The COVID-19 pandemic has presented huge, ongoing challenges around the world, the majority far more important than football.
The focus of our women’s team and staff since the beginning of the crisis was to be ready to return to WSL play when it was safe and proper to do so.
We believe we would have been able to meet all operational requirements but a return to play was deemed impractical.
As proud founder members of the WSL, our fans greatly value our position within the league and we hoped for the opportunity to secure our status on the pitch.
We enjoyed several notable firsts as a women’s team this season – including a first WSL game at Anfield – and we are committed to continuing to grow the women’s game in this country with our fellow teams.
We wish all the WSL teams well and look forward to seeing them again soon.
As a club we will continue to respond to the ongoing humanitarian needs caused by the pandemic and especially in providing support to various NHS initiatives and those experiencing food poverty and social isolation.