Liverpool's victory over Bristol Academy in the Women's Super League title decider on Sunday signalled a real power shift in the women's game and it's set a new level that other teams will now have to match.
Their first league title underlines what real investment in a women's team can achieve. Liverpool were bottom of the WSL table last season and although they signed a whole team and were able to train five times a week it is still a wonderful achievement by manager Matt Beard to make everything gel in the first year.
In my view, they deserve to win the title as they have been the most consistent side this season and it shows you that if other teams want to compete with Liverpool, they have to match their commitment.
Other teams, including former champions Arsenal, still train only two to three times a week but I believe Liverpool's move to a full-time schedule has made a telling difference.
Unless other clubs can follow suit, Liverpool will start as favourites for next season's title. They are only going to improve and clubs that don't keep up with them will go backwards.
This season has been a great stride forward for the women's game; domestically the league has never been more competitive and you have to compete for every single point. It's an exciting time.
But if the England team is to compete at international level we have to get to point where all our top-flight clubs are full-time. My hope is that happens within five years.
The introduction of a second tier next season should add to the league's competitiveness while offering the chance for players at other clubs to develop in a more professional environment.
Source: BBC Sport
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