WSL2 was 'crying out' for more promotion places
The move comes as part of the increasing professionalisation of women's club football in England. For the first time in 2025-26, all 12 WSL2 sides are completely full-time.There are fears of a growing gap between the top two tiers, with the newly promoted side relegated after one season in each of the last two WSL campaigns - Bristol City in 2023-24 and Crystal Palace last year.But Salicki is unconcerned, pointing to the gap between the WSL top four of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City to the rest of the teams."There is a gulf there, but there's a gulf in the division regardless - there's a gulf between the top four and the rest of the WSL," added the 33-year-old defender."If the infrastructure is there, anyone can compete. I was in the Sunderland team the year they got promoted [in 2014] and everyone wrote them off, but they were flying high that year."There has to be an organic growth, it cannot just be flung at people. It has been done in the right way. Now the right step is for multiple promotions and hopefully that continues for the years to come."
'Any club would be amiss not to invest'
The two automatic promotion places are a one-season deal. In the 2026-27 campaign, second place in WSL2 will mean a play-off against the 13th-placed WSL side, with third missing out.This adds a sense of urgency for sides in the highly competitive WSL2. Last season eight of the 11 sides were in promotion contention at times, while nine points separated the top five come the end of the campaign.Ultimately, promotion was only decided on the final day, when champions London City Lionesses secured a 2-2 draw away to Birmingham City, who finished two points behind in second spot."It is a massive incentive, any club would be amiss not to invest," Sunderland's Brianna Westrup told BBC Sport. "You never know when that many spaces might be available - even next season there is one less."Two seasons ago we finished third. It is definitely attainable. We all have our eyes set on that.""With three potentially going up it's a huge opportunity," added Southampton goalkeeper Fran Stenson. "Everyone can see how much has been invested, and with 12 professional teams hopefully it's all positive."The competitiveness, and added promotion places, of the English second tier has allowed it to draw in more talent.Former England midfielder Jordan Nobbs has dropped down from WSL side Aston Villa to Newcastle United, while Bristol City striker Rio Hardy says it was also a factor when she chose to leave Scottish giants Rangers this summer."My goal is to play in the WSL," Hardy, 29, told BBC Sport. "I was clear with Charlotte [Healy, Robins manager] about that. It was one of the things that pulled her to me, we both want promotion and to achieve my dream."Playing for Rangers I'm used to competing for trophies, that's something we want to do at Bristol City. There's a lot more to play for, with possible three promotion places, it's what more clubs will be aiming for and it will draw more people to the league because of that."
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The Independent
4 minutes ago
- The Independent
Harry Maguire hopeful ‘fresh start' can lead to change in Man Utd fortunes
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The Sun
5 minutes ago
- The Sun
Our guide to the best snooker betting sites in the UK (2025)
SNOOKER has always been a popular sport among UK bettors, but it is experiencing a significant moment right now. A generation of new stars has risen to challenge the old guard, and the sport is receiving more international attention than ever before, with new stars like China's Zhao Xintong and Belgium's Luca Brecel emerging. In this guide to the best snooker betting sites in the UK, we'll take a look at how the sport is changing, the best bookies to use for snooker betting, the best markets to bet on, and more. Our top 10 snooker betting sites 🔎 A closer look at the best snooker betting sites in the UK The snooker betting scene in the UK is booming right now, and some of the biggest bookmakers are getting in on the act. After careful consideration and after using our Sun Factor review system to compare sites, we have put together the following list of the 10 best bookmakers in the UK right now. 1. bet365 bet365 is always my first port of call when it comes to snooker betting. The site offers exceptional odds year-round and has some of the most in-depth coverage of events you will find in the UK. While many bookmakers will offer price boosts during the Triple Crown events, bet365 remains consistent during the smaller ranking events too. We have also found it has excellent prices and bonuses during the Triple Crown events, with its World Championship odds often being unrivalled. There is also a healthy amount of promotions for general sports, which punters can take advantage of. 2. Coral If you are looking for excellent live snooker betting, Coral could well be the site for you. We have always found Coral to offer some of the live prices, with its in-play boosts during the UK Championships and the Masters standing out. Coral also provides live streams for ranking events throughout the year, further enhancing the live-betting experience. The operator runs many top sports promotions throughout the year, and while there are not many snooker-specific promotions, there are plenty of sports promotions that can be used for snooker betting. 3. Betway Betway is another household name that has exceptional snooker coverage. The operator runs several features, including its free bets club and Betway Boosts, that are particularly useful for snooker betting. In terms of coverage, the site has brilliant odds throughout the Triple Crown events and also has a wide selection of markets for many of the smaller, ranking events that take place throughout the year. 4. BetMGM BetMGM has burst onto the UK betting scene in recent years and has wasted no time in demonstrating it understands what UK bettors want. The snooker betting markets are a prime example of this, with the site's in-play snooker odds being among the best available in the UK. It also covers international tournaments, with excellent markets on events like the Saudi Masters and the German Masters. 5. SBK SBK is another top bookmaker that has come on my radar for snooker betting over the last couple of years. It has become my go-to choice for getting early odds on the Triple Crown Series. The site is always ahead of other operators, often offering odds on the World Championship, UK Championship and Masters months in advance. It also runs price boosts throughout these tournaments and has regular sports promotions that snooker bettors can take advantage of. 6. Dabble Punters looking for something a bit different are going to love Dabble. The site adds social elements to the snooker betting experience, allowing punters to interact with one another and copy bets. We liked the inclusion of the Copy Bet feature, and have found it particularly useful during major events, with some punters doing an excellent job of spotting value bets. Like all of the snooker betting sites listed in this guide, the site offers competitive odds on the Triple Crown Series and also has excellent in-play odds, being a particularly stand-out for frame winner markets. 7. talkSPORT BET talkSPORT BET has been around for a couple of years now and has firmly established itself as one of the best snooker bookmakers in the UK. We have found that it is one of the few sites that will run price boosts year-round, not just during the Triple Crown events. The in-play betting features are also reliable, with the site having one of the best cash-out features in the UK. While it does not have any snooker promotions available, it does run excellent promotions such as free bets and cashback offers that can be used on snooker markets. 8. Spreadex If you are a fan of spread betting, then Spreadex should jump straight to the top of your list. The site may not have the bells and whistles that others have in terms of betting features and promotions, but it does offer some of the best alternative snooker betting markets and odds around. It also offers great future markets, often being ahead of many of the top snooker sites in this guide. 9. Midnite Midnite has been a big hit with mobile sports bettors in the UK, and it's easy to see why. Its mobile app and website are among the best in the UK, and its live-betting features and markets are also right up there with the very best the industry has to offer. Its snooker markets are competitive, with the site covering ranking events throughout the year, and often having some of the best player prop markets around. It also boasts a regularly updated selection of bonuses and promotions for snooker bettors to enjoy. 10. 7bet 7bet is one of the best snooker betting sites for statistics and data. The site provides stats and other useful information to help punters make informed betting choices. This is particularly useful for snooker, given that it has one of the most stacked calendars of any sport. It also keeps punters updated with popular bets from other bettors, which can be a great way of spotting value you might have otherwise missed. The biggest snooker tournaments to bet on Snooker has an incredibly active calendar, with three majors taking place throughout the year, and other ranking events filling the gaps in the schedule between them. Let's take a more detailed look at the biggest snooker tournaments to bet on. The World Championship The World Championship is often seen as the main event of the snooker season and is one of the three Triple Crown events. It is a multi-session marathon held at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The tournament is extremely popular with bettors, with top snooker sites running promotions and price boosts throughout. The prize fund is also one of the biggest in the sport, with the 2025 prize fund being £2,395,000, with the winner, Zhao Xintong, pocketing £500,000. The Masters The Masters is the first Triple Crown event to take place in the calendar, happening in the first few weeks of December. The event is held in the Alexandra Palace in London. Unlike the World Championship, this is an invitational event, meaning only top-ranked players can compete. Shan Murphy is the reigning champion, having beaten Kyren Wilson in the 2025 final. The UK Championship The third jewel in the Triple Crown series is the UK Championship. This is the second-largest ranking event after the World Championship and is held in the York Barbican. This takes place at the end of the year, typically running at the end of November into early December. Current world number one Judd Trump is the reigning champion. Other significant ranking events Looking past the three Triple Crown events, the snooker calendar is jam-packed with exciting tournaments throughout the year. Some of the top-ranking events include the Welsh Open, the German Masters, and the Tour Championship. Like tennis, these events often offer excellent betting opportunities for those who pay close attention and follow the sport year-round. A guide to snooker betting markets As an individual sport, snooker tends to offer different betting markets to popular sports like football or rugby. The following are the most common betting markets for snooker. Match winner This is the most popular type of bet to place in snooker. A match winner bet, as its name suggests, is simply a bet on which of the two players will win the match. Unlike a lot of other sports, there are no draws in snooker, meaning this is a simple choice between the two players. For example, you might back Judd Trump to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan. Frame winner Frame winner markets allow you to bet on which player you believe will win the current frame. This is particularly popular for live-betting purposes, with the odds shifting as the frame progresses. For example, you might back Kyren Wilson to win the current frame. Frame score The Frame Score market is essentially a bet on the final frame score of the match. For example, you might back Mark Williams to win 10-7 in a first-to-ten frames match against Neil Robertson. Match centuries & 147 break This market is focused on how many centuries a player will score. This is typically presented as an over/under market. For example, you may be offered odds on whether over or under 3.5 match centuries will be scored. The 147 is a much rarer feat and, as such, is typically just presented as a yes/no market. Tournament winner Finally, we have the tournament winner markets. These are popular markets that see players bet on which player will be the outright winner of a tournament. For example, you might back John Higgins to win the UK Championship. 🤵♂️Players to watch throughout the 2025/26 snooker season The 25/26 season is in full swing, but the first of the three Triple Crown events is still months away. All eyes will be on Zhao Xintong throughout the year as he looks to repeat his incredible World Championship win. He shocked the world when he secured the trophy in May after returning from a two-year ban. Of course, the story would have been totally different had Mark Williams been able to win in the final. The Welshman would have been the oldest player to lift the trophy at 50 years old. Elsewhere, Judd Trump will look to continue his dominance this season after he set the record for the most centuries in a season last year. Kyren Wilson will also look to build on a strong campaign. Snooker betting tips and strategies Snooker can provide excellent betting opportunities for those who are willing to take their time and make educated betting decisions. The following are some top tips we have compiled for snooker bettors: Study recent form: As with all sports, one of the first things you should do when betting on snooker is analyse the recent form of players. Momentum is a very real thing in snooker, and seeing how a player has been performing in recent tournaments can be an indication of what to expect in their next one. Check head-to-head records: Snooker is an individual sport, and it's fair to say that some players excel against specific opponents. Some players work well against others, and a player's recent form or ranking might not be enough to give you a full idea of whether they have specific weaknesses that a long-term rival could exploit. Consider the venue: While snooker is not quite like golf or tennis when it comes to the environment impacting the result, it can still definitely have an impact. Some players have failed to deliver in certain venues, while others might excel in front of a home crowd or a venue they are well accustomed to. Take advantage of promotions: While you might not find many snooker-specific promotions with online bookmakers, there are plenty of welcome bonuses and other promotions that can be used on any sport. We also recommend keeping your eyes peeled for price boosts during any of the three majors. Choosing a sportsbook for snooker betting With so many top snooker betting sites on the market, knowing which one to choose can be a difficult task. When deciding which ones would make our list, we analysed them using the following criteria: Offers/promotions: Bonuses and promotions are an essential part of the modern sports betting experience. While you may not find too many snooker-specific bonuses, there are plenty of free bets and other promotions that you will be able to use on snooker and other sports. Number of snooker markets and tournaments covered: Of course, when choosing the best snooker betting sites to recommend, we factor in the number of snooker markets offered and their odds. Streaming: Snooker is an incredibly popular sport for in-play betting, with many top online sports betting sites offering live-streams of events throughout the year. When choosing which snooker sites to recommend as part of this guide, we checked to see the quality of the live streams offered, as well as their frequency. App (yes or no): If you're anything like me, you will do 90% of your snooker betting, and your sports betting in general, on your phone or tablet. As such, having a betting app that can be instantly accessed is incredibly useful. When reviewing a snooker site, we will also test out its mobile app if one is available. UX/interface: A snooker site can offer all of the above, but if it is poorly designed and a hassle to use, chances are, you are not going to stick around. Having a user-friendly interface is a must, as is offering reliable customer support and a range of responsible gambling services. Payment methods (deposit and withdrawal): When we review a snooker site, we head straight to the cashier to see what payment methods it supports. We also check its minimum deposit and withdrawal, its withdrawal processing speed, and if there are any fees attached. How to bet on snooker Getting started on your snooker betting journey is easy; all you need to do is follow these steps: Sign up for one of the snooker betting sites listed in this guide. If you are new to the site, be sure to claim the welcome bonus. Once you are signed up, head to the snooker section and find the market you want to bet on. Add your selection to your betting slip. Enter your stake, double-check everything is correct, and hit place bet. Sit back, cross your fingers, and enjoy the snooker! FAQs about the best snooker betting sites Still have some questions about betting on snooker in the UK? The following FAQs should help clear those up. 1. What are the most important things for a bettor to know ahead of a snooker match? Several key factors should be considered when betting on snooker. A player's recent form, their head-to-head record, and performance in previous tournaments at a venue are among some of the most important. 2. When are the best times to place bets on upcoming snooker matches/tournaments? You can find the best value odds quite far in advance of a tournament. However, it is better to wait until closer to the start of a tournament to ensure you are up to speed with a player's latest form and stats. 3. What makes snooker tournaments a good way to use a sports betting promotion? Snooker can be one of the most unpredictable sports in the world, with outsiders regularly performing well in tournaments. This makes it the perfect place to take advantage of promotions, especially free bets. 4. How often does an outsider/unseeded player reach the final, or win, a tournament? While it is not uncommon for outsiders to perform well in a tournament, actually winning or reaching a final is rare. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
BBC News
5 minutes ago
- BBC News
Hemp grateful for 'special' Carrow Road moment
England star Lauren Hemp has thanked Norwich City for the honour of carrying out the match ball before kick-off against Millwall on who comes from nearby North Walsham, became a double European champion last month when the Lionesses beat Spain on penalties to retain the trophy they first won at Wembley three years ago."It was nice to be back there [at Carrow Road]. I try and get back as much as I can to watch Norwich games. They're my team at heart and always keep an eye on their scores and watch as many game as I can when they're on TV," she told BBC Radio Norfolk."It's good to be able to come back and support them. I was treated so well and obviously it's nice walking out and applauding me, and the team as well. "It was a very special moment and nice that my family got to see that as well."Asked about the possibility of one day returning home to play for fourth-tier Norwich City Women, where her friend Flo Allen is general manager, the Manchester City forward said: "We'll have to wait and see for that one."Hopefully they'll climb up the pyramid and once they're in the WSL, we'll have to see where we're at."
