24 January 2023 , 11:22
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Championship leaders London City Lionesses have suffered a huge blow only days before a Women's FA Cup glamour tie WSL side Tottenham.
Manager Melissa Phillips has left the club to become assistant coach of Angel City FC in America, owned by a group of Hollywood stars including actresses Natalie Portman, Jeniffer Garner, Uzo Aduba and tennis legends Serena Williams and Billie Jean King. The LA-based club are managed by English club Freya Coombe, who Phillips will assist in the new season.
However, the news comes as a major shock to London City, who are enjoying their most successful season to date and sit top of England's second tier with 24 points from 11 games. Phillips, originally from San Francisco, had been in charge since October 2020.
"This has been an incredibly tough decision and one I haven't taken lightly," Phillips said. "However, I feel the staff, players and processes we have in place are so strong that they will continue to keep the club on the current trajectory.
"I have so much care and respect for every person at London City. With such strong vision and values, I know the club can establish itself to be a successful Women's Super League entity and serve the women's game for years to come. Personally, and professionally, I feel it is right for me to pursue opportunities back home."
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London City chairwoman Diane Culligan added: "Melissa has done a fantastic job over the last two and a half years, especially in leading the development of the on-field product.
London City Lionesses are having a successful season (Photo by Ashley Allen - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)"We appreciate that she has been presented with an amazing opportunity to return to her home in California and evolve her career with ACFC."
The timing of her departure is a surprise with the Lionesses only days away from a fourth-round tie with Spurs in the FA Cup. The Lionesses finished second in the Championship last season and are currently on course for promotion to the top flight.
London City's current assistant coach Nikita Runnacles, who was promoted from goalkeeper coach last season, will now step up as Interim manager until a permanent appointment is made. Angel City's 2023 NWSL campaign begins at the end of March.
The club's majority female ownership group also includes former USA legends Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy. They finished eighth in the 2022 National Women's Soccer League, failing to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.
Ex-England star Eni Aluko also worked at the club as sporting director over the last two seasons, but left the club last week after the two agreed to part ways.
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