Coventry United have a newly-appointed management team to announce, with Jay Bradford stepping up from her role in charge of the Development Squad to 1st team manager and Gemma Davies confirmed as Head Coach.
Jay first joined the club’s Centre of Excellence some nine years ago, but when her playing career was cut short by a hip injury, she made the decision to take up a coaching role. It was a decision that was welcomed and encouraged by the club and Jay has repaid that faith by going on to become Director of Young Player Development in 2014. Jay holds a ‘B’ licence and is currently working towards her module 3.
She is joined at the helm by Gemma Davies. Gemma too holds her ‘B’ licence and brings with her plenty of experience in the female game, having spent the last two seasons in charge of the hugely successful University of Birmingham Women’s side and also coaches at Birmingham City Ladies’ Regional Talent Club.
Pictured – Jay Brayford. (Photo:clivejonespr.com)
Jay is looking forward to the challenge:
“I’m really excited to get started; this club is in a really good position to move forward.
“Coventry Ladies’ record in the FA Women’s Premier League is second to none; we have a fantastic group of players and also some really promising youngsters coming through.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with the team alongside Gemma over the last few weeks of the season. They’ve had to dig really deep at times due to the number of injuries we’ve had but the players have shown me the passion and commitment they have for Coventry United.
Jay went on to add: “I’m also really looking forward to working with Gemma. She is a great coach and we bounce ideas off each other so well, we bring very different personalities but we share the same passion.
“Our aim has to be WSL and we’ll be continuing to develop home grown talent along the way”
Gemma (pictured left) was similarly enthusiastic about the coming season:
“This club has so much going for it… a terrific squad, physio and medical staff, facilities and great
support behind the scenes.
“Plans for pre-season are well advanced now. Like Jay, I can’t wait to get started”
Jay and Gemma will be assisted by Marcus Webber, who has also coached with University of Birmingham Women’s team. Marcus has a UEFA ‘B’ qualification.
Director of football Tom Stack (pictured right), had the following to add:
“I’m absolutely delighted with these appointments; this has been our accession plan for the past two seasons and I’m so pleased it’s finally all come together”
“I’ve known both girls for a number of years and it’s been fantastic to see their development… both as people and as manager/coaches.
“It has been a part of our strategy to develop not only players but also female staff across all roles.
“Jay has shown such maturity in everything she takes on for one so young, and Gemma is widely admired and rightly earning her growing reputation in the game. They will be joined by Marcus Webber, who has been involved working with Gemma at UoBWFC.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Foy for stepping in at short notice at the start of 2015-16. It was a big ask to take charge of an unfamiliar squad but he did a fantastic job and we wish him every success in his next role in football.
“We had a top four finish….scored 150+ goals, had the meanest defence in the FA Women’s Premier League and won a national trophy along the way. We now look to build on this.”
Pictured top – Coventry United match action. (Photo: clivejonespr.com)
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