Manchester City Women sack head coach Gareth Taylor one day after FA Cup quarter-final victory over Aston Villa
Updated 10/03/2025 at 18:04 GMT
Manchester City have parted ways with women’s head coach Gareth Taylor a day after they beat Aston Villa to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Taylor saw Khadija Shaw and Jess Park score the goals to sink Villa, but he will not be in charge for the semi-final meeting with rivals Manchester United. The club blamed results in the Women's Super League for their decision.
'Listen, listen...' - Guardiola rows back on Champions League comments
Video credit: SNTV
Gareth Taylor has been let go as head coach of Manchester City.
City released a statement saying results, primarily in the Women’s Super League, were not of the standard they expected - leading to Taylor relinquishing the reins.
Speaking on the club’s website, City managing director Charlotte O’Neill said: "Manchester City prides itself on competing at the top of the WSL and on its outstanding record of qualifying for European competition.
"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.
"We would like to place on record our thanks to Gareth for all of his efforts during his many years at City. Our FA Cup and League Cup triumphs will remain special moments in the history of this football club.
"We wish him all the best for the future."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/10/image-8d70372b-16d1-4b6f-87b7-a1e12eae1d73-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Gareth Taylor, Manager of Manchester City, looks on prior to the Barclays Women's Super League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC
Image credit: Getty Images
Taylor has been in charge of City's women's team since 2020, after playing for the men's team during his career, which also included a spell as their under-16 coach.
But Manchester City sit fourth in the WSL table, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea. Recent results have included wins over Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, and a draw against West Ham United.
But with six games remaining this season, the gap to Chelsea looks a tough one to close - leading to Taylor’s departure, with City having not lifted the title since 2016. They came close last season, losing out on goal difference to Chelsea.
- Which Premier League records can Mohamed Salah break in possible all-time great individual season for Liverpool?
- Thomas Tuchel squad announcement: Arsenal pair backed for inclusion as England given recipe for World Cup success
Taylor has been replaced by Nick Cushing on an interim basis for the rest of the season, with City still chasing silverware in the League Cup, the FA Cup and in Europe.
The coming weeks are crucial for the success of City’s season, with four consecutive matches against Chelsea across three different competitions.
They play The Blues in the League Cup final, before home and away quarter-final legs in the Champions League sandwiching a WSL game.
Stream the 2024/25 Premier League and Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement