Former Player Transitions to Head Coach Role at Championship Side
- Remi Allen, a retired player, has been appointed as Southampton's Championship manager.
- Despite retiring from playing, Allen has been coaching for almost half her life, which led to her new role as a manager.
- This appointment marks a significant milestone in Allen's career transition from player to manager.
In a significant career shift, former professional footballer Allen has been appointed head coach of a Championship side, marking a new chapter after years of dual roles as player and coach. While on honeymoon in Bali with her wife, Nottingham Forest head coach Carly Davies, Allen received the news of her new position, prompting a celebratory toast. She emphasizes the extensive groundwork that led to this moment, highlighting her early coaching experiences at Leicester under manager Rehanne Skinner, who inspired her passion for coaching. Allen's playing career boasts stints at top clubs such as Aston Villa, Reading, and Birmingham, where she reached the Champions League semi-finals. Known for her tenacity on the field, she humorously describes herself as a "nasty aggressive player," a trait she hopes to channel into an attractive, passing style of play for her new team. Recently, she had a successful short-term tenure with the London City Lionesses, winning her first three matches and earning a manager of the month award. As a member of the England Under-23s coaching staff, Allen is part of the FA's initiative to develop female coaches, a crucial step for the growth of women's football. With only two British women managing in the Women’s Super League, she stresses the importance of investing in female coaching talent. Looking ahead, Allen anticipates a highly competitive Championship season, emphasizing the excitement that comes with a closely contested league.