Latest news with #GarethTaylor


The Guardian
5 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Manchester City Women close to appointing Denmark manager Jeglertz
Manchester City are close to agreeing a deal to appoint the Denmark national team manager, Andrée Jeglertz, as their new women's head coach. It is understood that the proposed move would enable the Swedish coach to remain in charge of Denmark until the conclusion of the European Championship in Switzerland this summer, before taking over the Women's Super League side that finished fourth in the English top tier last season. A deal with Jeglertz is yet to be concluded fully but multiple sources have confirmed discussions are at an advanced stage and he has been City's first-choice candidate after an extensive search to replace Gareth Taylor, who was sacked in March. Nick Cushing was put in temporary charge of the team but he is not understood to have been in the frame for the long-term position. Jeglertz has been in charge of Denmark since 2023, having taken over after the World Cup that year, but on Tuesday there were reports in the Danish media that his likely successor has already been lined up by the Danish Football Association in anticipation of his exit after the European Championship this summer. His contract with the Danish FA is understood to expire after the tournament so no compensation nor release fee would be required. The 53-year-old has extensive experience coaching in the women's game and led the Swedish club Umeå to lift the women's European Cup – then known as the Uefa Women's Cup – in 2004 with a squad that included the Brazil legend Marta. City believe he suits their model for a technical style of play and that his coaching and tactical philosophies fit City Football Group's preferred profile. The search to replace Taylor was led by the women's team football director, Therese Sjögran, and the managing director, Charlotte O'Neill. It is their first major appointment since their respective arrivals in 2024 and 2023. In a lengthy managerial career that has stretched more than 22 years, Jeglertz has also managed the Swedish teams Djurgården and Linköping, as well as the Finland national team. As a player he was a defender, predominantly for Umeå and represented Sweden at youth international level. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion Before his sacking Taylor had been in charge for five years and it was understood that the club's decision to let the former Wales striker go was based on performances and a feeling that a change would improve the team's chances of achieving their aims of winning silverware. The club have won the WSL title once, in 2016, but have now endured three consecutive trophyless seasons.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chloe Kelly says Arsenal return saved her career: 'I was ready to take a break from football'
Chloe Kelly has revealed she considered stepping away from football before her loan return to Arsenal in January. The England international played a key role as Arsenal clinched Champions League glory for the first time since 2007 on Saturday, Stina Blackstenius scoring the only goal as the Gunners beat Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon. Kelly joined Arsenal's academy in 2010, making her professional debut five years later before joining Everton and later Manchester City. Her stay at City turned sour this season as she was often relegated to the bench after falling out with then-manager Gareth Taylor, and she rejoined Arsenal on loan in January. Kelly has been on fine form since returning to north London and has revealed she had considered quitting the sport while at City. 'I was ready to take a break from football completely,' she said. 'I'm just grateful. 'As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. Renee Slegers, as soon as she got on the phone to me, to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her. 'From being in such a dark place to now, it's crazy.' Kelly becomes a European champion for the second time in her career after winning Euro 2022 with the Lionesses. A free agent in June, she could soon return to Arsenal on a permanent basis. 'If it's my last game for the club, I'll forever be grateful. I know I've given my all to Arsenal football club, and Arsenal football club has given their all to me,' she said. 'They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. It's not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.' Kelly added: 'It's been a journey. Me and Lotte [Wubben-Moy] used to get the underground to Finsbury Park, Finsbury Park to Potters Bar. Potters Bar, we used to get off and get a bus and get off at the M25 bridge and walk to the training ground. 'To do it with these girls is so good. Players that I've played with growing up, Leah [Williamson], it's amazing. You see the journey that everyone is on. 'Arsenal have always paved the way for women's football and we continue to do so. They are the ones that allowed us to be here today.'


Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Chloe Kelly rejuvenated at Arsenal – now it is decision time
Arsenal 4 Manchester United 3 What a difference a few months can make. As Chloe Kelly paid tribute to Arsenal for 'putting a smile back' on her face in the sunshine at the Emirates, it provided a stark contrast to the dark clouds which surrounded her exit from Manchester City in January. Kelly scored and provided an assist as Arsenal closed out their Women's Super League season with a thrilling win over Manchester United to secure second place behind unbeaten Chelsea. She left the field to a standing ovation from the Arsenal fans who had welcomed her back to her childhood club as one of their own, although it is yet to be determined whether she will stay in north London. Towards the end of her time at City, Kelly more often than not found herself on the bench as her relationship with then manager Gareth Taylor became fractured and she posted on social media about her struggles. As she faced a battle to retain her place in the England side, Kelly returned to the club she left seven years previously on loan and she hit the ground running at Arsenal. Before picking up a foot injury last month, she had been directly involved in six goals in six games for Arsenal, and contributed with a goal and an assist in the final game of the season. 'Great way to start the game, it's great playing for this club and scoring at the Emirates is incredible,' Kelly told BBC Sport after the match. 'It's amazing. I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent this club and this badge. I was in a bad place in January and I'm very thankful to Renee Slegers for putting the smile back on my face.' It remains to be seen what the future holds for Kelly. She will become a free agent when her contract with City expires in June and she will not be short of options. Arsenal may look to sign Kelly permanently following her successful loan spell, but it is understood City have not ruled out trying to bring the forward back to Manchester. Or she could move elsewhere. Kelly said in her statement in January that she had accepted her future was no longer with City but Telegraph Sport understands she would have been happy to remain had Taylor not been in charge. Taylor was sacked by City in March, which could open the door for Kelly to return. Manchester United, who fought hard to sign Kelly in January, will also have an eye on the situation, as will clubs abroad, with Paris St-Germain having previously shown an interest. Slegers would not be drawn on Kelly's future, but it is clear how well she fits in at Arsenal. 'She's made a very positive impact,' the Arsenal manager said when asked about Kelly's contributions for the club in the second half of the season. 'You see it on the pitch and games, but we see it in training as well and we're really happy with Chloe.' As the players paraded around the field to the adoration of those in the stands after this entertaining seven-goal match, there was one clear sentiment for both teams: the season is not over. United take on Chelsea next Sunday at Wembley in an attempt to win back-to-back FA Cups and the following weekend Arsenal play Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final in Lisbon. With Champions League football for both sides assured before kick-off, there was little jeopardy in the match, only a fight for a single league position that would secure a slightly easier qualification route for the European group stage. In the battle for second, Arsenal could not have been handed a better start. Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who started the match joint top of the golden glove standings, came out to claim a cross, unchallenged and dropped the ball. While looking behind her, Kelly pounced on the ball in front of her and tapped it into the back of the net. United did not face a deficit for too long however, with Ella Toone heading the ball just out of reach of a diving Manuela Zinsberger less than 10 minutes afterwards. In the second half, Arsenal retook the lead with Mariona Caldentey, arguably their player of the season, and one of the biggest signings this year in the WSL, slotting home from the penalty spot, before Frida Maanum added a third. Kim Little capped off Arsenal's performance with a powerful drive for their fourth just after the hour mark. Captain Kim Little scores her first #BarclaysWSL goal of the season🫶 @ArsenalWFC — Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) May 10, 2025 Just as it looked as though Arsenal would be cruising to end their WSL campaign in style, a defensive lapse allowed Elisabeth Terland to intercept a pass. She drove into the box and saw her deflected shot go into the back of the net after Zinsberger mistimed her dive. Maya Le Tissier, shortlisted for player of the season, reduced the deficit to a single goal in the 76th minute, scoring from the spot herself, but the visitors could not find an equaliser. Arsenal closed out for the victory, but even amid the post-match celebrations, thoughts turned to the one game to come. It is the most important match of their season and, for many of the players, their careers. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger 5; Fox 6 (Laia Codina 97), Williamson 5, Catley 6, McCabe 6 (Wubben-Moy 89), Little 7, Caldentey 7 (Blackstenius 89), Kelly 7 (Mead 72), Maanum 7 (Walti 72), Foord 7, Russo 6. Goals: Kelly 2, Caldentey 50 pen, Maanum 56, Little 61. Booked: Mead, Walti. Subs not used: Cooney-Cross, Nighswonger, Pelova, Williams. Manchester United (3-4-1-2): Tullis-Joyce 5; Le Tissier 7, Turner 5, Janssen 6, Bizet Ildhusoy 5, Miyazawa 6 (Awujo 89), Clinton 6, Sandberg 5 (Terland 46), Toone 7 (Naalsund 71), Malard 7, Galton 6. Goals: Toone 13, Terland 70, Le Tissier 76 pen.


New York Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Manchester City's Nick Cushing on Crystal Palace match: ‘As it stands, this is my last game'
Manchester City Women interim head coach Nick Cushing said there have been 'no conversations' about his future in the role beyond this season. Cushing, 40, took charge at City following the sacking of Gareth Taylor in March, five days before his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Women's League Cup final. Advertisement City face Crystal Palace in their final match of the 2024-25 Women's Super League (WSL) campaign on Saturday. 'I said after the last game, there has been no conversations about [the managerial role] post this season,' Cushing said at a press conference on Friday. 'As it stands, yes. This is the last game, [but] I've really enjoyed the period. It's been challenging, but it's also been really enjoyable. 'I spent December, January, and February without a team, and one thing I've learnt is I am better in a team. I am really motivated to be successful. 'The coaching and being around the players, planning games that we've had, I've been almost at home in that moment. Post this, who knows? 'There's been no conversation with this team about continuing, but my desire and intention is to be with a team from pre-season.' City are guaranteed to finish fourth in the WSL and will miss out on Champions League football next season, following their 2-2 draw with third-placed Manchester United on Sunday. Under the guidance of Cushing, City were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-final with a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Chelsea. They were also defeated 2-0 in the semi-final of the Women's FA Cup by Man United. Cushing has dealt with absences to key squad members during his time in charge, including Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, who has been sidelined since March 15 when she was substituted against Chelsea with a hamstring issue. The City head coach said the striker would remain out for the last match of the campaign. 'She won't be involved,' Cushing said. 'She's not been with the team, and she's still in that initial stage of rehab with the medical team.'


BBC News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'As it stands, this is the last game'
The identity of Manchester City's next permanent manager remains up in the air, with interim Nick Cushing stating there have been "no conversations" between himself and club about the previously served as manager from 2013 to 2020, winning five trophies, and returned in March following the sacking of Gareth while Saturday's meeting with Crystal Palace could be his final WSL game in charge of City, Cushing is determined to have a coaching role lined up before next season."There's be no conversations about post this season. As it stands, this is the last game," Cushing confirmed."I've really enjoyed this period. It's been challenging but it's also been really enjoyable. I spent December [to] February without a team and one thing I've learned about myself is I'm happy in a team. I'm really motivated to continue to be successful, coaching and being around players, planning big games – I've been at home in that moment."Post this, who knows. But my desire and intention is to be with a team from pre-season."In April, City women's director of football Therese Sjogran told BBC she has not ruled out the possibility Cushing staying on, but the 40-year-old said talks have not yet been had."There has been no conversations about me continuing here," he said. "I have no concrete move but I have a desire. This has only fuelled it – playing in League Cup finals, chasing Champions League semi-finals. "I have a huge desire to take some time with my family post World Sevens and then be back at it, hopefully with a team that matches my ambitions and my hunger to compete for trophies."