By the time the Manchester United fans’ coach pulls into the southbound side of Watford Gap Services at 10.30am, the song-writing prowess of Taylor Swift, a conversation about a perceived lack of game time for Spanish midfielder Irene Guerrero and a Katie Zelem chant that somehow rhymes “fake tan” with “Zidane” have been been heard on board. And instead of cans of beer, delicious homemade bakes have been passed around during the journey that started at 8am. This is an away day, Women’s Super League style.
Upon arriving at the away end of the Chigwell Construction Stadium in Dagenham – home for the West Ham women’s team – two-and-a-half hours later, the smell of chicken-and-mushroom pies wafts through the chilly air, stewards urge people standing in the walkway to “move along” and the queue for the women’s lavatories stretches well out the door whilst there are no queues at all for the men’s.
The away end is packed and the fans – roughly half male, half female – are in good voice despite United being held to a 1-1 draw. Before kick-off, more than a dozen supporters separately tell Telegraph Sport how much they hope the club do not allow England youngster Grace Clinton – currently impressing on loan at Tottenham – to leave the club this summer, while some have brought a “Skinner Out” sign with them (more on that later). But they also care ardently about many issues relating to all match-going WSL supporters.
Inconsiderate kick-off times and short-notice fixtures
Chief amongst their concerns are kick-off times that prioritise broadcasting over spectators and the little notice that is given for match dates. Only on Friday were March 30-31’s WSL fixture dates and times finally confirmed when the TV picks were announced.
In November, Manchester United were handed the 6.45pm Sunday evening kick-off for their away trip to Brighton. This visit to West Ham for a 3pm kick-off seems to please the vast majority, but they remember that last season this fixture was at 6.45pm.
“Just before Christmas, we played Tottenham away in the evening slot while, on the same day, Arsenal and Chelsea played each other at lunchtime. Why? They hadn’t got to travel far,” one unhappy fan says.
Telegraph Sport understands more regular Friday night and Saturday evening WSL fixtures are on the cards for next season and that possibility gets a mixed reception. Hannah, who has supported the United women’s team since they reformed in 2018 and travels to games from Wales, says: “You’ve got to look at people having to take annual leave, or if they’ve got families. It would have an impact.
“People’s dedication is there, but the kick-off times are tricky and it impacts people being able to go. Yet football is supposed to be for fans. And we always seem to find out with a few weeks to go.”
Lack of dedicated away sections
Deborah Henry from the supporters’ club is also working hard to ensure an away end is offered at every match – like at this one. “There has to be an away section for every away team so we’re not intermingling unless people specifically choose to intermingle. It can create tense moments in a game that takes away from the enjoyment,” she says.