This article is brought to you in association with the Birmingham City Women’s Official Supporters Club. Learn more about us at www.bcfcosc.com
A Triumphant Return to the WSL
The Blues have finally achieved what they set out to do, returning to the Women’s Super League (WSL) after four years in WSL2. This promotion marks a significant moment for the club, as they are now back where they belong, and this time, they are determined to make a strong impression, with robust support behind them. Last season ended in heartbreak, missing out on the title by a single goal, but the end of the 25/26 season brought tears of joy as Christie Harrison-Murray and Chelsea Cornet lifted the WSL2 Championship trophy at the Valley. True to form, Blues Women never opt for the easy route.
Squad Overhaul and Transfers
The new season brought substantial changes, with Amy making the bold decision to trim the squad, releasing sixteen players. Notable departures included Gemma Lawley, who joined Bristol City, and Jamie Finn, who moved to Sunderland—both fellow WSL2 sides. Supporters’ and Player of the Season from 2022-2023, Jade Pennock, along with record signing Ivanna Fuso, also exited the club. However, the Blues strengthened wisely in the transfer market. United States goalkeeper Adriana Franch signed a one-year contract following her loan spell. Fan favourite Veatriki Sarri returned from Everton, and Shannon Cooke rejoined after impressing previously.
Excitement surrounds Lily Crosthwaite, a talented player who scored the winner against the Blues for Durham last season. The club also dipped into the French league, signing forward Batcheba Louis from FC Fleury 91 and promising French Under-23 international Oceane Hurtre from Paris Saint-Germain on a three-year deal. Deadline day saw the arrivals of Lucy Newell on loan from Manchester United and experienced Ji Soyun from Seattle.
Chelsea Cornett, bringing vast experience from Rangers, joined as well and was expected to be a key role model for the younger players. Among the academy graduates, Ebonie Locke signed her first professional contract, and Riya Mannu is tipped to make a significant impact. Fan favourite Lily Agg also committed to another year with the club.
Season Fixtures and League Cup Draw
The opening game of the WSL2 campaign was set against Bristol City, with the season concluding versus Charlton Athletic. In the draw for the Subway League Cup, Blues were grouped with two WSL teams—Tottenham Hotspur and local rivals Aston Villa, with the first match at home against Bristol City.
September: A Strong Start
Blues began the season on 7th September with a home fixture against Charlotte Healy’s Bristol City. Mirroring the previous season’s opening day, Blues delivered a resounding 5-1 victory. Simone Magill scored twice, Lily Crosthwaite netted on her home debut, captain Christie Harrison-Murray scored a goal-of-the-season contender, and substitute Batcheba Louis found the net on her debut, making it a dream start for manager Amy and the team.
The first away match took the Blues to Sunderland, where they had to come from behind after Emily Scarr put the hosts ahead in the 59th minute. Blues responded promptly, with Veatriki Sarri curling in a stunning equaliser just three minutes later. After two matches, Blues had collected four points.
Returning home on 21st September, Blues faced Becky Langley’s Newcastle United, last season’s standout team at StAndrews@KnightHeadPark. This time, Blues secured a statement victory with first-half goals from Veatriki Sarri, Lily Crosthwaite, and Batcheba Louis, and a first goal in blue for Oceane Hurtre in the second half. Despite Newcastle pulling two goals back through Jasmine McQuade and Beth Lumsden, Blues held on for the win, signalling their intent for the season.
The next match was a Subway League Cup tie against Bristol City. After a 2-2 draw, Blues triumphed in the penalty shootout thanks to a vital save from Adriana Franch. The night was particularly memorable for academy graduates Ebonie Locke and Riya Mannu, both making their first senior starts, with Mannu scoring her first professional goal. The final game of September was an away trip to Sheffield United. Blues took the lead in the 55th minute through substitute Lucy Quinn. Although Joy Ralph equalised for Sheffield United, Blues displayed resilience, Lily Crosthwaite capitalised on a late mistake to score in the 90th minute, securing a 2-1 victory and keeping the team top of the table. Blues closed September with ten points, leading the league.
October: Ups and Downs
October began with Blues’ first defeat of the season, a 1-2 loss to Simon Parker’s Southampton, with goals from Atlanta Primus and former Blue Chloe Peplow. Ji Soyun pulled one back, but Southampton claimed the points. Despite the defeat, there were positives: Rebecca Holloway reached 100 appearances, and Riya Mannu made her first league start. Blues bounced back on 12th October, beating Ipswich Town 4-0 at the JobServe Community Stadium. Chelsea Cornett opened her Blues account with a header, while Oceane Hurtre, Batcheba Louis, and Martha Harris also found the net, securing a comfortable win.
The month concluded with a difficult Subway League Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur at Brisbane Road, where Blues lost 0-3. Two goals from Olivia Holdt and a fine finish from Amanda Nilden left Spurs top of Group E and Blues needing a win against Aston Villa to have a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.
November: Derby Drama and Cup Success
After the international break, Blues returned to StAndrews@KnightheadPark on 2nd November, facing Karen Hills’ Charlton Athletic. A seventh-minute goal from Katie Bradley secured all three points for the visitors. True to their resilient nature, Blues responded with a 3-0 away win at Nottingham Forest on 10th October. Veatriki Sarri scored in the first half and converted a penalty in the 81st minute. Batcheba Louis added a third after being set up by Lee Geum-Min, capping a confident display.
Blues’ first home win of November came with a 5-2 victory over Portsmouth. Goals from Christie Harrison-Murray, Lucy Quinn, Lily Crosthwaite, Chelsea Cornet, and Tegan McGowen ensured a comfortable result, though Portsmouth twice equalised in the first half. The win kept the pressure on league leaders Charlton Athletic as Blues prepared for the second city derby against Aston Villa.
The much-anticipated Friday night Subway League Cup derby with Aston Villa had everything. Blues went ahead through Veatriki Sarri, then doubled their lead via a well-worked move finished off by Sarri again. Villa responded with goals from Anna Patten, Lucia Kendell, and Rachel Maltby, turning the game on its head. However, Blues’ never-say-die attitude saw Batcheba Louis equalise in the 91st minute. In the penalty shootout, Franch’s save from Lucia Kendell secured a 4-2 win on penalties, ensuring local bragging rights.
December: A Mixed End to the year
December began in similar fashion to November, with a 3-0 league defeat to Crystal Palace, as goals from Molly Mae-Shape, Annabel Blanchard, and Shanade Hopcroft handed Blues their third league loss of the season under Amy Merricks. Blues bounced back in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, comfortably dispatching Sporting Khalsa 6-0, with goals from Crosthwaite, Sarri, McKenna, Herron, Cornet, and Baker, booking a place in the fourth-round draw.
The final match of 2025 saw Blues dominate Durham at home, winning 3-0. Veatriki Sarri scored a superb free-kick with the last kick of the first half, Chelsea Cornet added a header, and former Durham player Lily Crosthwaite completed the scoring, ensuring Blues ended the year in style.
Season review part 2 coming soon
All pictures credit Laura Burton
Thank you for the extensive and delightful reading. It’s interesting to see what happened up until the turn of the year before Wilma arrived.
It will be just as exciting to read about the season after New Year and up until the promotion in May.