Manchester City have sacked women’s team manager Gareth Taylor five days before the League Cup final.
The shock announcement comes just over 24 hours after Taylor guided his team to a 2-0 win against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The 52-year-old will be replaced by a familiar face as former boss Nick Cushing returns on an interim basis.
“Manchester City prides itself on competing at the top of the WSL and on its outstanding record of qualifying for European competition,” said Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill in a club statement.
“Unfortunately, results this season have so far not reached this high standard.
“With six games of the WSL campaign remaining, we believe that a change of management will breathe fresh life into our bid to ensure qualification for the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League.”
She added: “Our FA Cup and League Cup triumphs will remain special moments in the history of this football club.”
Taylor departs City after five years. He’s been at the helm of the women’s side since Cushing left in 2020, but now, his predecessor will take back control. And his first game back in charge is a big one, facing Chelsea in the League Cup final at Pride Park.
Manchester City last won the League Cup in 2022 – their second trophy under Taylor, having won the FA Cup the year before. But, it’s the league results that have raised concerns and ultimately led to Taylor’s downfall.
Last season, City narrowly missed out on the Women’s Super League title, finishing second to Chelsea on goal difference. They looked set to win the league for the first time since 2016, but a late comeback from rivals Arsenal in the penultimate game of the season dashed those hopes.
Now, City sit fourth, 12 points behind the defending champions and are scrambling to secure a Champions League qualification spot.
Featured image courtesy of Manchester City FC.