NO MORE HOPE

HOPE POWELL’S 15-year reign as head coach of the England women’s team ended yesterday as the FA decided the time is right “for a fresh outlook”.

Powell (right) took on the head coach role in 1998, guiding England to the European Championship final four years ago where they lost to Germany.

But the disappointment of the latest Euro finals, where England bowed out in the first round, undoubtedly played a part in her departure. FA general secretary Alex Horne said: “Hope deserves a lot of credit for her commitment to developing the national teams over such a long period.

“However, the Club England board believe the time is right to make a change.”