Charlton

Following a four-season absence from the WSL, Birmingham are back, having won Women’s Super League 2 last season.

The Blues edged a thrilling title fight with Palace and Charlton, clinching the trophy on goal difference by winning at The Valley on final day.

They showed quality going forward and in defence, scoring the second-most goals and conceding the second-fewest.

They also finished with the league’s best goal difference, while striker Lily Crosthwaite picked up her award for WSL 2 player of the year last week.

Among six new signings, head coach Amy Merricks has recruited experienced centre-back Millie Turner, who made 145 WSL appearances in eight seasons at Manchester United, has two England caps and is the new Blues captain.

She will play alongside talented 23-year-old Neve Herron, who was named in the WSL 2 Team of the Year.

“There’s going to be challenges, there’s going to be moments, highs and lows, but come that first game of the season, we’re going to be ready,” Herron told BBC Sport.

Police have launched an investigation after a 33-year-old man was found dead at Charlton Athletic’s football ground.

Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service were called to The Valley stadium in south-east London on Tuesday morning following concerns for the welfare of a person.

The Metropolitan Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from officers.

Detectives are investigating the possibility that the man had fallen from height in the early hours of Monday morning. The death is currently being treated as unexpected as inquiries continue.

In a statement, Charlton Athletic confirmed the club was supporting police with their investigation following the discovery.

A spokesperson for the Championship club said: “Everyone at Charlton Athletic would like to express their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“The club are continuing to assist the authorities with their inquiries and respectfully ask that the privacy of those affected is respected.”

The club added that there was no suggestion of any wrongdoing on its part and thanked its staff for their professionalism in dealing with a “particularly difficult and distressing situation”.

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