Manchester City announce new Women’s Director of Football

Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Therese Sjogran as their new Women’s Director of Football, as per a club statement this week.

The new appointment follows the exit of Dane sporting director, Nils Nielsen earlier this year, having only joined Manchester City in May 2023.

The exit of Nielsen followed a number of notable changes from Gareth Taylor’s backroom team, with coaching staff members Shaun Goater and Alan Mahon both among those leaving the Women’s Super League runners-up from the last campaign.

A statement issued from the Etihad Stadium this week confirmed that Manchester City had finalised the appointment of Therese Sjogran as their new Women’s Director of Football.

Manchester City have confirmed that as part of her role, the Swede will take charge of recruitment across the women’s and girls’ pathway at the Joie Stadium, as well as first team coach and player development. 

Whilst reporting into Manchester City Women’s Managing Director, Charlotte O’Neill, Sjogran will also oversee and support Gareth Taylor and the first team technical and recruitment staff, officially beginning her new position on Sunday 1 December.

Reacting to the appointment, Charlotte O’Neill has told Manchester City’s official club website, “We’re delighted to have Therese join as our new Women’s Director of Football. 

She continued, “She is an undisputed icon of the game and has made a real impact on and off the pitch in both a playing and directorial capacity over the past two decades. 

“We have a fantastic team working behind the scenes to help the Club compete for the top honours, and Therese is an excellent addition to that cohort.”

Therese Sjogran has a hugely commendable 214 international caps to her name, and the former midfielder now makes the move to the Joie Stadium from Damallsvenskan champions, FC Rosengard. 

During her tenure as Sporting Director, Sjogran helped Rosengard to three top-flight titles, with the Malmo-based side presently on course for a fourth crown having won 23 of their 24 matches so far this season.

As for Gareth Taylor’s side, they have made an exceptional start to their own WSL campaign this time around, with four wins from their opening five matches and a draw in their only other match to leave them top of the division.