Sarah Richardson replaces Marie Hourihan as boss of Stoke City Women

Sarah Richardson is the new head coach of Stoke City Women.

She replaces Marie Hourihan on the back of coaching at Loughborough Lightning and Loughborough University, who have both come through unbeaten seasons. She was assistant manager of Lightning – who have won promotion to the National League Northern Premier Division and won the Leicestershire County Cup. She also guided Loughborough University to the Tier 1 Midlands title and the National Cup Trophy.

Richardson, who previously spent seven years working with Nottingham Forest, joins Stoke as the club launches a new elite girls’ academy and takes over a first team which finished in a club record high position of third in the National League North last season.

I am really excited to be part of Stoke City and to build on the great foundations which have been laid across all aspects of the club. I have worked hard and made many sacrifices both personally and professionally for an opportunity like this, so it means a lot,” she said.

“It was important for me that my personal ambition and vision aligned with the club’s and my conversations with Steph (Wakelin) and Gareth (Owen) were really positive from the outset in that regard.

“Player development and pathways have been an integral part of my own coaching journey, so I am well placed to understand how, collectively, we can be successful on the field as well as delivering the long-term vision of seeing local girls represent Stoke City.

I am looking forward to connecting with the players and staff and discussing the collective goals we will be seeking to achieve together. Pre-season is just around the corner and that period will provide an excellent opportunity to build momentum to take into the new campaign.”

Sporting director Jon Walters said: “I am now delighted to welcome Sarah to Stoke City. We look forward to working with Sarah as she spearheads an exciting new direction for women and girls’ football for the club.”

The recruitment process has been led by academy technical director Gareth Owen and women and girls’ performance director Steph Wakelin.

Owen said: “In my initial meetings with Sarah, I couldn’t have been more impressed with her personality, vast understanding of women and girls’ football and alignment with our long-term vision.

“She arrives having been heavily involved in two very successful programmes with Nottingham Forest and Loughborough Lightning, where she has ensured that player development and results have worked hand-in-hand.

“She arrives having been heavily involved in two very successful programmes with Nottingham Forest and Loughborough Lightning, where she has ensured that player development and results have worked hand-in-hand.