Former Leicester City Women manager Lydia Bedford has joined Arsenal Women as an assistant coach. The 35-year-old spent her formative coaching education with the Football Association before taking the Leicester job in 2021.
Bedford was sacked by Leicester in November 2022, shortly before the Foxes played against Arsenal. Coach Jonas Eidevall stated his surprise at the decision at the time.
“I was surprised to see that they changed. From the outside, just purely looking at the results, I think we all know it’s a result-based business, so there’s not a surprise if you don’t win any games that they might change the coach, but I was surprised, given that when you prep for playing them, I think Leicester was one of the better-coached teams in the league.
“They looked very well structured with all players trying to make the most of that idea. When we have been preparing for them, I think that I’ve seen a lot of development of the Leicester side, so for me, I was very surprised when I got the news yesterday and I hope that Lydia, as a fellow coach, can see that progress even if she didn’t get the reward from it points-based but I think she has improved them performance wise. I think that’s the nature of the game.”
Bedford is the second addition to the coaching staff after Patrik Winqvist joined in January. Bedford comes in following the departure of Leanne Hall in January. Bedford visited London Colney shortly before Christmas and I guess now it is clear why!
Great news. Welcome to The Arsenal, Lydia Bedford.
Anybody know if LB will have a particular area of responsibility or will she just help JE generally?
I think this is excellent news too. I reckon Lydia could turn out to be a very shrewd appointment.
Good news I think, did think she would be a good acquisition after being sacked by Leicester.
Sorry to see Leanne Hall leave but great to see a young female coach replacing her.
If the Arsenal women’s board is serious about winning a trophy this season, and also qualifying for the champion’s league next season, This should be a great opportunity to fire the clueless Eidevall and get him replaced with this young experienced female coach whom i think would be eager to learn in every game.
Change the record, Gary!
Is Gary Boxy in disguise?🤔
Bit harsh ?