There are not many clubs in English football who know the WSL yo-yo quite like Crystal Palace Women. Relegated after their inaugural top-flight campaign in 2024-25, they bounced back at the first attempt and will contest the Women's Super League once more in 2026-27. The question is whether this second stint proves more durable than the first.

A promotion run to remember

Jo Potter's side were far from convincing in the early months of last season. A slow start left them hovering close to the Championship's lower reaches, yet what followed was one of the most compelling runs in the second tier. Twelve wins from their final 14 games carried Palace to second place, edging out Charlton Athletic on the final day to claim automatic promotion. It was a charge built on resilience, team spirit and, crucially, the kind of collective belief that only a group of players who have endured genuine adversity can summon.

Several members of that squad — Abbie Larkin, Ashleigh Weerden, Shae Yanez and Molly-Mae Sharpe among them — have been present through the club's turbulent recent history and will be central to survival hopes this term.

Smart recruitment in the summer window

Potter has moved decisively in the market. The headline arrival is Bethany England, the 32-year-old striker whose WSL pedigree is substantial. With 87 goals accumulated across spells at Doncaster Belles, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, England is an out-and-out finisher who has won nine major trophies and demonstrated a knack for dragging clubs through difficult moments — her contribution to Tottenham's survival effort in 2023 being a case in point. Her signing alone signals that Palace are not content merely to make up the numbers.

In goal, the loan arrival of France international Pauline Peyraud-Magnin offers genuine quality between the sticks, while Molly Bartrip bolsters the defensive unit with considerable top-flight experience. Attacking options have been supplemented by Shannon O'Brien and Lexi Lloyd-Smith, two young players who attracted attention last season, alongside loan arrivals Teyah Goldie and Fuka Tsunoda.

The significant pre-season setback was the confirmation that My Cato had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, robbing Potter of a player who would have featured prominently in her plans.

Jo Potter: the manager making her mark

Potter, 41, is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtful young coaches in the women's game. She arrived at Selhurst Park last summer from Rangers, where she had won back-to-back cup doubles and developed academy players into consistent senior contributors. As a player she won the FA Cup with Birmingham City in 2012 and was part of the England squad that secured bronze at the 2015 Women's World Cup. Her understanding of the WSL environment, combined with a clear footballing identity, gives Palace every reason to be optimistic about their approach.

Fortress mentality needed

The statistics from 2024-25, when Palace won just a single home match before finishing bottom, make for uncomfortable reading. Last season told a very different story — they topped the second tier for points won at home. Translating that homegrown confidence to WSL opposition will be one of the defining tests of the campaign.

Their opening three fixtures — against Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur — will provide an immediate measure of where they stand. It is a daunting start, but also an opportunity to assess what they have quickly rather than be eased into a false sense of security.

Off-field picture

Crystal Palace Women have been fully integrated into the parent club since 2022, and the ownership group of Woody Johnson, David Blitzer, Josh Harris and Steve Parish have continued to support the women's side. There is some uncertainty at boardroom level following reports in June that Johnson, Blitzer and Harris are exploring the sale of their combined 79% stake, though nothing has been concluded. The women's team will hope that any transition, should it occur, does not disrupt a project that is clearly moving in the right direction.

Guardian writers tip them for 13th. Survival would represent a considerable achievement. On current evidence, it is well within reach.

Frequently asked

How did Crystal Palace Women get promoted to the WSL for 2026-27?
Crystal Palace Women secured automatic promotion by finishing second in the Championship, winning 12 of their last 14 games under manager Jo Potter to pip Charlton Athletic on the final day of the 2025-26 season.
Who has Crystal Palace Women signed for the 2026-27 WSL season?
Their headline signing is striker Bethany England, who brings 87 WSL goals and nine major trophies to the club. They have also added goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin on loan from France, defender Molly Bartrip, and attackers Shannon O'Brien and Lexi Lloyd-Smith, among others.
Who is Crystal Palace Women's manager?
Jo Potter has been in charge since the summer of 2025. The 41-year-old previously managed Rangers, where she won back-to-back cup doubles, and had a decorated playing career that included winning the FA Cup with Birmingham City and representing England at the 2015 Women's World Cup.