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Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 2 October 2008

Vic Akers with stars Emma Hayes and Rachel Yankey

Lure of America has Akers in a state

Women’s football

VIC Akers fears that the end is in sight for Arsenal Ladies after the introduction of the new Women’s Professional Soccer League in America.
Facing the biggest challenge of his 20 years at the top of the women’s game, Akers revealed that he expects a fight to keep his best players at the Emirates when the league kicks-off in spring next year.
The tremors are already being felt in north London with key players Kelly Smith and Karen Carney being linked with moves to the Boston Breaks and Chicago Red Stars respectively.
Islington-born Akers told Arsenal TV: “I had to allow those girls to speak to teams from America because it is, for them, a big thing.
“It’s a dangerous issue for me because unless we react as a club and as a federation then it could be a bit of a downfall for the game in this country.”
The Gunners have already suffered because of the lure of the American dream after award-winning coach Emma Hayes joined Chicago to head the club in the new league, which is set to kick-off in April.
The former Parliament Hill School pupil teamed up with Akers to secure the historic quadruple for Arsenal Ladies, but admitted that the offer from the States was too good to turn down.
The FA have since revealed plans to launch a new summer Super League in 2010 in a bid to strengthen the women’s game. And Akers believes it is vital to keep the top talents in the country until the financial benefits from the league kick in.
“I have to speak to the board of directors before we go any further. There are two scenarios.
“One is that they support me all the way and we continue. The other scenario is that this could be the end of Arsenal Ladies.”

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