Former Sheffield United forward named Manchester City Women boss

Taylor - who played for United for two years in the mid-90s - has signed a three year deal.

The 47-year-old had previously been in charge of the U18s in the City male set-up.

He joined City in 2011 after retiring from playing. The former Wales international previously represented the club, helping them to promotion from the third tier in 1999.

The curtailment of the FA Women’s Super League has brought forward Taylor’s appointment. He succeeds Nick Cushing, who is moving to New York City FC.

Taylor said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have joined Manchester City Women and I’m extremely excited about the challenge ahead with a very talented group of players and staff who have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years.

“I’m really honoured to have been appointed to this role and I can’t wait to get started with our preparations for another thrilling and competitive Barclays FA WSL season in 2020/21.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with some great people within Manchester City and the Club’s Academy so far, but I’m absolutely relishing my new role within City Football Group and I’ll be giving everything I have to continue Manchester City’s success and growth in the women’s game.”

City’s head of women’s football Gavin Makel said: “Over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to see first-hand the qualities that Gareth possesses. Not only in terms of his abilities as a coach who develops individuals, but also in the way that he leads, whilst exuberating the values and ethos that we hold dear as a club.” 

Taylor joined the Blades in the summer of 1996 after being released by Crystal Palace.

He scored 12 goals in 40 appearances in his first season, including coming off the bench in the Division One play-off final defeat to former club Palace.

He made a further 38 appearances in the following season, scoring ten goals as United reached the play-offs again.

Taylor was released in the summer of 1998 and moved to Manchester City.

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