“We’ve Got to Fight for What We Want” – Birmingham City Boss Merricks Previews Final Day Showdown Birmingham City head coach Amy Merricks has emphasized the importance of fighting for promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League as her team prepares for a crucial final-day clash against Charlton Athletic at The Valley. The match, set for Saturday afternoon at 3pm, will determine whether the Blues secure a spot in the top flight or face a potential play-off. Entering the weekend in second place, Birmingham trails league leaders Charlton by a single point, making the encounter a high-stakes showdown for the WSL2 title. Merricks, speaking ahead of the match, highlighted the team’s determination to seize the opportunity. “We are in a fantastic position with a great opportunity ahead of us,” she said. “We have worked really hard all season to get in this position and we are right on track. We’ve got everything going for us in terms of the opportunity and we’ve got to do the work.” The coach stressed that the focus must remain on the fight, urging her players to demonstrate the character and quality that has brought them to this stage. “It comes down to the fight; we’ve got to fight for what we want and the opportunity is there. It’s now about the character in the group which I know we have in abundance, I completely believe in this group.” The Barclays WSL2 season has been fiercely competitive, with teams continuously strengthening their squads. Merricks acknowledged the challenges of the league, noting that consistency and preparation are key. “It’s a tough league and we saw that last season as well. Everyone has strengthened again, it’s a tough league to get out of,” she said. The coach emphasized the need for her team to stay composed, focus on their strengths, and neutralize Charlton’s threats.#birmingham_city #the_valley #charlton_athletic #amy_merricks #barclays_wsl2
Birmingham City and Crystal Palace Secure Promotion to WSL Birmingham City and Crystal Palace have officially earned automatic promotion to the Women’s Super League (WSL) after a thrilling conclusion to the WSL 2 season. The decisive match saw Birmingham City defeat title rivals Charlton Athletic 2-0 on Saturday, securing their place in the top flight. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace claimed second place with a dominant 6-1 victory over Portsmouth, ensuring their return to the WSL after just one season in the second division. The promotion was confirmed following a dramatic finale to the campaign. Charlton Athletic, who had led the league for much of the season, needed a win or draw to guarantee automatic promotion. However, their hopes were dashed when Birmingham City clinched the title with a 2-0 victory. The result left Charlton in third place, just outside the automatic promotion spots, forcing them into a playoff decider against Leicester City, the bottom team in the WSL. The playoff match, scheduled for May 23, was set after Leicester’s 7-0 loss to Arsenal earlier in the week. Birmingham City’s triumph was secured by a standout performance from club record signing Wilma Leidhammar, who scored both goals. Her double not only sealed the WSL 2 title but also marked a triumphant return for the club, which had been absent from the top flight for four years following a heartbreaking final-day loss to London City Lionesses the previous season. Crystal Palace’s rapid ascent to the WSL was equally impressive, as they secured their immediate return to the top tier after a single season in the second division. The WSL’s expansion from 12 to 14 teams next season made the promotion process more straightforward for both clubs. However, the competition’s final days were still filled with drama.#crystal_palace #birmingham_city #women_s_super_league #leicester_city #charlton_athletic
