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London City Lionesses and Michele Kang have today appointed Jocelyn Prêcheur as Head Coach, signed Swedish international Kosovare Asllani, relocated First-Team fixtures to Hayes Lane, and acquired the Club’s K Sports Cobdown training facility.
London (UK), Thursday 27, June 2024 – London City Lionesses are excited to unveil a series of significant announcements marking a new era for the club. Today, club owner Michele Kang confirmed the appointment of renowned PSG Women's coach Jocelyn Prêcheur as Head Coach, the signing of star Swedish international Kosovare Asllani, a new stadium sharing agreement with Bromley FC, and the purchase of the team’s current training facilities in Aylesford, Kent.
This announcement reinforces owner Michele Kang’s commitment to developing a high-performance culture of winning on and off the pitch at London City, and to building the world’s preeminent female sports organisation through her multi-club group involvement.
“Today marks a new era at London City Lionesses,” said Kang. “I’m proud to be hosting my first press conference today since acquiring the club, as we look forward to an exciting 2024-25 season under NewCo.
“In December 2023, I mentioned how excited I was to help the club and players reach their highest potential. With this in mind, I am delighted to announce two world-class appointments – our new Head Coach, Coupe de France-winning Jocelyn Prêcheur, and Swedish national team captain and 2022 Golden Foot winner Kosovare Asllani. I am excited to see them bring the Club to new heights next season alongside the rest of the team.
“I am committed to providing the best playing and training environments for London City, and am delighted to announce a new stadium-sharing agreement with Men’s EFL League Two side Bromley FC which will see us play all of our home games this season at Hayes Lane. This gives London City a home in London, in the London Borough of Bromley. I am also thrilled to announce that we are now the official and sole owner of our training ground in Aylesford, Kent, which we are looking to redevelop and professionalise.”
Coupe de France-winning head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur joins London City Lionesses from Paris Saint-Germain. The 42-year-old, one of the most highly sought after coaches in world football, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Pride, committing to Kang’s long-term vision for the Club.
“Since I met Michele last season, I have admired her vision and dedication to the women’s game. The high-performance culture of winning she is building across her teams was a key part in my decision to join London City,” said the sixth permanent head coach in London City Lionesses history.
“I can’t wait to get started next week and meet the players and team staff.”
Prêcheur arrives in the capital alongside 187-cap international Kosovare Asllani, who will officially join London City Lionesses upon the expiry of her contract with AC Milan on 30 June.
The Kristianstad-born forward carries a wealth of elite-level experience, clinching national championships in Sweden (Linköpings, 2009 & 2017) and England (Manchester City, 2016) before winning the Golden Foot Award in 2022.
“I am delighted to be back in England for the second time, now as a London City Lionesses player,” said the 34-year-old. “I can’t wait to put on the Number 9 (playing) shirt and get to know the team.”
Situated in the London Borough of Bromley, Hayes Lane will provide the backdrop for the Club’s future home fixtures, with the Club signing a long-term tenancy agreement with Bromley FC.
The 5,000-capacity stadium features exceptional facilities for supporters and players, with the installation of a world-class hybrid stitched pitch scheduled ahead of the 2024-25 Barclays Women’s Championship season.
London City Lionesses matchdays will be an all-day event at Hayes Lane, with Broomfields Bar & Kitchen serving food and drink before, during, and after the game.
“The installation of a hybrid-stitched pitch matches our aspirations to create the best environment for our players to showcase their talents and hopefully excite our fans with their performances on the pitch,” said Director of Operations Natalie Curtis.
“Hayes Lane is a wonderful stadium and will help us provide the matchday experience our fans deserve. Broomfields is an exceptional venue, allowing us to host special events and encourage more people to fall in love with London City Lionesses and the women’s game.”
The Club’s acquisition of its training ground paves the way for the creation of a state of the art training facility in Aylesford, Kent.
“We’re now the only independent, female club in the country with our own training ground,” said Director of Football Ronald Thompson.
“The entire site is for us to use, which means we can focus on delivering the best playing surfaces we can and providing the best environment for our players and staff to work in.
“In the short-term, we’re working inside the buildings to create space for the players to recuperate after training, have analysis meetings, and refuel with performance in mind. Having all of those things will help us make sure our players are always our absolute priority.
“Having exclusive use of the facility is key because it means we can tailor everything – from gym equipment to changing rooms – so that they are designed specifically for female athletes, which means the First-Team and Academy will have access to everything they need.”
London City Lionesses at Hayes Lane:
Kosovare is very focused challenging character. She is very aggressive.
Best wishes for her new assignment and for club London City Lionesses.
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Excellent news for all London City Lionesses fans, we can't wait for the new season !