Arsenal’s Spring Series opener against Notts County this weekend has been cancelled after Notts County Ladies ceased to exist, leaving players without a club and, in some cases, without a home.

Players wasted no time in taking to Twitter to express their disbelief, shock and anger.

Former Arsenal Lady, Danielle Buet, tweeted

A statement on the Notts County Ladies website said,  “Alan Hardy has reluctantly admitted defeat in his bid to save Notts County Ladies Football Club after facing a near-£1million bill to keep the club afloat this season.

“The Notts County chairman and owner had hoped to restructure six-figure HMRC debts inherited from Ray Trew and fund ongoing projected losses this season of half a million pounds.

“Despite interest from two Premier League sides to take over the business as a going concern and to protect the players and staff, the FA would not sanction the transfer of licence to safeguard the future of the club under a new ownership structure.

“And, despite weeks of negotiations with lawyers, HMRC and the FA, Hardy has now called time on his plans to save the Ladies set-up.

“The club has today been officially withdrawn from the Women’s Super League and will play no matches in the Spring Series, including this Sunday’s away fixture at Arsenal.”

 

The game was due to take place at Meadow Park on Sunday. Arsenal’s next game will be against Sunderland Ladies next weekend.