Scott Booth: 'Time for a new challenge' as he leaves Glasgow City for Birmingham
Former Aberdeen and Scotland striker becomes manager of Birmingham City Women
Scott Booth said it was “time for a new challenge” after leaving Glasgow City following six years in charge to become the new manager of Birmingham City Women.
The former Aberdeen striker has signed a three-year contract with the English Women’s Super League side.
Booth, 49, won six league titles in Scotland, most recently leading them to their 14th consecutive championship, as well as taking them to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2019-20.
“After six years in Glasgow, I felt now was the right time for a new challenge, with the opportunity here and the timing that allows for a full pre-season being something that could not be ignored,” Booth told the Birmingham website.
“It will be an honour to lead the team at both St. Andrew’s and on the road in the league, along with the cup competitions in which Blues have a tradition of success.”
Birmingham suffered a troubled season in 2020-21, finishing 11th of 12 teams, and they haven’t won a league game since November 2020.
On 5 April 2021 it was revealed a formal letter signed by all Birmingham City players had been sent to the club's board with a list of complaints including concerns about working conditions, lack of gym facilities, medical support, travel provisions, squad size and part-time coaching staff which would contradict WSL licencing rules.
It’s a further blow to Glasgow City, who have already lost defenders Janine van Wyk and Zaneta Wyne in the past week, however they recently announced their first summer signing with Agata Filipa joining the club.
Glasgow City chief executive Laura Montgomery said: “Scott leaves with our very best wishes. We have had amazing success together and we have worked really well as a partnership.
“His dedication to the job has been faultless and he got our club and our ethos the moment he joined Glasgow City. He is a great coach and a great person and I wish him the very best in his new post.”
After a playing career that included Aberdeen, Borussia Dortmund and FC Twente while also being part of Craig Brown’s Scotland squad at Euro 96 and France 98, Booth managed Stenhousemuir between 2014 and 2015 before taking the reins at Glasgow City.
Booth will officially begin work on July 26, with the Barclays FA Women’s Super League season to begin on the weekend of 3-5 September.
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