AFC Bournemouth name new head coach and head of women’s football | OneFootball

Bruce Suraci has neen named as the new head of women’s football at Bournemouth Credit: Bournemouth Academy Twitter

AFC Bournemouth have announced two new appointments, including that of a permanent head coach.

Helen Bleazard has been named as the club’s new permanent head coach after a successful start to the season as interim manager.

Bournemouth have also named the appointment of Bruce Suraci as head of women’s football.

Suraci has been at Bournemouth for over a decade, most recently as academy head of coaching and development.

Helen Bleazard appointed as head coach of Bournemouth Women

Helen Bleazard has been appointed as the new permanent head coach of Bournemouth Women.

Steve Cuss stepped down from the role before the start of the new season, with Bleazard stepping in as interim head coach.

She is rewarded after an excellent start to the season, with Bournemouth sitting top of the FA Women’s National League South division.

In that time, Bournemouth have taken three victories and a draw, with Bleazard nominated for the Manager of the Month award.

She said: “It’s a huge honour to take charge of AFC Bournemouth women. This club has given me so much over the past few years and I’m excited to help continue its growth.

“We have a talented, ambitious squad. I’m looking forward to working with the players to achieve our goals this season.”

Bleazard takes the role after a long playing career in which she became one of Bouremouth’s most influential players.

During her playing career she also played for Yeovil Town, Bristol Academy, Chelsea and Plymouth Argyle. She featured in two Women’s Cup finals and played Champions League football with Bristol.

She announced her retirement from playing in the summer.

Bruce Suraci named head of women’s football

Bruce Suraci has been named head of women’s football after over a decade at Bournemouth.

The club in their statement said that Suraci spent eight years as part of the club’s academy, in which he helped prepare coaches for first-team environments and nurtured talent across all levels of the coaching and player pathway.

He told the club’s official website: “Not only is women’s football clearly on the rise, but the chance to help women and young girls aspire to craft a profession out of their passion aligns with my beliefs.

“The rise of the women’s team here at AFC Bournemouth has been fantastic over the previous years. We have a group of players and staff with an outstanding togetherness and a great mentality. I’m thoroughly looking forward to being a part of the set-up and continuing the excellent growth we have seen.”