Rich Laverty

Hayes is too busy seeking silverware at Chelsea to bother with stumbling men’s sides

February 4, 2021

Rich Laverty's Women's Football Column at The Offside Rule

Since Chelsea’s Emma Hayes was linked to the AFC Wimbledon vacancy, the age-old comparison between men’s and women’s football has been regurgitated. But why would Hayes [...]

Villa shake things up with new boss Bignot and a demoted Davies – and they might’ve struck gold

January 28, 2021

The Villain’s move is a smart solution, combining age and experience with youth and potential, writes Rich Laverty. At first glance, Aston Villa’s decision to demote head [...]

What next for England Women as Hege Riise takes interim charge

January 21, 2021

In his latest column, Rich Laverty examines what the future holds for the Lionesses after Phil Neville’s reign as England Women manager. The Lionesses are all set for a new [...]

Women’s FA Cup suspended during lockdown for second consecutive season

January 14, 2021

From coin tosses to extensions into next season, Rich Laverty explores the potential next steps for this year’s competition. With news of COVID cases increasing and the UK [...]

Rich Laverty column: WSL players must learn lessons from Dubai debacle

January 8, 2021

With the postponements of Manchester City v West Ham and Aston Villa v Arsenal announced on Thursday after players’ trips abroad, teams need to take more responsibility in [...]

What next for Swedish champions Göteborg after back and forth with bankruptcy?

January 3, 2021

Despite Sweden’s rich women’s footballing heritage, another club is grappling with the prospect of folding. Here Rich Laverty takes a deep dive into the [...]

Push and pull between NWSL and FA WSL clubs as American loan deals come to an end

December 17, 2020

As the clock ticks on NWSL—WSL loans, British clubs have found themselves negotiating between players’ best interests, pre-season training needs from teams across the [...]

Referees come under scrutiny, new training ground for Spurs and United’s strength in depth

December 9, 2020

Rich Laverty takes a look at some of the biggest talking points in the Women’s Super League. Stoney got Groenen call just right It was a decision that could easily have had [...]

Injuries, Covid and no major tournaments: How the 2020 Top 100 list was chosen

December 3, 2020

Tracking female footballers from across the globe is hard enough in a normal year, never mind one where a global pandemic obliterated the calendar. Rich Laverty breaks down [...]

Toone gives food for thought, but Neville is set on experienced players to see out his Lionesses tenure

December 2, 2020

The England head coach’s emphasis on fitness and endurance throws down the gauntlet for young players to train up and work hard, writes Rich Laverty. Phil Neville set his [...]