I'm sure more than a few of you like to keep an eye on Arsenal Ladies, who have dominated women's football for a good few years now. If I'm right they've won 20 out of the last 28 games alone in the newly formed WSL? Doncaster Rovers Belles have been playing top flight women's football for over 30 years, winning the Premier League twice since the FA took control of womens football in the early 90's and 2 FA Cups. Although nowhere near as strong as they used to be, they are still competing with you big boys, and are still regarded as one of the best womens football teams in the country. After being ever-present in the top-flight of English Football, Doncaster Rovers Belles FC have been effectively relegated after playing just one match of the Women's Super League season. The reason for this decision is that like all WSL teams, DRBFC were asked to re-apply for membership of the WSL just 19 months after being successfully admitted. Of the 8 teams currently in the Super League, only one has been excluded from the top flight after the re-application process - Doncaster Rovers Belles. Their place will be taken by Manchester City Ladies. The assessment criteria for admission are: - Financial and Business Management - Commercial Sustainability and Marketing - Facilities - Players, Support Staff and Youth Development As the Belles share facilities with Doncaster Rovers (both training and match day) this is not a problem. The team contains England Internationals and is coached by ex-Doncaster Rovers winger John Buckley. Kids and youth teams are supported so this isn't a problem. That leaves the financial and business aspects. I'm sure you guys as sports fans believe sport should be decided on the pitch, rather than by committees assessing non-sporting criteria. This is an occasion where the decision could simply be made by forming a second division and operating promotion/relegation between the two divisions. The FA, however, have decided that a committee can make the decision in a better way. They are not prepared to comment on the decision or discuss it in any way. If, like me you, think this is not correct, please sign this petition: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/doncasterbelles There's also an excellent article on the whole sorry situation by Glen Wilson: http://popularstand.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/the-belles-toll-update-and-points-of-action/ Thanks for reading, and good luck for next season!
A stark example of the disparity in riches in football between the 'top' clubs and everybody else . . .
