Fulham pull plug on women's team


Fulham FC have pulled out of the Nationwide Women's Premier League and scrapped their once all-conquering women's team.

The decision was made because the team, who won the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup in 2003, is not "financially viable".

A club statement said: "With little media profile and poor league crowds the structure is not sustainable."

Fulham had became Europe's first professional team in April 2000.

Club owner Mohamed Al Fayed made the leap after the Football Association's announcement earlier that year that the Premier League would become professional from the 2003-04 season.

But when it became obvious that would not happen, Al Fayed reduced the team's status to semi-professional.

A slide followed and last season the Cottagers finished one point above the relegation zone.

Now the team are no more and the decision has shocked the Football Association, who administer the Premier League and must decide how to cope with the loss of one of its top flight clubs.

FA spokesman Alex Stone said: "We're surprised and very disappointed that a situation like this should arise at a club that has been one of women's football's innovators over recent years."

An FA Women's Committee meeting has been called for Wednesday to discuss the situation, which within the governing body is hoped might somehow be resolved in similar fashion to Birmingham's problems last year.

The Blues had their funding cut off by their parent club but at the 11th hour raised sufficient finance to operate as a stand-alone women's club.

Stone said: "We don't want to lose clubs and hopefully people within the women's set-up at Fulham might be able to come up with a plan to keep the side going."

The Fulham players, along with manager Marieanne Spacey, were reportedly devastated when informed of the club's decision at a meeting on Monday.

Former Arsenal, Fulham and England striker Spacey has a further meeting with the club on Thursday and is reluctant to speak publicly in the meantime.

But she said: "The girls were very disappointed when they heard the news, and it looks like it's the end of an era."

Hmm, not surprised. To paraphrase the great Mr Spock; "It's football Jim, but not as we know it"


"One to beam up!"

what's womens football anyway?

their clingons on the starboard bow

starboard bow

starboard bow

their clingons on the starboard bow

starboard bow jim

it's football jim but not as we know it ..........

Vicky or Robbie..please read this..

i know how to put a foot in a ball anyone want to have a go

Take your best shot babe...Dunc's up for it..

Hey, its foreplay as far as I'm concerned............!!


bring it on thongs......you minx!!

i'm up for some of that too again


bring it on you old tart.

i is not talking to axe seeing as he had a go at my crucifix lol but i am sure i would give it a shot . anyone got any balls that i can aim for then???? bring it on

A bit late to this, but here we go....

This is an appalling decision for Fulham to make, and I think makes clear that Mohammed Fayed is really just an arrogant, egotistical, money obsessed scumbag who shouldn't be allowed the honour of owning a football club.

I have criticised women's football in the past, because I don't find it massively interesting compared to the lad's game, but I don't like watching golf either, so that's no reason for me to anything but condemn this short-sighted decision.

I remember Spacey coming to my school when she was at Arsenal. A great lass and an inspiring coach, and I am sure she would have been a great manager if she had the resources. I can understand the decision to go semi professional, but to disband the club altogether is ridiculous and unecessary. Clubs like Barnet have women's teams, and we are hardly as rich as Fulham. Women's teams do not need to be a drain, and I think that what Fayed really means by 'not financially viable' is 'they don't make me loads of money so I don't care about it'.

Fayed is also stabbing himself in the foot. With a successful women's team he would get more girls interested in the game, and more girls on those half empty stands at Craven Cottage.

Oh, and Saj....it's ony because I know you are kidding that I don't come down to Wales and rip your head off.




Vicky

Well, that's one down. How many more to go?





Seriously though, I'm not a fan of women's football at all - I think it's a bit of a joke ............. but .............. I think it's sad news for those that do enjoy it.

No biters ?

Nah, Robbie's not around.

And I only bite if you ask *very* nicely...


Vicky