Leicester City women appoint England Under-17s head coach Lydia Bedford as their new manager - and she will be under the guidance of head of women's football and Foxes legend Emile Heskey at the club

• Lydia Bedford, the head coach of England women's Under-17s, will take charge 
• She will formally start on December 6 and will be supported by Brent Hills 
• Emile Heskey will prepare the team for this Sunday's game against Man United
• The Foxes were promoted to the Women’s Super League for the first time in May 

Leicester City Women have appointed Lydia Bedford as their new manager after sacking Jonathan Morgan last week.

Bedford, who is currently England U17 head coach, will formally take charge on December 6.

She will be supported by experienced coach and former interim England boss Brent Hills. Emile Heskey will remain in temporary charge and prepare the team for Sunday’s Continental Cup clash with Manchester United. He will then continue in his role as head of women’s football.

The former England striker became an ambassador for the club in 2020 but joined the coaching team mid-way through last season.

The Foxes were promoted to the Women’s Super League for the first time in May but have found life in the top fight difficult with eight defeats from eight games leaving them bottom of the table. Morgan had been manager since the 2014-2015 campaign.

Bedford’s first game in charge will be against league leaders Arsenal on December 12 before a Conti Cup game against Manchester City on December 15.

Leicester’s final game before the Christmas break is a huge relegation six-pointer with Birmingham, who are just one point ahead lf them, on December 19.

Speaking about her appointment, Bedford told the club’s website: ‘Leicester City’s vision for women’s football and the extent of its ambition have been obvious during the last two seasons, so I’m unbelievably excited to have the chance to be part of that. Taking the step into a senior coaching role is something I’ve always wanted to do.

‘I’m delighted that Brent has agreed to join our coaching staff. His experiences in the women’s game are unrivalled and he will bring invaluable support both to the training pitch and to our strategic planning.

‘The infrastructure of personnel and facilities that have been put in place since women’s football turned professional in Leicester tells you everything you need to know about where the Club wants to go. A lot of progress has been made to this point and we’ll be working together to make sure that progress continues.

‘Finally, I would like to place on record my thanks to the FA for the opportunities and experiences they have provided me over the past seven years and for supporting my decision to step into the domestic game. I can’t wait to get to work with the players, staff and everyone at the Club.’