'Massive': Portsmouth boss hails Michael Eisner's financial backing after women funding boost
Pompey Women suffered relegation in April after two seasons in WSL2
Jay Sadler has thanked Pompey chairman Michael Eisner for continuing to bankroll a full-time women’s team at Fratton Park.
And he is convinced that crucial financial backing can help drive a swift return to Women’s Super League 2 following last season’s agonising relegation.
The Blues will next season compete in the National League Southern Premier Division following the end of a two-year stay in WSL2.
They will be competing with the likes of Bournemouth and Fulham - both funded by Premier League clubs - and Oxford United as they bid to bounce back at the first time of asking.
Encouragingly, however, Pompey Women will do so armed with a full-time professional set-up, albeit with a ‘slight decrease’ in the playing budget.
And at a level when all other clubs operate on a part-time basis, long-serving boss Sadler is convinced Tornante’s ongoing financial input can be pivotal in the 2026-27 promotion race.
I think the decision to remain full-time has surprised a lot of people
He told The News: ‘It’s big news. Getting relegated and losing broadcasting and TV money meant there was a debate over where we’re going and what it would look like.
‘To be fair, the investment’s still there. The vision is also there, they believe in what we’re trying to achieve and what women’s football is trying to achieve. The owners have backed it, which is massive for us.
‘Obviously there are a few subtle changes in terms of budget. We are no longer travelling the nation now, we are travelling south, so we can be a bit more shrewd and efficient in those regards.
‘The playing budget also has a slight decrease, in line with the league averages, but it is still a very healthy and competitive budget. From a playing perspective, I’m extremely excited and happy with it.
‘On the pitch it didn't go the way we wanted it to with relegation, but off it it’s the same staffing provisions, the same full-time squad members, the same scheduling, everything stays the same.
‘You only have to look at the unfortunate events at Plymouth Argyle where they have released all their team and the catastrophic effect it has had on the community and younger generation. They missed out on the title by a point.
‘Whereas with us staying full-time, we can still submerge ourselves into the community and protect the vision of inspiring young people in Portsmouth to be professional football players.
‘From the outside, I think the decision to remain full-time has surprised a lot of people. There’s a huge loss in broadcast and TV money, which is going to leave a big black hole, and who is going to fill that? Ultimately, though, following conversations with the ownership group and directors, I always felt confident we could remain full-time.
‘It now means we can roll out and accelerate in the transfer market now, this makes us a very attractive proposition for a lot of people. We want an immediate return to WSL2 and that’s why we’ve kept the programme as it is.’
Head of football departure
One departure following relegation is Pompey Women’s head of football Brooke Chaplen.
The Portsmouth-born former Chelsea and Everton attacker was appointed to the newly-created role in August 2024 following the Blues’ promotion to WSL2.
However, being a mandatory position for WSL2 clubs, it has now been scrapped following relegation, with Chaplen’s role being absorbed by existing staff.
Sadler added: ‘Brooke has left the football club following the conclusion of last season.
‘The club are going in a different direction for this season with the head of football not being a mandatory role of head.
‘Bill Griffiths, who was previously our general manager, will be taking some of the admin work. We also currently have an operations lead in Francisco Silva, so his responsibilities will be increased this season too.
‘If we find a swift return to WSL2, I know the club will go out and recruit a head of football. It’s one of a number of roles which are compliant, hence as soon as you get to WSL2 your financial output doubles.’
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