Matt Beard will take over Bristol City Women until the end of the 2020/21 because Tanya Oxtoby takes maternity leave.
Oxtoby has been in charge of currently last placed Super League team since summer of 2018 and will now focus on the birth of her baby, who is due in March. She led Bristol City to 6th place which is their highest finish since club joined with Bristol City.
“Everyone at Bristol City wishes Tanya all the best as she and her partner look forward to the birth of their baby boy.”
– Mark Ashton, Board chairman
Beard is experienced manager that won back-to-back Super League title with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014. The Englishman has also managed at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea and, most recently, West Ham United in the FAWSL.
“The Board have decided Matt is the right person to come in and I’ll support him 100% however he needs, the players as well because I want them to reach their potential. I want us to stay in the Barclays FAWSL and I’ll support, however I can, to make that happen,” Ashton said.
“I’ve got a great relationship with Tanya. She’s done a good job over the years here and it’s exciting for her to have her first baby. It gives me an opportunity for me to come in to hopefully turn things around in the league. I’m sure we’ll keep in contact over the course of the season,” newly appointed manager added.