Football
PA Sport 7y

Mo Marley named England Women caretaker after Mark Sampson sacking

Mo Marley has been appointed as the interim head coach of England Women.

Marley takes over from Mark Sampson, who was sacked by the Football Association earlier this month.

She moves up from her role in charge of the England under-19 team and will lead the senior side in a friendly against France on Oct. 20 and World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kazakhstan in November.

Marley, 50, told the FA website: "It is a privilege to be asked to work with the senior team on an interim basis, especially when I have witnessed the dedication both players and staff have shown to become the third best team in the world.

"Having watched them at close quarters in the past few years, I know they are a fantastic group of people on and off the pitch.

"It will be my job to step in and ensure they stay focused on the World Cup qualification. I know they are capable of great things in the future."

Marley is a popular figure in the women's game, and her short-term appointment is expected to be warmly received by the Lionesses squad.

Sampson was dismissed over what the FA described as "inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour" in his previous job with Bristol Academy.

The FA plans to appoint Sampson's permanent successor early in the New Year, and confirmed on Friday the process leading to that decision is "expected to begin shortly."

Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA's head of women's football, is confident Marley, who has also previously managed Everton Ladies, is a safe pair of hands at least for the short term.

"This has been an extremely challenging time for everyone connected with the game but, given her vast experience, Mo is absolutely the right person to help guide us through," Baroness Campbell said.

"I am sure the team will show their usual professionalism and positivity over the coming months and will respond well to Mo's leadership."

FA technical director Dan Ashworth added: "Mo was the obvious choice to take over the team as she has in-depth knowledge of the women's game and importantly knows the players well."

Meanwhile, the FA has confirmed that chairman Greg Clarke, chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and human resources director Rachel Brace will appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee on Oct. 18.

The quartet will face questions on the FA's handling of the situations surrounding Sampson.

They will be joined by England and Chelsea striker Eni Aluko, who accepted the panel's invitation earlier this month to discuss the allegations of bullying and racism she has made against Sampson.

An FA statement said: "It is hoped this oral evidence will further inform the committee's important work on sports governance and how to support whistle-blowing in elite team sports."

^ Back to Top ^