MANCHESTER CITY have named former Wales international Gareth Taylor as their new manager in a three-year deal, as the club nervously awaits the decision on whether they will be named Women’s Super League champions.

The former City striker has been in charge of the men’s Under-18 side, leading them to successive Premier League U18 Cup victories in 2019 and 2020, and was formerly in charge of the Under-16s.

Taylor, who played for the club between 1998 and 2001, will replace Nick Cushing, who recently joined New York City FC, at the helm of the women’s team.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have joined Manchester City Women and I’m extremely excited about the challenge ahead with a very talented group of players and staff who have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years,” said Taylor, who will be assisted by Alan Mahon.

“I’m really honoured to have been appointed to this role and I can’t wait to get started with our preparations for another thrilling and competitive Barclays FA WSL season in 2020/21.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with some great people within Manchester City and the Club’s Academy so far, but I’m absolutely relishing my new role within City Football Group and I’ll be giving everything I have to continue Manchester City’s success and growth in the women’s game.”

Taylor said that initial talks for the job started prior to lockdown and that it was Cushing who informed him of the vacant position at the club.

“I [have] a really good relationship with Nick. As soon as he informed me that he was looking to move to New York and within the City Football Group, which is a great opportunity for him, he spoke straightaway about the role and asked if I will be interested. And it kind of grew from there really.”

There was plenty of positive reaction from players on social media.

Captain Steph Houghton said: “Can’t wait to be back and looking forward to working with you,” while defender Megan Campbell tweeted: “Delighted to have Gareth on board driving us forward as a team!! A brilliant manager & coach & so much experience as a player! Looking forward to learning, developing and getting to the new season even more now #cmoncity.”

City’s head of women’s football, Gavin Makel, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Gareth into the role of Manchester City Women’s head coach. 

“Over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to see first-hand the qualities that Gareth possesses. Not only in terms of his abilities as a coach who develops individuals, but also in the way that he leads, whilst exuberating the values and ethos that we hold dear as a club.  

“I am looking forward to working with Gareth as we enter this new era for the women’s team in which I am confident that we can continue to build upon the successes that we have had over the last six years.

“I would also like to add my thanks to Alan Mahon who stepped up in light of Nick’s departure and who continues to be an integral part of our operation.”

The WSL is yet to announce the outcome of the season, which was curtailed with City at the top of the table a point above Chelsea, but having played a game more.

If points-per-game calculations are applied, Chelsea will be named league winners.