11 January 2024 , 21:32
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PFA chief executive Maheta Molango has warned the women’s game is facing a “pivotal moment” amid discussions over a gruelling fixture list and calendar.
The Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship have already agreed to form a club-owned set-up from the 2024/25 season with the hope it will accelerate the growth of the game.
There are also six international breaks scheduled in 2024 and the demands on players has never been greater with growing attendances, TV interest and commercial opportunities. But the number of injuries - Chelsea star Sam Kerr is undergoing ACL surgery as the latest high profile name to face a long lay-off - is rising along with the games.
Club medics are concerned for the welfare of their players and, while men’s Premier League bosses regularly speak out about burnout, the Professional Footballers’ Association is taking action to ensure the same is done in the women’s game.
Talks are already underway between the clubs, stakeholders and now, most important of all, the players are having their say through their union. PFA chief Molango told Mirror Football : "The women's game is experiencing rapid expansion at the elite level, placing us at a pivotal moment.
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"This impressive growth has triggered a competitive rush among governing bodies and competition organisers, spanning from England to Europe and the rest of the world, to populate the calendar.
"We stand at a critical point, facing the risk of mirroring a major flaw seen in the men's game: a disjointed approach to scheduling that increasingly puts player welfare at risk. Immediate action is needed to address these issues in the women's game.
Chelsea's Sam Kerr is the latest star player facing a long injury lay-off (Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)"The priority should be to establish a balanced schedule that puts players first and safeguards the health and wellbeing of athletes. Achieving this demands cooperative efforts and dialogue with key stakeholders, especially the players themselves.”"
Potter the favourite for Man Utd job
Graham Poter is the name which will not go away in football circles as the favourite to be the next Manchester United boss. Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Potter has already been heavily linked as a potential successor should United get rid of Erik ten Hag at any point in the future.
United’s new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with Dave Brailsford installed to oversee operations at Old Trafford, wants to give ten Hag every chance to succeed. But Potter remains a hot tip and the most talked about name among agents should United decide to make a change as he is well liked and admired by the hierarchy.
Graham Potter could replace Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag (AFP via Getty Images)Top agent misses FIFA deadline
One big name agent has admitted to pals that he missed FIFA’s deadline to apply to become a legacy agent. Agents who operated under previous regulations were supposed to apply by September 30, 2023, to avoid having to sit the exam again.
English agents won a legal challenge against FIFA bringing in the rules in this country but it will be recognised overseas. Plenty of would-be agents sat the exam but the brother of one big star has decided to “step back” after failing it twice.
Winter break plans differ
Manchester City, Brighton and Arsenal are among the few clubs who have decided to go on sunshine training camp during the winter break.
The rest have either seen plans disrupted by FA Cup replays or taken a straw poll among players who want to have a break at home. While other managers think a complete rest is more beneficial.
Championship sides eye Ridgewell
Liam Ridgewell is currently on the coaching staff of MLS side Portland Timbers (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)Former Premier League stalwart Liam Ridgewell could be set for a return to English football.
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Ex-Aston Villa, Birmingham and West Brom defender Ridgwell, 39, is currently a coach at Portland Timbers in the MLS but is attracting interest from Championship clubs to be on their coaching staff.
National League coup
National League North club King’s Lynn have pulled off something of a coup after signing a tie-up with Turn Sports Investments. Chairman Stephen Cleeve said: “This is an important moment in the Club’s journey towards the future.”
FA medical conference
The FA Medical Society is holding a conference on Injections in Football with co-chair Dr Zafar Iqbal - head of sports medicine at Crystal Palace - among the speakers looking at the issues surrounding treatment of players. They have previously done good work on concussion.