Gareth Taylor Out, Nick Cushing Returns as Interim Boss"

Mary Fowler's successful season at Manchester City Women has experienced unexpected instability after Gareth Taylor was surprisingly removed from his managerial role. Manchester City quickly appointed former manager Nick Cushing, who assumes temporary control of the team.

Gareth Taylor had brought Fowler to City back in 2022 and nurtured her talent, allowing her to become a vital element of the squad. Fowler, an Australian international, has been especially prolific this season, scoring ten times in 28 appearances, most of them as a regular starter.

Despite Fowler's positive performance, Manchester City's overall results have fallen short of club expectations. Although the timing of Taylor's dismissal is surprising ahead of a critical Women's League Cup final against Chelsea this weekend, the team currently finds itself fourth in the Women's Super League (WSL). This position places them just outside the three available spots for Champions League qualification.

In continental competition, City still hold a position in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will again face Chelsea, who feature Fowler's international teammate, Sam Kerr. Additionally, Manchester City will compete with local rivals Manchester United soon in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Taylor, who previously played forward for Manchester City, took the helm of the women's side back in 2020, following Cushing's departure. During his tenure, Taylor guided the side to victory in the FA Cup the same year and added a League Cup win in 2022. Under his leadership, City narrowly missed the WSL title last season, finishing runners-up behind Chelsea on goal difference.

However, this season's campaign has seen a mixed run. After a strong start, winning six of their initial seven league matches, City experienced a significant drop-off, losing four matches in their next six. Consequently, the gap between Manchester City and current leaders Chelsea has widened to 12 points, likely factoring into the decision to change management.

Nick Cushing returns to a familiar role at Manchester City Women, having initially managed the side during their first season in the WSL in 2014. He famously led the club to its only league title two seasons later, as well as collecting an FA Cup and two League Cup trophies. After leaving women's football in 2020, Cushing transitioned into positions within men's football, most recently as head coach at New York City FC, until his departure from the American side last November.