West Ham ready for challenge of Women's Super League, says Jack Sullivan
Wednesday 30 May 2018 13:16, UK
West Ham Ladies are ready to take their place in Women's Super League, according to managing director Jack Sullivan.
The Hammers were the biggest winners from the Football Association's recent restructure of the women's football pyramid after being promoted two divisions into the top flight of the women's game.
From next season, West Ham will play in a new, fully professional top division made up of 11 teams.
Sullivan, who was a guest on Sky Sports News' Sportswomen show, said: "Obviously it is going to be very hard, it is going to be tough, but I think that is the same for anyone who jumps up even one division.
"We're jumping two divisions but it's exciting, we've been planning for the last two months to try to make sure that everything is ready and everything is perfect.
"I don't think it will be too much of a jump. We know what to expect, obviously, the playing standard is going to rise but it very exciting and we're looking forward to the adventure."
All clubs must meet new, full-time criteria and run a youth academy.
Karen Ray, West Ham Ladies general manager, added: "It would be hard to find another team with people in the backroom staff that have as much passion about this as us.
"The infrastructure that we have supersedes most others. It is a really exciting team and the support I've had from everyone in and around has been absolutely phenomenal.
"I've learned so much from working alongside Jack about his side of the business and it's going to continue to grow".
The new look second tier, re-named the FA Women's Championship, requires the players to be part-time. Charlton, Leicester, Sheffield United and Lewes have been successful in their bids - alongside Manchester United who will create a new team from scratch after disbanding their women's team 13 years ago.
Sunderland are the biggest losers among the current top-flight teams. They finished seventh in 2017-18 but will miss out on next season's competition.
