English Football Association have announce Hege Riise as caretaker Lionesses for England Lionesses.
Riise had applied for the Assistant Manager role following Rehanne Skinner’s departure in November, alongside Rhian Wilkinson with Riise now appointed as manager on a short-term contract, whilst Wilkinson will serve as assistant alongside Kay Cossington.
Speaking on her temporary appointment, Riise said; “I’m excited about the opportunity I’ve been given to work with England Women. This is a proud and ambitious team that I look forward to working with and I am confident of making a positive impact when I meet up with the squad in February.”
Riise retired as a player in 2006 when she moved into coaching, where she has guided LSK Kvinner to four domestic trophies since taking charge in 2017.
Wilkinson meanwhile is “extremely thankful” to have been handed an opportunity to work with Riise in developing “a talented group of players and staff” in advance of Sarina Wiegman’s arrival in September.
Riise and Wilkinson’s arrivals comes just over 24 hours since Phil Neville stepped down with immediate effect, in order to take up a managerial job at Inter Miami.
FA Director of Women’s Football, Baroness Sue Campbell is “delighted” to welcome Riise and Wilkinson to the Lionesses on a short-term deal, having held positive conversations in recent weeks.
Speaking on how they will help England in the short-term, Campbell pointed to their “significant international experience” which should help guide and prepare players ahead of Wiegman taking up her post in autumn.
Campbell also clarified the situation concerning Team GB, saying “Once February is complete, we will sit down and assess the Lionesses situation and consider next steps for Team GB in consultation with the home nations and the British Olympic Association.”
The development of English coaching talent however is at the forefront of plans and future decisions after helping Casey Stoney, Bev Priestman plus others secure major managerial roles in Women’s Football, with Campbell “confident” that more coaches will follow in the coming years.
Leave a Reply