Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has given her opinion on the possibility of expanding the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) to include Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers.
According to new reports from The TimesThe Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) are looking for ways to expand the women’s game and have explored the possibility of taking on two Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) sides.
It is understood that all talks are at an early stage and no formal steps have yet been taken by either side. According to league rules, the notice period for leaving the SWPL is two seasons, meaning that restructuring will not happen in the near future.
ChelseaBompastor was asked to share his thoughts on the matter as the squad prepares to face West Ham United in the return leg WSL this weekend.
“These two teams joining the WSL, they are two big brands and it would be good,” she said.
Many concerns have been raised about the negative implications such a move could have on the Scottish league. Omitting the two greats would not help the growth of the domestic game, a statement Bompastor reiterated when asked.
On the other hand, it would not be good for their country, said the selector. They are big brands and it would be good for their country to keep them.
WPLL is also exploring the idea of a closed league, reports suggest. This will mean that the promotion and relegation system will be abolished, leading to the dismantling of the traditional English tier system.
Despite remaining calm when asked about the Celtic-Rangers debate, Bompastor made sure to make her opposition to the closed league proposal known.
“Competition-wise, it’s always good when you have a relegation,” she added. “When you’re a team, you’re always competing for something. Sometimes you’re competing for titles, and sometimes you’re competing not to be relegated, that’s part of the competition.”
Good news for Blues fans as Bompastor gives a fitness update for his side to face West Ham at the Chigwell Construction Stadium this Sunday. The head coach has confirmed that attacking star Johanna Rytting Kaneryd will be ready to return against the Irons.
Wieke Kaptein was brought off the pitch in the dying moments of Chelsea’s Women’s FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic last weekend after what appeared to be a nasty knock. Bompastor confirmed that Kaptein is “fine” but was not ready to train with the team this week.
However, the head coach confirms the 19-year-old is “getting back into position to be ready for training on Saturday” and is likely to be included in the matchday squad against Durham in the Subway Women’s League Cup.
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