Crystal Palace Names Leif Smerud as New Manager in Women's Super League

Crystal Palace hires Leif Smerud as their new manager to revive their struggling Women's Super League team.

Crystal Palace has officially announced the appointment of Leif Smerud as their new manager for the women's team, following the dismissal of Laura Kaminski. Smerud, a seasoned Norwegian coach, steps into a challenging role with the team currently at the bottom of the Women's Super League (WSL).

Leif Smerud’s Background and Achievements

Smerud, 48, brings a wealth of experience to the Eagles. He previously led the Norway men's Under-21 team to the 2023 European Championship finals and has served as caretaker head coach for both the Norway men's and women's senior teams. His extensive background includes nearly a decade with the Norwegian Football Federation, where he held various roles, including deputy technical director.

The Challenge Ahead

Taking over Crystal Palace, Smerud faces a daunting task. The team is currently four points adrift from safety with just eight games left in the season. Kaminski's departure came after a disappointing run of just one win in 14 matches, despite having secured the Women's Championship title last season and achieving promotion to the WSL.

In his first statement as manager, Smerud expressed his enthusiasm, saying,

"I'm really honoured, I'm proud and I'm very happy to join Crystal Palace, a club with a long history in football."

He emphasized that football is about more than just tactics, highlighting the importance of values and connection, which he believes align with those of Crystal Palace.

Smerud’s Vision for Crystal Palace

Smerud is optimistic about the club's potential, noting its history of defying expectations:

"It's a club that's no stranger to hard work and punching above its weight."

He also praised the people he has met at the club, describing them as "brilliant" and expressing his eagerness to represent the club and its values.

Support from the Club

Grace Williams, Crystal Palace's head of women's football, is confident in Smerud's ability to turn things around:

"His experience and credentials speak for themselves. As we head into a crucial stretch of games, we feel he will be an outstanding fit for maximising the undoubted potential of this group of players."

Upcoming Match

Smerud's first match in charge will be a home game against Liverpool on Sunday. Interestingly, Liverpool also parted ways with their manager, Matt Beard, this week, after a similarly challenging season.

As Crystal Palace embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Smerud to see if he can steer the team to safety and build a foundation for future success in the WSL.

What to Read Next

McGlynn's Mastery: Falkirk's Rise to Scottish Premiership Glory
Football

McGlynn's Mastery: Falkirk's Rise to Scottish Premiership Glory

Explore how John McGlynn transformed Falkirk from League One strugglers to Scottish Premiership contenders, emphasizing strategic management and youth development.

Crystal Palace's Europa League Exclusion: A Controversial Decision in Football History
Football

Crystal Palace's Europa League Exclusion: A Controversial Decision in Football History

Crystal Palace's removal from the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rules has sparked outrage, with chairman Steve Parish calling it the biggest injustice in football history.

Stuart Kettlewell Inspires Kilmarnock to Forge a New Legacy in Scottish Football
Football

Stuart Kettlewell Inspires Kilmarnock to Forge a New Legacy in Scottish Football

Stuart Kettlewell motivates Kilmarnock to build on their rich history and aim for new heights in the Scottish Premiership and cup competitions.

Crystal Palace Fans Rally Against UEFA's Conference League Demotion Decision
Football

Crystal Palace Fans Rally Against UEFA's Conference League Demotion Decision

Crystal Palace fans protest UEFA's decision to demote the club to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules, calling it a grave injustice.

Crystal Palace Demoted from Europa League Due to Ownership Conflict
Football

Crystal Palace Demoted from Europa League Due to Ownership Conflict

Crystal Palace has been demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules involving John Textor.

UEFA Rules Shift: Nottingham Forest Replaces Crystal Palace in Europa League
Football

UEFA Rules Shift: Nottingham Forest Replaces Crystal Palace in Europa League

Explore how UEFA's multi-club ownership rules led to Nottingham Forest taking Crystal Palace's spot in the Europa League, sparking debates and potential rivalries.

John Textor's European Concerns After Crystal Palace's Historic FA Cup Victory
Football

John Textor's European Concerns After Crystal Palace's Historic FA Cup Victory

Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor shares his concerns about the club's European future following their FA Cup win and the complexities of multi-club ownership.

Edu Joins Nottingham Forest as Global Head of Football: A New Era Begins
Football

Edu Joins Nottingham Forest as Global Head of Football: A New Era Begins

Former Arsenal sporting director Edu joins Nottingham Forest in a new global head of football role, aiming to innovate and build a competitive football model.

Crystal Palace's Europa League Qualification Hangs in the Balance Amid Ownership Controversy
Football

Crystal Palace's Europa League Qualification Hangs in the Balance Amid Ownership Controversy

Crystal Palace's participation in the Europa League is uncertain due to UEFA's multi-club ownership rules, with co-owner John Textor's stake in Lyon complicating matters.

Liverpool and Crystal Palace Negotiate Swap Deal Involving Ben Doak and Marc Guehi
Football

Liverpool and Crystal Palace Negotiate Swap Deal Involving Ben Doak and Marc Guehi

Liverpool is reportedly offering young winger Ben Doak in a swap deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, as both clubs look to strengthen their squads.

John Textor Steps Down from Lyon Leadership Amid Financial Struggles
Football

John Textor Steps Down from Lyon Leadership Amid Financial Struggles

John Textor resigns from Lyon's board amidst financial challenges, impacting Crystal Palace's European ambitions.

Robbie Savage Takes the Helm at Forest Green Rovers: A New Era Begins
Football

Robbie Savage Takes the Helm at Forest Green Rovers: A New Era Begins

Former Wales international Robbie Savage appointed as Forest Green Rovers manager, aiming to bring an aggressive and exciting football style to the team.

Jade Rose Joins Manchester City: A New Era for Women's Football
Football

Jade Rose Joins Manchester City: A New Era for Women's Football

Manchester City secures Canadian defender Jade Rose on a four-year deal, marking a significant addition to their squad for the upcoming Women's Super League season.

Thomas Frank Leads Tottenham Managerial Race: Who Else is in Contention?
Football

Thomas Frank Leads Tottenham Managerial Race: Who Else is in Contention?

Explore the leading candidates for Tottenham's managerial position, including Thomas Frank, Mauricio Pochettino, and other top contenders.

Russell Martin's Crucial Six Months: Proving His Worth at Rangers
Football

Russell Martin's Crucial Six Months: Proving His Worth at Rangers

Russell Martin aims to prove his managerial prowess at Rangers within the first six months, with insights from former teammate Steven Naismith.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.