Manchester City have said they have a “clear strategy” for their women’s side after handing the coach, Gareth Taylor, a contract extension until 2027.
Taylor, who was appointed head coach in 2020, has been under pressure at times in his tenure but the team are level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Women’s Super League and have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and the semi-finals of the League Cup this season.
The director of women’s football, Nils Nielsen, said: “I am very pleased that Gareth has agreed to continue his great work in our programme for the coming years. We have a clear strategy on how we want to move forward and securing Gareth to lead the team is a key factor in this. Now we can all focus on finishing this season in style and prepare for the next few seasons by following the plan.”
City lost out on a Champions League place in 2022-23 but are on a 12-game winning run in all competitions and recently beat Chelsea away in the WSL to move level with Emma Hayes’ side at the top of the table.
Taylor said: “I’m very happy to be able to commit to City for another three seasons. I think what we’re doing here and trying to achieve is a build and a long-term project of sustainability and success.
“Our ambition was always to be right at the top and we’ve done that. It’s taken a lot of hard work from a lot of people behind the scenes. The players have really bought into what we’re trying to do and achieve.”
City face Tottenham away in the FA Cup on Sunday before a league derby with Manchester United at the Etihad the following weekend. The women’s football managing director at City, Charlotte O’Neill, said: “We’re very pleased to have Gareth continue his journey with City for another three years.
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“Gareth is someone who shares our ambition to push the envelope in the women’s game and build a squad full of talented and ambitious players. Nils and I are very much looking forward to continuing our work with him for the rest of this season and beyond alongside this amazing group of players. I’m confident the future is very bright at this club.”
