2024-25 Barclays Women's Championship Season Preview

The 2024-25 Barclays Women’s Championship lineup has been confirmed, so let's take a look at our opponents for next season…

Birmingham City:

Last season finish: Birmingham City ended last season in 5th place, with a total of 36 points and their goal difference pushing them above Blackburn Rovers in the standings.

Head Coach: Amy Merricks joined the Blues as head coach on a three-year contract in April 2024.

Stadium: Birmingham City play at St Andrew’s Stadium, holding a capacity of 29,000. 

Our last meeting: The Blues recorded a perfect record against us last season, winning 1-0 on both occasions.

Official Website: http://www.bcfc.com/

Blackburn Rovers:

Last season finish: Blackburn Rovers finished in 6th place last term, their highest finish in the Barclays Women’s Championship. 

Head Coach: With the 2023-24 season being his first with Blackburn, Simon Parker occupies the dugout in Lancashire.

Stadium: Rovers divided their fixtures between the Lancashire FA County Ground and Ewood Park. 

Our last meeting: We shared the points with Blackburn last term, winning 3-0 at Ewood Park in November, before falling by a 1-0 scoreline at home three months later.

Official Website: http://www.bcfc.com/

Bristol City:

Last season finish: Bristol City suffered relegation last season after coming 12th in the Barclays Women’s Super league.

Head Coach: Lauren Smith is the Robins’ head coach.

Stadium: Bristol City moved to Ashton Gate last season, a 27,000 capacity venue, and have confirmed that they will continue playing there this 2024-25 season.

Our last meeting: We last played Bristol City in February and March 2023, taking a 2-0 win at Princes Park before suffering a cruel defeat 3-1 away.  

Official Website: http://www.bcfc.co.uk

Charlton Athletic:

Last season finish: Charlton enjoyed an impressive time out, finishing in 2nd place and only a single point behind champions Crystal Palace.

Head Coach: Karen Hills was appointed as Charlton boss in March 2021.

Stadium: The Addicks are set to move full time to The Valley for the 2024-25 season. 

Our last meeting: We had mixed results last season against Charlton, suffering a 2-0 loss at home in October, but securing a breathtaking 2-1 win away at The Valley in March. 

Official Website: http://www.bcfc.co.uk

Durham:

Last season finish: Ending the season with 23 points, Durham finished in 9th place.

Head Coach: Durham have not announced their head coach for the 2024-25 season yet.

Stadium: Durham will continue to play at the Maiden Castle Sports Centre.

Our last meeting: In September, we fell to defeat at the hands of a 96th minute breakaway goal. Then, in February, we were denied a hard-fought win by a late equaliser at Princes Park.

Official Website: https://www.durhamwfc.co.uk/

Newcastle United:

Last season finish: Newcastle were promoted to the Barclays Women’s Championship at the end of last season, coming 1st in the FA Women’s National League North. 

Head Coach: Having led the team to back-to-back promotions, Becky Langley is staying as head coach.

Stadium: Newcastle United split where they played their games last season, between Kingston Park and St James’ Park. 

Our last meeting: We are yet to play Newcastle United…

Official Website: http://www.newcastleunited.com/

Portsmouth:

Last season finish: Portsmouth were also promoted to the Barclays Women’s Championship at the end of last season, winning the FA Women’s National League South title.

Head Coach: The team is led by Jay Sadler, who was the club’s first full time staff member in 2022. Portsmouth are set to move towards a full-time professional model in the 2024-25 campaign. 

Stadium: Pompey played their games at both Westleigh Park and Fratton Park last season.

Our last meeting: The Pride beat Portsmouth 1-0 in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup third round back in January 2023.

Official Website: http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk

Reading:

Last season finish: Reading finished 10th last season on 22 points. 

Head Coach: Continuing on from last season, head coach Liam Gilbert will stay on at the club.

Stadium: Reading play at the 24,000 capacity Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Our last meeting: In August we drew with Reading 1-1 at home, but in March we rectified the result scoring an away win, 2-1.

Official Website: http://www.readingfc.co.uk

Sheffield United:

Last season finish: The Blades finished last season in 7th place with 29 points. 

Head Coach: Sheffield United are currently searching for a new head coach. 

Stadium: Continuing on from last season, Sheffield will host all of their home games at Bramall Lane.

Our last meeting: We were unable to secure a victory against the Blades last season.

Official Website: http://www.sufc.co.uk

Southampton:

Last season finish:  With 39 points, Southampton placed 4th last season.

Head Coach: Southampton have not yet announced their head coach. 

Stadium: The Saints are continuing to host their home games at St Mary's Stadium.

Our last meeting: We split last term’s season series against Southampton, winning 1-0 at home before suffering a 3-1 road loss in the penultimate week of the season.

Official Website: http://www.southamptonfc.com

Sunderland A.F.C:

Last season finish: Sunderland fought hard for promotion, finishing in third place with 41 points.

Head Coach: Having been with the club for over a decade now, Mel Reay is their head coach.

Stadium: Eppleton CW is home to the Black Cats.

Our last meeting: August saw us play out a goalless draw in the North East, but we claimed a victory over Sunderland at Princes Park in March, winning 1-0.

Official Website: http://www.safc.com