Gail Borman (born 25 April 1963) is an English former footballer, who played club football for the Doncaster Belles. She was described by journalist Pete Davies, author of the book I lost my Heart to the Belles, as a "quick and elegant England striker."[1]

Gail Borman
Personal information
Date of birth (1963-04-25) 25 April 1963 (age 61)
Place of birth England
Position(s) Striker
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
Reckitts W.F.C.
1984–1987 Rowntree W.F.C.
1987–2003 Doncaster Belles
International career
England
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

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In 1991–92 Borman hit 17 goals as part of a deadly forward partnership with Karen Walker, as Doncaster Belles carried off the inaugural National Division.[2] The following season Borman was unable to find a way past Arsenal's goalkeeper as The Belles lost the WFA Cup final 3–0 to their southern rivals.[3] In 1994 The Belles and Borman won the Cup back by beating Knowsley United in the final at Glanford Park.[4]

Borman remained loyal to the club throughout the following years and was named as a substitute in the Belles' FA Women's Cup final defeats in 2000 and 2002.[5][6] When manager Julie Chipchase left for Leeds United in June 2003, Borman assumed the position of acting manager.[7] She then became assistant to new boss John Buckley.[8]

International career

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Borman represented England at senior level. She scored both goals in a 2–0 win over Scotland at McDiarmid Park in August 1992.[9]

Borman missed the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup with a knee injury. She returned to the international fold in November 1995; replacing Karen Farley for the last nine minutes of a 5–0 win over Croatia at the Valley.[10]

She was allotted 80 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international.[11][12]

References

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  1. ^ Pete Davies (23 May 1994). "Football: Belles face tough run-in: The women's National Premier League is being fought to a tight finish. Pete Davies reports". The Independent. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  2. ^ "1991-1992". The Owl Football Historian. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
  3. ^ Sam Elliott (25 April 1993). "Football / Women's FA Cup Final: Arsenal on trail of the treble: Shipp stands firm as the Belles rue lack of a finishing touch: Sam Elliott reports from Oxford". The Independent. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
  4. ^ Rudd, Alyson (25 April 1994). "Football: Belles bring class to bear: Doncaster dominate women's FA Cup final". The Independent. London. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
  5. ^ Sarah Hughes (2 May 2000). "Hunt keeps Croydon on double track". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  6. ^ Tony Leighton (7 May 2005). "Fulham too professional for battling Belles". The Independent. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  7. ^ "NEW BOSS SET FOR BELLES". Doncaster Free Press. 5 June 2003. Archived from the original on 27 May 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  8. ^ "Belles name new manager". femalesoccer.net. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  9. ^ "Women's football". The Herald. 24 August 1992. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
  10. ^ Liz Searl (20 November 1995). "England's women consolidate position". The Independent. London. Retrieved 17 June 2010.
  11. ^ "England squad named for World Cup". The Football Association. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  12. ^ Lacey-Hatton, Jack (18 November 2022). "Lionesses introduce 'legacy numbers' for players past and present". mirror. Retrieved 19 June 2023.