Hope Powell has made history by becoming the first-ever female winner of the League Managers’ Association Performance of the Week for Brighton’s 2-1 win at Chelsea.
The League Managers Association’s panel, comprising LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett, Barry Fry Paul Ince and Rachel Yankey, selected Hope after Albion ended Chelsea’s 33-game unbeaten record in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League, which stretched back two years, thanks to goals from Aileen Whelan and Megan Connolly.
The experienced and highly distinguished LMA panel has managed a combined total of over 6,500 competitive matches in professional football. This is the first season when WSL performances have been considered.
Powell said, “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of myself, the backroom staff, and the players.
“To beat a team as strong as Chelsea was down to hard work, organisation and team spirit and it’s nice that our achievement has been recognised by such an experienced panel of judges from the LMA.
“It was a real team effort. We regrouped after some disappointing results and the attitude and effort from everyone was fantastic. And it was really pleasing that we followed it up with another win on Wednesday against West Ham.”
Hope will receive a celebratory bottle of champagne, courtesy of Tanners Wines, and an LMA Performance of the Week trophy.
