Head Coach Smith leaves Bristol City women
Her departure is announced two weeks before the start of the season
The head coach of Bristol City Women is leaving the club, less than two weeks before their opening game of the season.
The Daily Mail first reported that Lauren Smith had resigned on Monday (26th August) with the club now confirming that she has left.
It leaves the team without a manager with just 12 days to go until their Championship campaign begins, away at Southampton on Sunday 8th September.
In a statement Gavin Marshall, Chair of Bristol City Women, said: "It is hard to put into words how much Lauren has given to Bristol City over the years.
“I thank her for her tireless hard work and commitment to the development of City Women, we are sad to see her go.
"The club is proud of the part it has played in Lauren’s development as a Coach and take this opportunity to wish her the very best for her future.
“Lauren will always be welcome back at Ashton Gate and will be missed by the staff and players.”
Smith joined City in 2010 as an Under-14s coach. In 2014 she became a full-time employee as the club's 9-19 years Technical Director and First Team Assistant Coach.
In 2017 she left to become Assistant Coach of the Wales National Team, before rejoining City in 2021.
In 2023 she oversaw the Robins' promotion back into the Women's Super League and last season's campaign, in which they were relegated, saw record-breaking crowds attend Ashton Gate.
Smith said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I leave the club, a club that means so much to me, but the time is right for me to explore new opportunities.
“I want to thank all the staff and players that I have worked with over the years for their support and hard work on and off the pitch. I will always keep a keen eye on how City are doing and wish everyone well for the coming season.”
Several players have also left City Women this summer, including midfielder Rachel Furness, Shania Hayles, goalkeeper Olivia Clark and last season's captain Megan Connolly.
Loren Dykes will take on the role of Interim Head Coach while the search for Smith's permanent replacement begins.
The club is due to host an open training session at Ashton Gate tomorrow (28th August).