Episode 3 The Women's Football Show

Good evening and welcome to the Women?s Football Show.

270 teams entered this season?s FA Cup and after 1,313 goals from

Arsenal's preparations are rocked by the resignation of Shelley Kerr.

Can the Toffees of Everton take advantage

The stakes are just as high in our Cup Final quiz.

And the club?s digital ambassadors take over Twitter.

Two players hoping to get their hands on this trophy, are Kelly

Smith and Rachel Brown-Finnis. We begin

though with the announcement that after just 16 months in charge,

Shelley Kerr has resigned Shelley Kerr was named Arsenal

Ladies manager a month later. Whoever it was, it's big shoes to

fill, like you say. For me, I see it as a challenge more than anything

daunting or any kind of pressurised environment. Kerr would endure a

difficult maiden season at the helm. The misery was compounded when they

received a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player

against Liverpool with the club missing out on a Champions League

spot as a consequence. Although dethroned as league champions, Kerr

did guide the Gunners to success with a domestic Cup double

consisting of the Continental and FA Cups. Ahead of the 2014 WSL season,

seven of the team which started the FA Cup Final had departed the club.

I think there's been a major change in terms of the women's game where

perhaps there's more resource and finance available and in particular

you talk about Manchester City coming in, Liverpool winning the

league, so opportunities come along and if you are at one of these

clubs, where is the first place you are going to go when you look for

good players? Arsenal Ladies. We have been reactive rather than

proactive. A lot of the players have been at the club a long time. At

some point or another, there was going to have to be a rebuild at the

club. Despite the recruitment of World Cup winners Shinobu Ohno and

Yukari Kinga, a Champions League exit to Birmingham and defeat in the

Continental Cup increased the pressure. Kerr said she would step

down after Sunday's FA Cup Final against Everton. We know the results

on the pitch this season, Kelly, haven't gone to plan. Is that why

she's resigned? Partly due to the reason. Three back-to-back defeats

at home is not acceptable for any Arsenal side. She had a lot to

contend with off the back of last season, losing seven key players,

starting players, for any side would struggle. I think the rebuilding

process was slow. We couldn't get some of the players we wanted. That

was on her shoulders. The three points docked at the end of the

season took its toll meaning we weren't in the Champions League.

Ultimately, that falls on Shelley's shoulders. She felt that. As

players, we need to take responsibility. The first four

league games we haven't. Yes, it falls on Shelley's shoulders, but

the players, for me, have not been performing on a consistent basis.

Everybody looks at Arsenal, you look at the big-name players that you

lost last season. Seven of last season's FA Cup Finalists have left.

Kim Little was the star name of the entire league. Why didn't you

replace those sooner? Good question. To be honest, most of them were on a

one-year contract. It is part of the club's responsibility to make longer

contracts for some of the players. Losing seven players for any team is

a nightmare situation. It is not ideal. We struggled to get the

players in. Why did you? Well, it is part of the backroom staff. The club

players in. Why did you? Well, it is needs to take a look at itself and

find out why so many players left at the end of the day. In terms of the

action on the pitch, we know about those results. You still have some

very good players, World Cup winners, Casey Stoner, a former

England captain. Why have they not performed? I think, you know, when

any side loses those amount of performed? I think, you know, when

players, it takes time to gel. We are still doing that. Defensively,

if we are not scoring goals early enough, that puts pressure on us and

defensively, we have made silly errors. At this level, you will get

punished. Certainly, later in games, we have been conceding. The last

four games in the league, we've struggled to score. Rachel, people

have been talking about this season, there not being a fear factor with

Arsenal. Over the years, they were the dominant force. The players have

been spread out. Is that right for an opposing player, they are not as

scary to play against? They are still Arsenal who have won the

league and the Cup numerous times. But, you know, does that threat kind

of come with the same sort of clout it has done previously? I would say

probably yeah. They are an injured, a wounded animal at the moment, are

Arsenal. And so any team that is in that situation is a dangerous team.

So, for us, as far as our preparations going into the match on

Sunday, will be no different to when we have played an Arsenal team in

the past. Shelley Kerr has gone. Who is going to take over from her?

After the FA Cup Final. Would you be up for the job? I'm taking my

coaching qualifications at the minute. I'm not going to put my name

forward for that. That is up to the club. You are not going to put your

name forward as such. If asked? If asked, then I would step up and

maybe do that. I don't think that is in line with what they are looking

for. I would still like to play and contribute on the football pitch

this year. OK. Thank you. We switch our attention to the Blue

corner now. As a youngster,

Everton?s Nikita Parris dreamed of playing in an FA Cup Final and is

now working hard to inspire the next Our very own Blue Belle, Sue Smith,

reports. I'm here on the streets of Toxteth,

Liverpool. This is where 20-year-old Everton striker Nikita Parris first

started kicking a ball around. The newly 46 crowned Toffees Player of

the Year is hoping to a cap off a rise through the ranks and inspire

Everton to win their second FA Cup in four years.

COMMENTARY: What a fantastic goal from Nikita Parris!

How proud will you be to represent your home town club in an FA Cup

Final? Everton has been my club for many years. I have worked hard to

get into the first team and now going out into the final with all

the girls, it will be an unbelievable feeling. What was it

like growing up around here? Sometimes it was hard, being a girl

and wanting to play football against lads who think they are big and

tough. They don't like it when they get beat by you in games.

Eventually, they let me come and play with them. She is the latest

player to make the grade from Everton's Academy. The graduates

include Alex Greenwood and Toni Dughan. My name is Nikita. I'm from

Everton Ladies. Everton are a model club for producing home-grown

talent. Why do you think they have been so successful? They have worked

very hard over the years to get Everton in the community up and

running and get people more involved in football and give girls an

opportunity to get involved and experience what I experienced at a

young age. Instead of involving with boys, now they involve with other

girls. When you are asking for the ball, signal what foot you are.

Me coming along showing the girls that we believe in the abilities and

just progressing women's football in general. Grassroots teams and that

is where the future stars come from, grassroots. Hopefully, they will

take a lot from today and my coaching and progress on. Some of

these aspiring youngsters may be can get inspiration from Nikita, who is

preparing for the biggest game of her career. Everton are the only

side to beat Arsenal an FA Cup Final, in 2010, can you remember

that? I was there, as a young player. We got the chance to go and

watch them. It was unbelievable. I wish it would have been me scoring

that final goal! They are evolving their team just like we are. I

reckon they will be a hard team to beat. We are youngsters coming

through. It will be an unbelievable feeling for all of us.

And if you?d like to follow in Nikita?s footsteps

and start playing football, then head over to bbc.co.uk/getinspired

to find all the details of your nearest club.

Nikita, she looks a fantastic young prospect. She looks like she has a

mature head? She has been a revelation for us this season. She's

kind of matured beyond her years. She's a real strong role model for

young players coming through and proof of what Everton Academy do do,

the centre of excellence and the players they bring through. She is

playing a central striking role this season. She was more on the left

side. She has had more of a chance to show what she can do up front?

She is our go-to girl, really. We have played some direct football,

but she's proving to be a cute finisher. She's had a lot of

opportunities where she's been one-on-one with the keeper, she's

dinked the ball, she's gone round the keeper, she is scoring from

distance. She proved to us at the end of last season. She is scoring

with her head as well. She is starting to prove herself as an

all-round player, holding the ball up well when it's been received to

her feet, and scoring some absolutely crucial goals for us so

far. Does she have England potential? I think I would say that

she does. When I saw Frankie was placed in the squad, that was on

form. There is a chance in the future. If she keeps producing the

goods for Everton, she has a chance. She is one of a number of young

players, Kelly, and you are playing them in the Cup Final on Sunday. Is

there a case for the youngsters not having that fear factor, maybe not

being as fazed as more mature, experienced players might be? Back

in the day, you go out and embrace the situation. There is no pressure

on you. You want to prove you are a good player. She is a player we will

have to watch out for come Sunday. You lost a lot of big-name players

last season, Williams going to Liverpool, Dowey going to Liverpool

as well. And this season, losing Jill Scott, and you have managed to

bring through these youngsters, a couple from Manchester United's

Academy. How impressed have you been by them? You said it there. We have

lost not only a wealth of quality, but a wealth of experience in the

players that have moved on at the end of last season. How we have done

it? I think we have consolidated as a group. We don't have one go-to,

one player who we rely on to be scoring all of our goals, or to be

creating all of our opportunities. And every single person is having to

give 100% to get the results that we have done. And I think that is why

we are getting our results. We are using our young players. Some young

players have stepped up. And they have been outstanding for us. It is

unusual to be going into an FA Cup Final with two clubs at the bottom

of the league. It is bizarre to think that, Arsenal and Everton.

Arsenal with the one point at the moment. Both clubs are not in very

good form. They have still managed to get to the FA Cup Final. Sit that

one occasion -- it is that one occasion where you have pulled it

out of the bag and you potentially can lift the trophy. What do you

think the key factors will be in this final? It will be

determination, grit, resilience, all the characteristics that we have

shown as a team at Everton. We have left everything on the pitch. That

is what we will go with again on Sunday.

occasion and that special moment to win that trophy. Who knows? It is a

kind of battle. It is about who stands up to that occasion.

kind of battle. It is about who odd situation that the players are

going into the game knowing they are losing their manager. We have got to

do it for Shelley. No one wanted her to step down. We are going to fight

to lift the trophy and do it for her.

So, we know it has been a week for Arsenal but what about Everton? Alex

Webb has the best of the W S L one action.

Manchester City made it four straight wins with a convincing two

- zero win over Everton. The team are beginning to find momentum.

There were doubled city's points tally for the

season. A stern test for surprise leaders Birmingham as they faced

season. A stern test for surprise Liverpool side had done enough to

season. A stern test for surprise get a victory which would have seen

season. A stern test for surprise them leapfrog their opponents but

they were unable to build on an equalising penalty and both teams

settled for a point. It finished goalless as Chelsea and

Notts County looked to get their WSL challenges back on track. There was

an entertaining draw which leaves them amongst the middle of the pack.

So, Birmingham City riding high. There is no victory yet from

Arsenal. Liverpool are mid-table. It is very tight. One victory can send

you right up there. Birmingham City seem to be using a siege mentality.

I am a bit confused because they have got some very good players. Why

do they seem to have the need for the siege mentality of people

writing them off? They were the favourites to go down

so maybe they were aggrieved by that. Said the bookies and pundits.

It gives you the extra fire in the belly. They have a good team behind

them. They have a certain style of play which works for them and it is

hard to break them down. They have been impressive for me this year. We

played them twice, and lost twice. They have their grit and

determination to do well this year and they are leading by example.

What do you make of Birmingham? They were a solid, solid outfit. They

were really difficult to break down. They played in front of a big home

crowd. They have great home support. It was really hard to get any joy in

the final third, in our final third. They are a strong resilient team

who, like I said, that penetration in the final third, it was, I do not

think we tested the keeper at all. That is what they are basing their

season on and that is what their strengths are as a team. Just

because they are not necessarily a fancy forward sort of flourishing

team, that they can out get results. That is the proof of the table, they

are getting results. This season, for the first time, there is a

relegation place which makes things very interesting indeed. Arsenal are

at the bottom at the moment. Are they really are relegation

candidate? It looks that way at the moment. There is a 14 game campaign.

We are on a break. We will look for this to regroup, go away and

re-evaluate. We will have another manager imposed hopefully for the

second part of the season. It does not look good for us going into the

break. Who will win this thing? Any ideas? I really think it is too

early to tell. We probably think the table should be flipped the other

way around. Which Birmingham will not like. That is no disrespect to

them. I think it is too early to tell. Four games in, that is just a

snapshot. There is also a full fixture list in WSL two. Oxford or

on the bottom of the table with just a solitary point.

Reading are sitting comfortably in fourth and Fran Kirby has been given

a chance from the England boss Mark Sampson. She steps up from the

England under 23s. How exciting prospect does she look, Kelly?

She is a very good footballer. I'm glad she has been called up. She

tore us apart, if I am honest. Encouraging. The Japanese

international player flipped the ball round her and ran past her with

ease. I was very impressed with her on the day. Back to FA Cup matters

now. Milton Keynes will host Sunday's showpiece. Siobhan

Chamberlain and Fern Whelan met up at a stormy Stadium MK where they

found time to tackle your tweets. Right, Twitter Queen, shall we get

going? How does it feel to be playing in the women's FA Cup Final?

It is the biggest game of the season. Losing the Cup Final is

horrible. Added motivation to do well this year and third time lucky.

Last time we played was Arsenal and we won it so that is the best kind

of day you can think of. To get the chance to do it again is

unbelievable. Who is the toughest opponents you have played against

and who is your footballing hero? Can we have one question at a time,

please? It is in one question at a time, please? It is unwanted! Nu

Luke Coates scored extra time. I would say Jess Clarke was brilliant

in our semifinal against Notts. I think she hit the post as well. She

did really well. What is the biggest challenge you

have had to face a far? Injury is a big one for me. Isn't it might

turn? You are a question hog! Someone said what is your favourite

Hula Hoop. Barbecue beef. Who are you backing for the World Cup?

England. Are you asking the questions now. One of our players is

scared of thunder and lightning says there is a wonder she will run away.

Identical in her. That is about it. Good questions. Good luck for the

final. Good luck, as if they mean it! We

have a tweet for you two as well from Tom. He says are there any

upcoming names we should be looking out for in the women's game? I would

hope so. I mentioned one of my team-mates Gabby George. We have

been fortunate recipients of Manchester United not having a

women's team. She has stepped up to a team which is notoriously

difficult. A lot of responsibility. She has done a stellar job. I think

she was awarded player of the round for the semifinal of the FA Cup. And

well-deserved. She is one for the future. Kelly, anyone we should be

looking out for? I will stick with my team-mate Lee Williamson. She is

only 17. She will be a hot prospect. Already she has stepped into the

centre back's shoes. She can play left back and has played centre

midfield at the weekend. She plays beyond her years. She will be a big

player for the future, certainly for Arsenal and England. She made a

mistake at the weekend but you said that was out of character? It

happens. No one holds responsibility. She has been

outstanding. She stepped in with no fear on her shoulders and as one to

watch. Finally this week, it is trivia time. Tom Bowker is your

resident quizmaster. Kelly Smith has five FA Cup Final

goals, but Kelly Smith has five FA Cup Final

the most? Kelly Smith has five FA Cup Final

I will go Karen Walker. LeAnn Samson. Marian Spacey. Julie

fleeting. Julie fleeting. I will go with her. A good instinct.

goals. In 2010, Everton became the only

side to beat Arsenal in an FA Cup Final. Who scored their winning

goal? I think I remember watching this in America. Was it Natasha

Dowie? Natasha Dowie. Natasha Dowie. Natasha Dowie. Was it in extra time?

Do I get as bonus point for that? Sorry, Siobhan, no bonus point but

it was Natasha Dowie. Somebody is a showpiece will be

played at Stadium MK but can you name the last three venues to host

the final? This will put me on the spot. Which was the one? To keep

motor. Doncaster Rovers. Bristol. Ashton gate. Can I have a clue?

Coventry. The Ricoh Arena. The Ricoh Arena. Full marks to Casey and

Siobhan. It was at Ashton Arena. Full marks to Casey and

the recurrent arena. Which players have played for Liverpool? Yellow

Makro Rachel Brown. Ritual brain that -- Rachel Brown. Jody

Makro Rachel Brown. Ritual brain Jody Handley was a

Makro Rachel Brown. Ritual brain Liverpool as was Rachel Brown.

The last FA Cup 's have been won by Arsenal, Charlton, Everton and which

other club? Is this going years back? Birmingham? These are hard.

Birmingham. Birmingham won against Chelsea. Correct, Birmingham were

winners in 2012. With five out of five, it is Siobhan Chamberlain who

take the plaudits as our quiz winner.

Rachel Brown was just 15 when she first played in an FA Cup Final. She

will be playing this weekend against Arsenal. Sunday 1st of June, we are

on air at 4:15pm and kick-off is at 430 PM. The next show is on Monday

the 21st of July. Thank you, Kelly, thank you, Rachel,

good luck to both of you on Sunday and we will find out if Kelly's

Arsenal or Rachel's Everton will once again get their hands on this

famous FA Cup trophy. Goodbye for now.