A first goal for defender Natasha Lynch, a first-team debut for fellow stopper Jenni Foster and another impressive display from the ever-improving Maz Gauntlett were as good as it got for the visitors as Birmingham’s flying start to the season was unceremoniously halted. (read full report)
Birmingham continued to defy the doom-mongers who predicted a season of struggle in the wake of high-profile summer departures by posting a second straight win - this time at the expense of an ambitious Leeds. This victory puts Birmingham 4th in the table with 6 points equal with Arsenal Chelsea and Everton. See full report
Birmingham’s next game is away to Bristol on Wenesday, 27 August. The game will be played at Oaklands Park Gloucester Road Almondsbury BS32 4AG which is a short drive from J16 of the M5. Birmingham are then away to Chelsea on Sunday 31 August at the Metropolitan Police ground and at home (Redditch United F.C.) to Blackburn on Sunday 7 September (2 p.m. kick off).
A trademark individual goal from impressive winger Becky Hall made it a bright opening day for Blues Ladies and ensured new manager Stuart Wilson got off to a winning start. Read full report
On Sunday Birmingham City Ladies took on Coventry City Ladies at Redditch United’s Valley Stadium in their final pre season friendly game. In spite of having the lion’s share of possession, Birmingham did not find Coventry easy to break down at all as the lower division side showed why they had not conceded in their previous three friendlies. A delicate lob from Amy McCann and a diagonal drive into the bottom corner from Maz Gauntlett proved decisive though and Jenni Foster and Abigail Lewis helped contribute to Birmingham’s clean sheet as they took the big step up from Under 16s football.
Birmingham’s first Premier League game is against Nottingham Forest on Sunday 17th August at Carlton Town Football Club, Gedling, Nottingham.
Arsenal once again proved why they are number one in the Women’s game in England as Kelly Smith settled a close fought FA Community Shield with a 72nd minute goal. Laura Bassett, Karen Carney and Jo Potter, who are either coaching at or helping to run Birmingham’s Centre of Excellence, all played in the match as did other former Blues players Rachel Yankey and Alex Scott with Dannii Bird being one of Arsenal’s substitutes. The close season changes will give opportunities for some young players at Blues to step up with the more experienced to take more of a lead.
Many congratulations to the First Team manager, Stuart Wilson, who passed his UEFA ‘A’ licence on 31 July. The ‘A’ licence follows level 2 and the UEFA ‘B’ licence and is one of the toughest coaching awards to obtain requiring months or often years of hard work. The ’A’ licence is just one step down from the UEFA Pro Licence which the likes of Roy Keane have recently obtained and for those of you who are climbing the coaching ladder, the FA have today announced dates for Prep courses for the ‘A’ licence.
Congratulations to three Birmingham City players, Chloe Foster, Becky Hall, and Kerys Harrop on their selection for the England Under 19 Team training camp. This will be held between the 17th and 21st August at Bradfield College Reading.
Centre of Excellence Training starts on Monday the 11th August at Birmingham City University Moor Lane B6 7AA. Birmingham City University Pavilions All players are asked to report at 6:45pm ready for a 7:00pm start.
Training will then contiue on Wednesday the 13th August, Monday the 18th August, Wednesday 20th August, Monday 25th August, Wednesday 27th August.
Details of staff and Players can be found on the various team pages.
Many congratulations to Laura Bassett, who has been called into 20 player England squad to face Germany on Thursday, 17 July. Meanwhile, Michelle Hickmott captained Brent Hills England U23s in a match against the very tough Sweden. Dannii Bird and Becky Hall also played and all three will be seeking to play further matches in the Nordic tournament. With the USA up next, the test is not going to get any easier! Very well done Michelle, Dannii and Becky.
Fixtures for The First Team and Reserve Team have now been placed on the fixtures page for each team.
First Team - Fixtures&Results
Reserve Team - Fixtures&Results
