LCFC Women: Lydia Bedford Departs In Managerial Change
- Lydia Bedford leaves role as LCFC Women First Team Manager
- Willie Kirk moves from Director of Football role to assume new role
- Assistant Manager Nicola Williams also departs in management change
- Experienced practitioner Tom Freeman appointed to key medical and performance role
Lydia took charge of LCFC Women a year ago, successfully guiding the Foxes to safety in our first season in the FA Women’s Super League. After joining the Club as a highly regarded coach from the FA’s development pathway, Lydia contributed significantly to the continued evolution of the LCFC Women setup, just two years on from the team’s initial professionalisation.
However, an initial improvement in on-pitch results has proven unsustainable, leading the Board to regrettably conclude that a change in direction is necessary. Lydia departs with our sincere thanks for her contribution to the ongoing establishment of LCFC Women and our very best wishes for the next steps in her career.
Following discussions with the Board relative to his existing role, Willie Kirk will move from his position as Director of Football - Women and Girls, to take charge of the Women’s First Team squad on a permanent basis. As First Team Manager, Willie will be supported by First Team Coach Steve Kirby and Technical Coach Emile Heskey, and will oversee training from Saturday.
Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “We’re extremely grateful to Lydia for everything she has done during her time with Leicester City, guiding our players through a difficult first season in the WSL. Her skill as a coach and dedication to improving players were big factors in the retention of our WSL status and will continue to serve her well in a successful career at the top of the women’s game.
“After a difficult start to the season, we now look to move forward with the team led by Willie Kirk, whose experience and knowledge will be of great value for the challenges ahead.”
In seeking to further strengthen the infrastructure of our professional women’s setup, the Club has appointed Tom Freeman to the position of Head of Medical and Performance. An experienced physiotherapist who worked with City’s Men’s First Team and Academy between 2001 and 2014, Tom returned to the Club in 2021 following spells working at Nottingham Forest and the FA. Working under the direction of the Club’s Head of Medicine, Dr Mark Waller, Tom will be responsible for LCFC Women’s medical provision, injury prevention and management of physical performance.
LCFC Women return to WSL action when they host Arsenal at King Power Stadium on Sunday 6 November (2pm GMT kick-off).