‘There’s a fantastic platform to build on here’ – Beard.

He will oversee City’s remaining Barclays FAWSL fixtures as well as hope to steer the club to a potential Conti Cup final, with Tanya Oxtoby’s maternity leave now taking effect.

Incoming Beard, a double league winner in charge of Liverpool, was full of praise for Oxtoby and he’s excited to have been given the opportunity to fill her shoes over the coming months,

He told Robins TV: “I’m really excited and looking forward to the challenge. There’s a lot of work to do, it was a great result last night (2-1 win v Aston Villa) so hopefully that can give them confidence going into the remainder of the Barclays FAWSL campaign but I’m really excited and looking forward to the challenge.”

He continued: “I’ve got a great relationship with Tanya. She’s done a good job over the years here and it’s exciting for her to have her first baby. It gives me an opportunity for me to come in to hopefully turn things around in the league. I’m sure we’ll keep in contact over the course of the season.”

The former Liverpool, Chelsea, West Ham United and Boston Breakers manager has also outlined his promises as he looks to make an impact.

Beard said: “I’ll work as hard as I can to change the league form. One thing I will guarantee is the team will work hard for the fans. We’ll be looking to play football to win games.

“It’s not over until it’s over! I want to come in and make an impact straight away with the players, the staff and hopefully that impact can turn into results.

“There’s a fantastic platform to build on after the quarter-final win over Aston Villa, so to come in after that is pleasing and I’ll do as much as I can to turn our league fortunes around.”

And he’s looking forward to not only taking charge of the squad, but helping the younger players develop.

He added: “I’ve got a passion for working with and helping younger players develop, taking them to the next level of their game, so that’s one of the attractions of coming in to cover for Tanya, while she’s on maternity leave. There are also some good, experienced players here as well who can help then progress and I’m looking forward to the next few months.”

City Women are back in Barclays FAWSL action this Sunday when they travel to take on Everton (January 17th, 1pm KO).