Football / Bristol City Women
Lauren Smith returns to Bristol City Women as interim head coach
Bristol City Women will begin life back in the Championship with a new interim head coach at the helm.
Lauren Smith returns to the Vixens having previously been first team assistant coach and technical director for the Under-9 to Under-19 youth programmes.
Smith was previously assistant coach at Tottenham Hotspur and prior to that part of Wales Women’s coaching staff.
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Bristol City group chief financial officer, Gavin Marshall, said: “Lauren was the stand-out candidate for the role as we aim to rebuild the women’s programme in the Championship this upcoming season.
“Lauren previously spent seven years at the club in various coaching roles and has a fantastic understanding of the importance of the player pathway, which is vital as we aim to build a core of homegrown talent for the future of the club.”
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City head coach Tanya Oxtoby remains on maternity leave after giving birth to a baby boy, Albie Kempski-Oxtoby, in March.
Previous interim head coach Mat Beard departed at the end of last season which saw his team reach the final of the Conti Cup but also get relegated from the WSL.
Smith added: “Bristol City Women is a club that I hold close to my heart and I’m delighted to return as head coach for the 2021/22 season.
“Having previously spent seven years at the club, coaching through the age groups and into the first team as an assistant, it’s a special moment to become head coach.
“It’s going to be a busy summer ahead with a lot of work to be done as we aim to rebuild and prepare for one of the most competitive leagues in women’s football.”
Smith’s appointment comes the day after former City striker Ebony Salmon scored a goal on her debut for Racing Louisville in the NWSL.
Main photo: Bristol City Women
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