Page 8 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.12 2020/21

Joe Montemurro, the head coach of Arsenal Women, has
announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Joe has done a fantastic job at Arsenal over the past three
years, leading them to a first FA Women’s Super League title in
seven years in 2019, four cup finals and a UEFA Women’s
Champions League quarter final, while building a talented and
competitive squad. He has also played an outstanding leadership
role during the last 12 months of the pandemic, helping the club
through what has been an extraordinary year.
Joe has decided to take a professional break to recharge
and dedicate more time to spending with his family.
“My three-and-a-half years at Arsenal have been a
fantastic adventure, the highlight of my coaching career," Joe told
www.arsenal.com. "I have had the opportunity to work with and
learn from some of the best in the industry on and off the pitch.
“This has been the hardest professional decision of my life,
as I absolutely love this job and this club, the club I have supported all my life. I’m hugely
grateful to the club for their unrelenting support during my time here and in understanding and
respecting my decision.
“I’ve had a fantastic time here at Arsenal and I am proud of what we have achieved. I
must thank all the fans, players, staff and the club. This club has always been a leader in women’s
football and I will be cheering us on to the next level as I watch as a passionate and enduring fan.
“My focus now is helping the team to complete the season strongly and finishing as high
as possible in the WSL, leaving the club in good shape for the future.”
The club’s chief executive, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “We are all disappointed that Joe
has decided to leave at the end of the season, but we fully understand his reasons.
“Joe has made a huge impact during his time with us and we look forward to building on
his legacy and taking the club to more success in the future.
“The women’s game is entering an exciting new era and thanks to Joe’s outstanding
work, Arsenal is well placed to be as much a force in the future as it has been in the past.”
Joe will leave the club on May 31st and Arsenal will start the search for his successor
immediately. Photo - Will Cheshire

England have added two players to their squad ahead of their friendly double header against
France and Canada.
Esme Morgan has been called up to the England women’s senior squad ahead of the
team flying to Caen to face France before returning to England to play Canada at Stoke City’s
stadium. The uncapped Manchester City defender has joined the rest of the squad at the team’s
training base, St George’s Park and will be available for selection for the two upcoming
internationals.
Meanwhile, Nikita Parris has been called up to Hege Riise’s squad. Having tested
negative for COVID-19 in Lyon, Parris was cleared to join her international teammates at St
George’s Park where she will follow the squad’s testing and COVID protocols.
England Women’s interim head coach, Hege Riise said "It is the first opportunity I have
had to work with Nikita in person and I am delighted to have her on camp with us.
“It is a good opportunity to watch her closely like I have been with all the other players
who have joined up on camp and to have her available for selection against two tough
opponents.”
Issue no. 12 - 8 April 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk