Birmingham City have appointed Darren Carter as the new interim head coach of their women’s team according to reports on the club’s official website.
The 37-year-old former midfielder fills the vacancy left by former boss Scott Booth’s sacking last week. Existing staff members Tony Elliott (Assistant Head Coach) and Daniel Matraszek (Goalkeeping Coach) are staying on while Marcus Bignot is returning on a support basis.
Carter is tasked with keeping the Blues in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. The Midlands club are currently in 11th position having collected just one point so far this season.
Speaking following his appointment, Carter said “It is a great opportunity for me and the journey I am currently on, with my coaching career, and I want to make an impact and bring some positivity to the place. It is vitally important to instil some belief, confidence and enjoyment; creating an environment to excel and improve every day as individuals and as a collective. From those foundations, we can look to build some momentum.
“It is a challenge that I could not turn down in all honesty. It is a fantastic chance to prove our doubters wrong and build all the things I have talked about.
“I like to play the game on the front foot. Of course, you have to be adaptable, but my principles are for my players to be brave on the ball and play with a purpose. We have to take each game as it comes, but I want my team and players to ask questions of the opposition and try to dictate play.”
After hanging up his boots in the summer, Carter has been coaching at FA Women’s National League North club West Bromwich Albion. He will now take charge of new club Birmingham City for the first time on Sunday 12 December when Manchester City are the visitors to St Andrew’s.