Les Taylor and Jonny Edmunds to change roles with Oxford United Women
Next year will see a restructuring of the season for Oxford United’s Women team.
Following the end of the WSL2 season the U’s will now go into a new mini-league in the Spring before their season reverts to a winter league in August/September. This is to allow the WSL fixtures to align with summer tournaments and the traditional football season.
Due to the change of timing there will be a restructure of the coaching staff at Oxford United and Women’s Manager Les Taylor and coach Jonny Edmunds will be leaving their roles with the Women’s team to concentrate on their existing jobs as Boys Academy Manager and Foundation Phase Lead Coach.
Les told us:
“I have loved every minute of managing the Women’s side. They are a fantastic group and I am very proud of the girls and the way we have worked together in the last few years. I am especially proud of the way the young players have been able to develop in our age group sides and then progress into the first team. That is something I believe will grow and grow and be a massive help for the club in the future.
“The change to a winter league is the right thing for the Women’s game to do: this season became very disjointed and I know there are hugely ambitious plans for the future development of the Women’s game.
“Unfortunately both Jonny and I have existing jobs within the Academy. When WSL2 was a summer league we were able to balance things but it will be impossible to devote the time and energy that is needed to do both jobs properly while the men’s and women’s seasons run in parallel.
“Therefore, sadly, we will step away from our formal roles, although we will still be here to offer help and support when needed. We would both like to thank everyone for their help and support and wish the Women’s team every success for the future.”