West Ham Women have announced the appointment of former Leicester City academy coach Stephen Healy as a first team coach.

Healy has joined manager Rehanne Skinner’s coaching staff after spending a decade at Leicester City. In his time with the Foxes, Healy worked as the clubs International Academy Head Coach and Academy Youth Development Phase Coach. His role’s saw him work with players ranging from the U12’s – U16’s.

With a degree in sports science, Healy’s coaching career started in the USA working as a player development officer for the New York Red Bulls. After his time in the US, Healy returned to England and joined Northampton Town where he initially became the senior football development officer, later taking up the role of Boys Centre of Excellence coach. He then worked with the FA for three years as a regional youth officer before joining Leicester City in 2014.

Healy is looking forward to beginning his new role in East London and working alongside manager Rehanne Skinner. Speaking to the Club’s Official Website about his new role, Healy said: “I’m delighted to be joining West Ham United. I was excited to be given the opportunity to present to Rehanne and the team recently and felt energised and enthused by the long term vision of the Club.”

The new Hammers coach went on to add: “I’m now looking forward to being part of this project and I hope I can use my experience to develop the current crop of players at West Ham United.”

West Ham Women’s manager Rehanne Skinner spoke of her delight at the addition of Healy to her coaching staff and suggested that his experience and passion for the women’s game played a major part in him being appointed. “Steve has a wealth of experience working across different levels of the game, including within the women’s game. He has a proven track record in improving the performances of senior players, as well as transitioning youth players into the first team.”

Skinner went on to add: “Steve is a huge advocate for the women’s game, and we know he will be a real asset for us moving forwards.”