Galway United have appointed former London City Lionesses manager Lisa Fallon as their new head coach.
Fallon links up with manager John Caulfield, whose backroom team she was involved with during his successful period in charge of Cork City.
More recently, Fallon was involved with the Chelsea women's team staff, helping them win a WSL and Continental League Cup double, before being named manager of the London City Lionesses. Fallon left that post last year for personal reasons, to return home in the Cpovid-19 pandemic.
Speaking on her appointment, Fallon says she believes Galway United can kick on and achieve promotion back to the Premier Division in the coming season.
"Galway United is a big club with huge potential. There are fantastic people here and I’m really excited about the plans, ambition and possibilities at this club. I’ve worked with John before and I know the high standards he demands. We’ve an exciting squad and a brilliant backroom team and although the club came very close to promotion last season, we know that absolutely everything has to go up a gear for the 2021 campaign," she said.
Fallon will become the first ever female head coach of a male League of Ireland team, but says she does not see that being a challenge, or a distraction.
"I understand there is significance to my appointment in that respect, and it’s a very proud moment for my family and I, but really, my focus is totally on the players and working with everyone here to make sure we are ready for pre-season and for a strong league campaign.
"I’m grateful to John, the Board and all the Galway United supporters for this opportunity. I feel ready and know it will challenge me to draw on all of my experiences over the years but I’m really looking forward to that. I love the game, I love the League of Ireland and I love winning football matches. That’s what we are here to do," she added.
Having worked with Lisa Fallon during his managerial reign at Cork City FC, United boss John Caulfield said:
"Since the last occasion we worked together I have seen significant developments in Lisa’s coaching ability. Her time in England has transformed her into a top coach and has given her the understanding and belief to coach at this level.
"Over there she was operating in the highest learning environment and it is clear to me that now is the right time for her to show her qualities which I believe in. I am delighted to have her on board," Caulfield said.
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