WSL chat - but mostly United miscellaneous

top1whoisman said:
Both Willcock and Healy leaving the club.

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A good step up for Charlotte Healy. She's been important to the squad and must be looking forward to running her own operation.

Bristol City's feel like a good club for her as well. They respect their women's team and have looked after their budget - despite not having PL style funds to spare. They've got a good fan base and a good youth setup. They've also got a reputation as a club that looks after young players who go to them on loan. With Charlotte's background I can see her getting a kick out of that.

Good for her, doesn't feel so good for us though.

Losing Ian Willcock (goalkeeping coach) at the same time doesn't feel good at all.
 
It's a bit concerning - Healy has obviously had a lot of input, and I wish her all the best. As for Willcock, I know PTJ speaks highly of him, so another disappointing loss at a time when we should be looking to strengthen.
 
I'm not as troubled about Willcock leaving as you guys seem to be. PTJ has had two good years with him and probably learned most of what he has to offer. There are advantages to consistency, of course, but sometimes there are advantages to change. Not saying that his leaving is a good thing; just saying it might not be such a bad thing.
 
Lobster11 said:
I'm not as troubled about Willcock leaving as you guys seem to be. PTJ has had two good years with him and probably learned most of what he has to offer. There are advantages to consistency, of course, but sometimes there are advantages to change. Not saying that his leaving is a good thing; just saying it might not be such a bad thing.
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As far as I’m aware Willcock was much more than just a gk coach. Him and Healy were basically Skinner’s assistants with Willcock having a big part working on our set pieces.
 
top1whoisman said:
As far as I’m aware Willcock was much more than just a gk coach. Him and Healy were basically Skinner’s assistants with Willcock having a big part working on our set pieces.
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Point taken.

I certainly don't mean to underestimate the value he's brought to the team, but I still don't think his exit is necessarily a bad thing -- though of course that will depend on who replaces him. (Then again, maybe I'm just feeling optimistic given the success we've had so far holding onto our top players, in contrast to recent years.)
 
The only bad thing I think we can take from the exit of both Healy and Willcock is the lessons (or lack thereof) from when Martin Ho departed. He wasn't replaced at all, Healy and Willcock stepped up and they subsequently were not replaced. I'd be looking to management for some pretty serious coaching acquisitions this summer, as much if not more than the players.
 
top1whoisman said:
Martin Ho set to become Spurs’ head coach.
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My first reaction is envy.

My second is that after the session they've just had, Spurs is simultaneously a poisoned chalice and a great opportunity. Coming eleventh out of twelve in the WSL is pretty grim. They aren't paying top 4 wages but they aren't paying bottom half of the league rate either. It'll be interesting to see how their player recruitment goes.

As for Martin well he's never hidden his desire to manage in the WSL. It'll be interesting to see how it goes. So good luck to him, but only against certain teams of course :lol:
 
Martin Ho is a good appointment for Spurs, but he has a lot of work to do.

As for Chloe Kelly - we ought to have been in for her straight away. She is good friends with Ella Toone and would have been a fantastic addition to our squad - but no, let her escape the imaginary net and sign for Arsenal, who already have top quality players in abundance.
 
I would guess the bigger obstacle was City rather than us.
 
Ubik said:
I would guess the bigger obstacle was City rather than us.
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For the mid-season loan yes. I certainly believe they blocked her.

I guess we could have tried to get her as soon as her contract ran out but by then she'd established herself at Arsenal and she'd won a Champions League. I doubt any sales pitch, however good, works against that.

Just one of those things.
 
jojojo said:
I guess we could have tried to get her as soon as her contract ran out but by then she'd established herself at Arsenal and she'd won a Champions League. I doubt any sales pitch, however good, works against that.
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Unless that sales pitch included a lot more money than Arsenal were able and willing to spend. I doubt we were ever under consideration. Anyway, as much as I'd love to have Chloe at United, I'm really happy for her. She seems to be thriving at Arsenal, which in turn has gotten her back on the national team.

Another player we could only dream about signing is USWNT phenom Lily Yohannes, who reportedly is moving to Lyon from Ajax despite having a year left on her contract. Word is that Chelsea were also trying to sign her. If you're not familiar with her you should start paying attention: She turned 18 just a couple of weeks ago, and IMHO could well be the consensus best-player-in-the-world before she turns 20.
 
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