'Expectations for WSL bosses must match investment'

Rehanne Skinner had a difficult start at West Ham but results have improved since the January transfer window

West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner says "expectation needs to match investment" in the Women's Super League and there should be more support for managers who lose their jobs.

After recruiting well in January, Skinner has led West Ham to back-to-back wins and they have moved five points clear of the relegation zone.

"You can't work miracles overnight," said Skinner.

"You're dealing with 25 players, another 20-plus staff members and it takes time to embed all the things you want to try and get right in order to be successful. Time is absolutely crucial.

"I know we live in a world where results are important. We all know that. The biggest thing is that the coaches and clubs are all aligned on what that looks like and how long that's going to take."

• Lack of female coaches a 'massive issue' says Hayes
• Are clubs doing enough to support WSL players' mental health?

'Financial challenges heightened in women's game'

Earlier in February, Melissa Phillips was sacked by Brighton after just nine months in charge, with the club 10th in the table. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was among those "shocked" by the decision.

On the other hand, Manchester City kept faith with manager Gareth Taylor, who signed a new contract in June despite his side missing out on Champions League qualification - and are now challenging for the WSL title.

Arsenal's Jonas Eidevall also signed a new long-term contract in October despite failing to progress from the Champions League qualifying rounds. The Gunners are six points behind league leaders Chelsea.

"When you go into a new job, you're inevitably going into it to evolve something that's not quite worked," added Skinner.

"Some of the circumstances across the game have been unrealistic with management timeframes. I think it's really difficult for people in those situations."

Skinner admitted she has struggled at least once in her managerial career, while Aston Villa boss Carla Ward said she was having a "tough moment personally" and had been supported by the League Managers' Association (LMA) in November.

"The investment is so varied so the expectation needs to match that across the game," said Skinner.

"The reality for managers and players [without] a job, is that it's not the same as the men's game, where you get good pay-outs.

"It's a lot more difficult and financially more challenging in the women's game. People lose sight of that because it's football, it's on TV and we're growing the game.

"There's so many positive steps and it's definitely improved dramatically but... people not getting opportunities to have the time we need is a real challenge."

'Packed schedule affects staff as well as players'

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said she was "shocked" by Brighton's decision to sack Melissa Phillips

In January, BBC Sport assessed what mental health support was available for WSL players but Skinner thinks there should be more conversations around what managers and staff need.

Asked if it was talked about enough, she said: "No, is the short answer. It's interesting because the expectation is the same but how that's managed, what's invested and the support around that is generally very, very different.

"The challenge is that you're expected to evolve things and commit to the same level that everybody does on the men's side - but generally the staff volumes are less so people are doing more. I think that takes its toll.

"The LMA are an absolute fountain of resource. They are superb. But I think internally we can be better supported across the game.

"I genuinely don't think there isn't someone who hasn't struggled at some point or another as a manager.

"I've certainly been in that position, 100%. I think the more we shed a light on it, the more... you can look after people."

Concerns were raised by England boss Sarina Wiegman this week, who said she was "very worried" by the demands of the fixture schedule - and Skinner insists it also affects staff.

"What the players ask all the time is 'where is the rest for us?'" added Wiegman. "They want to compete. We want players to be fit and fresh which means you always need a proper rest.

"This really needs to be solved. It's complex at the moment but [for] players at the highest level, the demands are so high and they need a proper rest in between seasons."

Skinner added: "We are growing and improving significantly but collectively, players' mental health and their rest periods within the calendar [is important]. The calendar impacts players but also the staff and the support teams.

"We might not be on the grass doing the physical side of things but we're working to prepare the players. Trying to take a break within the season is just non-existent and we accept that - but should we accept that?

"We need to look at how the whole structure is and the work-life balance."