The Lionesses came agonisingly close to making even more history on Sunday after just missing out on the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but as England’s women’s team head home, defender Alex Greenwood has vowed, “We will be back” in a heartfelt statement.
One of countless players that shone in the tournament, the Man City centre-back was understandably emotional as she took to social media to address the fans following the 1-0 loss to Spain in their first-ever World Cup final but, like the spirit this team has continued to exhibit, she was also defiant.
As she wrote on Instagram, Greenwood admitted, “This one hurts a lot and will for a while.
“However I just want to say Thank you to the whole team I have just spent the last 9 weeks with, it was an incredible journey with amazing people, I am so proud of you all.” Sarina Wiegman and her squad boarded the team plane on Monday morning and are due to arrive back in the UK on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old went on to add, “Thank you Australia, incredible hosts and fantastic people, you have given me some amazing memories I’ll cherish for life.
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“Finally, thank you to our fans, here and at home; your support has been unbelievable and we are so thankful for that. Sorry we couldn’t bring it home!!”
Nevertheless, she ended on the perfect note which once again summed up everything we love about this group of players: “Humble in victory, gracious in defeat, we will be back!!”
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You’re damn right they will.
Gave it everything. Made us dream. Inspired the nation.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, her defensive partner and team captain Millie Bright said: “It’s hard [to take] but that’s football, it can go your way, it can go against you.
“They’re a fantastic team — I think first half we weren’t our best, second half we definitely put the fight in; we had chances, hit the bar but we just couldn’t finish it today, so congrats to them… A lot of emotion but really proud of the team and to come this far, play in a World Cup final, not many players do that. I’m really proud…
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“I don’t think there’s much you can say at the minute; emotions are high, a huge amount of disappointment… but I think in a couple of weeks when it settles in we’ll be really, really proud and this is not it from us: we’ll bounce back I’m sure… The goal is always to win, our mentality is to win and we’ll never stop trying to be successful and be champions”.
You already are, both in Europe and to the people of this nation, and we know full well you’ll bring it home next time. Having spoken to Greenwood a few months back not long after their incredible Euros win, it was already hugely apparent how much the Lionesses have done for the women’s game already.
They should be nothing less than incredibly proud — we know we are.
Featured Image — Lionesses (via Twitter)/Alex Greenwood (via Instagram)
Sport
More Greater Manchester football matches called off as Storm Goretti sets in
Danny Jones
Yet more scheduled football matches in Greater Manchester and the surrounding regions have been postponed and/or cancelled due to Storm Goretti.
The increasingly cold, blustery and icy conditions moving over from France and across more parts of the UK have already caused schools to close, flights to be grounded, and plenty more disruption.
Another such inconvenience has come in the form of live sports, large swathes of which now look like they simply won’t be taking place.
One of the latest to be called off is Salford City‘s upcoming game against Swindon Town in the FA Cup this weekend, with various other games involving teams up and down the footballing pyramid now facing uncertainty over whether their third-round fixtures will go ahead as planned.
Ironically, this is just the tip of the iceberg, if you’ll pardon the very obvious pun.
Another game that was called off late last week, between Chadderton and FC Isle of Man, is yet to be rescheduled; the same is true of Rochdale AFC’s meeting with Brackley Town, Radcliffe v Oxford City, as well as games involving Bury, Stockport Town, Irlam, Cheadle Town, Prestwich Heys and more.
Other nearby outfits, such as Chorley, Warrington Rylands and Ramsbottom United, just to name a few, are also still unsure of when their next game will be.
In many cases, it is simply a matter of the grounds being largely or completely frozen and deemed unfit for use following pitch inspections.
Oldham Athletic – which has already been hit with plenty of snow and frost – yesterday confirmed that their Notts County clash wouldn’t be going ahead due to that very reason.
With winds of up to 90 miles per hour also being reported, yellow and even red weather warnings have been issued across various parts of the country, with people being urged to check their routes home from work by local authorities.
Storm Goretti should start calming down this evening (Fri, 9 January) and into Saturday morning, but the after-effects could still play havoc over the next few days.
For instance, over in Cheshire, Macclesfield FC are going so far as to call on nearby residents to help clear their playing surface from heavy snowfall.
So, if you’re in the area and fancy helping out, they could sure do with your help.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
Macclesfield FC are once again requesting the help of the fanbase and the local community to help clear the remainder of the compacted snow from the surrounding areas of the https://t.co/fL99QEEJ4D Stadium.
Addressing the supporters on social media, Forrester wrote: “Thank you to all involved at Bolton Wanderers FC for my time at the club.
“A special club with unbelievable people that work within. Also, a massive thank you to the fans for all of the support throughout.”
His sign-off has been met with plenty of love and well-wishers, as plenty have cited his numerous injury problems – including a ‘freak fall’ which required surgery – as having unfortunately hampered his progress with the Wanderers.
One fan commented, “When fit, he was definitely a first-team starter. But had such bad luck with injuries, he missed more than he played for us.
“Best of luck to Will; it’s probably the right decision for both parties. Such a shame.”
Forrester – originally from Alsager (a town located near Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe) – has become Leyton Orient FC’s first signing of the January transfer window.
Will Forrester has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal and becomes the O’s first January signing of 2026 🙌
While he joins the club on a two-year deal, his transfer fee remains undisclosed.
Having said that, his wages are expected to be towards the higher end of player salaries at Brisbane Road, with the third-tier side still sitting dangerously close to the drop zone in 20th place.
Touching on his arrival via an official club statement, Forrester said: “I’m very happy to have signed here. The mindset and the goals the club want to accomplish in the coming years makes this move very exciting, and I can’t wait to get started.
“Speaking to the gaffer, he has outlined his expectations of me, and I want to help push us forward. I know the challenges of reaching the play-offs the year before and want to help the lads get back on track as quickly as possible.”
You can see his first full interview as a member of The O’s down below.
Danny Jones -
21st August 2023 
