20 July 2023 , 09:46
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Birmingham City have appointed former England manager Hope Powell as technical director for their women's side.
The Blues were relegated for the first time in 2022 and finished second in their first season in the Championship, just a single point behind Bristol City. Darren Carter 's side will hope to go a step further next term and the arrival of Powell, one of the most experienced figures in the women's game, is a huge show of intent.
Powell joins City with immediate effect and will be responsible for the long-term vision of the team, with the aim of creating a high-performance culture. She will also be part of the Club’s Executive Leadership Group, following the recent takeover by Knighthead Capital Management.
As a player, the 56-year-old had 66 caps for England before she transitioned into a number of senior leadership positions. She managed England, Team GB and, most recently, Women's Super League side Brighton.
Following her appointment, the Women’s Technical Director, Powell said: “I am excited to have the opportunity to join Birmingham City at the start of the journey. Having met Tom, Matt, and Garry it was clear that the Women’s team and its Academy is an important pillar of the Club’s transformation.
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"Birmingham was a powerhouse when the WSL was formed. I am looking forward to putting in place the building blocks so that it can compete once again at the highest levels, both in England and then across Europe.
“I look forward to engaging with the local community and getting the players into schools and the local clubs. Young girls are looking for positive role models. Women footballers from Birmingham City can and will play that role in the local area and beyond.”
Hope Powell recently managed Women's Super League side Brighton (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Chairman of Birmingham City Limited, Tom Wagner, said: “We are delighted that Hope has chosen to join Birmingham City and drive the Women’s team’s future success. It is a critical part of our overall strategy. Hope joining sends a powerful message, first to the women and girls of Birmingham and second to fans of the women’s game across the country, that Birmingham Women means business.
"Women’s football is doing an excellent job of bringing new fans into the sport. Not only are the athletes authentic and highly skilled they are also excellent role models. Birmingham City Women, under Hope’s leadership, is going to attract larger crowds, drive increased participation, engage with the community and lead to more commercial partners looking to work with us.”
Knighthead Capital Management recently acquired Birmingham City and they have experience in women's football through a senior member of its leadership team, Matt Alvarez, who was a board member of the NWSL in the States and launched San Diego Wave in 2022. The club confirmed he will work with Powell to explore ways to create and build deeper connections between the two clubs.