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Chelsea manager Sonia Bompaster has given her thoughts on the possibility of expanding the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) to include Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers.
According to emerging reports of The TimesThe Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) are looking for ways to expand the women’s game, and have explored the possibility of welcoming two Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) sides into their ranks.
It is understood that all talks are in the early stages, and no official moves have been made by either party yet. According to league rules, the notice period to leave the SWPL is two seasons, meaning there will be no reorganization in the near future.
ChelseaThe No Bombaster was asked to share his thoughts on the matter as the team prepares to face West Ham United. WSL this weekend.
“These two teams join the WSL, they’re two big brands and it’s going to be good,” she said.
Many concerns have been raised regarding the negative impact such a move could have on the Scottish League. The omission of the two giants will do nothing to support the growth of the domestic game, a statement which was echoed by Bompaster when asked.
“On the other hand, it won’t be good for their country,” the head coach said. “They are big brands and it will be good for their country to keep them.”
WPLL is also exploring the idea of a closed league, reports suggest. This would mean that the promotion and relegation system would be abolished, leading to the disintegration of the traditional English tier-system.
Despite being level-headed when asked about the Celtic and Rangers talks, Bompaster was specific in declaring his rejection of the league’s closure proposal.
“In terms of competition, it’s always good when you have relegation,” she added. “When you’re a team, you’re always competing for something. Sometimes you compete for a title and sometimes you compete that you can’t compete, that’s part of the competition.”
There is good news for Blues fans as Bompaster provides a fitness update for his squad to face West Ham at the Chigwell Construction Stadium this Sunday. The head coach has confirmed that star forward Johanna Ryting will be fit to make her return against the Cannerid Irons.
The Vicky captain was brought off the pitch in the closing moments of Chelsea’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic last weekend after suffering a nasty knock. Bompaster confirmed the captain is “fine” but not fit to train with the squad this week.
However, the head coach confirms the 19-year-old is “getting back to a position where she will be ready to train on Saturday” and is likely to be included in the matchday squad to face Durham in the Subway Women’s League Cup.
