Leicester City women face relegation play-off - what happened?

Breaking news from the world of sport: Leicester City women face relegation play-off - what happened? Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Shannon O'Brien is Leicester's top scorer in the WSL this season with just four goals By Joe Bradshaw Sport senior journalist Published 24 minutes ago Nine Women's Super League defeats in a row, just 10 goals scored all season - the writing has been on the wall for Leicester City women for some time. The 7-0 thumping at Arsenal on Wednesday confirmed, with two games left to play, Rick Passmoor's side will finish bottom.

Coming just over a week since the ignominious relegation of the men's team to League One, it is another blemish on a club that seems to be unravelling. And yet this season, the women's side have a one-off opportunity for redemption. Instead of immediate demotion to the second tier, they face a play-off on Saturday, 23 May at the home of whoever finishes third in the Women's Super League 2.

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That is because the WSL is expanding from 12 to 14 teams before the 2026-27 season. For Passmoor and his squad, the mission is simple. The alternative does not bear thinking about.

"A double relegation would be a complete PR disaster," says Radio Leicester reporter Zoe McGrady. Arsenal thrash Leicester to leave Foxes facing relegation play-off Three into two - battle to reach WSL goes to final day Published 4 days ago What's on the line as WSL reaches business end? Published 18 hours ago Leicester City v Chelsea Sunday, 3 May, 14:30 BST Watch on iPlayer How did Leicester fall into trouble?

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Leicester have not won away from home in the WSL for two seasons Last season under Amandine Miquel, Leicester achieved their WSL record points tally of 20, winning five games at King Power Stadium to help them finish 10th. However, summer departures of key players Yuka Momiki and academy graduate Ruby Mace, both to Everton, significantly weakened the squad. Even more damaging, just 10 days before the start of the 2025-26 season and with two years remaining on her contract, Miquel left the club.

Reactions and Expectations

It left the Foxes scrambling for a replacement, bringing in former West Ham assistant Passmoor, initially as interim and then appointed permanently. To those in the know, he has made a positive impact with the players but this has not translated to on-field performances. "Last season under Amandine, there was a lot of disconnect between staff and players," McGrady explains.

"But now, it's odd because Hannah Cain told me that it was the best mood in the dressing room she'd experienced in the five-and-a-half years she'd been at Leicester. Other players all seem to agree. "Rick has made it a priority to get them happy and he has done that, but the results aren't showing.

" After a poor start, Leicester tried to make amends in January, opting for players with WSL experience including Alisha Lehmann, Rachel Williams and Ashleigh Neville.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.