January 9 – The San Diego Wave of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has finally replaced the previous head coach, Casey Stoney, with former Arsenal ladies’ boss, Jonas Eidevall.
The 41-year-old Swede has signed a three-year deal under the new ownership of the Levine Leichtman family who purchased the team in October.
“I am honoured and proud to be named the head coach of San Diego Wave,” said Eidevall.
“This is a club with a clear vision for success, both on and off the field, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this talented team by the Leichtman-Levine Family and Camille Ashton.
“San Diego is a city with passionate fans and a vibrant football culture, and I’m eager to contribute to building a winning legacy here.
“Together with the players, staff, and supporters, I look forward to achieving great things and making unforgettable memories for this club.”
Eidevall’s time at Arsenal was not without problems as rumours of the Swede losing the dressing room swirled around the Gunners after two highly damaging defeats to Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
With fans waving fake P45 letters (official certificates employers give when about to terminate your employment) at the Chelsea game, and a large piece of graffiti sprayed near the Emirates Stadium saying ‘JONAS OUT’ the Swede realised quite literally that the writing was on the wall.
The Wave, who boast a magnificent venue in the form of Snapdragon Stadium, have the fan base and infrastructure to make a run for the championship despite recently losing USWNT great, Alex Morgan, to retirement.
Eidevall has tasted success in England with three consecutive top-three finishes in the WSL, and consecutive Women’s League Cup titles, and the Leichtman-Levine Family will be expecting more of the same after spending $131 million to take control of the franchise.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at koc.l1736442474labto1736442474ofdlr1736442474owedi1736442474sni@o1736442474fni1736442474