Women's Super League

Image source, Burnley Football Club

Burnley Women have named Jackie Bachteler as their manager as they prepare to join the Women's Super League 2.

Ross Wallace will remain at the club as assistant manager following a successful spell as interim manager in the second half of last season's title win.

Bachteler is joined in her role by first team coach Ashley Vickers and goalkeeping coach Jordan Booth.

"I'm really happy to be here. I want to be part of the community here," said Bachteler.

"Being at the final game of last season [against Stoke City] and seeing more than 1,000 people there was great.

"I look forward to growing that fanbase together, with the supporters showing their excitement towards this project.

"They are going to see an organised team that's very physical, very positive, and forward-thinking. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch."

Bachteler was a former midfielder before embarking on an international coaching career that included roles across the United States, Finland, Spain, Cyprus, Costa Rica and Sweden.

The 37-year-old also coached several clubs in the Damallsvenskan - Sweden's top tier - and was Sporting Director at BP Fotboll in Stockholm.

She has been assistant coach at United States' club San Diego Wave since 2023, winning the National Women's Soccer League Shield and Challenge Cup.

While in her role at Burnley, Bachteler will also continue to be a scout for US Women's National Team.

Burnley's director of football development Paul Jenkins said: "I'm delighted to be able to welcome Jackie into our Women's coaching set-up.

"It's an exciting time for the team with new players, an expanded staff and pre-season now well underway.

"I'm confident that Jackie's footballing experience will suit her in this role, and it's already clear that her values and beliefs align with what we're trying to achieve.

"With Ross and the rest of the existing staff working together, I'm looking forward to watching what will be a historic debut season in the WSL 2."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton Athletic have signed midfielder Leah Davidson from A-League Women's side Melbourne City.

She joins on a two-year deal having spent the last six seasons in Australia, winning three consecutive league titles.

The 25-year-old made over 100 appearances for Melbourne City after joining from Brisbane Road in 2020.

She has four caps for Australia and becomes Charlton's second signing this week following the arrival of goalkeeper Anna Koivunen from Djurgardens IF.

"I am so excited to be here and be a part of something so special," said Davidson.

"I spent six years at Melbourne City. I loved it, grew as a player and a person, but I thought: 'I can't say no to this opportunity.'"

Sally Freedman
BBC Sport senior journalist

Image source, Getty

Women's assistant head coach Chris Roberts has left Brighton to pursue a new opportunity.

Roberts joined the Seagulls from Everton in 2024 and helped the club secure a record fifth-place Women's Super League finish before reaching their first Women's FA Cup final at Wembley last season.

"Everyone from the players to the staff, has been exceptional," Roberts said.

"It has also been a pleasure to work with Dario. He is without doubt one of the most talented football managers in the game and working with him has been a privilege."

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the fans for their support throughout my time at the club, especially during my interim period. I'm excited to see what's next for the club."

Head coach Dario Vidosic added:

"Chris has been a key pillar of the technical staff for the last two years.

"From a professional standpoint, he drove elite standards every day at the club. From a personal perspective, he has been so supportive since I joined the club from Melbourne City."