West Ham United Women take on London City Lionesses in the Barclays Women’s Super League today.
And the game will mark a special milestone for Rehanne Skinner, her 100th WSL game as a manager, and her 50th at the helm of the Hammers since joining in the summer of 2023. Skinner will be hoping her side can celebrate the occasion with three points.Speaking at Chadwell Heath on Friday afternoon, the West Ham boss reflected on how far the women’s game has come since her early days as Arsenal assistant when the WSL launched in 2010.
Over nearly a decade of management, Skinner’s drive and passion for progress remain undiminished, and she embraces the ever-evolving challenges that come with the league’s growth.
Next up for her side is a trip to the Copperjax Community Stadium to face newly-promoted London City Lionesses, a team transformed since the Hammers beat them in last season’s League Cup.
With 17 new arrivals over the summer, Skinner knows her side will be facing a fresh test. Aside from suspended defender Inès Belloumou, she’ll have a full squad available, boosted by confidence after Wednesday’s hard-fought Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Friday also coincided with World Mental Health Day, prompting Skinner to speak about the importance of support and awareness in football. “Everybody has a life outside of football, When people open up about what they’re going through, it creates real understanding and connection," she said.
Skinner highlighted West Ham’s wellbeing support network and the importance of creating an environment where players can thrive on and off the pitch.
Reflecting on her century of WSL games, Skinner noted how professionalism and standards have risen dramatically. “From when the league started, it looks completely different, it wasn’t even professional then," she stated.
"The players now are incredible in how they apply themselves. Every day you have to bring your best, and that challenge is something I love.”
Turning to Sunday’s opponents, Skinner warned against underestimating London City. “They’re not the same side we faced pre season," she warned. "They’re still finding rhythm, but so are we, and we’ll approach it with confidence in what we’re building.”
The Hammers’ recent progress has been clear, particularly in their defensive organisation. “We’ve grown tremendously," insisted Skinner. "Against Villa, we limited them to set-pieces, and versus Brighton we stayed calm under pressure. That’s the step forward we’ve been looking for.”
With form improving and milestones to mark, Skinner’s side will head into Sunday’s clash eager to celebrate their manager’s landmark match with another statement performance.
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