Women Summer Exodus

[petsknee]

Mass departures from the women's first team and the disbandment of the B team officially announced. More great players leaving, which is always sad, but I hope it means an influx of more and maybe better talent as we continue to thrive for promotion.

Brentford Women confirm summer departures | Brentford FC

Brentford Women have confirmed that 11 players will depart the club this summer following the side's first season in Tier 5, as well as the departure of the B-team squad following the introduction of the club's girls' academy.

www.brentfordfc.com

 

[Leonardo]

I'm confused on this. If all the B team players released the club would have surely taken option to promote any they felt could be in the 1st team squad. This implies to me they didn't think those players were at the level.

 

[Gary Alen]

I'm surprised that no B-Team players have been kept. Our success of the last few years has been built on players being developed from our B-Team - Habeebat Gbajabiamila, Chelsie Berry, Makeba Black & our player of the season Asees Sangha, all had prolonged periods around the B-Team to get them up to speed before coming into the first team. Our most successfully produced player Chloe Logie, had a season in the B-Team before stepping up.

I don't know the current B-Team as well as many others, have seen them a few times last season, and I'm surprised we haven't highlighted anyone from the champion winning side. I hope the new setup will be good, I worry there might be a gap in our structure, but I'll reserve judgement until we see how it'll all pan out.

I do worry that the setup around the women's team seems somewhat anti-Brentford. Lots of players have come-in in the last couple years who have had previously a couple of sub-appearances for a National League side over previous seasons, while our "own" have been jettisoned. Many of those that have come in, haven't been a step-up, but we seemed to be star-struck by club names on CV's.

 

['Ayes B]

I'm confused on this. If all the B team players released the club would have surely taken option to promote any they felt could be in the 1st team squad. This implies to me they didn't think those players were at the level.

As a fan it is really hard to phathom and to buy to the clubs approach.

Our B team last year often played with just ten players, or with a goal keeper playing outfield becuase the majority of the new signings were only registered for the first team with our established first team squad players all being dual registered to play for both teams.

The B team won the GLWFL Division One South with ease and would have been promoted to the GLWFL Premier Division.

The Tier 7 GLWFL Premier Division is of a very high standard, so much so that Cup results suggest that it is on par with the neighbouring Tier 5 SRWFL.

Our B team lost to last seasons Premier Division Champions, Leyton Orient 2-0 in the League Cup... Leyton Orient averaged over 11 goals per game in the league.

Leyton Orient beat second placed Tooting Bec FOUR times last season (twice in the league 7-0, 1-10, in the County Cup 0-9 and in the League Cup Final 1-4).

Our disbanded B team would almost certainly have won next seasons GLWFL Premier Division and would have become a L&SERWFL Division 1 Tier 6 side in 27/28.

Maybe the clubs decision to leave Bedfont Sports for Uxbridge was a factor, as Uxbridge already share their ground with Watford Ladies who have just been promoted to the Tier 2 Championship as they wouldnt be able to accommodate our B team as well.

Hopefully the fixture gods will be kind to us, as Watford being the higher placed team will have priority over us and we will therefore be AWAY whenever they are at home as being the lesser club, we will not be able to request home fixtures on the weekends our men are playing away... and with 9 Premier League teams playing in Europe next season, we could have a lot of fixture clashes.

The Step up from Academy Football to Adult Football will be massive.

In my 50 years of supporting the Bees,only two 16 year olds have bridged the gap, Paul Walker in the 70's, who played for us in Division 4 and Asees Sangha for the Women's last season.

We often talk about the Brentford way... it is being different... having a B team which has done us well for the men and for the women produced an excellent return last season...

It is also standing by players... our club have stood by those who have become injured playing for our first team, giving them new contracts to aid thier recovery, especially when thier injuries are long term... and we haven't done that with Carolin Engelhard or Habeebat Gbajabiamila despite them not being paid.

A further concern with the Academy approach is that we are surrounded by top Accademies, Arsenal, Chelsea, Westham, Spurs, Palace, Charlton and instead of picking off those that don't make it with them, there is the BIG risk that they will just poach our top talent. This was the reason why our mens set up initially scrapped thier Accademy set up until we had to have one, and opted for the B team model which we continued with even after our academy was restablished.

The proportion of first team players who have now been released, who were signed last pre-season also does not instal confidence in our recruitment process, especially when you consider that the squad players we let go are holding thier own and are established first team regulars in the Women's National League.

 

[Gary Alen]

Regarding the players that have been let-go, there isn't many surprises there, but I did raise my eyebrows at the departure of Carolin Englhard, Paula Holguin & Habeebat Gbajabiamila.

Carolin Englhard - Had tremendous problems with injuries this season. Alongside Sam Read & Regan Graver our most accomplished defender in recent years. Read the game extremely well. Feel bad if she was jettisoned because of her injuries. It was Carly that rushed her back only half fit in the Saltdean away game, that set her further back. Feels off dumping her as a result.

Paula Holguin - A real fans favourite and international to boot. Was third choice striker behind Cheatley and Logie, but made vital appearances in games where the former were struggling to break down defences. She provided something different. Have no idea why Carly didn't promote her once Logies' departure. Really feel like Paula was never given a chance

Habeebat Gbajabiamila - Habs was another fan favourite and so young. Her talent was evident and the thought of her Berry, Sangha & Harris-Walters as a midfield looked like a dangerously fast and impressive line-up. She was ever-present for sometime, but has been missing the second half of the season. Where she went, who knows? Whether there was a falling out, whether she had a better offer... rumours she was injured, but never heard anything from the club....but I would have been moving high water to keep her.

Khyri McKenzie - Was our leading goal scorer at one point in the season. Will always be remembered for that blistering goal within 20 seconds away to Barking. But drifted out of the team and was barely present by Christmas. just don't think the team suited her play.

Cloe O'Brien - Had only a handful of appearances on as sub, looked really good. But just never seemed to have a prolonged period in the team. A case of what might have been.

Esme Alaneme - Looked a real talent, but again only had a handful of appearances off the bench. Her head would drop if it wasn't going her way. feel she's is a confidence player and seemed much happier in the B-Team set-up.

Tiffany Balfour - Don't remember her ever playing for the first xi. Maybe she was on the bench a few times. but no surprise of her departure if she wasn't actually in the side.

Evie Witek - Our best keeper in all the time I've been watching the women. Started uni in Bristol, so not a great surprise she is officially let-go. Not even sure if she did play this season? Maybe some of the pre-season games? Wish her nothing but good luck for her career, has been a real star.

Kasha Petit - Was restricted to only a few occasional off the bench appearances. Was evident her playing career was coming to an end, and when it was announced she had taken up the role as coach for the Middlesex FA side, you knew her playing career was all but over. Thought she might have being groomed to take over the B-Team and maybe even Carly's job eventually?

Rachel Dugdale - Came in as an emergency sub when our injuries were biting at the back end of the season. Was very talented, but you could tell her heart wasn't in it. A short term plaster for a mid-season problem.

Kirsty Mathews - Has been nothing but a fabulous servant for the club over the years. Was an integral part of the championship side of last season. Was asked to step down to the B-Team, which must have seemed like a kick in the teeth, but carried on with good grace. Still seemed to be delivering last year and could still have done a job as a squad player. Will always remember her fabulous long range goals!

I am a little disappointed that the players that have played such a huge part in our journey the recent years didn't get more of a proper goodbye. Kirsty Matthews has played for us for multiple seasons and was a integral part of various league and cup victories. She was a big part in our recent success and to only get her name listed-out in a matter of fact departure list, seems a real shame. Same could be said for Holguin, Englehard and Witek. I understand that some of the more recent players who have only been bit-parts, might not get much more. But Carolin, Paula, Evie & Kirsty were as vital as Regan Graver or Chloe Logie to that great side. I know there will be disappointment around any decision, and can imagine its hard for any one making that decision. However, thought we'd do a bit better in showing our gratitude.

 

[Ghost]

I thought we'd signed someone called "Summer Exodus" for a minute.

 

[Edrad456]

I remember overhearing at Ashford away Carolin Engelhard saying that she had torn both her ACL’s this season so for the club to release her feels poor. The fact that we don’t look after the women when they get injured that play for us especially when they don’t get paid doesn’t feel like the ‘Brentford way’ Have to say I’m very disappointed in the club!

 

[rebus]

“What is good enough today is not good enough for tomorrow”.

 

[Gary Alen]

I remember overhearing at Ashford away Carolin Engelhard saying that she had torn both her ACL’s this season so for the club to release her feels poor. The fact that we don’t look after the women when they get injured that play for us especially when they don’t get paid doesn’t feel like the ‘Brentford way’ Have to say I’m very disappointed in the club!

Completely this. It was one of the things that set us apart - because we had the club behind the team, we could offer good facilities and support. Even if not the wages. It was said to me that that was one of the big selling points to prospective players, we have the resources to look after you. Come and sign for us and will get the best out of your potential. Dropping Carolin feels against that.

That said, we don't know the full story. Maybe Carolin has decided to hang up her boots, or move back abroad and it wasn't a club choice. But something doesn't feel right.

 

[A Real Mysteron]

I remember overhearing at Ashford away Carolin Engelhard saying that she had torn both her ACL’s this season so for the club to release her feels poor. The fact that we don’t look after the women when they get injured that play for us especially when they don’t get paid doesn’t feel like the ‘Brentford way’ Have to say I’m very disappointed in the club!

How do we know it wasn’t hers, or any of the others own to choice to leave?
And they aren’t “released” as they don’t have contracts.

 

[rebus]

How do we know it wasn’t hers, or any of the others own to choice to leave?
And they aren’t “released” as they don’t have contracts.

Exactly. Works both ways. They can leave when they want.

 

[Gary Alen]

“What is good enough today is not good enough for tomorrow”.

Always going to be progression, and some players will join the train, while others will disembark. Its to be expected at any club, at any level, in either sex.

 

[PhilE]

I remember overhearing at Ashford away Carolin Engelhard saying that she had torn both her ACL’s this season so for the club to release her feels poor.

Caroline was part of the Q&A before the GTech games and was pretty clear that while she enjoyed playing football was not something that figured in her plans long-term. So possibly it was more by mutual consent.

Evie Witek - Our best keeper in all the time I've been watching the women. Started uni in Bristol, so not a great surprise she is officially let-go. Not even sure if she did play this season? Maybe some of the pre-season games? Wish her nothing but good luck for her career, has been a real star.

Evie didnt seem to be around for pre-season but I remember her playing a couple of games in September before departing for Uni.

I too am disappointed by the lack of consistency in the team this last season. I haven't attended as much as I had hoped - work started up again so weekends tended to be more full - but it really has been difficult to get to know the players, again not helped by the club being very slow to add names to shirts at the start of the season.

Amy indication whether Nicki Woods is coming back next season?

 

[Edrad456]

From what I overheard Carolin already knew the club was going to release her and she wanted to stay

 

['Ayes B]

How do we know it wasn’t hers, or any of the others own to choice to leave?
And they aren’t “released” as they don’t have contracts.

They had a commitment to play for Brentford, they could not just rock up at another club and say I'll play for you on Sunday.

The wording of the Clubs announcement suggests that it was Brentford FC's decision to release / not register the players in bold next season and that only Kasha Petit, Rachel Dugdale and Kirsty Mathews left of their own choices to pursue other interests.

Brentford Women can confirm the departure of 11 players from the club this off-season.​

Khyri McKenzie, Cloe O’Brien, Esme Alaneme, Tiffany Balfour, Paula Holguin, Evie Witek, Carolin Engelhard and Habeebat Gbajabiamila have left the club.

Kasha Petit, Rachel Dugdale and Kirsty Mathews have departed to pursue other interests.

 

[rebus]

Always going to be progression, and some players will join the train, while others will disembark. It’s to be expected at any club, at any level, in either sex.

And that’s why people shouldn’t be surprised when players are moved on. If we want promotion we have to be ruthless.

 

[Kingston Bee]

If the womens team is developed and managed anywhere near the mens has over the last 10 years then there is nothing to fear. Might take a while to get used to the new way but all i can advise is, keep the faith. There were several controversial changes/decisions made at the time over the years on the mens side, but have to say the vast majority were very successful, and helped build the foundations to where we are today.

 

[Gary Alen]

How do we know it wasn’t hers, or any of the others own to choice to leave?
And they aren’t “released” as they don’t have contracts.

Exactly. Works both ways. They can leave when they want.

I'll be amazed if players representing Brentford don't have a contract, even if it is only, these are our expectations of you and what you can and can't do when you are representing the club. I'm not saying they have 300-page contracts with every legal clause worked out and there’s obviously no money that passes hands, but I’d be amazed if there wasn't a written agreement between parties.

When I worked for the National Trust, all volunteers had to sign a agreement saying they wouldn't do anything stupid while wearing a NT badge.

Of course, any player can leave when they like. But they cannot sign for more than two clubs in a season I believe. @difford will know the rules better, but I believe we had to wait last year till the end of the season to "sign" someone as they'd already reached their two club limit. The rules regarding registering for clubs is so complicated, I wouldn't wish anyone to try and understand it all. But it's not as simple as I don't get game time - I'll go an play somewhere else. The club is obviously stating that these players won't be re-registered for the new season - in essence releasing them to sign for someone else.

 

[Gary Alen]

If the womens team is developed and managed anywhere near the mens has over the last 10 years then there is nothing to fear. Might take a while to get used to the new way but all i can advise is, keep the faith. There were several controversial changes/decisions made at the time over the years on the mens side, but have to say the vast majority were very successful, and helped build the foundations to where we are today.

Yes of course. Here's hoping.
I just hope the right people are making the decisions.

 

[rebus]

I'll be amazed if players representing Brentford don't have a contract, even if it is only, these are our expectations of you and what you can and can't do when you are representing the club. I'm not saying they have 300-page contracts with every legal clause worked out and there’s obviously no money that passes hands, but I’d be amazed if there wasn't a written agreement between parties.

When I worked for the National Trust, all volunteers had to sign a agreement saying they wouldn't do anything stupid while wearing a NT badge.

Of course, any player can leave when they like. But they cannot sign for more than two clubs in a season I believe. @difford will know the rules better, but I believe we had to wait last year till the end of the season to "sign" someone as they'd already reached their two club limit. The rules regarding registering for clubs is so complicated, I wouldn't wish anyone to try and understand it all. But it's not as simple as I don't get game time - I'll go a play somewhere else. The club is obviously stating that these players won't be re-registered for the new season - in essence releasing them to sign for someone else.

I’m assuming they are all non contract registrations, where club or player can give seven days notice or similar. Not being funny, the national trust has nothing to do with football registration systems. A code of conduct to abide by is entirely separate.

 

[Gary Alen]

Amy indication whether Nicki Woods is coming back next season?

Last I spoke to her she had every intention of returning. She'd already re-started training, whether that be with the club or just privately, I wasn't sure. But I got the feeling she was hoping to be fit to return later this year.

 

[Gary Alen]

I’m assuming they are all non contract registrations, where club or player can give seven days notice or similar. Not being funny, the national trust has nothing to do with football registration systems. A code of conduct to abide by is entirely separate.

I appreciate a Code of Conduct agreement is different to a football registration system. I was only giving it as a example that a contract does not need to be bound by wages.

I will be amazed if there isn't some sort of agreement/contract/letter of understanding between player and club. Whatever legal terminology/definition that is, I don't know. But a multi-million pound organisation like Brentford is not going to rely on a handshake and chat over a lemonade in the clubhouse. Sure there is all sorts of clauses and issues like broken legs and image rights, behavours and expectations.

 

[rebus]

I appreciate a Code of Conduct agreement is different to a football registration system. I was only giving it as a example that a contract does not need to be bound by wages.

I will be amazed if there isn't some sort of agreement/contract/letter of understanding between player and club. Whatever legal terminology/definition that is, I don't know. But a multi-million pound organisation like Brentford is not going to rely on a handshake and chat over a lemonade in the clubhouse. Sure there is all sorts of clauses and issues like broken legs and image rights, behavours and expectations.

Yes, but you're still conflating the two things in that post. There won't be a contract as we don't pay them. There will be a registration form for sure. Any talk of image rights when this is a dog and duck level of football is way wide of the mark. We will be insured against claims for injury but I'm assuming the players have taken out their own separate protection - at least I hope they do.

We're going to have to rise about at least six more levels before image rights becomes a talking point. It suits the club that they can dispense with players at will.

 

[difford]

Any agreement type arrangement would be unenforceable and would be exactly that "an agreement" that can be broken at will. They would be expectations e.g wear official kit on travelling to games etc.

Proper FA non league contracts have to be signed off and submitted to both the FA and league with wages paid for a minimum of four hours at national minimum wage and would usually cover training hours too and include holiday and sick pay. I would very much doubt anyone at Tier Five was on them. Fulham perhaps had a couple last year. Players often think they have signed a contract but have actually just agreed to the expenses they will get - they are non contract players and can be approached or leave via the seven day rule at will.

The two club a season rule is a professional contract thing only. Non league players contracted or not can sign for and appear for as many clubs as they wish. "Retained and released" lists at this level are vanity. Every non contract player is a free agent in June!

 

[difford]

"Retained and released" lists at this level are vanity. Every non contract player is a free agent in June!

By way of example
For the final game of Fishers season I technically had 53 players registered who could legally play. None were contracted.
However about half were players that had left or were signed on dual registrations for emergency cover but as they hadn’t moved to clubs in the same league we keep their registration.
Of the 26 that were actually with us, I know which are moving on or trying to move on to higher clubs. I know which are highly likely to stay and which the manager doesn’t intend using next season and is helping find other clubs or stepping down a level for game time.
However posting these as released or retained is pointless and I don’t do it. Some moves will fall through and they’ll be back with us either in or after pre season, some who planned staying will get offers and go or change jobs and move etc and so won’t be here anyway and some who might have left will train with us anyway and fate will mean they are then needed.
All we do is once players sign registration forms (which become available in late June but can’t be processed on the FA clubs portal until the first working day in July) I’ll start posting them on social media.
Even then a player signing registration forms is free to sign elsewhere prior to the start of the league season!

 

[Gary Alen]

So it turns out that the newly formed Hayes & Yeading FC have picked up nearly all of our B-Team with a smattering of ex-players thrown in too.

Ex-Brentford players mentioned here include:
Leiarna-Rose Taylor-Pullen,
Rebekah Edwards,
Amber Lloyd,
Lillie Elsbury,
Kasey Clifford,
Shanon Read,
Karen Abou Abdallah,
Charlotte Halpin,
Marta Boabonay,
Nadia Jaffer,
Thalia McGivney
& Karina Hlek.

& They are just the ones I've been able to work out. Whose to say that some of the others may have had roots in the B-Team too.


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