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The London City Lionesses have today, Friday 9th of October, announced that Head Coach Lisa
Fallon is to step down from her position as the club’s Head Coach, for family
reasons.
Over the course of the last month, the club have fully supported Lisa in trying to find
a workable solution. Sadly, this has not proved possible. Whilst obviously
disappointed in the eventual outcome, the club fully respect and support Lisa’s
decision.
Lisa Fallon has made an outstanding contribution to the London City Lionesses in a
very short space of time. Although Lisa will not be able to see her plans through, the
club is a better place for Lisa having been part of it.
Current Assistant Coach, Melissa Phillips, will take charge of First Team duties as
Caretaker Manager – including Sunday’s fixture against the London Bees. Further
details on Lisa’s replacement will be made in due course.
Lisa Fallon said: “It is with a very heavy heart that today, I step away from my
role as Head Coach of the London City Lionesses due to family reasons.
“Being appointed as Head Coach at this club was both an honour and a
privilege – and was a very proud day for my family. I thank everyone at the
club sincerely for their understanding in me prioritising my family's needs at
this time.
“With my family based in Dublin, and the team based in London, the logistics
of travelling to meet the needs of both – whilst in the midst of the Covid-19
pandemic – are no longer viable.
“I am extremely grateful to our Chairwoman, Diane Culligan, and the Board, for
their compassion over the past few weeks.
“I also want to thank all of the players, staff and their families for their
incredible work, commitment and application since I commenced the role. It
has been a genuine privilege to work with you and I continue to believe in the
potential and ambitions of you all – both as individuals, a team and a club.
“I have witnessed first-hand the tremendous work that’s being invested both
on-and-off the pitch to build strong foundations at this club. I look forward to
seeing the fruits of that work pave the pathway for many current and future
London City Lionesses to live their dreams in football.
“Having worked closely with Melissa Phillips over the past few months, I know
she is a talented coach and brings great experience to the club. With all
the expertise and dedication of the backroom staff, she will continue to
develop this team in a very positive way and I’m excited to see the
progressions.”
Diane Culligan, Chairwoman, said: “Lisa Fallon is an outstanding football coach.
Despite being with the club for only a few months, the positive impact she has
had on and off the pitch is immeasurable. Although we wanted Lisa to continue as our Head Coach, I accept that is simply not possible for her in the current circumstances.
“It is hugely regretful for all parties that the circumstances of the Covid-19
pandemic are such that Lisa’s travelling between the club and her family in
Ireland have become problematic. Sadly, that arrangement is no longer
practical for Lisa. The club completely understand this and support Lisa in
making the best decision for her family.
“We know that Lisa will remain a close friend of our club and I have nothing
but the warmest wishes for Lisa and her family. When she is ready, I have no
doubt that Lisa will return to a dugout soon – and be extremely successful
when she does.
“Our Assistant Coach Melissa Phillips will take charge of all First Team duties
until Lisa’s successor is appointed. Melissa is a very talented coach in her
own right and will have the full support of the club going into the weekend.”