CHALLENGE – Welcome to WSL2, where anyone can beat anyone, Part 1
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.
There are no easy games and no nailed-on victories. Every point is fought for.
In Part 1 of our season preview, Clare McEwen looks at Bristol City through to Newcastle United
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.
Leicester have also added to their coaching staff. Marie Hourihan comes in on the back of a season where she took Plymouth Argyle to the FA WNL Cup final and the promotion play-off final. She brings a wealth of experience both as a coach and player. Jade Moore also comes in, bringing her wealth of top-level playing experience into the mix.
But Leicester lost a lot of players over the summer 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.
Click here for PART TWO of our WSL2 preview: Nottingham Forest to Wolves
Photos: Bristol City, Burnley, Durham Women, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Helen M Jerome
