London City Lionesses, the current Championship league leaders, have suffered a huge blow days before their Vitality Women’s FA Cup tie with top-tier side Tottenham.
Manager Melissa Phillips has left the club effective immediately to become assistant coach under English manager Freya Coombe at Angel City FC in America’s top-flight - the National Women’s Soccer League.
The Club is owned by a group of Hollywood A-Listers including Natalie Portman, Jeniffer Garner, Uzo Aduba and tennis legends Serena Williams and Billie Jean King which has drawn Phillips back to her native USA.
The news comes as a shock to London City who are currently in their most successful season to date, sitting top spot of the Women’s Championship with 24 points from 11 games, on course for promotion into England’s top tier football.
Phillips, who has been in charge at the club since October 2020 said: "This has been an incredibly tough decision and one I haven't taken lightly. However, I feel the staff, players and processes we have in place are so strong that they will continue to keep the club on the current trajectory.
"I have so much care and respect for every person at London City. With such strong vision and values, I know the club can establish itself to be a successful Women's Super League entity and serve the women's game for years to come. Personally, and professionally, I feel it is right for me to pursue opportunities back home."
For now, current assistant coach Nikita Runnacles, who was promoted from goalkeeper coach last season, will step up as interim manager until a permanent appointment is made.
London City chairwoman Diane Culligan added: "Melissa has done a fantastic job over the last two and a half years, especially in leading the development of the on-field product.
"We appreciate that she has been presented with an amazing opportunity to return to her home in California and evolve her career with ACFC."
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