Stoke City has appointed former Irish goalkeeper Marie Hourihan as the first full-time head coach of their women's team.
The 34-year-old joins from London Bees and will lead the side in their first season as a semi-professional outfit.
Prior to coaching, Hourihan enjoyed a successful playing career, winning the Women's Super League and the Women's FA Cup with Chelsea, Manchester City, and Birmingham City.
Congratulations to @M_Hourihan who made her 50th appearance for the Club yesterday. 🙌🔵 pic.twitter.com/8A3A8GKaEO
— Birmingham City Women (@BCFCWomen) March 7, 2022
As part of the Premier League's Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme, Hourihan will also be involved in coaching at Stoke City's Academy.
Technical Director Ricky Martin expressed excitement about Marie's appointment and the team's shift to semi-professional status.
“This is an historic day for Stoke City as Marie becomes the first full-time head coach of our women’s team,” said Martin.
Stoke City have appointed former Republic of Ireland international Marie Hourihan as the first full-time head coach of @scfc_women.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 24, 2023
Hourihan added: “It’s a fantastic time to be joining Stoke City and I’m really looking forward to getting started. As the team embarks on a new era, we want to be extremely competitive in what promises to be an exciting division."
Hourihan earned 24 caps for the Irish national team between 2017 and 2020, having replaced the long-standing Emma Byrne. She made her last national appearance for the friendly against Denmark in April 2021, but she missed out through injury, having already been displaced by Courtney Brosnan.
