As the old adage goes, ‘give me a good contract and I’ll give you a good player.’ Short-term contracts have been a thorn in the side of many Women’s Super League teams in recent times, and none more so than West Ham United. The East London side has lost a staggering seven regular first-team players on permanent transfers this summer, all due to the expiration of their two-year deals. The departures of Mackenzie Arnold, Risa Shimizu, Honoka Hayashi, and former vice-captain Hawa Cissoko have left the Hammers scrambling to fill the gaps in their squad.
But West Ham is not just looking to fill empty spots; they are determined to learn from their past mistakes and create a more sustainable future. Manager Rehanne Skinner has been vocal about her desire to transition away from short-term contracts and towards a more stable, long-term approach. And she’s not just talking the talk. This summer, West Ham has signed five new players on three-year deals, a move that Skinner hopes will bring some much-needed stability to the team.
So what exactly are the problems with short-term contracts, and how can West Ham and other Women’s Super League teams avoid falling into the same trap in the future?
Understanding the Dangers of Short-Term Contracts
Short-term contracts, by their very nature, are designed to provide flexibility and freedom for both players and teams. However, in the Women’s Super League, this flexibility can often come at a cost. When players are signed on short-term deals, teams are essentially taking a gamble on their long-term commitment. If the player performs well, they may choose to leave in search of better offers, leaving the team with nothing in return.
This is exactly what happened to West Ham this summer. Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to hold onto some of its most talented players, simply because their contracts had expired. The loss of these players not only hurts the team on the pitch but also financially. When players leave on free transfers, teams are deprived of the transfer fees that could have been used to bring in new talent or invest in youth development programs.
According to Skinner, this is a problem that needs to be addressed. “It’s a conversation I had with the club – something we needed to iron out and put in place. Short-term contracts have been an issue for sustainability,” she said in an interview. “We know the turnover has been quite high in the club previously. I’m trying to support the management of that and even that out a lot better – for the fans and the sustainability of the team.”
The Impact on Player Development
The reliance on short-term contracts can also have a negative impact on player development. When players are signed on short deals, they often lack the security and stability needed to truly flourish. Without the guarantee of a long-term contract, players may be less likely to put in the time and effort required to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
This is a problem that West Ham is determined to address. By signing players on longer-term deals, the team is providing them with the security and stability they need to excel. According to Skinner, this is an essential part of creating a sustainable and successful team. “We need to look at both sides of that and it’s something that has to be factored in moving forward,” she said.
Creating a Sustainable Future
So how can West Ham and other Women’s Super League teams create a more sustainable future? The answer lies in a combination of good management, smart recruitment, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
One of the key challenges facing Women’s Super League teams is the lack of financial resources. Unlike their male counterparts, women’s teams often struggle to attract the same level of funding and investment. This can make it difficult to sign top players on longer-term deals, as teams are often forced to opt for cheaper, short-term options.
However, as West Ham has shown, it is possible to create a sustainable future without breaking the bank. By signing players on longer-term deals, the team is providing them with the security and stability they need to excel. And by focusing on developing young players through the club’s academy, West Ham is creating a sustainable pipeline of talent that can be used to strengthen the team in the long-term.
Looking to the Future
As the Women’s Super League continues to grow and develop, it’s clear that teams like West Ham are leading the way. By prioritizing sustainability and long-term success over short-term gains, the Hammers are creating a model that other teams can follow.
And it’s not just about the team; it’s about the fans too. According to Skinner, creating a sustainable and successful team is essential for building a loyal and dedicated fanbase. “Last season we were doing a lot of work on trying to put foundations in place. We appreciate they have seen a lot of change,” she said. “We want to create that stability this year so they really have something to root for. I think we showed our identity last year and what we’re trying to achieve.”
So as the new season gets underway, West Ham fans will be hoping that their team can build on the progress made last year. And with a renewed focus on sustainability and long-term success, there’s every reason to believe that the Hammers can achieve great things in the years to come.
With the signing of players like Shelina Zadorsky and Finland midfielder Siren, West Ham has shown that it is committed to creating a more sustainable future. And as the Women’s Super League continues to grow and develop, it’s clear that teams like West Ham are leading the way.
As Skinner says, “It’s about having a better structure around contract lengths and for when people are coming out of their contracts too.” With a renewed focus on sustainability and long-term success, West Ham is creating a model that other teams can follow. And as the Hammers look to the future, there’s every reason to believe that they can achieve great things in the years to come.
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