Bristol City’s relegation hammers home stark financial realities of WSL
As one of two WSL sides without Premier League backing this term, Lauren Smith’s team were up against it from the start
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As the clock hit full time at Ashton Gate on Sunday evening, Bristol City finally succumbed to the inevitable. Relegation was confirmed after a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, a final nail in the coffin in their Women’s Super League campaign. Just 371 days after achieving promotion, the Robins will head back to the Championship to start rebuilding once again.
The table does not lie. With only one win all season – a thrilling 3-2 triumph at West Ham in November – Bristol City’s struggles have been evident. Their defensive issues, in particular, have been impossible to ignore. Context is key, however, particularly in a sport where the parameters are quickly shifting.
