Birmingham City Women have confirmed the appointments of Mark Beard and Ben Chapman, completing Amy Merricks’ coaching staff.
Beard joins as Assistant Head Coach, bringing extensive experience from both his playing and coaching career. During a playing career spanning more than 300 senior appearances, he represented a number of clubs including Millwall and Sheffield United before retiring in 2011.
Since moving into coaching, Beard has worked across a variety of levels of the game, with spells at Brighton & Hove Albion and, most recently, Hull City.
Chapman joins Blues as Goalkeeping Coach from Manchester United, where he was part of the club’s Professional Game Academy and first-team coaching setup. Originally a professional cricketer, he brings a wealth of coaching experience, having previously held roles with Stoke City Women, Wigan Athletic, Salford City and the Wales Women’s youth setup.
Head Coach Amy Merricks said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Ben and Mark to the Club. They’re both experienced coaches who will bring different qualities to the group, and I know they’ll be a great fit for what we’re building here.
“They bring plenty of experience and fresh ideas, but more importantly they’ve fitted into the environment straight away. I’m excited to see the impact they’ll have on the group as we head into the new season.”
Director of Women’s Football Hope Powell said: “We’re really delighted to have Ben and Mark with us. They’re two excellent additions, and their knowledge and understanding of the women’s game can only hold us in good stead for now and into the future.
“Alongside Amy and Jay, we’ve now got a really strong coaching group in place. They all bring different strengths and experiences, and we’re looking forward to seeing them work together as we head into the new season.”
Chapman and Beard join Head Coach Amy Merricks and Assistant Head Coach Jay Bradford-Ogle as part of Blues Women’s coaching team ahead of the club’s return to the WSL.
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