Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has shared her thoughts on the possibility of an expansion of the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) to involve Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers.
According to emerging reports from The timesThe Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) are seeking ways to develop women’s football and have explored the possibility of welcoming both Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) teams into their ranks.
It is understood that all discussions are at an early stage and no official decision has yet been made by either party. As per league regulations, the notice period for leaving the SWPL is two seasons, meaning the restructuring would not take place in the near future.
Chelsea’s Bompastor was asked to share his thoughts on the subject as the team prepare to face West Ham United in the WSL return 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 giants would do nothing to support the growth of domestic football, a statement Bompastor echoed when asked.
“On the other hand, it would not be good for their country,” the head coach said. “They are great brands and it would be good for their country to keep them.”
The 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 traditional English tier system being hidden.
Although she remained calm when asked about the Celtic-Rangers debate, Bompastor was sure to make her disapproval of the closed league proposal known.
“In terms of competition, it’s always good when you’re relegated,” she added. “When you are a team you are always competing for something. Sometimes you are competing for titles and sometimes you are competing not to be relegated, that is part of the competition.”
Good news for Blues fans as Bompastor provides an update on the physical condition of his team who will face West Ham at Chigwell Construction Stadium this Sunday. The head coach has confirmed that star forward Johanna Rytting Kaneryd will be fit to make her return against the Irons.
Wieke Kaptein was taken off the field in the final moments of Chelsea’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic last weekend after what appeared to be a bad knock. Bompastor confirmed that Kaptein is “fine” but is not fit to train with the team 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 involved in the matchday squad to face Durham in the Cup of the Subway Women’s League.
