to home was quite important for me. I think that over the years, I’ve kind of realised that.
I’ve had stints abroad and came back.
England was always my ambition, since I’ve been young, no matter where it would be. And joining such a big club at Newcastle – everyone knows who Newcastle are. So as soon as I heard the interest, it was a no-brainer.
I spoke to other clubs, but this just felt like the right fit for me, at this moment, and this is where I feel like I can provide something for this club.
Being close to home but also pushing myself in a different level
Does it feel different to the SWPL? I suppose it’s hard to tell given you’ve just got here.
It’s hard to tell but I see big improvements here.
I think that at Newcastle, you’ve got a lot. Everything’s there to be the best. And I think that’s one of the biggest things I’ve noticed so far, the amount of staff.
Everything is really provided for you.
So, yeah, I need to use all the resources to provide the best that I can on the pitch.
But it’s definitely going to be a level up. I can see the standards in training, the players that I’m playing with and stuff like that.
I’m really looking forward to it.
What are Newcastle going to show the fans this season?
I hope excitement and an aggressive team. I think that’s maybe something that I can bring here myself, some aggression.
And I hope that we’re an exciting team.
We want to play football.
We want to look pretty on the pitch.
I’m hoping that’s what we can provide.
How has it been settling in? What’s the culture like?
I think that the first few days I was a bit quiet, but it only took me about two weeks to come out my shell.
But that’s just the girls that make you feel so welcome. I think that being from Scotland, as well, everyone says it’s the same in Newcastle – and it is true to be honest. That everyone’s similar down here.
So it’s been very easy to slot right in and the girls have been amazing.
The coaching staff have been amazing with me.
It’s just been good. All positive stuff so far.
Any fixtures you’re particularly looking forward to?
Obviously the derbies against Sunderland and Durham. Yeah, I love a derby. There’s always that edge.
And Newcastle are getting good records for their games so I’m really looking forward to playing St James’ – big stadium, hopefully lots of fans coming down.
I know a few girls at Ipswich, so I’m looking forward to being up against them, but it’s obviously the derby.
What are you looking forward to most about the season?
Probably just the opening game really now. I think pre-season’s long and you’ve always got your eye on the first game.
So I would say just my first game in front of the crowd and trying to put my stamp down very early on.
I want to hit the ground running as soon as the season starts and have a name for myself.
What should other teams be afraid of with Newcastle, apart from, probably you [both laugh]?
Hopefully me [laughs]. I would say the fight and determination that we’re going to show this year. You can see it in training already.
And the extra yards that we’ll put in and I think that’ll be the difference this year.
I can see it in your eyes.
Yeah [laughs]. I’m ready to go.
I’m not sure if you’ll know this, but who’s the team DJ?
There’s a few, I think. I don’t really know who did the pre-season games, but in the changing room it’s usually Lia [Cataldo] and Elysia [Boddy].
They play most of the music and so far, so good. I’ve not got any complaints, but that could change [laughs].
There’s no doubt that Newcastle are gunning for promotion this season. After a few years of building, this looks like the season where they mean to win the title. They’ve gone all in.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST – AIMING HIGHER
Head coach: Tom Mallinson
Key players: Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Aimee Claypole – last season’s joint top scorers with 7 league goals each. Cerys Brown returns on a permanent deal after a loan spell. Brown spent four years at Chelsea before winning promotion with London City Lionesses. She’s also an England U23 international. Deanne Rose, Canadian international and voted the squad’s most valuable player last season.
Signings: Abbie Lafayette, Hannah Coan, Cerys Brown, Shania Hayles, Tuva Espås, Ilona Walta
Loans: Lois Shooter (Chelsea), Codie Thomas (Manchester City), Grace McEwen (Brighton), Katie Cox (Chelsea)
In their debut WSL2 season in 2025-26, Forest finished a very respectable seventh. Having consolidated their position in the league, they want to climb the table in this campaign.
Head coach Tom Mallinson only joined the team in May and now embarks on his first full season in charge.
During the media session, Freya Thomas refers to the tightness of the team and their togetherness, on several occasions. But what else can we expect from them?
What fans can expect from Forest this season?
I think similar to last year. There was always that passion and desire for us to provide the fans with what they wanted to see. And that’s always in our thoughts.
Every time we step out at the City Ground, they’re always there, they’re a great bunch of fans and we love them.
They always help us. They’re our twelfth man.
So they can expect similar, just with a lot more winning this season.
What, realistically, is the aim for the season?
It’s always a tough league. But I feel in the Championship [WSL2] anyone can beat anyone on their day.
So really, you’ve got to be on form every single game that you play, which is obviously mentally challenging.
The more we train as a group, we’re all on the same page already, which is brilliant.
We’ve still got more players to come in, which is exciting. So I think, keep working hard for now and see what happens.
But we’re all on the same page, we all want to win the league, and we’re all hoping to do that.
What are the new signings going to bring?
Do you know what, it feels like they’ve been here already. Every single year I’ve been at Forest, every player that comes in just settles into the group so easily.
And I feel like that’s credit to us, as girls who have been here, because it can be quite daunting.
The standards here are really good and high so people just feed into that from the get-go.
Everyone’s lovely that’s joined already. I know it’s very rare to say it but everybody just gets on with everyone and it’s special to have that at the club really.
Tell me a bit more about the culture around the team?
We’ve had a lot of conversations around what we want from the group and what we expect of each other.
Tom’s really nailed in on that because he thinks that’s important, which I completely agree with.
Like I said, we’ve always had a great culture, everyone just gets on with everyone.
Obviously, it’s women’s football, there’s going to be some kind of disagreements from time to time but the right disagreements rather than, you know, fallouts and stuff like that. Which is very rare.
It’s just special, it’s a special club to be at and a special group of girls. I’ve got a really good feeling.
Any fixtures you’re particularly looking forward to?
I’d say Newcastle at home. That’s always a good game.
Who’s the changing room DJ?
We have Rowie [Rachel Rowe] but we kind of have a playlist that everyone just adds to. So we put that on shuffle and then everyone can add what songs they want.
Very democratic!
Yeah, it’s got a mix of absolutely everything. There’s something for everyone.
Forest put in a solid shift in their first season in WSL2 – it’s not easy to stay up after winning promotion. With club investment, key signings, and a very together group, there’s no reason they can’t finish higher up the table. But as Thomas says, it’s a tough league and anyone can beat anyone – and everyone should be wary of Forest.
SHEFFIELD UNITED – TEAM BUILDING
Head coach: Stephen Healy
Key players: Striker Amy Andrews was the club’s Player of the Season last year and won WSL2 Goal of the Season with a chipped finish at Sunderland. A focal point in attack and their penalty taker. Charlie Devlin is a creative number 10 with a good relationship with Andrews. She’s involved with everything and their partnership could be the key to unlocking a better showing this season.
Signings: Chloe Warrington, Poppy Soper, Gracie Pearse, Maria Reynolds, Lucy Quinn
Loans: Halle Houssein (West Ham), Sophie Harwood (Arsenal)
Sheffield United will want to put last season behind them. A disappointing 11th place finish also saw them without a win for nine straight games. The Blades have plenty of quality but were unable to put it all together last season.
With fewer signings than many other clubs, they’ll be hoping that a combination of an established core with a few key signings will help them gel from the off. But September looks tough – an opener against Leicester City followed by Newcastle away is no way to ease yourself in.
New captain Mollie Rouse talks me through what to expect.
What can we expect from the team this season?
I think a lot of youth and potential that’s coming through. I think you can expect a lot of excitement with that.
I think compared to last year, we have a base from last year, but we all know we underformed compared to what we have on the pitch. So I think there’s going to be that point to prove from all of us and show the very aggressive team that we want to be.
Do you think fans are going to see something different?
Yeah, I think they’re going to see another step from what we were last season.
They’re going to see a lot more excitement in games from us. We want to be on the front foot. We want to scare teams.
There was a lot going on last year, change in management and things like that.
We’ve had a good base in pre-season and I hope it looks like a more together team.
What are the new signings going to bring?
In pre-season, they’ve brought so much to the table already. We’ve got such a mix.
We’ve got the experience from Lucy Quinn and then we’ve got youth from Maria [Reynolds]. We’ve got Chloe [Warrington] from Scotland. We’ve just got such a good mix of different people and they all bring different attributes to the pitch. But they’ve come in and fit in straight away.
So they’ll definitely be able to bring out their own personality on the pitch quite quickly because it’s already happened off the pitch.
That speaks of a good culture. How would you describe the culture in the dressing room?
Yeah, it’s definitely been something in the works. Again with the changes last season, it was a bit different.
But it was something we wanted to really focus on this season. We know how far a good culture in the team can take you. And that’s been a big focus of preseason and we really want to build on that and let it shine on the pitch.
What are the hopes for the team this season?
Promotion, Champions League, all that, you know [laughs].
I think it’s just about getting points out when we’ve actually performed. Last season, there were so many games we’ve come out of it and we’ve been the team on top for the majority of the game and then come away with one point or nothing. And that was really frustrating. We just couldn’t see out a 90-minute game.
So this season, it’s about building on that, trying to secure a good place in the league early on.
Obviously, we were in a bit of a relegation battle last year.
Yeah, getting out of the woodwork fast and building from that.
Is there anything specific you can do to train to play that 90 minutes and convert those?
It’s definitely a mindset thing. Obviously no one intentionally misplaces a pass or lets a goal in, and things like that. So it’s about having that 90 minutes switched on, focused, and as a team – individuals don’t cut it in the game of football.
I think it’s just being on the same page.
We came across a lot of adversity last season. So I think we did very well with all the chopping and changing. And it’s exciting that we actually feel that way rather than be like, oh, we just got there, thank God, or we couldn’t do it. So it’s just exciting times.
So there’s a certain amount of resilience that’s moulded you together?
Yeah, exactly that. I think hard times sometimes do just bring a team together.
Any fixtures you’re particularly looking forward to?
Um, all of them [laughs]. No, I mean, we’ll start with the first one won’t we, Leicester at home.
It’s great to have a home game as your first game of the season and obviously they’ve come down into our league now so they’re gonna have a point to prove.
We want to do well at our home at Bramall Lane and that’s just an exciting game.
The main part is having it at home and being able to play in front of the fans.
Do you have a team DJ in the changing rooms?
You know what I love about this season so far, it’s chopped and changed. Sometimes you obviously have one person who’s the DJ, but so far we’ve had a lot of different people on it, which means different vibes of music and it’s been fab.
I think Maria’s [Reynolds] come in and she’s been the DJ a lot.
And then we have Ella Kinzett, Amy Andrews has been on there. I’ve been on it sometimes. Sian’s [Rogers] been on it. There’s been such a mix and then you’re like, okay, we’re not having the same song every day – this is great [laughs].
Despite their struggles last season, Sheffield United seem ready to step up. Aware of what needs to improve, they’re ready to find that togetherness and move forward as a team. As others have said, there’s no easy game in this league and if the Blades can stay focused for 90 minutes, they’ll bag more wins.
SOUTHAMPTON – FIRM FOUNDATIONS?
Head coach: Simon Parker
Key players: Central midfielder Mary Bashford finished as the club’s top scorer last campaign. Her eight goals helped her pick up both the Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player of the Season awards. Rachel Brown’s stoppage-time winner against Ipswich was voted the club’s Outstanding Moment of the Season. A moment worth celebrating even if you don’t factor in that the full-back had only very recently come back from an ACL injury.
Signings: Alina Santos, Libbi McInnes, Niamh Murphy, Grace Moloney, Laura Hughes, Freya Jupp
Loans: None
Last time out, Southampton had their best WSL2 season yet – a fifth place finish. Despite losing a chunk of players over the summer, including their two set-piece takers, they haven’t signed as many new faces as some clubs.
They’ve retained their core attacking threat, though, and Mary Bashford remains key if they’re going to retain their reputation as one of the best attacking sides in the division.
The message from the Saints seems to be one of continuity and consistency. Building on last season, doing the work, and trusting in the process.
No massive marquee signings, but a sprinkling of fresh talent, including young New Zealand international goalkeeper Alina Santos.
Having only officially signed a couple of weeks earlier – her first professional contract – Santos was thrown in at the deep end, chatting with me at the WSL2 media day. So here’s your chance to learn more about the young kiwi goalkeeper who I think will be one to watch in the future.
So how long have you been over here?
Two months now.
That’s pretty big! You look pretty relaxed and like you’re settling in well. How would you describe the culture in the dressing room so far?
I’d say it’s pretty similar to back home in New Zealand.
The weather’s obviously been quite nice in Southampton, so I can’t really talk about that too much. But yeah, I’d say it’s quite similar. It’s nice to be around people with good banter as well.
What brought you here? What was the motivation to join WSL2 and Southampton?
It’s a very competitive league, there’s a lot of great opportunities in the league.
Great teams, great fans.
And I knew a few of the staff from Southampton having worked with a couple of them in the past. I just think they’re amazing people and it’s a club with a lot of potential to really make it big.
I thought there’s really no better place.
And by the ocean, which is nice and the weather’s quite nice, so I can’t really go wrong. It’s a good area.
What do you hope to get out of this season, personally? First professional contract, moving country, it’s a big deal.
Just growing as a player and a person and being able to be around such amazing players, good staff and being part of an ever growing women’s football league.
It’s a great opportunity and experience. I’m really looking forward to it.
And yeah, having some fun.
[There’s quite the twinkle in Santos’ eye, I think she might have a mischievous streak.]
You look like you might have a few tricks up your sleeve when it comes to a changing room. Anything planned for when you’ve settled in a bit?
[Laughs] Uh, we’ll see, we’ll see.
How much do you know about this league? Are there any particular fixtures you’re looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to Durham and Sunderland, just because there’s a couple of Ferns on those teams. So it’ll be nice to have some healthy competition up there and to be on the other side of the pitch from them, for once. So that’ll be quite fun.
So when you get a chance to be out there on the pitch playing in front of the Southampton fans, what do you want to be able to show them?
Hopefully a nice clean sheet [laughs]. That’s what you really hope for as a goalkeeper. Yeah, keeping the ball out of the net.
And some dramatic saves. Do you like a stylish looking top corner save?
Here and there. I’d say, I’m quite a mellow player but I don’t mind showing off here and there…if it’s a boring game [laughs].
I’ve been asking everyone about team DJs, but you maybe don’t know quite yet?
Yeah, I’m not sure. I think Meg’s [Megan Collett], usually our team DJ. She gets us all going in the early mornings.
What would you be listening to if you were DJing? Can you introduce us to any New Zealand bands?
Back in New Zealand, Six60 are quite big.
I guess Lorde is quite well known. Trying to think of kiwi artists. I’d say those two are the big ones, but I listen to whatever, really.
Southampton look to be building a solid baseline rather than going all out for promotion – but they shouldn’t be underestimated. There’s plenty of fire power in the squad and plenty of experience. The Saints will surely be marching into the top half of the table again and mixing things up a bit.
SUNDERLAND – TEAM SPIRIT
Head coach: Mel Reay
Key players: Last season’s joint top scorers Emily Scarr and Katie Kitching, provider Katy Watson, and new signings Elise Hughes and Tara Bourne
Signings: Elise Hughes, Tara Bourne, Fran Stenson, Noa Schumacher, Atlanta Primus, Kassandra Missipo, Tess Laplacette
Loans: Sanni Franssi (London City Lionesses), Lily Dent (Brighton)
Sunderland would have hoped for better last season after finishing eighth. They may not have been expected to fight for promotion but they were capable of better.
Their failure to turn draws into wins stopped them edging up the table but it was the 10 losses they’ll want to improve on this season.
They’ve had a strong transfer window, signing a host of international and experienced players. Elise Hughes played for Wales in their historic first tournament at Euro 2025. Tara Bourne is an England youth international, and Belgian international Kassandra Missipo brings 66 caps worth of experience. Alongside their other signings, Sunderland have brought in WSL reinforcements in Sanni Franssi from London City Lionesses and Lily Dent from Brighton.
With some strong signings and a fun-loving and strong team spirit, the Lasses are hoping to improve on last season’s win tally, as Chloe Paxton tells me.
Can you describe your style at Sunderland as a team?
We’re quite direct. Quite a crossing team, love crosses, get on the end of it. We’ll just work really hard because we’re so close, everyone has each other’s back, so everyone runs for each other.
Yeah, very direct.
How are the new signings settling in and what do they bring to the team?
I think they’re settling in really well. I’m here with all of them today actually, and we’ve all had a really nice day.
They all bring something different. A lot of creativity and uniqueness and stuff that we don’t have. Hopefully they’ll fit in perfectly and all will go well.
What are the team’s hopes for the season?
It’s a tough league. I think everyone wants to do well but we just need to take it game by game and see what we can do.
There’s no real expectations, just take it game by game. Hopefully win as many as we can.
What problems are you going to pose to other teams?
Our work rate, our ability to win even when we don’t play very well. And the directness and ability to score goals.
Are there any fixtures in particular you’re looking forward to?
I love a derby up north – Durham and Newcastle. The Newcastle one’s really exciting. But yeah they’re always interesting fixtures.
What’s the culture like in the team?
I just love it, I really do. It’s a right laugh up there.
We’re just like a little family, everyone gets on so well. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t actually laugh every day.
It’s just such a nice environment.
And the football’s great, the training environment, just everything is really lovely.
What can the fans expect from Sunderland this season?
Hopefully, they can expect a lot of wins. Just some good football, fighting for each other on the pitch, having each other’s backs.
Obviously, there’ll be ups and downs but hopefully they can see we’re really together, a proper team on and off the pitch.
I think it’ll be a really exciting season. Hopefully full of lots of goals.
And giggles…
Goals and giggles, what more can you want [laughs]
Who’s your team DJ?
Emily Cassap. She covers a bit of everything.
Marks out of 10?
10.
She’s just got a little bit of everything. Knows when to play what, fits the vibe all the time.
Anything in particular you like on the playlist?
As a team, we’re listening to a lot of country, just a lot of like, sing songs.
And game day, a bit more bouncy, louder.
Sunderland know they need to keep up with the growth of other teams in the league and have increased the squad depth and experience ahead of the new season. They aren’t promotion contenders but they’ll fight for each other, entertain, and have a lot of laughs along the way.
WATFORD – STAYING PUT
Head coach: Renee Hector
Key players: Madison Perry scored 25 goals and provided 10 assists last season, earning her Supporter’s Player of the Year. New signing Saoirse Noonan, the Republic of Ireland international, will add a further boost to the attacking line-up – and plenty of goals.
Signings: Zara Bailey, Ellie Noble, Hannah Greenwood, Saoirse Noonan, Demi Lambourne, Phoebe Poole, Karin Muya, Tianna Teisar, Eva Gray, Aoibheann Clancy
Loans: Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United), Vera Jones (Chelsea), Grace Neville (Ipswich Town)
Watford won automatic promotion back into WSL2 after winning the Southern Premier Division last season. And they aren’t messing around. Saoirse Noonan is their marquee signing and is sure to add a few numbers to the “goals for” column this season. The loan re-signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel is a smart move, giving them not only WSL experience but also UWCL ‘keeper credentials.
Head coach Renee Hector (above) is Watford to the core, having played there from childhood and worked her way up the coaching ranks. Last season’s promotion was her first in charge and she’ll want to continue giving that winning feeling to the Watford faithful.
It’s a tough league, but The Golden Girls are not here to make up the numbers, as midfielder Anna Filbey makes clear:
Obviously a fabulous campaign last season. Do you carry that momentum into this season?
Hopefully. We finished on a high, so hopefully we can bring it into this season.
We know it’s gonna pose very different challenges but yeah, super excited and hopefully.
Playing at Vicarage Road, what does that mean to the players because that’s a big statement, isn’t it?
Definitely. Super exciting for us. We haven’t really had a consistent home. So to have that and to be able to get the fans coming back to Watford – which we’ve never had before – and the stadium’s unbelievable. The pitch is like a carpet. It’s gonna be amazing.
What are you hoping to show the fans?
Some passion and we’ve always been a ball playing team so hopefully continue that in the new league.
We know it’s not going to be easy, but we still want to impose ourselves and play the way we want to play and make it exciting for the fans and make them want to come back.
Do you feel a responsibility to get younger fans in to watch and build that fan base?
Definitely, yeah. Watford’s such a community club and the original family club is what we’re called. So, yes, it’s definitely a responsibility for us to continue that and get people through the doors and enjoy watching us play football.
What are your new signings going to bring to the team this season?
Definitely more depth in the squad. It’s improved us massively.
Training’s quicker, training’s better. It’s really exciting. A lot of people have experience in this league so they’ll help us with that as well.
You’ve got a lot of experience in all the leagues [both laugh]. What sort of responsibilities do you take as a leader to help younger players understand the differences in the leagues as you go up?
First and foremost, I want them to be able to show themselves and feel comfortable to perform how they know they can perform.
Obviously it’s a big step up, but they’re here for a reason. They’re good enough to do that. But yeah, hopefully bring a little bit of experience, show the standard, help other people understand that, and hopefully help us do well.
Are there any fixtures in particular that you’re looking forward to?
Maybe Newcastle. Hopefully it gets announced at the stadium, maybe. I think Newcastle away would be pretty cool.
Have you got ambitions for the team this season?
I think it’s hard being the newbie. It is hard. But to cement ourselves in the league. I think we’ve been known as a yo-yo team, coming up, going back down. I hope we stay up there and climb the table.
We’re not gonna be an easy team, we’re here to play football.
And my final one, who’s the team DJ?
Lachante Paul. Unbelievable, she’s got a mix of everything. Sometimes we need to tell her to speed it up a little bit, but no, she covers all bases.
Score out of 10?
10. I’m very happy.
Oh, wow! What does she play?
Everything. She gets us very up for the game.
I fancy Watford’s chances at a strong showing this season, despite the step up. With the history of Vicarage Road providing motivation and some very good signings, I predict The Golden Girls are going to stick around for a while.
WOLVES – FIGHT CLUB
Head coach: Dan McNamara
Key players: Forwards Amber Hughes was joint top scorer in the Northern Premier Division last season (18) and fellow striker Charlotte Greengrass just behind with 17. Captain Anna Morphet is their longest-serving player and was one of the finest left-sided centre-backs in the Women’s National League. Melissa Lawley signed for the club over the summer bringing England caps and over 300 senior appearances across her career.
Signings: Jasmine Matthews, Mel Lawley, Yana Daniëls, Mel Filis, Hollie Olding, Layla Proctor, Cadi Doran, Ellen Jones, Olivia Francis, Tara O’Hanlon
Loans: Emily Orman (London City Lionesses)
Wolves Women thoroughly deserved promotion – they’ve been knocking on the door for the past few seasons. And they’ve had to fight hard both on the pitch and off it, recently.
But the fight against adversity brings both resilience and determination. They scored 70 goals last season and just missed out on automatic promotion behind Burnley. A 1-0 win in the play-off final against Plymouth Argyle secured the much-deserved place in WSL2.
Add in the passion of head coach Dan McNamara, Macca, – which is contagious – and you have a powerful team spirit that is impossible to break.
And this is how I start my chat with young forward Louanne Worsey who has experience in both the WSL and the Championship/WSL2.
I spoke to Macca last season and I can see the same passion in you…
It rubs off [laughs]
I cannot imagine how it felt for you all having had those really difficult seasons but that builds resilience. What else would you say describes the team?
I’d say a family feel.
It’s the best club I’ve been with in regards to the togetherness, we’re so together. We go through the highs and lows all together. We feel everything together.
We’re in and around each other now way more than we used to be, so I’d say the togetherness of the team and coaching staff as well.
We’re such a close knit team.
Anything we go through is never on our own as an individual – it is always as a pack together.
This is huge for you all. How are you all feeling going into the season?
Everyone’s come back in with a spring in their step. We’ve lived through the promotion now, we’ve had that feeling. We are going to continue living in it and keep striving to feel those feelings again.
But we know what we’re stepping into and everyone’s coming with us, bringing a step, ready to go again and ready to have some success as well.
And not just take part?
No, we want to win games. We want to be higher up in the league as well.
What would you say was your style on the pitch as a team?
I’d probably say aggression, first and foremost. I feel like every team that we come against we want to make them feel like there’s twice as many Wolves players on the pitch as they’ve got.
And I feel we do achieve that as a team.
People will never come walking off the pitch thinking that was an easy ride. It won’t ever be when you come against Wolves.
To be honest, it’ll probably be the complete opposite, you’ll probably get kicked up in the air a few times [laughs], but that’s what we want people to expect.
We don’t want people to come and think this is going to be easy.
So yeah, probably the aggression that we come with [laughs]
That’s our DNA at the end of the day. It’s always finding ways to win and if that’s the way of going about it, then we will.
What are the new signings bringing to the team?
We’ve got a lot of experienced girls now. We’ve got way more experience on our side. People have played within this level as well. Having that is always nice.
It’s a nice happy medium now of both the younger girls and some girls that bring experience. They teach a lot as well to the other girls, especially me, I’m only 21 myself, so it’s a lot to learn coming from them as well.
They’ve gelled really nicely. They’ve settled in so nice. And they’ve really imprinted that DNA within them, which is nice to see so early on.
I think it’s going to be a really positive season.
I think because you’ve got that really strong DNA, it probably is easier because you don’t come to the club if you don’t want that?
Definitely, exactly.
I think Macca has done very well with the signings. He sees that within them and it really shows on the pitch as well and within the group of girls that we’ve got.
Any fixtures you’re particularly looking forward to?
We’ve all said Newcastle away.
We’re excited for the first game of the season, that’ll be a really good opportunity to mark our stamp on the league early on.
So hopefully we’ll go there and we’ll get a win as well.
I can see a vinyl tattoo [music record] on your arm. Who’s the team DJ?
Me. It’s me. [laughs]
[laughs] I figured maybe that was a little bit of a giveaway. What do you like to play?
I play a bit of everything. The girls love a bit of 80s. I love a bit of 80s.
But we honestly play a load of everything. Whatever the girls are feeling. I’ll feed off them.
I feel like a proper DJ when I’m DJing. I’ll see what the vibe is and if people are liking it then I’ll carry on playing it.
But it’s a big responsibility that comes with it! It’s a bit of pressure, but yeah, it works [laughs].
I love that you all love 80s music. I grew up in the 80s, so you guys are all coming back round to it! What do you like about the 80s?
We play a Little Respect by Erasure – great tune, everyone loves it. I don’t know, it’s just feel good, isn’t it? You can’t beat it.
You definitely can’t. And it’ll be no easy task to beat Wolves either.
Obviously it’s a massive step up in terms of football but many players have now been able to quit their jobs and become full-time footballers. They’re living their dream. The fight in Wolves shouldn’t be underestimated. And neither should head coach Dan McNamara. Macca is a passionate force of nature – everything he has goes into the team and they reward him back with the same. You can hear it in Worsey’s words and see it in her eyes.
I have no doubt they will be much harder to beat than many teams realise.
Photo credits: Bristol City FC, Burnley FC, Durham Women FC, Ipswich Town FC, Leicester City FC, Newcastle United FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Sheffield United FC, Southampton FC, Sunderland FC, Watford FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Helen M Jerome
