Lincoln City Women have appointed a new first-team manager, with former assistant Lee Mitchell stepping up to the top role.
Lee previously worked under Richard Cooper during his spell as manager, but is an acclaimed and respected coach in his own right, having worked around the world before returning home to take this role.
Born in Lincoln, Lee started his career coaching at Preston North End before crossing the Atlantic. He worked in the U.S for seven years, based in New Jersey and within the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. His career then took him to the United Arab Emirates where he worked as a Director of Sport for a number of years before recently returning home to his Lincolnshire football roots.
“Lee is a fantastic and energised appointment to the role and has impressed from the outset with a clear vision and strategy to take the club forwards,” said Martin Ryder, chair at Lincoln City Women.
“With the benefit of him already knowing our ethos, the players and staff, Lee was a clear and obvious choice. His substantial experience gained around the world in the women’s game is hugely impressive and we look forward to supporting him and the team in an exciting future for the club.”
In an interview with Maria Ryder on LCWFC’s official YouTube channel, Lee spoke about the talent within the team, as well as how his career has come home.
“It feels good, it’s come around full circle, this is where I grew up and went to school. If you asked me 10 years ago would I see myself back, I would have probably said no, but since coming back I’ve appreciated the city a lot more.
“Football is something I’ve been involved in all my life, so the chance to get involved with the women’s game at a club like Lincoln that I used to watch as a kid is a fantastic opportunity.”
Lee will be joining Sam and I on tomorrow’s Match Day Live programme for a chat about the Women and their vision for the future.