Coaching roles for ex-striker Heskey

LEICESTER City favourite Emile Heskey will now work across both the men’s and women’s teams following a restructure, writes Jordan Blackwell.

Heskey has been jumping between roles since first rejoining the club where he made his name as a striker.

He started off as an ambassador and player mentor for City Women when they became a professional outfit, before taking on the role of head of women’s football development last year.

Heskey, below, briefly stepped in as caretaker boss of the team between Jonathan Morgan’s departure and Lydia Bedford’s appointment, and now, in his latest role, he will be a technical coach to the side, as well as to the men’s Under-18s team.

This move comes after City appointed Lisa Pearce as Director of City Women.

Tasked with overseeing all operations from football to commercial and administration, Pearce starts on October 1, arriving after four years as chief executive officer at British Wheelchair Basketball.

It is the latest senior appointment for City Women, who named Willie Kirk as director of football this summer ahead of the club’s second season in the Women’s Super League.

City chief executive Susan Whelan said: “Lisa’s appointment is a significant one for LCFC Women and further underlines our commitment to doing all we can to grow the women’s game – not only through on-pitch success but through sustainable and strategic progress in all areas of its operations.

“We’re delighted to be able to have somebody of Lisa’s experience on board to help us drive forward with our vision.

“She has enjoyed great success in her previous roles across various sports and that track record in strategy and development will be a great asset for us as we continue to build a platform to LCFC Women to be a leading light in the growth of women’s football.”