Eileen Gleeson leaves Glasgow City head coach role with immediate effect

Glasgow City have announced that head coach Eileen Gleeson is to leave the club with immediate effect to return to her previous employment.

Gleeson was appointed as City boss in October of last year, leaving her position as assistant manager of Ireland to move to Glasgow.

After just over a year in charge, City have said that her previous employer had only granted her a leave of absence to take charge of the club, and have now recalled her.

A club statement read: “Glasgow City can confirm that Head Coach Eileen Gleeson has had to step down from her role with the club.

“Eileen joined Glasgow City initially by enabling a career break from her employer in her hometown of Dublin.

“Unfortunately, due to operational business needs, her employer has had to review this and she needs to return to resume her previous role.”

Gleeson said: “It is with great difficulty that I make the decision to part ways with Glasgow City FC.

“I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to all at the club for providing the opportunity to be involved with such an iconic women’s football club such as Glasgow City. I wish to thank the board, staff, and players for their progressive attitude, and always striving to raise their standards during my time at the club.

“At this point I am happy to leave the club top of the league table and have no doubt that the club are well positioned to continue uninterrupted by my absence in the capable hands of Leanne Ross and an excellent support staff team. I wish Laura, Carol Anne, the board, staff, players, fans, and all associated with the club every continued success for the future and will always remain a Glasgow City fan”.

City chief executive Laura Montgomery said: “Everyone at Glasgow City would like to thank Eileen immensely for her contribution to the club in her year at the helm.

“She has brought about a number of incredibly positive changes to the club and leaves us in a fantastic position, sitting top of the table after 12 games played so far.  

“This is an incredibly difficult position, but Eileen kept us up to date with the situation and we are well prepared to continue positively in her absence.”