West Ham United Ladies head coach Matt Beard has confirmed the structure of his backroom team.
Beard, who joined the Hammers last month, will assisted by Paul McHugh, having worked together at NWSL side Boston Breakers. The Ladies’ new assistant brings previous experience of coaching with Minneapolis United, East Durham Football Academy, Sunderland AFC Academy, Newcastle United Football Academy, and the Peru National Team youth system.
Paul Parker also joins the Irons, taking up the dual mantle of strength and conditioning coach and sports scientist. Parker moves to West Ham having previously working with former WSL 1 side Sunderland Ladies, spending almost two years with the north-east team. Parker’s career has also seen him work with an array of top athletes at Team Northumbria, coordinating support for six football teams.
Myles Smith, who worked as assistant coach to Karen Ray during West Ham Ladies’ impressive second half of the 2017/18 campaign, makes the step into the Women’s Super League with the team as support coach.
Goalkeeping coach Glen Johnson has also joined Beard’s team, moving to the side from League One men’s side Gillingham FC.
The setup is completed by physiotherapist Elena Jobson, previously of the Netherlands international basketball team, and Jackson Bradley, who continues in the role of sports therapist.
“I’m delighted to have this team of staff around me,” Beard told whufc.com. “They will all have an important role to play in preparing West Ham United Ladies in our first season in the Women’s Super League.
“As a group, they are all good people and we have every confidence in them helping this team become successful.”
Season Tickets for West Ham United Ladies’ first season in the Women’s Super League are now on sale, starting from just £15!
Come and enjoy the top tier of the Ladies game at Rush Green with the Hammers this season. Pick up your season ticket from the link here!
