Fran Alonso took charge at Celtic Women in January 2020; he won back-to-back Scottish Cups, a League Cup and led the club into the Champions League; Celtic are second in the SWPL this season - three points behind leaders Rangers
Friday 22 December 2023 21:58, UK
Fran Alonso has left Celtic Women after almost four years to take charge of NWSL side Houston Dash.
The Spaniard guided Celtic to consecutive Scottish Cup titles over the past two campaigns, plus League Cup success in 2021 but lost out on the league title on the final day of last season.
He also led the side in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League as Celtic made their debut in the competition.
Celtic are currently second in the Scottish Women's Premier League, three points behind Rangers after their draw at Hearts prior to the winter break.
The Hoops face their Old Firm rivals in the Sky Sports Cup semi-finals in January, with a match against Ayr United in the Scottish Cup also on the horizon when domestic action returns next month.
Alonso joined from Lewes in England, having previously worked as Ronald Koeman's first-team assistant at Everton and Mauricio Pochettino's technical coach at Southampton.
Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson said he was 'disappointed' to lose Alonso but confirmed the hunt for his replacement is already under way.
Alonso said: "I was not born a Celtic supporter but I will definitely die as one and I will support Celtic for the rest of my life.
"The club, the team, the people and the Celtic community has been everything to me during the past four years and has lit up my life. It has been a wonderful adventure.
"The values, the spirit and the ethos of the club has been everything to me and I am so proud to have held the position of Celtic manager.
"I am very sad to leave Celtic and it was a really hard decision to make. However, the new opportunity in America is one that I dreamt about since I started coaching in the women's game and I know our Celtic supporters will understand.
"During the last four years I have given absolutely everything to Celtic, on and off the field and I am delighted that we have made history in so many occasions - our very first UEFA Champions League qualification, our very first Scottish Cup, our first win in the UEFA Champions League, three trophies won, and managed to be just minutes away from winning our very first league title.
"I would like to thank all the players over these four years who have given everything for me and for the badge, and also thank you to my backroom team who have always walked the extra mile to help the team, on and off the field.
"I leave knowing that the Celtic women's team is in a much better place than when I first joined, and I am sure, with this terrific squad we have built, it will go from strength to strength."
Houston Dash had been looking for a new manager since September when they parted ways with coach Sam Laity four games before the end of the season.
The Texan side finished tenth in the 12-team NWSL last season.
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