Bristol City is making headlines in womends football as discussions surrounding potential changes in promotion and relegation rules for the Womends Super League (WSL) stir significant debate. Romaney Pinnock, the head of womends football at Bristol City, expressed her openness to the idea of pausing relegation in order to accommodate the expansion of the league. This proposal comes amidst broader conversations about the current structure, which sees only one club promoted and relegated each season in a league consisting of just 12 teams at the top level and 11 in the second tier.
During a recent fans forum, Pinnock emphasized her willingness to consider multiple competition structures currently under discussion. dThere is no one option on the table, there are multiple so I can't say what we're voting for yet because it depends on what's on the shortlist essentially,d she informed supporters. The possibility of temporarily suspending relegation while allowing promotion to occur has emerged as a potential pathway for the WSL to gradually increase its size.
However, Pinnock also highlighted that she does not support a permanent removal of relegation from the league. dIf the only option there is that we have to do a couple of seasons of no relegation, Id be leaning towards that,d she noted, although she acknowledged the importance placed on promotion and relegation within English football culture.
Currently, Bristol City Women are coming off a challenging season after their relegation from the WSL under the previous management of Lauren Smith. They were eager to make a quick return to the top tier this season but have faced hurdles due to inconsistent performances. Despite a strong start under new manager Steve Kirby, the team has recently slipped to fifth place in the Championship, trailing Birmingham City by 10 points as of their last match against Charlton Athletic—where they secured a 1-1 draw on March 16, 2025.
In broader league dynamics, discussions about structural changes come as teams across the Championship are vying for promotion to the WSL, aiming to enhance the competitive landscape of womends football in England. Pinnock stated that exploration of various models is crucial for the future of the sport, especially with the aim to sustainably develop the league.
In a separate update, Bristol City manager Liam Manning confirmed that defender Ross McCrorie is set to return to training this week. McCrorie has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the team's 1-1 draw with Cardiff City in February. Manning expressed optimism about McCrorie's return for the upcoming away game against Burnley on March 29, 2025.
Manning stated, dStill on track,d when asked about McCrorieds recovery schedule. His return is crucial as Bristol City navigates a season where they currently occupy the seventh position in the Championship, just outside the playoff spots but level on points with West Brom. After a recent victory against Norwich City, the Robins are looking to maintain their momentum as they prepare for key matches ahead.
As the team gears up for the final stretch of the league season, which includes facing promotion contenders, the need for consistency and determination will be paramount. Ongoing discussions about league modifications coincide with a time of contrasting fortunes for both Cityds men and womends teams.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Max O'Leary, who has been consistently starting for the club this season, expressed some frustration at not being called up for the Republic of Ireland squad this month despite his regular inclusion in previous calls-ups. O'Leary has stated that he plans to use this time as an opportunity to focus on training and rejuvenation.
With the management and players focusing on the future, both the men's and women's teams at Bristol City are hopeful for a successful conclusion to the season. Pinnock's openness to revising league promotion and relegation structures indicates a willingness to adapt and strengthen the framework that supports greater participation and success in womends football.
