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 from The TimesThe Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) is looking at ways to expand the women's game and has explored the prospect of welcoming two Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) teams to their ranks.
It is understood that all talks are at an early stage and no official moves have yet been made by either side. According to league regulations, the notice period for leaving the SWPL is two seasons, meaning that restructuring will not happen in the near future.
Chelsea's Bompastor was asked to share her thoughts on the matter as the team prepare to face West Ham United in the return WSL this weekend.
“These two teams joining the WSL, they're two big brands and it would be great,” she said.
Many concerns have been raised about the negative implications such a move could have on the Scottish league. Not including the two giants would do nothing to support the growth of the indoor game, a statement Bompastor echoed when asked.
On the other hand, it would not be good for their country”, said the head coach. “They are big brands and it would be good if their country carries 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 disintegration of the traditional English tier system.
Despite remaining level-headed when asked about the Celtic and Rangers debate, Bompastor was sure to make her disapproval of the closed league proposal known.
“As far as competition goes, it's always good when you're down,” 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 provides a fitness update on his squad to face West Ham at the Chigwell Construction Stadium this Sunday. The manager has confirmed that star striker Johanna Rytting Kaneryd will be able to return against the Irons.
Wieke Kaptein was brought off the pitch in the dying moments of Chelsea's Adobe Women's FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic last weekend after what appeared to be a bad knock. Bompastor has confirmed that the captain is “fine” but has not been fit to train with the squad this week.
However, the boss confirms the 19-year-old is “getting back into a position where she will be ready to train on Saturday” and is likely to be included in the matchday squad to face Durham in the Women's League Cup in Subway.