Powell’s 15 year reign of England ends

With women’s football growing in the UK, FA are looking for a fresh start at top by dismissing long-serving Hope Powell.

Former England women''s soccer coach Hope Powell listens during a news conference at Wembley Stadium in London
For a long time Powell has been figurehead of UK football leading England and Team GB at Olympics [Reuters]

Hope Powell has been dismissed as head coach of the England women’s football team, the Football Association announced on Tuesday.

Powell had been in the job for 15 years, having taken up the role in 1998, and she guided England to a runners-up spot at the 2009 European Championship.

After the disappointment of the recent tournament in Sweden, the Club England board believe the time is right to make a change and for a fresh outlook

by Alex Horne , FA general secretary

However, England went out in the first round of this year’s competition and the FA said it was time “for a fresh outlook”.

“Hope deserves a lot of credit for her commitment to developing the national teams over such a long period,” said FA general secretary Alex Horne.

“However, after the disappointment of the recent tournament in Sweden, the Club England board believe the time is right to make a change and for a fresh outlook.

“I’d like to place on record the organisation’s thanks to Hope for her efforts and wish her every success in the future.

“Hope will always be welcome back at Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park, and she leaves a strong legacy, having helped the FA build the women’s game to the strong position it is in today.”

The FA will now begin their search for a successor to Powell, ahead of the beginning of England’s qualifying campaign for the 2015 World Cup next month.

Source: AP