Brighton & Hove Albion Women general manager Polly Bancroft is set to join the Manchester United staff as their first head of women’s football, as The Athletic’s Adam Crafton reports.
Bancroft will serve out her notice period at Brighton before embarking on the next part of her career.
She has had roles with UEFA, The FA and Leeds United Women U17s, among others.
Polly Bancroft to Join Manchester United Staff as Head of Women’s Football
Exclusive: #MUFC hire their first head of women’s football. Polly Bancroft to join from Brighton, upon the completion of her notice period. She will work across recruitment, logistics, operations & contracts. Will report to football director John Murtough. https://t.co/NLUFzFyweL
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) August 2, 2022
Her Role at Manchester United
As head of women’s football, Polly Bancroft will report to Manchester United football director John Murtough. Her appointment allows head coach Marc Skinner to focus on coaching.
Bancroft will have responsibilities across recruitment, contract renewals, operations and logistics.
United have taken their time in finding the right person for this role with The Telegraph’s Tom Garry reporting they began the interview process shortly after Christmas.
The Red Devils are at a crucial stage four years after reforming. The club have made no secret of their desire to qualify for the Women’s Champions League and have had two near misses in consecutive seasons now.
The focus now more than ever is on bridging the gap between them and the Women’s Super League’s top three teams ever since United’s promotion from the Women’s Championship; Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Read More: Manchester United Women Welcome First Canadian Signing
Signings and Women’s Euro Pride at Club
Marc Skinner and company would have enjoyed watching their three England Women stars, Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo, play a crucial role in the Lionesses’ success at the 2022 Women’s Euros.
🚨 FIXTURE NEWS 🚨
We will open our 2022/23 #WSL campaign at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when we travel south to face Spurs on Saturday 10 September 🏟🔥 #MUWomen pic.twitter.com/4Mc6LvxKtl
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 28, 2022
He has added to his squad already this summer with five signings in total; Adriana Leon, Rachel Williams, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier and Lucia Garcia.
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Captain Katie Zelem and Lucy Staniforth have both extended their contracts with the club too.
