Exclusive: Big changes as new technical team comes in at Sheffield Wednesday Ladies

Following his decision to step down as Sheffield Wednesday Ladies manager, Davie Higgins, in his role as club chairman, has moved to appoint a whole new technical team - headed by Paul Musacchio.

By Joe Crann

Published 15th Jun 2021, 11:38 BST

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Musacchio, who has almost two decades of experience in the youth and female game, has been brought in to replace Higgins as the club’s head coach, and comes on board ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The new manager, who has a UEFA A Licence, has brought with him Stewart Alexander as his assistant, a man who up until recently was working in the female game in the Cayman Islands.

On top of that, young goalkeeper coach, Konrad Gielnak, comes on board to head up the Owlesses’ goalkeeping department, with Henry Pearson - a Level 2 qualified coach - also coming in as part of the technical team.

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Elsewhere, John Hammond is stepping up from the development squad to take over the reserves, while Gary Awdas will run the development squad – with plans to add to both teams with extra coaches.

Speaking to The Star about his appointment, Musacchio explained his goals for the upcoming North East Women's Regional Football League Premier Division campaign, saying, “In terms of expectations, we need to try and stabilise ourselves in this league… The team got promoted the season before last, but then only played five games in the Regional Premier Division before COVID curtailed the season.

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From left to right; John Hammond, Paul Musacchio, Stewart Alexander, Henry Pearson, Konrad Gielnak and Gary Awdas of Sheffield Wednesday Ladies.

From left to right; John Hammond, Paul Musacchio, Stewart Alexander, Henry Pearson, Konrad Gielnak and Gary Awdas of Sheffield Wednesday Ladies.

“With a new management team, new style of play, new ideas and new players, we will be in a transition season. We have to try and compete, and consolidate our place in this league, with anything higher than that being a bonus.

“I have been really impressed with the work that’s been done throughout the youth teams all the way up to first team, and the consistency in moving players through the age groups into senior football. I’m looking at bringing six of the reserves up to the first team for next season already.”

The club are set to get their preseason underway in a couple of weeks’ time, and Musacchio will be hoping to continue the work that Higgins has done over the last decade or so.

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