The Leicester City Women have faced a challenging season, recording nine consecutive defeats in the Women's Super League and scoring only 10 goals all season. The 7-0 loss to Arsenal on Wednesday confirmed that Rick Passmoor's team will finish at the bottom of the league, mirroring the recent relegation of the men's team to League One.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for the women's side. Instead of immediate relegation, they have a one-off opportunity for redemption: a play-off on Saturday, 23 May at the home ground of the team finishing third in Women's Super League 2. This is part of the league's expansion from 12 to 14 teams for the 2026-27 season.

The stakes are high for Passmoor and his squad. They know that winning this play-off is crucial to avoid a disastrous double relegation, which BBC Radio Leicester reporter Zoe McGrady describes as a "complete PR disaster."

Last season, under former manager Amandine Miquel, Leicester achieved a record points tally of 20 and finished 10th. However, significant player departures, including Yuka Momiki and Ruby Mace to Everton, weakened the squad. Miquel's departure just before the 2025-26 season left the team scrambling for a new manager, eventually leading to Passmoor's appointment.

Despite a positive atmosphere in the dressing room, as noted by player Hannah Cain, results have not improved. Leicester attempted to bolster their squad in January by signing experienced players like Alisha Lehmann and Rachel Williams, but the on-field performance remains disappointing.

Passmoor remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for clarity moving forward. However, the potential consequences of relegation loom large, and the club faces an uncertain future.