Everton WSL Academy coach Elena Sadiku has won the race to succeed Fran Alonso as manager of Celtic FC Women, it was announced today.
Alonso left the club last month to take charge of Houston Dash, sparking a recruitment search that has resulted in a two-and-a-half-year contract for Sadiku.
The 30-year-old, who was forced into early playing retirement due to injury seven years ago, coached in China, Sweden and Denmark before making the switch to take charge of Everton Women’s U21 side.
She’ll now be the guiding light for a Ghirls team eager to win their first league title and make inroads in Europe.
Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson said: “Following an extensive process, Elena was identified as an outstanding appointment and someone who has the experience and profile to both deliver on the field for Celtic and also to oversee our wider development as we strive to take our women’s team forward.’
“Elena has worked across Europe and beyond in a variety of roles and in different environments and we are sure Celtic will benefit from these experiences.
“This will be particularly helpful as we integrate the girls’ teams into the wider Celtic Academy and prepare for the transition into our new training complex later this year. We look forward to working together to build on what has been achieved in recent years.”
Elena Sadiku speaks after arriving at Celtic
Sadiku was clearly delighted to take up the post, stating: “This is such a great day for me and my family, to join a club of Celtic’s standing and stature at such an exciting time for our women’s team.
“It is a real honour to be given this wonderful opportunity and I can’t wait to get started, particularly with so many important games coming up.’
“The league in Scotland has really developed in the last few years and I’ve seen that the team at Celtic have had great success.
“My role now is to continue this, working for and with the players to achieve greater success in terms of the league and European competitions in particular.
“I also relish the chance to positively develop and grow the wider structure and environment across all our teams and academy.”
“I will bring passion, energy and dedication to this role and I can’t wait to get started.”
Sadiku will formally start her new job on Monday with assistant manager David Haley taking charge of Sunday’s SWPL match at home to Montrose.
Celtic are currently sitting second in the league table, three points behind leaders Rangers and five points ahead of Glasgow City.
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