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Sports · Soccer · published 2026-08-28 · via BBC Sport

Saints women face budget squeeze after 'challenging' summer

Image via BBC Sport
Image via BBC Sport

Southampton's women's team will operate with the smallest budget in WSL 2 next season, according to head coach Simon Parker. The club has moved home matches from St Mary's Stadium to Eastleigh's Silverlake Stadium and lost several key players. Officials deny any connection between the cuts and the men's team's spygate scandal.

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The budget reduction follows a season where Southampton finished fifth in WSL 2, their best result since the club reformed nine years ago. The team will play most home fixtures at Eastleigh's Silverlake Stadium, which holds roughly 5,000 spectators compared to St Mary's 30,000-plus capacity, though at least three matches remain at the larger venue.

Several key players have departed this summer, including goalkeeper Fran Stanton, captain Atlanta Primus, Aimee Palmer, and Tara Bourne. Director of football Marieanne Spacey-Cale is also stepping down after being central to the women's team's rise. Coach Simon Parker noted the club had planned to re-sign key players but had to change direction. Club sources deny any link to the men's spygate scandal.

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