Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has given her thoughts on the possibility of the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) expanding to include Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers.
According to reports emerging 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 hosting the two Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) teams in their ranks.
All talks are understood to be at an early stage and no official moves have been made by either side at the moment. According to league regulations, the notice period for leaving the SWPL is two seasons, meaning the restructuring would not happen in the near future.
ChelseaBompastor was asked to share his views on the matter as the game prepares to face West Ham United in the return of the WSL this weekend
“These two teams joining the WSL, they’re two big brands and it would be nice,” he said.
Many concerns have been raised regarding the negative implications this move could have on the Scottish league. Omitting the two giants would do nothing to support the growth of the domestic game, a claim echoed by Bompastor when asked.
“On the other hand, it would not be good for his country,” said the coach. “They are great brands and it would be good if your country kept 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, which will lead to the dismantling of the traditional English tier system.
Despite remaining level-headed when asked about the Celtic-Rangers debate, Bompastor was sure to make his disapproval of the closed league proposal known.
“As for the competition, it’s always good when you’re relegated,” he 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 provides a fitness update for his side who take on West Ham at the Chigwell Construction Stadium this Sunday. The head coach has confirmed that forward Johanna Rytting Kaneryd will be fit to return against the Irons.
Wieke Kaptein was carried off the pitch in the dying moments of Chelsea’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup win against Charlton Athletic last weekend after what appeared to be a heavy knock. Bompastor has confirmed that Kaptein is “fine” but has not been 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 feature in the matchday squad to face Durham in the FA Cup the Subway Women’s League.
