Leeds Carnegie Ladies FC 2008-09 Season

National Premier League: 6th
League Cup: 3rd round; Chelsea a. 2-3 aet.
FA Cup: 6th round; Arsenal a. 1-3

Highlight:
3-0 win away to Doncaster Belles, 17/9/08

Low Spot:
0-2 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers, 23/10/08

Good:
Sue Smith
Effervescent as ever Smith was lively all season, scoring consistently as well as creating her usual quota of chances for others and ousted Rachel Yankey from the England team.
Carly Telford
Proved herself just about the most consistent keeper in the Premier League and looks set to provide Rachel Brown with a real challenge for the England no. 1 shirt over the next couple of years.

In Brief:
Sixth position looks, and was, disappointing to a squad that appears to be stronger than that on paper but this needs to be put into context against the ongoing injury problems that continue to blight the club. The most significant setbacks were suffered by new signing Ellen White, who missed most of the campaign, and Steph Houghton who suffered her second serious injury in as many years.
Consistency, not surprisingly, proved elusive and the club can only hope that their subsequent efforts are not hindered in the same manner.
Like Chelsea they will require a couple of their promising youngsters to prove themselves major talents over the next year or so if they are to really challenge for honours.

Leeds United Ladies are another side coming to terms with the loss of funding from the mens club.

Their immediate future was secured by a two year sponsorship deal with EmpireDirect.co.uk.

Leeds United Ladies have made a sound start to the current National Premier League season and have England internationals Karen Walker and Sue Smith in their ranks.

In 2000 the club reached the final of the National Premier League Cup, losing 1-5 to Arsenal Ladies and could be equipped to make an impact in the cup competitions again.