Portsmouth confirm exit of key player to Oxford as manager speaks out
Portsmouth Women are hoping to continue building next season towards a hopeful promotion to the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Last season saw the side complete the great escape, as they won three of their last six games to narrowly secure safety in the Women’s Championship.
Following the team’s turn to become fully professional in 2024, Jay Sadler will hope next season can see them continue their progression through the ranks after a year of consolidation – just like the men’s team.
Riva Casley to depart Portsmouth Women
Pompey Women have already announced the arrivals of several new signings so far this summer.
Lucy Johnson, Jess Gray and Jazz Bull have put pen to paper on moves to Westleigh Park, with further signings expected before the start of what will now be known as the Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2).
However, Portsmouth have now announced the departure of Riva Casley, who has completed a permanent move to Oxford.
Casley joined Pompey in 2023, and was the second player to sign professional terms with the club after extending her contract in 2024.
| Riva Casley | Women’s Championship (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 2 |
Helping the Blues to the National League title in her first season, Casley would go on to make 55 appearances, scoring three goals from defence.
But the defender will now return to her former club Oxford, with Sadler expressing his disappointment in her decision to leave.
The coach, however, added that Portsmouth respect her decision.
“Naturally, we’re disappointed to see her go. She has significantly impacted the group across both the title-winning campaign and our debut Championship season,” manager Sadler said.
“We fully respect her decision to focus on her career alongside football. She leaves with our best wishes and gratitude for what she has helped us achieve.”
Portsmouth Women will continue to thrive
Casley’s departure will be a blow to Pompey, but the side, having grown so much in recent years, will continue to thrive in her absence.
Sadler will now likely look to the transfer window in the aims of replacing the defender, with Portsmouth looking light at the back.
Next season will bring a new challenge, as the Blues hope to avoid another relegation battle and strive towards the eventual aim of promotion to the WSL.
Next season will provide a further opportunity, with the top two sides achieving promotion ahead of the WSL’s expansion to 14 teams for the 2026/27 season.
Furthermore, next season will feature a play-off between the third-placed WSL2 team and the relegated WSL team, who will compete for their place in the top division.
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