Pride Confirm Women's Coach
Words: Garry McKenzie
Western Pride have confirmed Len Manwaring as coach of their PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues Women's team ahead of their first pre-season friendly this weekend.
Manwaring replaces last season’s player-coach Lorena Maggio who returned to the Westfield W-League with Adelaide United this summer.
He takes the top job after two years coaching Pride junior girl teams and with sixteen years’ experience working with junior and senior women teams at Football Brisbane community club Ipswich City.
Manwaring said his knowledge of both local competitions has allowed him to target a number of talented players in a bid to strengthen Pride's squad.
“We have only retained one player from last year’s senior team,” Manwaring explained.
“There’s quite a number of Ipswich girls coming in who I have gotten back from Brisbane clubs.”
Amongst the new signings are attacking outlets Nikki Hubbard and Melissah von Bischoffhausen as well as midfielder Teagan Gordon.
Manwaring said a number of Pride juniors have also earned their place in the senior team this season.
“I’ve had a hand in their development as I’ve coached them for two years through under 13s and under 15s,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them step up into the Women team.”
Saturday’s pre-season hit out against Gold Coast represents the first time Manwaring will see his new-look Pride in match conditions.
Manwaring said his aim was to ensure his players are competitive in every game during the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women's campaign.
“Realistically I believe we can be pushing for middle of the table, between fourth and sixth,” he concluded.
A summary of pre-season action for PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s teams is available in the Pre-Season Hub - http://bit.ly/1n5hgnr
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday, January 23
Western Pride FC Women v Gold Coast City FC Women
Kippen Park, Ipswich
Kick-off at 3:00PM
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