Glasgow City are delighted to confirm the return of Leanne Crichton as the club's new First Team Assistant Coach with the former Glasgow City midfielder and Scotland international joining Leanne Ross' coaching team.
Crichton left the club in 2021 following a third spell at the club to take up the role of Player/Coach at Motherwell and was part of the side that secured a 14th consecutive SWPL title that season
She initially joined Glasgow City in 2007 before having spells at Celtic and Hibernian. In her second stint with City between 2012-14, she played a key part in the first three of four domestic trebles in a row and is one of a small handful of players to have reached the UWCL Quarter-Final's twice for the side.
She now returns to support former teammate Leanne Ross from the sidelines.
Speaking on her decision to make the move Crichton said,
''The excitement immediately comes from being back at a team competing at the top of the table and looking for silverware at a place where I had spent a huge part of my career and experienced many enjoyable seasons over the years.''
''I always felt that I would at some point come back to Glasgow City because of the love that I have for the club but I thought it was important that I went away and proved myself in a new environment. I had a fantastic time working alongside Paul Brownlie at Motherwell and hopefully everyone saw what we were trying to achieve.''
''A lot has changed in the last few months I'm on the UEFA Pro Licence course and I'm a new mum as well; for me it was about finding that balance between family and football. Coming back to Glasgow City I knew that they'd welcome and embrace my family, support me in being a mum and also in becoming the best coach I can be.''
On working with Leanne and the evolution of the club since she was last here.
''It's going to be a real buzz to work with Leanne, we were roommates with the national team and team mates at Glasgow City. We have always challenged each other but there is always that respect between us and a shared work ethic to push for the very best.''
''This is the first time that I will have had the opportunity to work at a fully professional side and being involved in that day to day, working with a very talented group of players, is super exciting too.''
''I can't speak highly enough about the facilities, the resources that are being made available and everything that is going on behind the scenes. To have the opportunity to come back to a club that I love; to work with people that I respect and to continue to go after that success, it's certainly lit a spark that's for sure.''
Head Coach Leanne Ross was pleased to move quickly to replenish her staff with a familiar face following Scott Booth's move to Aberdeen.
''Leanne is somebody with deep connections at the club and brings a lot of experience in the game both as a player and now as a coach working with Motherwell and the Scotland youth national teams.''
''It felt like a good fit and she is the right person with the process to bring her in completed pretty quickly.''
''I don't think there is anybody else better in terms of knowing me and I know we will be able to work together to continue to build that relationship. She's somebody that I can trust and challenge me and the group in the right way which I know is important.''
CEO Laura Montgomery was delighted to welcome Leanne back to the club, ''Leanne Crichton is a club legend and has been at the heart of some of our biggest moments. I am delighted that she has now returned to continue her journey as a coach supporting Leanne Ross and the team.''
''Her experience as both a player and now as a highly qualified and talented coach will be invaluable and it continues our commitment to provide opportunities for those who have helped shape the club that continues to blaze a trail for women in football.''
Crichton will join up with the club next month.