Brighton & Hove Albion have appointed former England and Team GB coach Hope Powell, as the club’s new manager.
BHAFC Chief executive Paul Barber told brightonandhovealbion.com: “Hope is someone with an outstanding record in coaching, playing and management within football – she is also someone I know well from my time at The Football Association.
“She has an incredible wealth of coaching experience at the very highest level, and had a very impressive career as a player too.
“We feel Hope is the right person to take our women’s team forward, as we look to gain promotion and establish ourselves as a FA Women’s Super League 1 side.
“This appointment also further demonstrates the ongoing commitment that the chairman, myself and the board of directors have in promoting women’s football at the club.”
Powell added, “I am delighted to be back in management at a club that has so much ambition with an amazing infrastructure both on and off the pitch.
“I have followed the club’s progress closely and I was thrilled to hear news of their well-deserved promotion to the FA Women’s Super League last year.
“The team had a solid campaign in this year’s Spring Series, and the task is now to build a side that is capable of mounting a challenge for promotion into FA Women’s Super League 1.”
Brighton Women’s chair and club director Michelle Walder, added, “It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Hope to the club.
“She is someone that has unparalleled coaching experience and technical skills within the women’s game, and this appointment can take us to the next level.
Amy Merricks stays on as Powell’s assistant coach, with former interim boss George Parris reverts to the role of Regional Talent Club technical director.
Photos: The FA via Getty Images
