West Ham United are delighted to announce the appointment of Greg de Carnys as the Club’s new Ladies manager.
De Carnys, who will combine his new role with his position of Head of Performance at the Academy, has extensive coaching experience and is currently studying for his UEFA A Licence.
The new manager will be assisted by Josh Ewens, who will work with the Ladies alongside his role as first-team fitness coach, and captain Karen Ray, who will take on the position of first-team coach.
Manager De Carnys replaces James Marrs, who has resigned his position, and the new coaching staff will take charge of their first training session at Chadwell Heath on Tuesday evening.
“With the support of Josh, who joins us alongside his role with the first team, and Karen, who brings her invaluable experience, I am really looking forward to working together with the Ladies in this new chapter as they become part of the West Ham family,” De Carnys began.
“Karen has been an integral part of the playing staff and is currently the Women and Girls’ manager at the club.
“It’s an exciting time for everyone involved, I can’t wait to get started and, with the support of the Club, I think we can take the team to new levels.”
Prior to joining the Hammers, De Carnys worked as a coach within the Arsenal and Derby County Academies and served as a first-team assistant at Watford.
A fluent Spanish, French and Italian speaker, De Carnys graduated with a degree in Coaching Science from Liverpool John Moores University before completing his Masters qualification at Loughborough University.
He possesses a range of qualifications in coaching, including a UEFA B Licence, which will stand him in good stead as he begins his new challenge with West Ham United Ladies.
“I have been with West Ham for eight seasons in my role as Head of Performance in the Academy,” he confirmed.
“Before joining the Club, I held several coaching roles at clubs across the country, as well as completing a degree in Coaching Science and a Masters in Sports Science.
“I am in the process of completing my UEFA A Licence and I believe this opportunity to coach the Ladies whilst continuing my role as Head of Performance at the Academy is the perfect mix.”
West Ham United Ladies’ two senior and four junior sides will be operated by the Club following a move to formally bring them into the structure was agreed with the Ladies’ committee earlier this month.
The Ladies, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2016, currently compete in the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division, the third tier of women’s football in England.