Southampton Football Club has announced that Remi Allen has been appointed as the new Women’s First Team Head Coach ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The 33-year-old joins the club after taking charge of fellow-Barclays Women’s Championship side London City Lionesses from March until the completion of the 2023/24 season.

Following a 16-year playing career, with a wealth of experience across the Women’s Super League and Championship that concluded most recently at Aston Villa and Birmingham City, Allen spent time at international level as Assistant Coach for England Women’s Under-23s, as part of the England Elite Coach Programme.

Her recent role at London City began with three consecutive wins that included triumphs against two promotion contenders in Sunderland and Charlton Athletic, to get the Pride out of the tight-knit relegation battle.

Speaking on her new role at the Saints, Allen commented “I am absolutely delighted to be on board with such an incredible football club. It’s such an exciting time to be here, the club has huge ambition, and the group of players here are such a talented group.”

“I can’t wait to get started on the journey; it’s going to be an exciting season ahead.”

Speaking on the appointment of Allen, ex-mqnager and Director of Women’s Football Marieanne Spacey-Cale added: “We’re delighted to welcome Remi to the club as she becomes our new Head Coach, and we begin the next stage of our journey.”

“Remi is an exciting, young coach with both recent playing experience and a passion to succeed in the early stages of her transition to management.

“She brings energy and fresh ideas that I believe our players will thrive on, and I look forward to seeing her begin working with the team ahead of the new season.”

Allen will be hoping to improve on the club’s fourth place finish last season as she joins the Hampshire club for preseason.