FORMER England boss Hope Powell said she was “overjoyed” yesterday after her Brighton side learned they will join the Women’s Super League (WSL) top-flight next year.

The Football Association announced that the nine WSL sides who applied for licences to stay at the elite level when it becomes a full-time league would each retain their status from the 2018-19 season, with Brighton joining them.

Brighton, who are currently in WSL2, will play at Crawley Town’s home stadium from next term.