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• No sendoff game, but Donaldson says upcoming camp will suffice in making final World Cup squad selection

  Lorne Donaldson has expressed concerns about aspects of his senior Reggae Girlz transitional play ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup, but at the same time, he remains optimistic that the playing philosophy will come together in time for the global showpiece.

  Donaldson's preparation and plans around the make-up of his final 23-player squad for the July 20 to August 20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, has been dogged by injuries to key players and unconvincing performances at times, more recently in a 2-0 win over Sheffield United in England.

  That has forced the tactician and his assistants Xavier Gilbert and Ak Lakhani to conduct further assessments, with an upcoming camp scheduled for June 11-20 in Kingston, representing the last opportunity for players to impress the coaching staff.

  "We didn't get a chance to do what we wanted to do in England so after this camp, we can select the final 23 and then we fly to Amsterdam on July 1 and the real preparation to fine tune our team chemistry, the speed of our transitional play and playing philosophy starts there," Donaldson shared.

  "We will of course also take a close look at how we defend, but that's something the whole team must be involved in, not just the back line. So, our final decision in terms of the players we take to the World Cup is going to be done on the basis of who is ready to play right now," he declared.

  Though the initial plans bringing the team to the island was for a two-match sendoff series, Donaldson explained that there were logistical issues in securing the games and so the just over a week-long camp will have to suffice.

  "We would have loved a sendoff game but the logistics around the game is very difficult and that is nobody's fault. So, there is disappointment that we won't get a game, but I think we will get a lot out of the camp because we need to look at some players and I think that will help us to get a better evaluation of where the players are," Donaldson added.

  Former captain Konya Plummer, who is still working her way back to full fitness coming off maternity leave and winger Trudi Carter, are among the 26 players Donaldson intends to invite for the camp.

  "Players like a Konya and Trudi and other players have been without a club so we need to make sure that we know where they are, and we still might have one or two young players come in.  But again, our final decision is going to be based on who is ready to play right now.

  "Yes, there are some players who are safe, but they still have to show something because the players coming in are going to push them. We can't live in the past we have to look at what we have now and select the best team possible to show up at the World Cup and perform," the head coach stated.

  But beyond that, Donaldson pointed out that he is already looking to position the programme for the next cycle.

  "The younger players will be key for the next World Cup cycle, so we have to look at the squad to find a balance. We have a lot of young players with potential and as you know the next cycle includes the Women’s Gold Cup and all those games that we will be playing," he reasoned.

  "So, it's a good to start getting those players involved from now in international competition because we won't always get the English-based and European-based players for those games. We have to broaden the pool of players and make sure other people are getting a chance to see what the international stage is like," Donaldson ended.

• Sheffield United release Billy Sharp after promotion to Premier League

  Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp will not get the chance to represent his boyhood club in the Premier League again next season after being released.

  The 37-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane, will end his third spell at the club at the conclusion of his current contract, departing having made 377 appearances and scored 129 goals.

  He did play 45 times for the Blades last season as they won promotion from the Championship and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, but boss Paul Heckingbottom does not think he is worth a new deal in the top flight.

  Jack O’Connell and Enda Stevens are also released and will depart the club having played their parts in promotions over the years.

  The Blades have exercised the options on contracts for Oliver Norwood, Oliver McBurnie, Wes Foderingham and Ismaila Coulibaly to keep them at the club while negotiations over new deals for John Fleck, Jack Robinson and Ben Osborn are ongoing.

• Leeds charged with failing to control crowd after Eddie Howe confronted

  Leeds have been charged with failing to control their crowd after a fan confronted Newcastle boss Eddie Howe at Elland Road during a recent Premier League game.

  The fan was charged with assault by West Yorkshire Police and banned for life by Leeds after he entered the technical area to remonstrate with Howe during last month’s 2-2 draw.

  The FA said on its spokesperson Twitter site: “Leeds United has been charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control that occurred during its Premier League game against Newcastle United FC on Saturday 13 May 2023.

  “It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters – and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers – conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behave in an improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive or insulting or provocative way.

  “Leeds United FC has until Wednesday 14 June 2023 to provide a response.”

  Howe said after the game that his confrontation should act as a wake-up call for those responsible for the safety of players and staff.

  “I actually can’t remember whether he pushed me or not, I’ve got no idea, it’s such a strange thing because you’re concentrating on the game and you don’t expect it to happen,” Howe said.

  “He confronted me, said something that I can’t repeat and was then led away.

  “I’m OK, moments like that do make you think about the safety of staff and players is paramount for me at any matches in the Premier League and Football League. We need to be mindful, security is so important.

  “I don’t know if I had time to be fearful because it was over in a flash but it certainly makes you think ‘what if’ and I think it is moments like this that should make people look and analyse how we can improve safety for staff and players.”

  West Yorkshire Police later confirmed that the man had been charged with assault and will appear before magistrates on July 21.