Charlton Women will kick off their first season in the top flight since 2008 with a home game against Liverpool on Sunday September 6th (2pm).
The following Sunday they travel to Everton before two Saturday games at The Valley hosting London City Lionesses and Manchester City.
Full fixture list:
https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/bwsl-fixtures-confirmed-202627-season
Meanwhile, squad building continues with three new signings this week.
Ashleigh Neville will be familiar to many.
In fact her last appearance came at The Valley, coming off the bench for Leicester in THAT play off game. Remember that? Neville was unable to prevent Leicester from dropping out of the WSL but has made sure she doesn’t suffer the same fate, becoming Charlton’s third summer signing.
Fullback Neville started her career fifteen years ago, playing for Sporting Club Albion in what was then the Women’s Premier League. After a two year spell she moved onto Coventry City (now Rugby Borough) where she spent four years making 69 appearances. Karen Hills then signed Neville to play for Tottenham in the Championship. That move turned out to be a successful one spanning nearly a decade and encapsulating 184 appearances in all competitions. Game time at Tottenham was limited last season and Neville moved on to Leicester in January where she became a regular. Leicester were likely already doomed before Neville joined but she performed well.
It is no real surprise that Hills has recruited the 33 year old as her squad is lacking WSL experience and senior players. There is also a hole at fullback with Charlotte Newsham set to be out for the vast majority of the season although it was nice to see her sign a new deal. Neville spoke about knowing exactly what Hills wants from players and the same goes the other way, this is a signing that the manager knows she can rely on.
If you’re hoping Neville is going to bomb forward and get lots of goals and assists you’ll be disappointed. At 33 she is understandable less mobile but her reading of the game is good. Against Charlton in the play off final she played some nice passes but also made plenty of tackles and interceptions. In fact, Neville won the most duels and tackles per 90 in the WSL as well as ranking high for clearances, blocked shots and interceptions. Being able to play on either the left or right is a big bonus too. She could either play alongside the experienced N’Dow to lock down one side of the pitch or beside the less experienced Lobato or Skeels to talk them through the game.
Finally, a midfield addition for Karen Hills. Leah Davidson has joined Grace Johnstone in flying across the world from Australia to sign for the Addicks.
The Aussie started her career at Brisbane Roar, making 11 senior appearances before moving to Melbourne City. Melbourne City are part of the City Football group and share owners with Manchester City. Davidson helped Melbourne City win the A-League title last season.
Davidson described her game to the club website as “passionate, aggressive, and physical” which sounds promising. With Keira Flannery having left after the expiry of her loan, Charlton were lacking a player with bite in the middle of the park. New signing Davidson’s stats are less aggressive than Flannery’s, making fewer tackles and interceptions. However, the Aussie was playing for a side who finished top of the A League and average 53% possession across the season. Maybe Davidson is more of a replacement for Katie Bradley, something that is equally needed.
One thing is for sure, Davidson isn’t a young player learning her craft. With over 100 appearances under her belt and 4 caps for the Australia national side at the age of 25 she should be coming into her prime years. It could well be a big ask to ask Davidson to adapt to English football quickly but that’s just what she needs to do.
Striker Lorena Azzaro has arrived on a season-long loan from Première Ligue club Paris FC.
The 26 year old has spent the last six years in the Première Ligue and has amassed an impressive goal scoring record. Four years with Lille produced 29 goals from 68 games before she left to join newly promoted Strasbourg where she managed 6 in 22. Last season with Paris she netted twice on her debut and finished the season with 8 from 19.
She has represented France at youth level, being part of the under-19 team which won the 2019 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship.
The season ahead will be challenging for Charlton but that suits Lorena well:
"I’m a competitive person, and I love a challenge. Charlton represents exactly that for me. It’s a club with a rich history and an ambitious project."