Sheffield Wednesday Ladies

Squad Info 2002-2003
thanks to Julian Barker's article in the The Green'Un

Wednesday have lost a third of their senior players over the summer.
Since the beginning of last season the team have lost:

Jo Potter: to Birmingham
Carla Manship
Michelle Waltton
Steph Spence
Michelle Fletcher: all to new Northern Division rivals, Lincoln City
Rachel Stagg
Rachel Ruddach
Laura Howe
Kayleigh Mitchell: all to Sheffield United Community Girls (formerly Sheffield Inter)

plus Sarah Smith is out injured, Claire Bratton is suspended until October and some team members have not resigned after the summer.

On the plus side, Wednesday have managed to sign some new players.

Lizzie Gomersal and Mel Garside come in from Doncaster Belles, and Julie Key comes in as back up to u19 International Rachelle Houldsworth in goal.

Squad Members 2002-2003

R Houdlsworth
N Wilkinson
C Nadine
T Marsden
M Pressley
S Lait
K Biney
E Gomersall
E Glenc
J Torr
M Garside
L Severns
L Cooper
V Moore
A Varley
N Daniels

 

Squad Info 2001-2002


Carla Manship - Goalkeeper who has progressed through junior teams capped for England at both Under-16 and Under-18 levels. She has reaped the benefits of being coached by Martin Hodge. The 17-year-old attends Aston School and has recently accepted an F.A. Scholarship at Loughborough University.

Steph Spence - Strong central defender, who played for the England Universities team for two seasons. The 22-year-old is qualified coach and has spent time coaching in USA. Degree in Physical Education and now teaches the subject at Bolsover School in Derbyshire. She finished last season as joint top scorer.

Marie Widerman - The strong running midfielder had several years at Chesterfield before joining Wednesday. The 22-year-old is an F.A. coach and enjoys working with young players. Recently spent some time at Doncaster Belles, but has now returned to the Owls’ fold, and shared top spot in the scoring charts last term.

Rachel Mander - The 22-year-old can fill in anywhere at the back and is renowned for her fitness. The Australian played for Doncaster Belles, prior to joining SWFC. Rachel sustained a cruciate ligament injury which ruled her out for a long period last term and will be eager to pick up where she left off.

Rachel Stagg - Another player to come up through the junior teams. The 21-year-old can play up front or as a sweeper. Doing Sports Studies at Sheffield Hallam University. Had the misfortune to break her leg at Leeds, but is now back in action.

Rachel Ruddock - Solid midfield player, who has not always had the best luck with injuries and illness. The 19-year-old re-established herself in the side towards the end of the season with some telling performances. Rachel is also a student at Sheffield Hallam University.

Lisa Bailey - A very talented midfield player who has been at SWFC all her career, apart from a season in German football with Kornharpen and a short spell with Doncaster Belles. The 25-year-old has now fully recovered from a knee injury suffered last year.

Michelle Walton - Versatile 24-year-old, who can slot into the middle of defence or midfield with ease. She is a product of the Owls junior teams. Very skilful player who is the Club’s penalty expert. She works for the Yorkshire Electricity Board - her kit sponsors.

Laura Howe - Reliable defender who has been at the Club since junior football. The 21-year-old is strong on the ball and a keen trainer. She works as a waiter and is a big Owls’ supporter.

Michelle Fletcher - Fast running full back who is always willing to get forward and join the attack. The 24-year-old has been with SWFC since her junior days with the exception of a season playing in Germany with Kornharpen. Michelle is studying Physical Education at Sheffield Hallam University.

Adele Murphy - Previously played for Kilnhurst Ladies in the Yorkshire and Humberside League. The 18-year-old took time to adjust to the Premier League, but made her presence felt towards the end of last season – scoring a hat-trick in the County Cup final. Adele is studying Sports Studies at Barnsley College.

Hayley Mills - Played for Millhouses and Inter Owls before joining SWFC four years ago. Hayley is known as a striker, although she can also slot in at left-back. The 22-year-old works for Sheffield International Venues at Don Valley Stadium.

Kate Burlaga - Kate joined the Club as a striker, playing up front for two seasons, prior to a conversion to central defence. The 19-year-old settled at the back and has produced outstanding performances in that role. She is currently studying German and History at Nottingham University.

Mel Pressley - Wholehearted midfield player whose effort and enthusiasm is vital to the team. The 24-year-old occasionally runs into trouble in referees because of her no-nonsense approach. Mel also coached the SWFC Under-14 girls team last year.

Kristin Cocker - Kristin was born in Dallas and played University football and for Dallas Charge. The 26-year-old striker joined SWFC last season and has now adjusted to regular action, after a spell away from the game. She works for the Sheffield Star.

Leanne Severns - A winger who was recruited from Steel City last season. The 16-year-old is an extremely promising player who has represented England at Under-16 Level. Leanne is currently participating in an F.A. Scholarship at Loughborough University.

Kayleigh Mitchell - A product of our junior teams who has emerged as a strong and attack-minded midfielder. She is full of running and has a big future in the game. 15-year-old Kayleigh is still at school.

Clare Bratton - Clare has emerged through the SWFC junior ranks, becoming a regular at the end of last season. She is battling to earn a place as the regular full back. The 16-year-old is still at school.

thanks to SWFC.Co.UK

 
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