NEW Birmingham City Ladies manager Marc Skinner said it was a dream come true to take the reins at the Solihull-based club and revealed “the club’s DNA is in my DNA”.
Skinner, a UEFA A Licence holder, is currently the Birmingham City Ladies Regional Talent Club Technical Director.
He has been involved with the club for 13 years, during which time he has led the Centre of Excellence, been first team goalkeeping coach, assistant manager and also managed the Reserves and Academy sides.
Now, following this week’s resignation of former boss David Parker which came hot on the heels of the departure of head coach Marcus Bignot who became Grimsby Town manager, Skinner has landed the top job and he cannot wait to get started.
Skinner, who has worked previously for Coventry City’s Academy, said: “Birmingham City Ladies FC is deep within my heart and I am extremely proud to lead this fantastic team and hope to continue its success.
“It is a dream come true to take charge and I cannot stop smiling. The club’s DNA is in my DNA.
“I want to thank David Parker, Marcus Bignot and the rest of the team for the foundations they have put in place and the platform they have given me.
“It is my intention for us to be playing a different brand of football over the next year or so and I hope to provide plenty of excitement for the fans.”
Blues Ladies expect to make further key announcements in regard to first team management and coaching structure in the next couple of days and Skinner says his managerial team and himself will give everyone a fair crack of the whip.
He added: “I am ambitious and want the players to be too and the upcoming Spring Series will give me the chance to see what the players can do.
“I want to mould the team to play exciting football, but also develop our players both on and off the pitch.
“If you look at Jess Carter, who swept the board at the recent awards evening, she is the perfect example of what we want to do here.
“I have already identified areas where changes could be made, but it’s a case of wait and see on new signings. I need to assess first hand what we have first.”
Meanwhile, Parker, who during his spell as manager won the Women’s FA Cup in 2012, twice qualified for the Champions League including reaching the semi-finals and also reached three Continental Tyres Cup Finals, said a fond farewell.
“It is a sad occasion personally as the past six years have brought unparalleled success to the club, creating some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime,” said Parker.
“A legacy has been built and I hope that continues as the club will always remain close to my heart and it was always a place I could call home with family by my side.”
