Harrogate Town women’s team appoints new manager

Liam Cope has been appointed manager of Harrogate Town’s women’s team, the club announced today.

Cope has previously managed Ossett Town Ladies and been assistant manager at Leeds United Women.

He brings with him a backroom team including a nutritionist and goalkeeping coach, details of which will be confirmed later.

Cope has set his sights on taking Harrogate to the next stage up the football pyramid by reaching the Women’s National League. He said:

“The Women’s National League is somewhere I’d like to be again, I see no reason why Town can’t be playing in that league in the next year or two.

“The team has gone from strength to strength in the past few years and we’re going to give getting to the next level a real good go.”

Cope, who begins his role next week, has already set the ball rolling recruiting players for another season in the North East Regional Women’s Football League, which also includes the likes of Sheffield Wednesday Ladies and York City Ladies.

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He said:

“I’m looking to build a squad of players that are comfortable on the ball, with a good range of passing, technical and tactical ability, but most importantly have the right mentality.

“I want players to be brave on the ball, if a player makes a mistake we move on, but the one thing I will not accept is lack of intensity or lack of effort.

“We are welcoming new players who want to play good football in a positive environment with a coaching team that will support you 100% no matter what.

“If you want to join an ambitious club then this is the place to be.”

Player development

Cope will also play a role in the club’s player development centre, helping nurture young footballers throughout the development stages. He said:

“I know we have a real good programme coming through the girls’ player development centre and that’s something I want to promote and grow.

“The impact of the Euros is going to be huge, to beat Sweden in the manner we did shows the standard of women’s football in this country, if that encourages local talent to get involved at any age then that is a massive positive.”

Cope can be contacted on 07798 841696, or via girls development officer Becky Wilson at Beckywilson@harrogatetownafc.com.