Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber has praised Albion’s women’s football club for their professionalism in planning their return to playing ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Women’s Super League opener against Birmingham City at the People’s Pension Stadium.
Hope Powell’s side will be back in competitive action for the first time since beating Crystal Palace in the Women’s FA Cup back in February, and Barber said, “Just as we saw with the Premier League Project Restart, a lot of hard work has gone into the preparation and planning for the women’s team to be able to resume.
“I would like to thank our women’s board, led by chair Michelle Walder, chief operating officer Paul Mullen and acting women’s general manager Alex Clatworthy, Hope and all the players and staff for all their efforts and professionalism in recent weeks and months. It’s been a challenging period for everyone.
“Hope and the players have been working hard in their preparations for the season. I’m looking forward to seeing them in action at tomorrow’s first game against Birmingham City and I wish them well for the new season ahead.
“For our fans, games remain behind-closed-doors for the immediate future although supporters will be able to tune into a stream of all the games via The FA Player and enjoy the match programme in digital format.”
Albion have signed six new players. Finland international Nora Heroum has signed from AC Milan, Dutch international Inessa Kaagman joined from Everton and New Zealand defender Rebekah Stott was brought in from Melbourne City.
Striker Lee Geum-min has joined the Seagulls on a season-long loan from Manchester City and young goalkeeper Katie Startup and midfielder Katie Robinson were recruited with an eye to the future.
Powell’s side face Blues tomorrow, before a trip to Manchester City next Sunday, ahead of another match against Birmingham in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday 27th September at Crawley Town FC.