West Ham United Women’s manager Rehanne Skinner has voiced her concerns over the short-term contracts prevalent in the Women’s Super League (WSL), calling it an “issue” that needs urgent attention. Skinner’s comments come in the wake of West Ham losing seven first-team regulars during the summer transfer window, many of whom left after their short-term contracts expired. As the WSL continues to grow in prominence, Skinner believes that addressing the contractual landscape will be key to ensuring stability and sustainability for both players and clubs.
Losing Key Players on Short-Term Deals
West Ham United Women faced a challenging summer, losing several key players to permanent transfers. Among the departures were Australia’s star goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, Japan internationals Risa Shimizu and Honoka Hayashi, as well as former vice-captain Hawa Cissoko. Each of these players was on a two-year contract that had run its course, leaving the club with little leverage to retain their services.
For Skinner, this pattern is symptomatic of a broader issue plaguing the WSL. Short-term contracts, often lasting just two years, have become the norm in the league. This contrasts with the longer contracts seen in the men’s game, where players often sign for four or five years, giving clubs more security over their key assets.
In a recent interview, Skinner addressed the challenges posed by these short-term deals, stating, “It’s difficult to build a team when you’re dealing with so much turnover. We need to address this issue if we want to see long-term success, not just for individual clubs but for the entire league.”
The Problem with Short-Term Contracts
Short-term contracts, while offering flexibility to both players and clubs, have a number of drawbacks, especially in a growing league like the Women’s Super League. The frequent turnover can also disrupt team cohesion and limit the potential for long-term development.
For players, short contracts can provide the opportunity to move freely and seek better opportunities elsewhere, but they also create uncertainty. Without the security of a long-term deal, players may feel pressure to constantly prove themselves, knowing that their future with the club is not guaranteed beyond a couple of years.
Skinner elaborated on these points, saying, “For players, short-term contracts can be beneficial in terms of career flexibility, but for clubs, it’s incredibly tough. You’re always in a state of flux, trying to replace players instead of building a foundation.”
This summer, West Ham’s departures highlight the strain short contracts can place on clubs. Mackenzie Arnold, a standout player for Australia in the Women’s World Cup, opted not to renew her contract, while Japan internationals Risa Shimizu and Honoka Hayashi were also snapped up by other clubs after their deals ended. Hawa Cissoko, a vital figure in West Ham’s defense, was another loss after her two-year deal expired.
Impact on Team Development
For managers like Rehanne Skinner, the constant churn of players can make it difficult to implement a long-term vision for the team. Building a successful football team requires continuity, with players growing together under a consistent tactical framework. However, with so many players on short contracts, managers often find themselves having to rebuild their squads every couple of years.
Skinner expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s not just about replacing talent; it’s about rebuilding team chemistry and re-establishing the tactical identity we’ve been working on. When you lose seven first-team players in one window, it sets you back significantly.”
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