Bristol City appoint former Wales assistant Lauren Smith as new interim head coach
Ashton Gate - Facing the Lansdown Stand. (Image: Bailey8891)
Bristol City have appointed former Wales assistant coach Lauren Smith as their interim head coach ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The 33-year-old joined the FAW on a full-time basis 2017 and became Jayne Ludlow‘s assistant manager and was heavily involved in the U17 and U19 National Teams.
She departed the FAW in January to become the assistant coach at FA WSL side Tottenham Hotspur where she worked alongside head coach Rehanne Skinner.
Smith returns to Bristol City where she previously held roles as first team assistant coach and Technical Director for clubs’ youth programmes.
The University of Wales graduate joins a Bristol City side that were recently relegated to the Championship last season.
Lauren Smith told the club’s official website: “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.”
During her time with Wales the senior national team reached the top 30 in the FIFA World Rankings for the first time.
Both the U17 and U19 teams also reached the UEFA European Championship Elite Rounds several times.
Smith has been appointed as interim head coach whilst Tanya Oxtoby is away on maternity leave.
“Lauren was the stand-out candidate for the role as we aim to rebuild the women’s programme in the Championship this upcoming season,” said club director Gavin Marshall.
“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.
“Combining that with the knowledge and experience she has gained in both the international and domestic game makes Lauren an exciting appointment for Bristol City Women.”
(Featured Image: Bailey8891)
