Former Bristol City boss Smith named England Under-19s head coach

Former Bristol City boss Lauren Smith has been named as the new head coach of England Under-19s.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official press release from The Football Association this afternoon.

Smith recently opted to step down from her position as head coach of Bristol City to pursue a new opportunity and it has now been revealed that she will be working within the England set-up.

Smith was appointed Bristol City head coach in summer 2021 following the club’s relegation from the Barclays Women’s Super League. She quickly rebuilt the squad and after just two seasons at Ashton Gate, Smith guided Bristol City to the Barclays Women’s Championship title.

Sadly, Bristol City’s return to the Barclays Women’s Super League lasted just one season but Smith’s managerial qualities were recognized and The Football Association have made the move to secure her services for their Under-19s vacancy.

After being appointed England Under-19s head coach, Smith said “It’s a huge honor to be joining The FA. There’s never been a more exciting time to join the England pathway with more and more players transitioning through to the senior team.

“Nurturing young talent has always been one of my favorite elements of coaching and I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to guide the next generation on their journeys to becoming Lionesses. It’s going to be a really exciting season with the ambition of qualifying for another European finals.

“I’m grateful to Kay Cossington for the opportunity and can’t wait to meet the players and staff.”

Bristol City could fill their own managerial vacancy later this week.

About The Author

Daniel Pentland

I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand which I launched in 2018.

I am an accredited journalist with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have reported from various levels of men’s and women’s elite football since 2016.