Women's

Hope missing from dugout for Villa game

Head coach and her assistant are self-isolating after positive Covid-19 test.

By Bruce Talbot • 08 November 2020

By Kyle Hemsley
Hope Powell watches on against Arsenal.

Head coach Hope Powell and her assistant Amy Merricks will be missing from the dugout when Albion take on Aston Villa in the Barclays FA Women's Super League today.

Hope and Amy are self-isolating after being in close contact with a member of the women’s back room staff who tested positive for Covid-19 last week.

Perry Northeast, the club’s Regional Talent Centre technical director, will be in charge of the team.

Hope said, “It’s going to be very strange following the girls from home, although obviously I will be in touch with our technical staff during the game.

“We have prepared well, and the squad are looking forward to being back on the pitch again today after a three-week break.

“They know the importance of the game and it will be a great boost for everyone at the end of a difficult week if we can play at our best and get three points.”

To read Hope's programme notes for today's game download the programme for free by clicking here.