2010/2011 TEAM NEWS
02 May 2011

11/06/11 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
West Ham United Ladies celebrated the end of another successful season with a trophy laden presentation night in the Paolo Di Canio Suite at Upton Park last night attended by over 300 players and guests.
First team award winners:
Managers Player of the Year: Stacey Little
Managers Player of the Year Runner Up: Tracey Duxbury
Players Player of the Year: Tracey Duxbury
Players Player of the Year Runner Up: Nat Grafton
A gallery of photos of the evening can be found at:
www.flickr.com/photos/krisslee


08/05/11 THIRD PLACE FINISH FOR HAMMERS
West Ham United Ladies will be playing in the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division again next season after their outside hopes of promotion evaporated today. The Hammers needed Keynsham Town to beat Cardiff City in the divisions final fixture of the season, but the Welsh side won 2-0 to leapfrog the Hammers into second place and take the remaining promotion slot behind champions Charlton Athletic.
The Hammers will be joined in the division next season by Millwall Lionessess who were relegated from the National Division and Plymouth Argyle and Tottenham Hotspur who have been promoted from the Combination Leagues.
The final matter to be settled will take place next Sunday when Havant & Waterlooville who came second in the South West Combination and beat Norwich City who came second in the South East Combination meet Gillingham in the relegation/promotion play off.


27/04/11 ONE PLACE LEFT
After their victory over Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday evening Charlton Athletic have been crowned champions of the FA Womens Premier League South, leaving West Ham United Ladies battling it out with three others for second place and promotion to the National Division.
Kenysham Town are the current second placed side but must wait until May 8th to play their last game when they meet third placed Cardiff City who could by then have overtaken them should they beat or draw with Colchester on Sunday.
Cardiff City will have to at least equal West Ham United's points tally in their final two games with Keynsham and Colchester to stop them being overhauled by the Hammers.
The Hammers themselves know that they almost certainly require maximum points from their remaining two games at Gillingham and Brighton and hope that Cardiff drop points if they are to gain a first ever promotion to the National Division.
Finally Portsmouth could gatecrash the party, but require several results going their way including Keynsham and Cardiff drawing when they meet each other.
It is almost as tight at the bottom where Yeovil Town are already confirmed to finish in the bottom two and must win their last game to avoid finishing in the automatic relagtion spot., but three other teams are fighting to avoid the relegation play off spot which will go to Gillingham if they were to lose to the Hammers on Wednesday but a point could see them overhaul either QPR or Brighton were they to lose their final games. The second bottom side plays the winner of a play off between the two second placed teams in the South East and South West Combination for the right to play in the Premier League next season.


24/04/11 THE LEAGUE RUN IN
A dramatic finish is in store in the FA Womens Premier League Southern Division with five clubs battling it out in the final week for the two promotion slots.
Charlton Athletic sit in the hot seat and a win against Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday in their final game would see them promoted and all baring improbably large victories by Cardiff, champions. Defeat however could see them miss out altogether.
Only a win is likely to be sufficient for current second placed side Keynsham Town when they meet Cardiff City in their final game and even then they would have to hope West Ham United dont take maximum poitns from their final two games if they were to earn one of the promotion berths.
Cardiff City will have to at least equal West Ham United's points tally in their final two games with Keynsham and Colchester to stop them being overhauled by the Hammers.
The Hammers themselves know that they akost certainly require maximum points from their remaining two games at Gillingham and Brighton and hope that Charlton or Cardiff drop points if they are to gain a first ever promotion to the National Division.
Finally Portsmouth could gatecrash the party, but require several results going their way including Keynsham and Cardiff drawing when they meet each other.
It is almost as tight at the bottom where Yeovil Town are already relegated, but three teams are fighting to avoid the relegation play off spot which will go to Gillingham if they were to lose to the Hammers on Wednesday but a point could see them overhaul either QPR or Brighton were they to lose their final games. The second bottom side plays the winner of a play off between the two second placed teams in the South East and South West Combination for the right to play in the Premier League next season.


04/04/11 COUNTY CUP FINAL DETAILS
West Ham United Ladies will take a break from the FA Womens Premier League South title race on Thursday night when they play in the Essex FA County Cup Final at AFC Hornchurch's Bridge Avenue ground.
The Hammers will be hoping to regain the trophy they last won two seasons ago when they beat Colchester United. In this year's final they will meet Hutton FC who play in the Eastern Regional League Division One, three divisions below the Hammers in the womens league pyramid structure.
Hutton contain two former Hammers in their squad with defender Emma Cansell and midfielder Laura Allen both likely to feature at the Bridge Avenue Stadium.

14/03/11 E-ON FA WOMENS CUP QUARTER FINAL DRAW
West Ham United Ladies first ever appearance in the E-On sponsored FA Womens Cup quarter finals will see them travel to FA Womens Premier League National Division side Barnet after the draw was made at Wembley Stadium this morning.
The Hammers are the lowest ranked team left in the competition and have avoided the four Womens Super League clubs still left in the competition and will travel to meet the Bees on Sunday 27th March.
The two sides met in last season FA Womens Cup with Barnet winning a dramatic fifth round tie 3-2 in extra time with the last few minutes seeing a goal for either side and a last second missed penalty by the Hammers that would have taken the tie to a shoot out.

28/02/11 E-ON FA WOMENS CUP DRAW
West Ham United Ladies face the prospect of trip to South East Combination side Enfield Town in the fifth round of the E-on sponsored FA Womens Cup, if they can overcome Colchester United in their delayed fourth round tie this Sunday.
The tie sees the winners of the rearranged game on Sunday 6th March travel to one of only two sides left in the competition playing below the FA Womens Premier in a draw also that pits the two giants of womens football Arsenal and Everton together.
The fifth round ties are scheduled for Sunday 13th March

26/02/11 RAIN PUTS CUP GAME BACK SEVEN DAYS
West Ham United Ladies FA Womens Cup Fourth Round tie against Colchester United has been put back seven days after the pitch at Thurrock was deemed unplayable following Saturday morning's heavy rain.
Both sides will now enter the fifth round draw on Monday with the game due to be settled on Sunday 6th March. The Hammers league game away at Yeovil scheduled for that day will now be rearranged later in the season.

21/02/11 COUNTY CUP FINAL
West Ham United United Ladies will meet South East Regional League Division One side Hutton in the Essex FA Womens County Cup Final supported by BCC Essex on Thursday 7th April at AFC Hornchurch.
The Hammers knocked out holders Colchester United in the semi final and will be looking to reclaim the trophy they won in 2008/2009 against Hutton who came through as massive underdogs in their semi final beating South East Combination League side Braintree Town with a first half penalty.
Hutton contain two former Hammers in their squad with defender Emma Cansell and midfielder Laura Allen both likely to feature at the Bridge Avenue Stadium.

07/02/11 HOME TIE FOR HAMMERS IN FA CUP FOURTH ROUND
West Ham United Ladies will meet Colchester United for the fifth time this season after the draw for the fourth round of the E-on sponsored FA Womens Cup was made this morning.
The Hammers will meet their Essex rivals at Thurrock on Sunday 27th February just seven days after the sides meet in the semi final of the Essex FA County Cup. The Hammers have already won both league encounters and a league cup game earlier this season.

19/01/11 AWAYDAY IN COUNTY CUP SEMI
West Ham United Ladies will face an away game with either Billericay Town or Colchester United in the semi final of the Essex FA County Cup after the draw was released this evening on BBC Essex Radio.
The Hammers opposition will be confirmed when the two sides play their delayed quarter final tie with league status suggesting fellow FA Premier League side Colchester United should be favourites to battle through over Billericay Town who play three leagues lower in the Eastern Regional League Division One South.

13/01/11 SUNDAY VENUE SWITCH FOR CUP TIE
With Brentwood Town's ground unfit for play and Thurrock not available West Ham United Ladies Essex County Cup fixture for this weekend will be switched to Flanders Fields.
With the poor weather and the Hammers three pronged cup campaign fixtures are starting to pile up with both teams well behind in their league schedules and so with the agreement of both sides the switch was put on standby and will now be made in the hope of giving the game the best chance of going ahead.
Brentwood will be no strangers to the ground having visited pre season for a friendly fixture with the Hammers reserve side.

10/01/11 BRIGHTON UP NEXT IN FA CUP
West Ham United Ladies will meet fellow FA Womens Premier League Southern Division side Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the FA Womens Cup sponsored by E.On after the draw as made this morning.

02/01/11 FA CUP OPPONENTS CONFIRMED
West Ham United Ladies will meet Norwich City in the FA Womens Cup second round at Thurrock next Sunday.
The Hammers had been awaiting confirmation of their opposition since the draw was made with the first round tie between Norwich City and Cambridge University postponed several times. However the recent thaw allowed the game to take place this weekend with South East Combination side Norwich overcoming the students from the Eastern Regional League by six goals to one.
Second round ties to be played Sunday 9th January 2011:

23/12/10 NEW LEAGUE CUP DATE SET
West Ham United Ladies fifth attempt to play their FA Womens Premier League Cup quarter final with Leicester City has been put on hold until Sunday 23rd January.
The Hammers had been expecting to be asked to play over the Christmas break but the league have decided the tie can be played on the date originally set aside for the semi finals.
The league fixture away at Cardiff City originally scheduled for that date will now be played later in the season.

18/12/10 SNOW GO FOR CUP DATE
The fourth attempt to play West Ham United Ladies FA Womens Premier League Cup quarter final at Leicester City has been thwarted by the weather.
For four weeks the two sides have been trying to get the tie played but yet more snow on an already frozen pitch made Saturday's pitch inspection a fomaility and the game was duly postponed.
It now looks likely the sides will try again on Sunday 2nd January although this date is subject to confirmation from the league.

13/12/10 HOME TIE IN FA CUP DRAW
The draw for the second round of the FA Womens Cup was made today and has given the Hammers a home tie against either Norwich City or Cambridge University whose first round match was postponed on Sunday and is due to be played on Sunday December 19th.
Norwich City will be favourites to come through to face the Hammers based on league form, sitting in fourth place in the South Easst combination whilst the University side are currently bottom of the Eastern Region Premier League some 34 places below the Hammers in the womens league pyramid.

12/12/10 CAMBRIDGE TO VISIT FOR TUESDAY FRIENDLY
Following yet another Sunday postponement West Ham United Ladies have arranged a friendly to ensure the side stay match sharp and will therefore meet Cambridge Women at Thurrock on Tuesday 14th December.
Cambridge are managed by former Hammer Kate de Costa (nee Turney) and play in the South East Combination League. They will be no strangers to Thurrock having already travelled down for a pre season fixture with the Hammers reserves back July.

12/12/10 THIRD ATTEMPT TO PLAY QUARTER FINAL FAILS
Despite the pitch being passed fit twenty four hours earlier West Ham United Ladies were again folied by the weather in their third attempt to play the FA Womens Premier League Cup quarter final with Leicester City.
With the Hammers just about to meet up to leave for the journey up the M1 a call came through to inform them the pitch had suffered from heavy overnight frost and would not be playable and so the teams must now try again next weekend.

05/12/10 QUARTER FINAL PUT BACK AGAIN
Once again the weather has thwarted West Ham United Ladies attempts to play their FA Womens Premier League quarter final at Leicester City.
A Saturday morning pitch inspection founda snow covered pitch and even with warmer temperatures promised during the day the melting snow would have left the pitch waterlogged and so the game was duly postponed for another seven days.
With the game now due for Sunday 12th December an alternative date will be required for the visit to Charlton Athletic for the league game originally scheduled for that day.

28/11/10 FROZEN FOXES PUT LEAGUE CUP DATE BACK A WEEK
West Ham United Ladies FA Womens Premier League Cup quarter final fixture with Leicester City has been put back until Sunday 5th December after a pitch inspection on Saturday morning declared the Oadby Town pitch unplayable for tomorrows planned match.
The match takes priority over league games and so should there be no let up in the weather over the next seven days then it would be pushed back a further seven days.
The freezing weather meant none of the other three quarter final ties were played in the competition and also saw the three games scheduled in the FA Womens Premier League South postponed keeping the Hammers six point lead in tact for another week.

25/11/10 AWAYDAY IN COUNTY CUP
The draw for the quarter finals of the Essex FA County Cup has seen West Ham United Ladies paired with Brentwood Town who currently sit in second place in the Eastern Regional Premier Division. Brentwood have already overcome Redbridge (5-0) and C & K Basildon (3-1) in the competition so far with the Hammers exempt from the early rounds.
The match will be played on Sunday 16th January at the Society of Old Brentwoods ground in Pilgrims Hatch.

22/11/10 POMPEY DATE PUT BACK
County Cup competitions are once again causing havoc to the FA Women's Premier League programme with the knock on effect of postponed games in the County competitions forcing postponments of league fixtures.
With Portsmouth's Hampshire Cup match at minnows Winchester City postponed on Sunday, it must now be played next weekend as County Cup fixtures take precedence over all bar FA Womens Cup games and in turn the FA Womens Premier League Cup game between Portsmouth and Sunderland they had scheduled for next Sunday has been put back seven days to Sunday 5th December forcing the postponemnt of the Portsmouth's game with West Ham United Ladies set for that date.

14/11/10 GILLS WASH OUT
A second pitch inspection ruled out West Ham United Ladies attempt to stretch their lead at the top of the FA Womens Premier League South with Gillingham's Lordswood pitch deemed unplayable.
An early inspection had seen the pitch cleared for play but a subsequent downpour saw conditions underfoot deteriorate. Nearest rivals Portsmouth were unable to take advantage of the Hammers inactivity when they went down 3-1 at Yeovil Town allowing Keynsham Town to jump into second place.

01/11/10 LEAGUE CUP DRAW
West Ham United Ladies have been drawn away to meet Leicester City in the quarter finals of the FA Womens Premier League Cup.
Leicester currently sit in 6th place in the Northern Division of the FA Womens Premier League and reached the quarter final by beating National League side Blackburn Rovers 4-0.
The game will be played on Sunday 28th November witht he league game against Queens Park Rangers originally set for that date to be rearranged later in the season.

12/10/10 READING OR FOREST TO VISIT IN LEAGUE CUP
The draw has been made for the second round of the FA Womens Premier League Cup with West Ham United's opposition still not confirmed.
WIth one outstanding group game to be played the Hammers could either qualify as group runners up which will give them a home game with Reading in the knockout stage or should QPR beat Barnet by four clear goals in their delayed first round group match then the Hammers will qualify as one of two third placed teams with the best record and meet Nottingham Forest at home.

11/10/10 HAMMERS ADVANCE IN LEAGUE CUP
Whilst West Ham United Ladies were hitting the top spot in the FA Womens Premier League South on Sunday, results elsewhere also meant they made progress in the FA Womens Premier League Cup.
The Hammers sit in second place in their qualfiying group having completed their programme but yesterday's rearranged games mean that even if Quuens Park Rangers were to get the four goal win they require to overhaul the Hammers when they play group leaders Barnet the Hammers record will still be sufficient to claim one of the two places avaiable in the last sixteen for the best third placed teams among the seven groups.

07/10/10 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
West Ham United Ladies first team's latest news can now be followed via Twitter
http://twitter.com/Westhamladies

30/09/10 CALCULATORS READY
West Ham United Ladies continued participation in this seasons FA Womens Premier League Cup may need the services of a mathematician on Sunday once their final group games have been played with a range of outcomes still possible to determine their group's qualifiers.
Leaders Barnet are already safely into the knockout stage but any of the remaining three teams could still qualify with them as the best two placed teams in each group plus the best two third placed teams from the seven groups (decided by firstly on points, then goal difference and then goals scored) will go into the 16 team knock out stage starting on Sunday 31st October 2010.
Only a win can see the Hammers progress as a draw would leave them with just two points in the group and already there are other groups where three sides already have at least three points on board to claim the two third place qualification spots available.
The possible scenarios are:
West Ham win and QPR lose to Barnet: West Ham qualify
West Ham win and QPR draw with Barnet: West Ham qualify
West Ham win by a better scoreline than QPR beat Barnet: West Ham quailfy
West Ham win but QPR beat Barnet by a better scoreline: Qualification will depeond on several results in other groups.

24/09/10 NATS CHAT
With West Ham United Ladies making an impressive start to the new FA Womens Premier League Southern Division media attention has started to fall their way.
Captain Natalie Grafton was put on the spot this week in an interview with Womens Soccer Scene and explained she is confident that the team can be serious Championship contenders.
Her full interview can be found via the link below
http://www.womenssoccerscene.co.uk/

22/07/10 COLCHESTER GAMES SWITCHED
West Ham United Ladies will now start their FA Womens Premier League South campaign with a home fixture after the home and away games with Colchester United were switched.
Stanway Rovers ground, where Colchester United play, will not be ready for the opening game of the season on Sunday 22nd August, so the sides will now meet at the Hammers home ground at Thurrock FC (pictured) on that day with the reverse fixture at Stanway now on Sunday 21st November.
The Hammers will also travel to play Colchester in the a league cup group fixture on Sunday 3rd October.

07/07/10 FA WOMENS PREMIER LEAGUE CUP DRAW
West Ham United Ladies first team have been drawn in a four team group along with Colchester United, Barnet and Queens Park Rangers in a new look FA Tesco Womens Premier League Cup competition.
The 28 teams in the National, Southern and Northern Divisions have been placed in seven geographically based groups of four teams with at least one National Division team placed in each group.
The best two placed teams in each group, after the group stage where each team plays each other once, plus the best two third placed teams (decided by firstly on points, then goal difference and then goals scored) will go into the 16 team knock out stage starting on Sunday 31st October 2010.
The dates of the Hammers group games are
Sunday 29th August v Colchester Unted (Away)
Sunday 12th September v Barnet (Home)
Sunday 3rd October v QPR (Away)

07/07/10 COLCHESTER FIRST UP AS LEAGUE FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
West Ham United Ladies will begin their FA Womens Premier League Southern division campaign with a trip up the A12 to Colchester United on Sunday 22nd August after the new season fixture list was released today.
The Hammers will then host QPR before travelling to the South Coast to take on Portsmouth although these games will all be separated by league cup matches, which this season sees the opening round played as a mini league.

29/06/10 PRE SEASON TRAINING
West Ham United Ladies return to training in early July as both the senior and junior sides prepare for the new season ahead.
Senior training commences at Chadwell Heath on Tuesday 6th July and existing and invited new players should assemble at 7.15 in the car park for a 7.30 start.

18/06/10 FA WOMENS PREMIER LEAGUE CONSTITUTION 2010/2011
The FA Womens Premier League AGM was held on June 13th where plans were finalised for the 2010/2011 season.
With the Womens Super League causing changes to the league membership, some rule changes were required and for the 2010/2011 season Premier League sides will only be permitted to field one player per game who is signed to a Super League team.
However Super League reserve teams are being allowed to compete alongside their Premier League conterparts in the reserve divisions.
Promotion and relgation issues have also seen a change with the bottom two National Division teams at the end of the 2010/11 campaign to be relegated while the top two from each of the Northern and Southern Divisions will all go up.
Only the last-placed team in each of these two divisions will be automatically demoted, with sides finishing bottom-but-one facing a play-off for their Premier League survival.
In addition to the standard four winners of the Combination Leagues coming up, the runners-up will have the chance to take part in the play-offs.
Second-placed sides in the South East and South West will meet in a one-off game, likewise those from the Midland and Northern Combinations. The winners in these games will then take on the second-bottom sides from the Northern and Southern Divisions with the winners taking the last berth in the Premier league for the following season thus giving three divisions of ten teams.
The FA Womens Premier League Cup, will be played in regionalised groups with teams meeting once. The top two from each group will go througha long with the two best third-placed teams to a knockout stage.
Premier League constitution 2010/11:
National Division - Barnet, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds, Millwall Lionesses, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Sunderland, Watford.
Northern Division - Aston Villa, Coventry City, Curzon Ashton, Derby County, Leeds City Vixens, Leicester City WFC, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Preston North End, Rochdale.
Southern Division - Brighton & Hove Albion, Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic, Colchester United, Gillingham, Keynsham Town, Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers, West Ham United, Yeovil Town.

17/06/10 NEW FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
West Ham United Ladies will start the new FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division campaign with a new first team manager as Julia Setford steps up from her Assistant Manager role into the position relinquished by Tony Marshall, who will be taking on a more strategic role as Director of Football, trying to further develop the club’s growth and profile both from a football and commercial standpoint working closely with West Ham United Football Club and also the club’s academies in the USA.
Marshall has lead the club through the most successful period in their history and established them as one of the leading sides in the division so Setford, who in eight seasons with the club has made over 150 first team appearances, will be taking charge of a squad aiming to press on from their top five finishes in each of the last three seasons and secure promotion to the National Division.
Explaining the switch, Marshall stated, “It was always the long term plan for Julia to step up as we have now established ourselves as a top level side within the Southern Division. Our commitment to progressing as a club has been highlighted by the creation of two new sides in the last two seasons at senior levels which along with our current sides at Under 10, 12, 14 and the UK Tesco Cup Championship winning under 16's, means our future has never looked brighter with a real pathway to senior football. The Under 19's finished in a credible mid-table position playing in a senior league with a side made up of predominantly 16 and 17 year olds and we now have the exiting prospect of having established a real West Ham United Ladies Academy in partnership with Havering Sixth Form College which starts in Sept 2010 where we will have 20 girls training and playing daily in conjunction with their post 16 A level and B Tec further education.
In addition the West Ham United FC USA Academy run by Mike Kelleher, which has involvement from the Head of the WHUFC Academy, Tony Carr and Paul Heffer, is well under way and provides us with another strong partnership with the main club. We have already had player exchanges and are working towards further pathways for our players to achieve academic scholarships.
It has been a privilege working with the girls since taking over the Under 12's in 2002 but the club has now grown to such a size that along with my own international business commitments my talents are better served working with our parent club and pushing for our real aim of playing in the National division and making sure we are on a sound footing from an infrastructure perspective. I will be working closely with Julia and the club committee to implement some key initiatives and continue to raise the profile of the Women’s set-up.”
Setford was quick to praise the work of her predecessor, “I'd like to thank Tony for all of the good work that he has done for the team and club. I worked as Tony's number two last season where I gained invaluable knowledge of the job and hope that this will make my transition to first team manager as seamless as possible and I will continue to encourage good habits, discipline and above all attractive football. I am excited by this new opportunity and look forward to working with the squad and through hard work, dedication and commitment move forward as a team to achieve our dreams and make West Ham Ladies Football Club an exciting place to be both on and off of the field.”

2009/2010 TEAM NEWS
08 Jun 2010

11/06/10 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
West Ham United Ladies celebrated the end of another successful season with a trophy laden presentation night at East Ham Working Mens Club last night attended by over 300 players and guests with central defender Rosey Sullivan lifting both the managers player of the year and players player of the year trophies.
First team award winners:
Players Player of the Year: Rosey Sullivan
Players Player of the Year Runners Up: Nat Grafton
Managers Player of the Year: Rosey Sullivan
Managers Player of the Year Runner Up: Nat Grafton
Most Consistent Player: Gemma Shepherd

26/05/10 TEAM MANAGERS END OF SEASON REPORT
Tony Marshall, West Ham United Ladies first team manager presented the following end of season report at the club's Annual General Meeting at Upton Park last night:
A consistent year consolidating our position as one of the strongest sides in the Southern division, our final league standing is not a true reflection of our football this season. We continue to try to play the right way ever more coming up against opposition who just set out to stifle us which is something we have to come to terms with. We lost 4 of our most senior players at the end of last season, which although a blow the girls who have come in have more that filled their boots.
Our weakness is an obvious one GOALS! (If only we had had Nina Downham from the start of the season) We drew 9 games which ultimately killed our season (at least half of those should have won comfortably!) and lost 7 games in all competitions all season (4 in the league) so defensively again very strong and building a good mix of youth and experience. We have reached and attained a level where we need to bring in some more experienced players to achieve our next aim of promotion to the national division!
The highlight of the season was our FA cup run, beating a national division side, Bristol Academy, for the first time in the clubs history and the epic extra-time game with Barnet.
Our training and coaching at Chadwell Heath has certainly hit a new level with Gwynne Berry the WHUFC academy technical coach working with the side certainly improving both individuals and some of our patterns of play.
Julia Setford is growing into her role as assistant manager and currently taking her level 2 coaching exam. Colin Roache has been a "rock" keeping us playing whenever possible especially post the enforced break due to the weather which pretty much killed off our season.
A few special mentions: captain Carly Roache for leading from the front handling the responsibility brilliantly, Jess Barling for supporting her both on and off the pitch, Toni-Anne Wayne - the best goalkeeper in our division for some absolutely outstanding saves and positive verbal abuse to her teammates in times of need, Gemma Shepherd for being our top goalscorer and Rosey Sullivan and Nat Grafton for not having a bad game between them.
My personal congratulations to all of our younger sides for their continued progress and a special well deserved mention to Jim Maycock for his faultless display in guiding the 16's to everything! It looks very good for the future and expect to see some of those girls making progress towards the senior team in the next couple of seasons.

3/04/10 NO EASTER PARADE
West Ham United Ladies suffered their second postponement of the week when Easter Sunday's ficture with Reading was called off after a Saturday pitch inspection.
With the persistant rain through the week putting pay to the Tuesday night game at Barnet the same fate fell on Sunday's match at Thurrock when it became clear the pitch would not recover in time to allow the match to take place.

29/03/10 HAMMERS HIGHLIGHTS ON TV
Highlights of West Ham United Ladies 3-1 win at Queens Park Rangers along with the views of manager Tony Marshall feature on the FA website.
To view click on the link below.
http://www.thefa.com/Leagues/WomensPremierLeague/NewsAndFeatures/2010/qpr-westham-290310

28/02/10 COUNTY CUP TIE OFF AGAIN
Once again West Ham United's Essex FA County Cup match with Colchester United has succumbed to the weather. As with last week's attempts to playt he game the match was switched to Shrub End after it was clear during the week Thurrock would not be fit but despite being fit for play on Saturday the weather conditions deteriorated overnight to leave a flooded surface on Sunday morning and the match was duly postponed once more.
The Hammers who have not played a league game since November due to their many cup committments and continual postponments will now have to try again next week.

14/02/10 BRAINTREE TOWN AWAIT HAMMERS IN COUNTY CUP
Holders West Ham United Ladies will face Braintree Town in the Essex FA Womens County Cup final if they can get past Colchester United in the semi final.
Braintree disposed of Chelmsford City 4-0 in their semi final to book a place in the final on Thursday 8th March at Great Wakering Rovers FC and will be joined by winners of the West Ham United and Colchester United semi final which is due to take place at Thurrock on Sunday 21st February.

1/02/10 COLCHESTER AWAIT IN COUNTY CUP
Holders West Ham United Ladies will face a rematch of last season's Essex FA County Cup in the semi final if they can get past Barking in the quarter final of this years event.
The Barking game has been on hold whilst the Hammers complete their FA Womens Cup oddysey and the winners will meet Colchester United in the last four after they were awarded a walkover victory against Hannakins.

25/01/10 BARNET NEXT UP AS CUP FEVER GRIPS HAMMERS
West Ham United Ladies will face fellow FA Tesco Premier League South side Barnet in next Sunday's FA Womens Cup fifth round.
Barnet needed extra time to come through their tie with Colchester United before finally winning 3-2 whilst the Hammers put out top flight side Bristol 2-1 - the first time in their history they have beaten National league opposition in the FA Cup.
The win saw the Hammers go under the media spotlight, becoming the headline story on the BBC website Womens football page, gaining a rare appearance on Teletext and even appearing on teh Sky Sports News ticker strapline!
The fifth round tie will be played at West Ham United Ladies usual home ground at Thurrock FC on Sunday 31st January kicking off at 1.00 p.m
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/women/8477930.stm

21/01/10 HOME TIE IN COUNTY CUP SEMI FINAL AWAITS
West Ham United Ladies were given the prospect of a home tie in the semi final of the Essex FA Womens County Cup after the draw was made today on BBC Essex.
Should the Hammers overcome Barking in their delayed quarter final match then they will face either Colchester United or Hannakins Ladies in the semi final as they look to retain the trophy they won last season. The semi finals are scheduled for Sunday 14th February but with the Hammers still to settle their FA Cup fourth round tie with Bristol and a possible fifth round tie with Colchester United or Barnet it may well be pushed back to a later date.

18/01/10 ARSENAL TIE PUT ON HOLD
West Ham United Ladies tough midweek task against Arsenal in a London FA Womens Cup quarter final tie has been put on hold as the Thurrock pitch has not yet recovered from the melting snow and rain.
The match was to be played on Wednesday 20th January but will now have to be squeezed in amongst the mass of cup ties awaiting competition in what looks like being a very busy few weeks for the claret and blues.

14/01/10 THE SHOW MUST GO ON
After several weeks without a game due to the Christmas break West Ham United Ladies have ensured they will have a fixture this coming Sunday by lining up an indoor friendly match at the David Beckham Academy in Greenwich should their FA Cup fourth round tie at Bristol be postponed. South East Combination side Ebbsfleet United have agreed to be on standby to provide the opposition for a game kicking off at 12.30.

13/01/10 HOME TIE AWAITS IN FA CUP
Despite no fourth round ties being played on Sunday and even some third round ties still undecided, the Football Association went ahead with the fifth round draw this week, which gave West Ham United Ladies the rewarding prospect of a home tie against a fellow FA Tesco Womens Premier League South side should they overcome Bristol Academy this coming Sunday. The winners will meet either Colchester United or Barnet in the fifth round on Sunday 24th January.

14/12/09 FA CUP DRAW GIVES HAMMERS WEST COUNTRY AWAYDAY
West Ham United Ladies have been given an away tie against National League opposition in the fourth round of the FA Womens Cup after the draw was made at the FA's Wembley Stadium headquarters this morning.
The Hammers, who beat Charlton Athletic 3-0 on Sunday to earn their place in the fourth round will face Bristol Academy on Sunday 10th January 2010.

9/12/09 HOME DRAW IN COUNTY CUP
West Ham United Ladies will have a home tie in the Essex FA County Cup quarter final on Sunday 17th January after the draw was made live on BBC Radio Essex this evening.
The Hammers, who won the competition last season with a 9-0 victory over Colchester United in the final, enter this season's event at the quarter final stage where they will meet with the winners of the Barking Ladies and East Thurrock United tie, who will try once again to play their much postponed match this coming weekend.

4/12/09 FA CUP DRAW SENDS HAMMERS TO CHARLTON TWICE IN TWO WEEKS
West Ham United Ladies will make a short trip across the Thames to take on Charlton Atheltic in the FA Womens Cup third round after the draw was made at lunchtime today.
The Hammers have already beaten Charlton in the FA Tesco Premier League this season, winning 3-1 at Thurrock in September.
The match will be played on Sunday 13th December, seven days before the teams are also due to meet in the return league encounter.

01/10/09 NEW SIGNING MERITS AN APPEARANCE
West Ham United Ladies first team squad has been bolstered by the signing of experienced forward Becky Merritt from fellow FA Tesco Womens Premier League South side Crystal Palace.
The paperwork for the signing went through in time for Merritt to make her debut with a second half appearance in the Hammers goal less draw with Colchester United last night.
Hammers manager Tony Marshall feels the new signing wil help bring out the best in the squads other forwards; "Becky Merritt is real quality her touch and awareness will definitely help Gemma Shepherd get into more scoring positions," he expained after her debut.
The former Charlton Centre of Excellence player has also played for Ebbsfleet United (when they were known as Gravesend and Northfleet).

09/009/09 HAMMERS GET BYE IN COUNTY CUP
Holders West Ham United Ladies will not enter The Essex County Womens Cup until the quarter final stage having received a bye along with Colchester United in the early rounds after the draw was made for the first round of the competition.

08/09/09 BOSS HAPPY WITH HAMMERS START
West Ham United Ladies first team manager Tony Marshall has been pleased with his sides unbeaten start to the FA Tesco Womens Premier League South campaign after the Hammers finally gained their first three point haul with a win against Crystal Palace on Sunday to follow up the succession of draws in their opening four games.
"We felt we had been unlucky in most of those games and that the elusive win was only round the corner and that proved to be the case with a terrific performance against Crystal Palace. We try to play our football the traditonal West Ham way and our passing and movement has been first class, we just needed that little bit of luck that had deserted us to go our way, as I felt in at least three of the draws we deserved the three points. With the win though confidence is high, we are five unbeaten and feel we can match anyone in the league when we get the ball on the deck."
The Hammers will however be on the look out for a new regular first team goalkeeper after last season's imcumbent custodian Paris Smith recently took on a new position in the police force that leaves her unavailable for the Hammers full campaign.
"Paris had a great season last year but this gives us an opportuntity to bring in someone new and we are scouring around to find someone who fits the bill, although we have several promising young keepers in our new development team who will be itching to show what they can do." added Marshall who also felt his squad would benefit from more firepower upfront.
"We have been creating the chances, so as any manger will tell you the goals will come, it's when you not making the chances you worry, but I would be lying if I said I was not on the look out for an experienced striker to help finish off some of the flowing football we are producing."

18/07/09 FA TESCO WOMENS PREMIER LEAGUE CUP DRAW
West Ham United Ladies have been pitted against National Division opposition in the first round of the FA Tesco Womens Premier League Cup, after being draw to face London rivals Millwall. The two sides played each other in the FA Cup last season with the South Londoners taking the honours. The match, for which West Ham have home advantage will be played on Sunday 13th September.
The Hammers will be hoping to improve on last year's showing when they fell to Protsmouth at the first round stage.

07/07/09 HAMMERS STAR IN WESTERNS FOR OPENERS AS LEAGUE FIXTURES RELEASED
West Ham United Ladies found out they will kick off their 2009/2010 FA Tesco Womens Premier League South campaign with a trip to Keysnham Town after the fixtures were released today. A trip to Cardiff City a fortnight later means the Hammers will have got their two longest trips out to the Wild West out of the way before August has finished. Sandwiched in between the two away games is a home match back on the ranch at Thurrock with newly promoted West London based Queens Park Rangers.

21/06/09 TEAM MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 2009/2010
West Ham United Ladies have unveiled their first team management structure for the 2009/2010 season as they look to press on from last season's highest ever third place finish in The FA Tesco Women's Premier League South.
The Ladies Director of Football Tony Marshall wil continue to manage the side, once again assisted by Head Coach Alex Bonner with club stalwart Julia Setford promoted to Assistant First Team Manager and Tracey Duxbury completing the coaching set up as First Team Coach.
On the pitch the side will be led by captain Carly Roache with Jess Barling undertaking the vice captain duties.
Colin Roache will continue to admisnister the first team affairs.
West Ham United Ladies First Team Management Structure:
First Team Manager & Director of Football: Tony Marshall
Head Coach: Alex Bonner
Assistant First Team Manager: Julia Setford
First Team Coach: Tracey Duxbury
First Team Admistration: Colin Roache
First Team Captain: Carly Roache
First Team Vice-Captain: Jess Barling

22/06/09 HAMMERS REACH WATFORD FINAL TO KICK START SUMMER PROGRAMME
West Ham United Ladies started their programme of summer tournaments with a first team squad putting in a highly encouraging perfomance at the Watford Ladies Invitation 6 A Side Tournament.
Despite a high quality field the Hammers were able to battle through their qualifying group unbeaten and advance through the knockout stages to reach the final, taking the scalps of FA Womens Premier National Division sides Fulham and Watford along the way.
The Hammers were eventually undone in the final by another top flight team when they went down 2-0 to a strong Birmingham City side.
The West Ham squad for the event included a new face with Grace Moloney, an Irish Under 17 international, between the sticks joined out on the pitch by Jess Barling, Rosey Sullivan, Ruby Southgate, Alex Keown, Kate Holmes,Toni-Anne Wayne and Gemma Shepherd.

2008/2009 TEAM NEWS
21 Jun 2009

06/06/09 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
West Ham United Ladies celebrated the end of the most succesful season in their history with a trophy laden presentation night at East Ham Working Mens Club last night.
With over 300 players and guests in attendance the awards were presented by West Ham United's Commercial Executive Jon O'Neil and Media Manager Paul Stringer with the Ladies first team manager Tony Marshall comparing the evening.
The first team recipients were:
Players Player of the Year:
Carly Roache
Players Player of the Year Runners Up:
Rosey Sullivan
Managers Player of the Year:
Sam Pittuck
Managers Player of the Year Runner Up:
Jade Dempster
Coachs Player of the Year:
Carly Roache
Coachs Player of the Year Runner Up:
Jess Barling
Young Player of the Year:
Rosey Sullivan
Young Player of the Year Runner Up:
Zoe Marshall

19/05/09 TEAM MANAGERS END OF SEASON REPORT
Tony Marshall, West Ham United Ladies first team manager presented the following end of season report at the club's Annual General Meeting at Upton Park last night:
I write this report with a sense of real satisfaction and achievement following on from last season and the significant changes that were made with the initial turmoil which gradually changed into confidence and a joint 5th place finish to where we have come to today; a third place finish in the FA Tesco Womens Premier League Southern Division - the clubs highest ever finish; The Essex Womens County Cup safely in the trophy cabinet (only conceding one goal in the whole competition); Sam Pittuck finishing as the top scorer in the Southern Division. The best away record in the league (unbeaten); The second best defensive record and losing only three league games all season. More importantly, no less than seven 16 year olds making their debuts for the first team with three of them scoring.
If you remember when I took over there were a few simple targets we set ourselves - last season was a top half finish; this season a top three finish; a commitment to give youth an opportunity; a significant increase our fitness levels and to play a style of football which embraced our parent clubs philosophy. I can honestly say we have moved forward massively and are well on way to achieving the above.
Now my thank yous, of which there are several. Playing wise to Lindsey Morgan, first team and club captain and if I may add, the clubs most successful one ever, for her leadership, tireless hard work and being a true ambassador, giving up her own time to promote not only the seniors but our junior section too. Carly Roache, my vice-captain, for playing consistently so well and again spending the time with our senior youngsters to make them feel welcome, encourage and educate them. The first team squad, for making it fun (especially Newquay away - that surfing lesson and you lot in wetsuits will live with me for ever!) and the youngsters for repaying my confidence in you all.
Our fitness levels are better than most teams in the division and this has been down to the work of our fitness and conditioning coach Roy Nixon, who since mid June 2008 has been pushing the girls to levels which I know most of them never thought they would achieve and this in turn has kept out our injuries impacting on match day selection down to an amazing one or two all season. Thanks too to Inga our mad physio whose preventative strategy is to talk so much the players make miraculous recoveries.
Administration and organisation is key at this level and Colin Roache has become an invaluable part of the management team, organising all of our officials, travel arrangements and opponents (someone I speak to every day which is very sad!)
Our coaching has always revolved around playing football driven by Alex Bonner, Head Coach, who has got the girls playing free flowing and expressive football. His energy and enthusiasm has at times kept me going when we needed an extra push and lastly Julia Setford (Wiggy) again from someone who still fights to be on the team sheet, she is fitter than ever, scored in the cup final and is the true heart of the club - every player looks up to her and when the going has got tough this year she has been first in line for support.

31/03/09 HAMMERS AND SEAGULLS DUE TO CLASH AT BROXBOURNE
With their usual ground at Thurrock unavailable West Ham United Ladies will play their FA Tesco Premier League South fixture against Brighton this Sunday at Broxbourne.
Full address:
Broxbourne Borough FC
Goffs Lane
Cheshunt
Herts
EN7 5QW
Kick off is 2.00 pm.

27/03/09 HAMMERS LEAGUE SEASON EXTENDED TO MAY
West Ham United Ladies season will now extend into the first week of May after this weekend's match with Portsmouth was called off due to the South Coast clubs involvement in the Hampshire County Cup.
The match will now be played on Sunday May 3rd.

15/03/09 HAMMERS TO PARADE TROPHY AT UPTON PARK
West Ham United Ladies are hoping to show off the Essex FA County Cup on the pitch at Upton Park tomorrow prior to the Premier League fixture between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion.
The cup was won after a 9-0 victory against Colchester United at Maldon Town FC and represents the Hammers first senior trophy.

15/02/09 HAMMERS TO FACE COLCHESTER UNITED IN COUNTY CUP FINAL
West Ham United Ladies will meet fellow FA Women's Premier League South side Colchester United in the final of the Essex FA County Cup.
The match will be played on Sunday 15th March 2009. at a venue to be announced.
West Ham reached the final courtesy of a 9-0 victory over Braintree United, whilst Colchester United batled through via a 4-1 win over West Bergholt.

14/02/09 ASTRO TEST FOR HAMMERS
West Ham United Ladies will be digging out the trainers tomorrow as their Essex County Womens FA Cup tie with Braintree Town is to be played on an astroturf surface.
With pitches still struggling to cope with the horrendous winter weather and fixtures backlogging up quicker than the M25 in the rush hour, a decision was made to switch the game to all weather surface at Tiptree.

22/01/09 DUO TO RUN LONDON MARATHON...PLEASE SPONSOR
Two of West Ham United Ladies senior players are set to pound the streets as they take on the gruelling 26 mile London Marathon in April.
Gemma Shepherd and Kate Holmes, who both joined the club this season, are running in aid of the worthy Nightingale charity and can be sponsored through the following links:
www.justgiving.com/gemmashepherd
www.justgiving.com/kholmes
Nightingale is a residential and nursing Home cares for older people whatever their physical state of health providing devoted and comprehensive nursing care and special facilities for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. This guarantees peace of mind and the security of knowing there is a home for life.
Charity Registration No 207316
With two oclock kick off times planned for the Hammers matches that Sunday a quick pace in the Marathon should see them able to at least come on in the second half!

01/02/09 BRAINTREE TOWN TO FACE HAMMERS IN COUNTY CUP SEMI
Following today's delayed quarter final tie, West Ham United Ladies will now meet Braintree Town in the semi final of the Essex County Cup after they defeated Great Berry by three goals to two.
The match is scheduled for Sunday 15th February.
The other semi final is between Colchetser United and West Bergholt.

25/01/09 HAMMERS AWAIT OPPONENTS AFTER COUNTY CUP DRAW
West Ham United Ladies will have to wait a little longer to find out who they will play in the semi final of the Essex County Cup after they were drawn away to meet either Great Berry or Braintree Town who have yet to complete their quarter final tie.
The draw which was broadcast on Radio Essex kept the Hammers apart from fellow Womens Premier League South side Colchester United who will in turn face West Bergholt

02/01/09 HAMMERS KEEP HOLLY UP FOR NEW YEAR
With her sixteenth birthday coinciding with the new year, West Ham United Ladies have been able to sign Under 16s forward Holly Griffin as a senior player and she has been put straight into the first team squad for Sunday's fixture with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Holly's inclusion shows the way ahead for the Hammer's junior section with many of the current first team also having represented the Hammers in junior sides in the not so distant past.
On announcing her inclusion in the squad first team manager Tony Marshall commented, "It makes me very proud when I see players like Holly, Zoe Marshall and Alex Colley, who have all been at the club since they were eleven, start to establish themselves in the senior sides. Five of the under 16s team of three years ago have now played senior football. This sends a very positive message to our junior players about the progression that exists in the club."
The focus on developing the juniors was evident over Christmas with a number of players from the clubs four junior sides invited up to Chadwell Heath to experience a first team training session.

12/12/08 CHRISTMAS TRAINING SCHEDULE
Training arrangements over the Christmas period for senior players are as follows:
Thursday 18th December: No Session
Tuesday 23rd December at Chadwell Heath 7.00 - 9.00
(Players and coaches must wear festive hats)
Sunday 28th December at Chadwell Heath 12.00 - 2.30
Tuesday 30th December at Chadwell Heath 7.00 - 9.00
Normal Tuesday and Thursday routines recommence from Tuesday 6th January 2009.

24/11/08 FA CUP DRAW SENDS HAMMERS TO MILLWALL
The Womens FA Cup third round draw was made today at Soho Square and saw West Ham United Ladies drawn away to fellow Premier League South side Millwall Lionesses.

20/11/08 HAMMERS DRAWN AWAY TO BRENTWOOD IN COUNTY CUP
West Ham United Ladies have been drawn to face Brentwood Town in the quarter final of the Essex County Cup, following their 15-0 win against Billericay in the second round.
The match wil be played at Brentwood on Sunday 18th January

16/11/09 HAMMERS TO FACE HARINGEY BOROUGH IN LONDON FA CUP
The Hammers opponents in the fourth round of the London FA Cup became known today when Haringey Borough beat Battersea by 8 goals to 2, to book a trip to Thurrock to meet the Hammers on Sunday 18th January.
The winners of this tie face the exciting prospect of a fifth round tie against Arsenal in February,

10/11/08 FA CUP UPDATE
WIth the first round of the FA Womens Cup taking place on Sunday, 39 teams went into the velvet bag for the draw for the second round, from where one of the winners could end up facing West Ham United Ladies, who join the competition at the Third Round stage on December 14th.
The second round matches will take place on 23rd November.

3/11/08 INTRODUCING THE LATEST SIGNINGS
West Ham United Ladies FC are pleased to announce the signing of two new senior players, with the additions of Gemma Shepherd and Katie Holmes to the first team squad. Both players have switched across the Thames from neighbours Millwall.
Kate is an experienced and tenacious midfield player who joined West Ham FC Ladies after a brief spell at Millwall Lionesses. Kates playing experience is considerable, particularly at this level having played for Lincoln City, Portsmouth, Barnet FC Ladies and most recently Millwall Lionesses to name a few. Kate also has representative honours for the Army FA, for whom she played an instrumental role in winning the Inter Services Championship title last season.
Gemma is a versatile and intelligent player who has been used in a number of positions at her previous clubs. Gemma has joined from Millwall Lionesses where she managed to get off the mark for the season with a well taken goal against Truro Ladies. Gemma learnt her trade at youth level playing for Arsenal before taking a break from the game to pursue other sporting goals. She has also earned representative honours for Middlesex County FA.

20/10/08 TWO LEFT BATTLING IT OUT TO MEET HAMMERS IN LONDON FA CUP
Following the early rounds of the London FA Womens Cup it has become clearer who West Ham United Ladies' opponents might be in the fourth round on January 18th.
In the second round Battersea beat Hampstead Rock 16-0 and Haringey Borough beat AFC Fulham Belles 11-0.
Haringey will now meet Battersea in the third round on 16th Novmeber; the winners of which will travel to meet the Hammers in the new year.

20/10/08 BILLERICAY TOWN UP NEXT IN COUNTY CUP
Following the Hammers 4-1 victory against Chelmsford City in the Essex FA County Cup they will now face a home tie with Billericay Town Ladies, who cruised past Hawkwell Atheltic 13-0 in their opening round game.
The match will take place on Sunday 16th November at 2.00pm at Thurrock FC.

31/08/08 PORTSMOUTH WIN THROUGH TO FACE HAMMERS
West Ham United will meet Portsmouth in the first rouind of the FA Womens Premier League Cup after the South Coast club disposed of Colchester United with a high scoring 6-5 victory in the preliminary round.
The match will be played at Thurrock on Sunday 14th September.

27/08/08 CHELMSFORD AWAIT IN ESSEX COUNTY CUP
West Ham United have been drawn away at Chelmsford City in the first round of the Essex County Cup.
The winners of the tie, to be played on Sunday 19th October, will then face a home match against the winners of the match between Hawkwell Athletic and Billericay Ladies.
The match will mean the Womens FA Premier League fixture with Portsmouth scheduled for 19th October will be rearranged for a later date.

08/08/08 BOOT DEAL WITH UNITED SPORTS
United Sports at Ilford have teamed up with West Ham United Ladies to provide senior and junior players with a terrific deal on new boots for the 2008/9 season.
Players will receive a 20% discount on new boots and other purchases made with the boots as well as a 10% discount on any future sporting equipment bought at their Cranbrook Road store.

14/07/09 ARSENAL AWAIT IN LONDON FA WOMEN'S CUP
Battersea and Haringey Borough are amongst a clutch of teams battling out the early rounds for the right to meet West Ham United Ladies in this seasons London FA Women's Cup in a fourth round tie scheduled for 18th January.
With Tony Marshall's side looking to avoid any giantkilling acts being performed on them, they will have to turn the tables later in the competition as the winners of this tie will travel to meet Premier League Champions Arsenal in the fifth round.