Southampton FC Women: WSL 2 preview

First formed in 1970 (unaffiliated with the men’s team), Southampton FC Women won the WFA Cup (now Women’s FA Cup) eight times. However, due to financial issues within the men’s team, the club withdrew support for the women’s team. Thankfully, under new ownership, the women were able to thrive again. 

In the 2018/19 season, they played in the Southern Region Premier Division and were crowned champions with a perfect campaign of eighteen wins. Southampton managed to win the Southern Region Women’s Football League Cup, adding another trophy to their cabinet.

Since then, Southampton Women have risen to the second tier of English football, the Barclays WSL 2 (formerly known as the Barclay’s Women’s Championship). Their home matches are played at St Mary’s Stadium.

 Following the movement of Marieanne Spacey-Cale from manager to head of women’s football within the club, Simon Parker joined Southampton women as manager ahead of the 2025/26 season. He managed Blackburn Rovers Women from 2023 to 2025 and helped them flourish in his 2 respective seasons. Now, he brings fresh ambition and ideas to the Saints ahead of a new season.

Summary of last season

 Last season, Southampton finished eighth in the Women’s Championship with twenty-one points. The club had a rollercoaster of performances: five wins, six draws and nine losses to their name. However, there were many aspects to be proud of.

 Southampton recorded the joint largest away win in the league when they faced south-coast rivals, Portsmouth. They scored five goals and kept a clean sheet. This represents their strength in attack and promise they show.

The Player’s Player award for the Saints was won by their goalkeeper, Fran Stenson. In her debut season for the club, she made twenty-one appearances. With a total of seven clean sheets in the league, it is clear that she is a special talent. Between the sticks, she organises the defence and echoes tactical execution and controlled football.  

Players to watch  

With many key assets leaving the club this summer, including captain, Jemma Purfield, new signings will play a crucial role in Southampton’s season.

 Two players to keep an eye out for are Maria Edwards (22 years old) and Ellie Hack (23 years old). Both previously played under Simon Parker at Blackburn Rovers. Bringing in these two young talents is credit to Parker’s coaching techniques and management at Blackburn. Already knowing these new signings will help them slot perfectly into the team with a new season on the horizon.

Another key signing is twenty-three-year-old, Emma Harries who joins from West Ham. She has sixty WSL caps to her name, adding experience to the squad and knowledge of the top competitions in England. Harries made an instant impact with a goal and two assists against AFC Wimbledon, where they secured a 4-2 win in a preseason friendly this August. If she continues this form into Southampton’s WSL 2 campaign, she will be a contender for top goal scorer and encourage the team to success. 

Ambitions for this season 

Southampton will be looking to push for promotion into the top tier of English football. With a number of experienced players, they look likely to improve on their tally of twenty-one points from last season. Executing their game plans successfully and slotting the ball in the back of the net will prove key to match the developing and growing competition in the league.

Elsewhere, the Saints are in the group stage for the Subway Women’s League Cup. Placed in group C, Southampton will face: Charlton Athletic, Portsmouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, and West Ham United - the latter two being WSL clubs. This will be a great challenge for Southampton as they hope to qualify for the knockouts, despite being an underdog side. 

In the league, they kickstart their 2025/26 campaign with a home fixture against Ipswich Town on the 6th of September. Ipswich were promoted to the WSL 2 from the FA Women’s National League South Division after finishing as champions in the 2024–25 season. An opening fixture that could set Southampton in good stead for a season of success and if they implement their driven mentality.