Gareth Taylor has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Manchester City Women after the departure of Nick Cushing to sister club New York City FC earlier this year.
Taylor, 47, signed a three year deal after his switch from City’s Under-18 setup where he was coaching City’s youngsters following a stint as Under-16s manager.
It’s the latest move in a coaching career that started at City in 2011 soon after he left his final club, Wrexham, in 2011.
And Taylor was appointed to the role after conversations with Cushing, Gavin Makel – Head of Women’s Football, and Omar Berrada – Chief Operating Office of the club.
The former Wales international, who spent three years with City between 1998 and 2001, will be starting his new role with immediate effect and will be assisted by Alan Mahon who was in caretaker charge of the club temporarily after the departure of Cushing.
Speaking about his new role, Taylor said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have joined Manchester City Women and I’m extremely excited about the challenge ahead with a very talented group of players and staff who have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years.
“I’m really honoured to have been appointed to this role and I can’t wait to get started with our preparations for another thrilling and competitive Barclays FA WSL season in 2020/21.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with some great people within Manchester City and the Club’s Academy so far, but I’m absolutely relishing my new role within City Football Group and I’ll be giving everything I have to continue Manchester City’s success and growth in the women’s game.”
Makel added: “I’m delighted to welcome Gareth into the role of Manchester City Women’s Head Coach.
“Over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to see first-hand the qualities that Gareth possesses.
“Not only in terms of his abilities as a coach who develops individuals, but also in the way that he leads, whilst exhibiting the values and ethos that we hold dear as a Club.
“I am looking forward to working with Gareth as we enter this new era for the women’s team in which I am confident that we can continue to build upon the successes that we have had over the last six years.
“I would also like to add my thanks to Alan Mahon who stepped up in light of Nick’s departure and who continues to be an integral part of our operation.”
FA officially end Women’s Super League Season 2019-2020
City’s season has been deemed to be over after the FA announced the immediate end of the 2019-2020 season on Monday.
Although City are top of the Women’s Super League by a point – ahead of Chelsea 40 points to 39 – the Londoners have played a game less.
City are now awaiting the outcome of discussions regarding final standings but Emma Hayes’ Chelsea could leapfrog City to clinch the title if an unweighted points per game method was used to finalise the 2019-20 season.