Ludlow to take on a new role at the Etihad
JAYNE Ludlow has been appointed Manchester City’s girls’ academy technical director three months after leaving her Wales Women manager post, writes Katie Sands.
The ex-Wales manager, who was capped on more than 60 occasions, joins the side currently top of the Women’s Super League.
Ludlow left her Wales role in January having managed the senior and youth sides for seven years, but her next move marks a return to club football for the first time since she held the reins at Reading Women between 2013 and 2014.
Ludlow, 42, said: “I am excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to join Manchester City Football Club as technical director of the girls’ academy.
“I look forward to ensuring that our academy prioritises personal and football development so that our next generation positively impact the game and societies of the future.
“I am also committed to helping facilitate a creative, positive learning environment where both coaches and players can thrive.”
Gavin Makel, managing director of Manchester City Women, added: “Her experiences and accomplishments as both a player and coach are up there with the very best, whilst her passion for developing young players matches that of our own.
“I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with Jayne as we look to build upon the strong foundations already set within the Girls’ Academy.”
Former Arsenal captain Ludlow left her Wales role after twice leading the national team close to qualifying for a major tournament, but they narrowly missing out.
She has since been replaced by ex-FA and Lionesses assistant coach Gemma Grainger, who will lead Wales into their 2023 World Cup qualification campaign from September.
Ludlow’s exit from the FAW came a month after she was linked with the West Ham Women job, which eventually went to Olli Harder.
The Man City announcement will put to bed any speculation linking her with the soon-to-be vacant Arsenal Women manager role – Joe Montemurro departs the club at the end of the current season.
Ludlow will link up at Man City with fellow ex-Wales international Gareth Taylor, who is head coach of the team, which includes some of England’s top talents like Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze.
Taylor told the BBC: “It must be a difficult and daunting task to try to raise the levels of our development squad. Jayne’s work ethic is top drawer so I think we’ll be really successful in that regard.”