Charlton Athletic have returned to the Women's Super League nearly 20 years after their women's team was disbanded following the men's side's relegation from the Premier League, and Karen Hills's squad now face the challenge of establishing themselves in the top flight. The club impressed on their way up, going unbeaten for 27 games and boasting the meanest defence in WSL 2, before a mid-season dip cost them the title on the final day and forced them into a promotion play-off, which they won against Leicester.

Six players have left, including Katie Bradley, but Hills has brought in experience through Ashleigh Neville and Emily van Egmond alongside promising young talent such as Leah Davidson and Grace Johnston from Australia, while goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse, who saved four penalties in the play-off shootout, remains key. Charlton's main worry is attack, having scored just 31 goals last season, the fewest among WSL 2's top six sides. Off the pitch, haircare brand Sofnfree has become the club's first sleeve sponsor, but the news that owners Global Football Partners have put the club up for sale adds a note of uncertainty as Hills, a former Charlton player and FA Cup winner, prepares to lead the team out against Liverpool on 6 September.