After the Lionesses' uplifting World Cup campaign, the spotlight turns to another mouth-watering domestic season.
Chelsea Women have pushed Russian left-back Alsu Abdullina out on loan to Paris FC (not to be confused with the more illustrious PSG), freeing up defensive options for manager Emma Hayes ahead of the opening match in a month's time.
All the women who took part in the World Cup are being given holiday time, so there may be some unfamiliar faces on the pitch at Kingsmeadow on Sunday 3 September when the Blues play a friendly against Roma at 8pm (tickets from £4 on Chelsea FC's website).
England defender Jess Carter will be taking some well-deserved time off after starting six of the seven Lionesses' fixtures Down Under, and emerging as one of the players of the tournament.
Sarina Wiegman now knows for certain what Blues fans and gaffer Hayes have realised for the past two seasons, that Jess is gaining power and confidence every game and that the 25-year-old – four years the junior of fellow England defender Millie Bright – has a long international future ahead of her.
"I hope we've inspired a nation," said Jess on her way home from Sydney. "It's something we try to do and we want to make everyone proud of us. We're super grateful for all the support; we could definitely feel that all the way over here."
The opening WSL fixture sees Chelsea Women shift to the big stage of Stamford Bridge to face Spurs on Sunday 1 October at 5.30pm, where a special reception is planned for all those who took part in the World Cup... including ex-Blue Beth England.
Tickets are currently on sale via the Chelsea website, from £15.
New through the door at Chelsea Women is Yankee striker Mia Fishel, signed on a three-year deal. The 22-year-old, who has the word 'Blessed' tattooed on her arm and has recently been playing in the Mexican top flight, is described as "an exceptional finisher" by Hayes. Expect her to make an appearance against Roma.
Meanwhile, Hayes' dependable sidekick Tanya Oxtoby has left Chelsea to become manager of Northern Ireland, after helping the Blues win two WSL titles and three FA Cups.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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