[Albion] Brighton's women's team - what's going on

[Coldeanseagull]

They're certainly making up for lost time this season. A couple of high profile signings will really benefit the squad as a whole. Once they have their own gaff to play in, top four and European competition will be a real possibilty

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

Nikita Parrish, wowser, statement of intent. Exciting times.

 

[dazzer6666]

Nikita Parrish, wowser, statement of intent. Exciting times.

Didn’t realise she was 30…..!

 

[hart's shirt]

They're certainly making up for lost time this season. A couple of high profile signings will really benefit the squad as a whole. Once they have their own gaff to play in, top four and European competition will be a real possibility

With all the focus on the Albion Women's potential attack with Kirby and Parris, it'll be interesting to see how they cope at the back this season.

With the exception of a truly dismal and subsequently relegated Bristol City, Albion conceded the most in the WSL - 48 goals in 22 games.

That's clearly got to improve if Albion want to get anywhere near top half, let alone higher.

Spurs finished 6th last season with 12 points more. Liverpool in 4th had 22 more points. Arsenal qualified for Europe in 3rd with 31 more points.

Even without the stadium factor, there's still a lot of work to do on the pitch as it stands. And some continuity in team manager would help too.

 

[hart's shirt]

Didn’t realise she was 30…..!

Kirby's 31.

Plenty of experience from both of them though which one would think would have a positive effect on the younger players.

Shouldn't be too much of a factor - Christine Sinclair's still playing up front for Portland Thorns at 41.

 

[dazzer6666]

Kirby's 31.

Plenty of experience from both of them though which one would think would have a positive effect on the younger players.

Shouldn't be too much of a factor - Christine Sinclair's still playing up front for Portland Thorns at 41.

I know….but I thought NP was younger

 

[hart's shirt]

Brighton have signed England forward Nikita Parris on a permanent deal from Manchester United.

The 30-year-old was United's top scorer last season as they won their first Women's FA Cup trophy.

She joined United from Arsenal in August 2022 and scored 25 goals across 57 appearances for the club.

The length of Parris' contract has not been disclosed.

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic said: "We're delighted to bring a player of Nikita's ability and experience to the club. It signals our ambition as a club.

"Nikita's record as a goalscorer speaks for itself and she will help us a lot in that regard.

"She is vastly experienced and will be an excellent role model, particularly for our young players. She is looking forward to getting stuck into a new challenge and we can't wait to start working with her ahead of our first WSL game next Saturday against Everton."

The Euro 2022 winner played in a pre-season friendly against Leicester City on Wednesday, but Parris was in Brighton on Friday to finalise the move just before the transfer deadline.

With her contract due to expire in the summer, United triggered an option clause to extend her stay by another year, knowing any interested party would need to pay a fee.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdjwj1nz7weo

 

[Bozza]

It feels like we're trying to replicate the Welbeck, Lallana and Milner model.

 

[Hugo Rune]

I love the way the masterplan is being applied to both Men’s and Women’s teams. He won’t publicly say it but his strategy is obvious for everyone to see: Tony wants top 4 in the Premier League and the Super League. Everton are the first hit again, let’s repeat what the men’s team did.

 

[bhafc99]

 

[MattBackHome]

Exciting times after a tumultuous few years of scraping survival.

 

[Han Solo]

For once the top 4 ambition seem to have some sort of basis in reality. Will be interesting to follow.

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

Nikita Parrish, wowser, statement of intent. Exciting times.

A poster on here is a friend of hers. I was always seeing his posts on Facebook crediting her career. I'm pretty happy she's joined the Albion!

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

I really want the women’s team in Brighton asap, and excited to hear of any plans if anyone has any info on where they are thinking and how long it will take please share.
Playing in Crawley is soul destroying and we need to push on at home.

 

[Professor Plum]

Meanwhile, at Eastbourne…

 

[Me and my Monkey]

Anyone else waiting for their season ticket to arrive in the post?

 

[zeetha]

Mine arrived last Thursday, and I know others got theirs last week. Might be worth contacting Supporter Services.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

For once the top 4 ambition seem to have some sort of basis in reality. Will be interesting to follow.

Maybe, but we've also lost Terland and Robinson... so two great players coming in, but we've lost two important ones too.

 

[SAC]

Seems to be a very good transfer window but I still can't see a top four finish. My, worth very little, end of season prediction.
1 Chelsea
2 City
3 Arse
4 Liverpool
5 Spurs
6 Man U
7 Brighton
8 Leicester
9 Villa
10 Everton
11 West Ham
12 Palace

 

[Withdean South Stand]

Seems to be a very good transfer window but I still can't see a top four finish. My, worth very little, end of season prediction.
1 Chelsea
2 City
3 Arse
4 Liverpool
5 Spurs
6 Man U
7 Brighton
8 Leicester
9 Villa
10 Everton
11 West Ham
12 Palace

I think that's very credible, but maybe slightly overrates Liverpool and Spurs in particular. I would think that 4th is realistic this season, but it's realistic for 5 teams. It's important we make a strong start and ultimately, the final placings will be determined by the league results without Chelsea, City and Arsenal.