Erithacus

Genesis of a sub-culture that shook the establishment and kind of took over. Malcolm McLaren described those times as igniting a bomb and he was supposed to be in control of it. Nothing of the sort! He had to get the band out of the studios and into a car immediately before the old bill arrived. Meanwhile old Bill Grundy himself found he wasn't trusted by any producers and effectively was retired from the business, involuntarily. His son Tim became a TV presenter and always blamed this incident for his father's demise. Those were indeed the days.

I was awaiting this announcement for a while, now it's happened. The FA have done a sterling job in going from outright banning to prominent inclusivity, but it was always looking to offload the women's game - especially at the top end. I note Nikki Doucet has a good grounding in the finer aspects of the organisation of the sport but was also an investment banker, significantly. That says to me that the growth of the women's game is clearly focussed on the money side. Who will benefit most, I wonder. Of course, we will see what the new set-up will bring; the NewCo seems to be gearing up to run the show as a stakeholders' group. Will it be like the NFL? People make the mistake of thinking it's a sporting league - it's not, it's an owners' club!

The main thing I'll take away today is the feeling that this team is slowly starting to get to grips with the system Lauren Smith has put in place and that they are up to WSL level. It's taken a little longer than desired but it is becoming the standard we need now. For the first half we kept United at bay and were more than up for a tussle. It was in no way the battering that some were whispering - and I think this will be the way forwards from here on. It was somewhat of a shock to see the Dolman Stand so full (more so than the previous day?), as well as a smattering of fans in the South Stand. I imagine United brought quite a few but it is clear that Bristol has more Lioness fans than City fans. No surprise to see a 5-4-1 out formation, but the burden really fell on the midfield once again. Without Furness, I did wonder how we would cope with the jewellery of United's international set, but I was encouraged to see the way the players were focussed on the gameplan and applied themselves so strongly. No-one was starstruck; everyone got stuck in. Some superstars didn't get the sort of reception they thought they would. More, please! Liv CLark in goal has attracted some criticism lately but I thought she had a much improved game and was blameless for the two conceded. Her shot-stopping was first rate and frustrated the attacks well. Defensively, we worked well as a back 5 and the central defenders were usually in control of things. With the few chances that United did fashion, there were solid blocks and tight marking across the line. Considering the array of talent up against them, our girls showed no fear. Meg Connolly organised thoroughly, but the second-minute injury to Brooke Aspin was a big worry. Despite treatment the problem only got worse and she had to be stretchered off eventually. Hopefully it's not a serious knock. Chloe Mustaki came into the left of the line, with Layzell switching over to right. Even with the reshuffle, the defence stayed pretty solid. In the middle of the park Napier, Rodgers and Morgan grafted hard all game, often in a defensive mode but were also able to stride forwards on the odd occasion and City created worthwhile attacks of their own. Although those chances were limited United weren't having it all their own way by any means. Abi Harrison started out wide left but soon came more into the middle to offer an outlet, as well as prompting play forwards. Thestrup was at times a lone figure but with Harrison linking up more as the game went on we looked a threat that meant United could not relax. Carrie Jones was always in the thick of things, often outshoning her more illustrious opponents and I'd give her the top rating today. The ongoing battle between Ella Toone and Jamie-Lee Napier was absorbing. However, the bottom line is: we lost. A results business and all that. But there is a lot of mitigation, as we have matched one of Europe's top clubs and gavin them a game. More importantly, we showed more of what we are capable of and the team shows signs of improvement. Considering the absence of players like Furness, Murray, Hayles and so on, it was a gritty and determined performance today. If we can keep this momentum and build on it we will give ourselves more than a hope of survival this season. All in all, it was a heartening display from the Robins.

I think the attendances must be seen after the end of the season. We had 12,000 for Arsenal's visit and about the same has been sold for the forthcoming game against Man Utd. In between there are less away fans, and so the figures are somewhat skewed at the present. Certainly, the trend across the WSL (and some of the WC clubs) is for a growing fanbase. I still am curious as to the composition of WSL crowds: more family based, younger fans; but a growing number of men watching too, not just as fathers. Departing Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was first to go on record saying it is about time the prices for these games went up in comparison. I take that to be a sign of the increasing presence and regard that the womem's game has now. Is that a good thing? TIme will tell if it is merely convergent evolution.

Sounds like a gutsy performance, if not a high quality one. Given the state of the side without some regulars I am happy enough with that. Meanwhile, Villa are leading 2-1 at West Ham - another important game today.

Looks like a 5-4-1 again, with the loss of Furness in the middle. I hope the team has some flexibility and scope for a change if needed. Harrison needs to be more involved and play more central in my eyes if we are to have any success. Another crucial game, might just be happy to take a point here.

Yes, came to us from Chelsea after a start in Cardiff. Played here from 2014–2015, in 27 appearances before going to Liverpool. She has also notched up 120-odd appearances for Wales. When you consider how few games the top women's teams play per season, that's some achievement.

The football? No extra money for terrestrial, and no adverts on the Beeb.

Dissappointing to lose to a fellow struggler. Really was a relegation six-pointer today and sadly we didn't keep the advantage from the win last week at West Ham. I have long thought that Villa are in a somewhat false position as their squad is better than the table shows, a touch of the 'too good to go down' if you will. However, we set our stall out right from the whistle as a 5-4-1 out and barely did anything else all game. For the opening period we looked tight and determined, the defence proving able to squeeze out Villa's attacks comfortably. Whilst we had some impact of getting upfield and carving out a chance there was hope. Furness had a dipping volley that was just tipped over, but shots were limited and diminished as time went on. With Ffion Morgan starting at fullback, she kept her opponent at bay well and also managed to raid up the wing on a few occasions, giving box-to-box effort. The centre backs had a pretty firm grip and it was even to begin with. Marckese did well until clashing with the post and having to go off just before the half. Meanwhile it was great to see Abi Harrison back - even if she was at the unfamiliar position of left half and lasted an hour. She did well and tried to get on the attack at every moment. Rachel Furness was busy in the middle and kept prompting her teammates. Both were taken off in the second half and it left the middle of the park to Villa. What was apparent was the need to keep the ball and make progress, and that was what we lacked - particularly as time went on. Having locked in the 5-4-1, we tended to break up an attack and boot it upfield - only to have it returned immediately. We had no outlet, gifting the ball back too often. Almost inevitably, we cracked later in the second half; former Robin Ebony Salmon applied the second late on. It was illustrating to have 4,400 at the Gate today. Seems we have a bigger Lioness Spotters fanbase than City fans in town. It is also looking like the WSL has two distinct sections: the 'haves' at the top, the 'have nots' at the bottom - a situation not totally unheard of, but it will be focussing the minds a little more now. With other results not unfavourable, we still have a long way to go. A long season, no doubt.

Yes, it seems like a lifetime ago but it's only eight years. Eight years, but in some ways it is a different life. How the women's game has grown. I remember it well, a rare opportunity to play at the Gate for the Academy in those semi-professional days. A crowd of about 2,500 was it? Some familiar names on the teamsheet, a few who have since gone on to higher things while most didn't. Mary Earps (yes, the present England number 1) had a great game and made a superb save top left in front of the boarded section that was to become the new South Stand. Down to a deflected goal, Tash Harding was fouled (by Vicki Losada?) for a penalty and Nicki Watts fired home in the 83rd minute, giving the girls a 2-1 R16 win over two legs. It was a famous win in Europe for the club (albeit in the formative era) and a headline result for the newly-appointed Dave Edmondson. The team was: Earps Rose (c) Matthews McCatty Dykes James Ingle Harding Yorston Natalia Subs: Evans A (GK) Keka Laura Del Rio Brown Evans G Simmonds-Bird Hurst Some names to remember there. The thought that we could win against the Barcelona of today is somewhat fanciful, although we have moved on enormously in terms of club structure and investment in comparison. It just goes to show how time and football has changed - and how much more of an old man I feel too!

Surprised no-one's mentioned the fabulous, spectacular Broadmead Christmas Market! Er...

Just wondering if anyone would go direct and not use the official allocation.

Or indeed if more tickets are required. Does the club have information on the number sold versus the number of fans travelling independantly to the supporters' bus?

I don't think it is. All about 'winning against teams around you'. Although they haven't a point to their name, I rate Villa - they haven't played anyone from the lower half of the table yet. The game next weekend will be very important. In other news, did I hear the Man Utd game has already sold over 10,000 tickets? But great news that the girls secured their first win! Made my Sunday.

Football scientists tells us that the 'hi-vis' ball is easier to see in the gloom of winter, but I can't believe that standard white is not just as good. The timing of the change as the clocks turm back does seem to smack of marketing, with Crimbo just around the corner. Note the Toolstation league has yellow balls all season these days. What also irks me is the amount of 'designs' now plastered over balls. They can be so intrusive that I am sure they affect their use (I can't kick a ball of any type properly, but I suspect the pros may struggle too). When you recall some of the really awful stuff that European football has come out with in recent years I was surprised there wasn't a protest. Do you remember the one that was sparkly silver but actually looked like lead? Terrible to watch on TV.

Old timers like me will recall a couple of local additions: 'Yate, twinned with Legoland' 'Barrow Gurney, twinned with the Moon', sadly no longer evident.

Adding to signs is a fine modern tradition, PSR. Given the current weather this seems a good time to dust this one off.

The fat, ugly one with the beard and tattoos (no, the other one) looks useful. Can we have him on a loan?

Is this the one, Louie? I reckon there's a council policy to confuse everyone who isn't a born and bred local. Either that or old Poo-tin is about.

Regarding the above posts, it's been a long-standing part of the emerging women's game - namely the players stay around after the end of the match to connect with the fans. It was, and in many places remains, a key characteristic that made the distinction from the men's. Only a few years ago we would be delighted to have a four-figure attendance at any level. Now, with even the likes of little old Bristol City bringing in 12,000, there is clearly going to be an over-demand. Sadly a 'victim of its own success', perhaps inevitably. A case of the women's game following the same path as the men's. History repeating?

Not what many were expecting at the Gate tonight! Firstly, some 12,000 fans (with a large proportion Gooners or Lioness fans) at the ground will have brought a smile to the club, no doubt. Good to have them but I wonder how many will be there for the next games. Also good to see flagmeister Shahan on duty. Of course, the bottom line is: we lost. We are at the bottom of the table without a point to our name and this is not entirely unexpected. Early days, yes, but we may be looking at the possibility of not getting a point until mid season if we don't pick things up. Starting with a 5-4-1 out formation we set our stall out clearly to not give Arsenal an easy night. That also meant we would not be giving their keeper much to do. So it played out in the first half where we hardly had the ball for long and found it difficult to find a team-mate up field when we did. Too many times we simply whacked it long just to clear it, without having any real plan to retain the ball. That made it attack-v-defence for long periods. That said, we certainly didn't lie down and get rolled over (not like the first half of the Man City game); our defenders were up for the challenge and gave those international opponents a game they didn't want. Full marks for effort and desire. Rachel Furness was the leader in the middle of the park (our our half, moreover) and put in a really solid performance, giving the Arsenal midfield plenty to think about. Her closing down, defensive efforts and drive were outstanding, but began to fade a bit in the second half - understandably so. Her goal was beautifully taken and showed we weren't cannon fodder. The back line of three centre halves all got stuck in and defended bravely at times. Although unable to break upfield much at all, Ella Powell was determined and didn't give up much space. Ffi Morgan tried to open the flanks when the chance came but was up against some well-drilled defenders. Nominally the third choice keeper, Liv Clarke had a game to be proud of. Her handling and command of the box were up there with the injured Fran Bentley, making some vital stops and blocks. She didn't really have much chance with the two goals. So to sum up, another defeat but not without much credit. I suspect Lauren Smith will have been quietly delighted with the girls' efforts and application. There were many more positives than negatives. It was not in doubt that our first season back at the top table would be difficult and would test the resolve, but the time taken for the new players and systems to bed in is showing signs of working now. Hopefully there will be more to cheer in the next game at West Ham.

That's a real sickener. GWS Jess!

Not only England but the world as a whole has become the lesser for his departure. If you were to pick the all-time football XI his name would be on the list. And like others on that team sheet, if was not just a question of talent on the pitch, but the character and class off it. Along with the likes of Pele and Moore, the game has had no better examples.

Club is stating that 10,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday night's televised game against Arsenal. Good news, just hope the increased attendance will give the girls a boost.

I suppose the result may be seen as a positive, but the fact is we let in five from two dozen odd shots. That leaves us at the bottom of the table (thus far) without a point and -9 GD. Game four is home to Arsenal (who themselves are not setting the WSL alight yet) next Sunday evening. This league is going to be a real test of everythig this club has.