KAREN HILLS has taken up the reigns as boss of Women’s Championship strugglers Charlton Athletic.
The role is Hills’ first coaching job since being axed by Tottenham in November – just over a year after helping the club reach the WSL.
Hills’ appointment as head coach comes days before the club’s derby with Crystal Palace, with the team looking to pick up their second win of the year.
It also comes just over a month after Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard agreed on terms for a historic takeover of Charlton Women.
The move has seen the women’s and men’s teams brought under the same ownership for the first time since 2007.
Hills said: “I am looking forward to adding my experience and knowledge to what is already a great staff, and a fantastic group of players here are the group.
“We are looking to build something special with Charlton and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hills, 45, who was sacked by Tottenham in November 2020, is a highly regarded figure within the Addicks’ hierarchy.
The former centre-back led the team to a Women’s FA Cup win against Everton in 2005, and four finals during her six-year Addicks playing career from 2001 to 2007.
And the ex-WSL gaffer, who jointly managed Tottenham alongside former colleague Juan Amoros, was named the Manager’s Player of the Season in her debut term at Charlton.
Hills also played an influential role in the growth of Tottenham’s women’s team during her 11-year managerial stint at the club from 2009 to 2020.
And the ex-Spurs boss oversaw a series of promotions as the club transformed from an amateur side into a full-time professional Women’s Super League outfit.
The Addicks, who are ninth and three points above bottom in the Women’s Championship, have ambitions of reaching the top-flight.
And Sandgaard believes Hills has the expertise to take them there.
Sandgaard said: “Charlton were one of the leading clubs in football in Karen’s playing days and that is where we want to get back to.
“Going full-time and the appointment of Karen are two real statements of intent as we look to move the team forwards.
“She has a great history with our club from her playing days and managed the transition to full-time at Tottenham Hotspur excellently.
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“Our ambition is for Charlton to be challenging in that top tier of the FA Women’s Super League and I am looking forward to watching the team grow.”
Charlton Women’s coaching staff, led by Riteesh Mishra are expected to remain in place.
Hills will meet first-team players this week ahead of her first training session with the club.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
