London City Lionesses have announced an ambitious plan to help them attempt to achieve a promotion to the Women’s Super League next season.
December 2023 saw Michele Kang take the London City Lionesses under her management, alongside French side Lyon and the NWSL team Washington Spirit.
The trailblazing businesswoman is set to transform the current Championship team into one of the best women’s teams in England, starting with a series of changes in the upcoming season.
In a press conference held on Thursday, Kang stated: “Today marks a new era at London City Lionesses.
“I’m proud to be hosting my first press conference today since acquiring the club, as we look forward to an exciting 2024-25 season under NewCo.”
She then went on to reveal new facilities, a statement signing and new management.
New Head Coach:
Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Jocelyn Prêcheaur has signed a three-year contract as Head Coach for the Lionesses.
The Frenchman has an extensive list of achievements and winning track record, making his signing a crucial piece of the Lionesses aim for success.
In his first season as a head coach in 2019, Prêcheaur led Jiangsu Suning of the Chinese Women's Super League to a historic quadruple in 2019.
He will become the sixth permanent head coach in London City Lionesses history.
Speaking to the Lionesses media team, Prêcheaur stated: “Since I met Michele last season, I have admired her vision and dedication to the women's game.
"I can't wait to get started next week and meet the players and team staff.”
The signing of Kosovare Asllani:
Following the expiration of her contract with AC Milan, Kosovare Asllani has signed a two-year contract with the London City Lionesses.
The Swedish International will return to the WSL, with her last appearance in the league being under Manchester City.
The 34-year old has had a trophy-ladened career so far, with six major titles under her belt, including the national championships, the Swedish Damallsvenskan and a Barclay’s WSL league title.
The attacking midfielder is the winner of the 2022 Golden Foot winner.
Asllani is also ranked sixth in all-time appearances and goals for her country, and now holds the role of Swedish Captain.
"I am delighted to join London City Lionesses and look forward to contributing towards the team's success" said Asllani.
"I am so excited by the team's aspirations and can't wait to meet my teammates and the fans.”
New stadium partnership:
Kang announced that the London City Lionesses have found themselves a new home ahead of the upcoming season, after partnering with Men's EFL League Two side Bromley FC to share their stadium.
Hayes Lane is situated in the London Borough of Bromley, and has a capacity of 5,000 - perfect for the ever-growing number of supporters for the club.
The Lionesses will play all home games here, providing the club with many benefits, the main one being the installation of the world-class hybrid-stitched pitch.
In addition to the benefits for the team, the stadium move also comes with many added benefits for the supporters.
Fans will have greater access to a variety of match-day hospitality, entertainment and retail outlets, all of which are situated within the surroundings of Hayes Lane.
Director of Football Ronald Thompson commented: "It's right that we are now
playing on a surface that will be recognised as being one of the best in London.
“We have players who have played at the very highest level for the national teams and were thrilled to be able to make Hayes Lane our long-term home."
The sole-ownership of the London City Lionesses’ training ground:
The London City Lionesses have acquired sole-ownership of their training ground, creating an exclusive facility for the First-team and Academy players.
Renovations will begin immediately, meaning the facility will be equipped with a world-class performance gym, newly-fitted changing facilities, upgraded office suites, two high-quality grass training pitches, and a full-sized artificial pitch.
The exclusive use of the training ground means the club are able to tailor the facilities to the needs of the women, allowing them to train efficiently and hopefully reduce the amount of injuries appearing within the upcoming season.
Director of Football Ronald Thompson added: "The entire site is for us to use, which means we can focus on making the best playing surface we can and providing the best environment for our players and staff to work in.”
Comments