Man City not ruling out Nick Cushing staying on as permanent head coach

Manchester City women’s director of football Therese Sjogran says she has not ruled out the possibility of interim head coach Nick Cushing staying on this summer.

Cushing, 40, took over on an interim basis until the end of the season following Gareth Taylor’s sacking last month.

Sjogran also said the timing of Taylor’s departure in the lead up to the Women’s League Cup final was “not great” but added that it was the “right” decision.

Cushing rejoined City for a second spell at the club where he spent seven years between 2013 and 2020.

When asked about Cushing’s future, Sjogran told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: “The initial approach was an interim and we are in the process of trying to find the right coaching staff for next season but you never know.”

Asked if he could be part of the discussion, she said: “Maybe.”

Cushing previously helped City win the Women’s Super League and the FA Cup, plus the League Cup twice, before moving to MLS side New York City.

Former Sweden international Sjogran says Cushing has had “a lot” of impact since his arrival and has allowed players to have more freedom on the pitch.

“He really came in within a lot of energy, more attacking football than we had before,” she said.

“So I just felt like he gave the girls more passion and let them be a little bit more free in their roles.

“He was the right person to come in at that time because he knew the club, he loves the club so it was an easy transition for us.”

Since returning to City, he has overseen five matches with four of those coming against Chelsea, including a League Cup final defeat and a Champions League quarter-final exit.