MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN’S boss Nick Cushing will leave the club in February to join MLS side New York City FC as their new assistant manager.
His assistant, former Ireland international Alan Mahon, will take the reins on an interim basis following his departure.
35-year-old Cushing has been in charge of the Sky Blues since late 2013, guiding the club to six trophies in that time, including the 2016 Women’s Super League [WSL] title.
Cushing’s final game in charge will be the crunch clash with Arsenal on 2 February, in which he will hope to collect three vital points in City’s fight for the title.
He will then leave to join up with his new club across the pond, who have only recently appointed ex-Celtic manager Ronny Deila as their new head coach.
Cushing could well guide City to one more major final before he departs, with his team set to face Sheffield United on 15 January in the Continental Cup quarter-finals, with the semi-finals to come on 29/30 January.
The news impacts two Irish internationals at the club — star defender Megan Campbell and 18-year-old midfielder Tyler Toland.
“I would like to thank City Football Group and Manchester City for giving me the opportunity to manage our women’s team for the past six years,” Cushing said.
“Making the decision to leave has been incredibly difficult given the fantastic players and staff that we have here and the incredible success that we have achieved together – it isn’t one that I have taken lightly.
“We’ve had an amazing six-and-a-half seasons and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everybody – I will be extremely emotional to leave, but I’m very excited for my next role within the City Football Group.
“Linking up with New York City and Ronny is a brilliant opportunity and I’m really looking forward to working in the MLS.”
Now, Mahon will take charge of City on an interim basis, with Brian Eastick, former coach of England men’s U21s, supporting him.
Mahon enjoyed a 16-year professional career, playing for the likes of Burnley and Sporting CP, while also representing Ireland.
His presence in the dugout will provide continuity for a team fighting on three fronts. They are currently in second place in the WSL, three points behind leaders Arsenal, but with a home fixture against the Gunners on the horizon.
As well as being in the last eight of the Continental Cup, City’s bid to retain the FA Women’s Cup will also begin on 26 January when they face local rivals Manchester United.
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Is it just me or does anyone else think ROG & Keano would make great pals.
Their conversations would be nothing but, to quote Ronan, ‘pure, brutal honesty.’
That must have been like telling him that the sun was going to rise!
Some revelation – not!The world and his brother, sister, mother, father and dog would have known that. Why else would the AB’s speak about it so openly in front of Keano, when they’d have to assume he’d report it back to his fellow country- and countyman ROG at the first available chance – as of course he did.
Pity ye haven’t the same regard for our greatest ever no.10 as ye have for that friend of Prince Albert of Monaco whom ye adore in South Dublin. The man who got us over the line in our first slam for close to 70yrs is lambastes at ever chance. Well I love a straight talking rog whom despite his light stature never sheirked a tackle over a bono voiced boring South Dublin west Brit who will never offend anyone who will always stand on the fence.
Huh?
You’re a tool…. can’t they both be great ambassadors?
Philip, you are another flash. Pathetic.
Ah Phil don’t be like that, talking about your capital city in that manner.
ROG like Keane is a mouth piece!
Phil don’t be a bitter idiot. Where do these bitter fools come fm? Rog is from cork city and if he read this post by u he would be embarrassed . I bet you love in the sticks somewhere and just hate Dublin
Ah stop for the love of God. You’re an embarrassment to Munster fans, Philip.
Not sure about the West Brit ladyboy part, but Johnny is certainly a very attractive man
There was no slight to our, as you rightly say “our greatest ever 10″ intended at all. Cool your jets. All teams target whatever weakness they can find in the opposition’s armour. Tackling wasn’t RO’G's strongest suit – something he shares with a lot of outhalves; nothing wrong in that. Most Test players are good at some things, not so good at others. Only the odd exception is good at everything.
Keano was asked if he takes other sport’s coaching techniques on board when developing his skills, the anecdote clearly relates. It’s not as if he released a statement on it.
I’m getting fair sick of reading your crap at this stage
Too much sauce Philip. Too many chips on shoulder. ..shoulda had a kebab b4 posting
Are you talking about BOD from Clontarf in north Dublin?
Philip won’t ever let the truth get in the way of that large chip on his shoulder. Pity he doesn’t realise Rugby is a team spirt – O Gara kicked the score to win the slam, but he didn’t clear out the ruck just before it, or the one before it. Nor did he pass the ball to himself to kick it. The squad won that grand slam not any one player.
This comment goes out to Philip Ryan and Owen lydon, I like most others on this would really appreciate if ye would stop commenting on issues ye have 0 amount of knowledge on like rugby, thank you in advance
Yours,
Vast majority of “the score.ie” users
David, nice one. I was saying it this morning how boring P.Ryan and his rants were getting.
I’m guessing he’s a munster man like myself Gary, but he hasn’t a clue!! Especially when it comes to bod who has probably been the greatest rugby player to don the green jersey of Ireland
If only I had a time machine in order to get those last 30 seconds of my life back. Chewing gum for the soul stuff.
“He can’t’ tackle.” Been saying that for years, cant wait for Flash etc to come back with “Sure what do the All Blacks know about Rugby? What have they won? Munster ARE rugby”
ROG a great kicker, unfortunately rugby, especially playing fly half is more than just kicking.
ROG pales compared to Jonny Wilkinson, even Eric Elwood.
I think it was pretty much acknowledged by everyone (including himself) that tackling or physicality wasn’t his strong point, but as a tactician and game manager he was a grand master with few equals.
In fairness to Roy he said it up front, Other sporting books recently out could learn,
Lol this is a very funny article.
Would love to have been at that dinner