Lydia Bedford has agreed a new contract to continue as head coach of Leicester City Women. The deal extends her stay with the club after she guided them to secure their Women's Super League status last season.
Bedford, who joined in November, thanked the club for their belief. "I have enjoyed every moment of my time at Leicester so far and I’m grateful to the Club for their continued support and belief in what we’re trying to achieve," she said.
Her initial appointment came part-way through a historic first top-flight campaign. Key victories over Birmingham City, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United lifted the team off the foot of the table and ensured WSL football would return to Filbert Way. This followed the club's rapid rise after being acquired by King Power in 2020, winning the Women's Championship in their first professional season and moving into the dedicated Belvoir Drive training facility.
Bedford's background as England Women's Youth Team Head Coach positions her well to support the new Academy Pathway for elite young female talent in the county. She acquired her UEFA Pro Licence in 2019 after beginning her coaching journey in 2008.
The team has started the new season strongly, sitting third in the Women's Championship with six points from two wins. They beat Sheffield United 1-0 before a 4-2 victory over Durham last weekend, with goals from Paige Nystrom, Julie Ziu and Aino Ale.
Bedford will now prepare the squad for their next match at home to Ipswich Town on Sunday. She also acknowledged the Football Association for her career step. "I would like to place on record my thanks to Kay Cossington, Sue Campbell and the FA for enabling me to take up the initial opportunity here at Leicester last November and their continued support during such an important step forward in my career," Bedford added. The current standings show Leicester well-placed for another promotion push.
This story first appeared at lcfc.com
