Gareth Taylor extends his reign at the helm of the treble-chasing Man City Women

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GARETH TAYLOR has extended his reign as boss of Manchester City’s Women’s Super League side after signing a new contract today.

The contract for the 51-year-old head coach, who led the team to FA and Conti Cup victories, will see him remain in charge until 2027.

Gareth Taylor says players have contributed to what Man City hope to achieve at the top of women’s football under his leadershipCredit: Reuters

Taylor, who led his team to FA and Conti Cup victories in 2020 and 2022, is targeting a WSL title win this seasonCredit: Getty

Taylor’s new contract comes two days after Taylor oversaw Man City’s 12th win in all competitions with their 2-1 victory against Everton in the top tier.

His team, who sit second and level with WSL leaders Chelsea, are chasing their first league title win under their gaffer.

The last time the Cityzens lifted the top trophy was under former boss Nick Cushing.

Taylor, who took over at City in May 2020, said: “I am very pleased to commit to City for another three seasons.

“I think what we are doing here and trying to achieve is a long-term project of sustainability and success.

“Our ambition was always to be at the top and we did that.

“It took a lot of hard work from a lot of people behind the scenes.

“The players have really believed in what we are trying to do and achieve.”

During Taylor’s reign, he has experienced a period of transition within the team.

This followed the retirement of English heroines Ellen White, Jill Scott and Karen Bardsley and the departure of several international stars including Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, Caroline Weir and Hayley Raso.

Over the past two years, City have strengthened their ranks with the likes of Yui Hasegawa and Mary Fowler, including Japanese and Australian stars Yui Hasegawa and Mary Fowler.

Other great signings include former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid defenders Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri.

City’s signings in January and last August included England Under-23 forward Laura Blindkilde Brown and Dutch midfielder Jill Roord, who is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury.

And last year the club appointed ex-Denmark women’s boss Nils Nielsen as director of football for their women’s team and Charlotte O’Neil as managing director.

Taylor, whose side play Chelsea in the Conti Cup semi-final on Thursday, added: “Nils has helped in a number of ways.

“His experience as a head coach in women’s football is also very useful because you don’t talk to someone who hasn’t been there.

“Charlotte who I worked with before at the Academy.

“What she will do is be very clear in our objectives and very clear in what we can do.”

Regarding Taylor’s contract extension, Nielsen said: “I am very pleased that Gareth has agreed to continue his great work in our program for years to come.

“We have a clear strategy on how we want to move forward, and securing Gareth to lead the team is a key factor.

“Now we can all focus on ending this season in style and preparing for seasons to come by following the plan.”

Man City, who include Lionesses Quintet, Alex Greenwood, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, Jess Park and Khiara Keating, currently have the best defensive record in the WSL this season.

And forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw currently leads the WSL’s top scorer charts this season with 15 goals in 14 games at the top level.

Man City will take on Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final in their first match after Taylor's contract extension — Man City will take on Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final in their first match after Taylor’s contract extensionCredit: Reuters

City’s recent wins include a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to title rivals Chelsea last month.

As well as their quest to be crowned WSL champions for the second time in their history, City are hoping to play in the Champions League again next season.

Taylor’s side last played in the competition in September 2021, when they were knocked out in the qualifying stages by Spanish club Real Madrid.