The Bees Football Group is delighted to announce that Marie Hourihan has been appointed interim head coach of the London Bees Women’s Football Club.
Marie, who has been the Bees goalkeeping coach since 2021, takes the step up ahead of the 22/23 season.
Marie played for over a decade professionally as a Goalkeeper, primarily in the Women’s Super League domestically winning the league title twice with both Chelsea WFC and Manchester City WFC and the FA Cup an impressive 3 times with both clubs and Birmingham City WFC.
Having also had a 2-year period during that time playing in Europe with SC Braga helping the club win the Taca de Portugal for the first time in their history, she also went on to represent the Republic of Ireland women’s national team, collecting 24 caps.
In May of this year, Marie retired from playing professionally to focus her attention on finishing her UEFA A License and entering into a new phase of her career in coaching.
We are delighted to have appointed Marie and wish her every success as manager of The London Bees.
The London Bees is also excited to announce that Ashleigh Goddard has been selected as club captain for the 22/23 season.
Ashleigh signed for the Bees in January and has since had a significant impact on both fellow players and staff.
The London Bees Captain, Ashleigh Goddard, said:
“I am proud to be starting the season after completing a full pre-season with The Bees.
“I hope that together we can achieve great things this season – I am excited to work with Marie and hope that we can do the supporters proud.”
In July 2021, Ashleigh was treated for a brain aneurysm. The treatment resulted in a stroke and paralysis which left Ashleigh unable to walk. After months of intense rehabilitation, Ashleigh returned to football earlier this year.
We wish Ashleigh and the team the best of luck for the upcoming season and beyond.