English-born Ghanaian Anita Asante has expressed excitement after joining Bristol City as first team coach ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The experienced 37-year-old has joined Lauren Smith’s coaching setup after announcing her retirement from an illustrious career in the game earlier this year.
Asante has enjoyed a phenomenal playing career, winning the quadruple with Arsenal in 2017 as well as racking up 71 caps for England and featuring for Team GB in the 2012 Olympics.
The former defender has not only played at the top level in England but also in the United States as well as Sweden. Asante will be aiming to use her vast knowledge of the game to bring the Robins success on the pitch as Lauren Smith’s side bid to return to Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
Speaking on her new role at City, Asante said: “I’m delighted to be here and have the opportunity to work with a great crop of players. It’s a really motivated group and the staff have welcomed me in so I’m hoping I can use my knowledge and experience from my playing days in my coaching journey.
“Hopefully I can bring experience from playing at several clubs at the highest level in the women’s game but also my international career as well, as I have played in different countries for different managers and different styles of play.”
The new first team coach has met the squad and is impressed with their intensity and dedication to the pre-season sessions, saying: “The intensity that I have seen them put into the sessions so far show that they are an ambitious group that are really connected. Their communication has been spot on and that just makes it easier for us to work with them to get them to levels where we all want to get to.”
Asante also spoke about why she chose to start her coaching career at the Robins, the ambition of the club and her eagerness to get started.
Head Coach Lauren Smith said: “Anita will be a fantastic addition to our coaching staff with her vast level of knowledge and experience within the game.
“She’s just setting out on her coaching career and we believe our environment will allow her to develop and flourish on the training pitches and the touchline, ultimately contributing to our success on the pitch.”
Asante will link up with the Robins coaching staff following the conclusion of the 2022 Women’s Euros.
