Gareth Taylor is on the brink of signing a new three-and-a-half-year contract to stay on as Manchester City Women boss.
Taylor signed a new one-year deal last summer despite the club failing to win a trophy and missing out on Champions League football.
But the 51-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season this term, with City joint top of the Women’s Super League and still in the League Cup and FA Cup competitions.
City are understood to be extremely pleased with Taylor and have decided to reward him with a new long-term deal, rather than waiting until the end of the season.
Mail Sport understands Taylor’s players have also been impressed with his management this season and will welcome his new contract.
Gareth Taylor is on the brink of signing a new three-and-a-half-year contract to stay on as Manchester City Women boss
Taylor, 51, has enjoyed an impressive season this term and is being rewarded with a new deal
City are joint top of the Women’s Super League and are still in the League Cup and FA Cup
After back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Brighton in November, City have won their last eight league games – including a 1-0 victory over Chelsea last month.
Taylor said after that win that his team had a new found determination after the disappointment of last season.
‘I think it’s a big step for us, there’s no doubt about that,’ Taylor said after beating Chelsea. ‘I’m proud of the players, I thought we defended really well. We’ve got eight games to go, we’re excited about the challenge [of the title race].
‘I think we are really, really determined this season. I think in the past our performances have been quite good, in certain games we’ve lost or drawn.
‘But I think we’ve probably been a bit soft in those moments, defensively. Whereas, now, I just think there is this new found determination between the team.’
City also have the best defensive record in the WSL, having conceded just nine goals in 15 games.
Taylor has put his trust in 19-year-old goalkeeper Khiara Keating to be his No 1 this season and the youngster has excelled. Keating was named WSL player of the month for February and has received three call-ups to the England squad.
City will hope to book their place in the League Cup final on March 30 when they face Chelsea at home on Thursday. They also play Tottenham in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
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