Nigel Pearson makes ‘investment’ request to Bristol City board

Nigel Pearson has urged Bristol City to give Lauren Smith the resources she needs after her side achieved promotion to the Women’s Super League.

City haven’t played in the Women’s Super League since its new broadcast deal on Sky Sports and BBC, which has helped grow Women’s football in England. The club announced that Ashton Gate would be their home, making it one of the largest venues in the division.

The Vixens won the FA Women’s Championship in front of more than 7,000 fans at Ashton Gate last week after a convincing win against Charlton Athletic. Their season concluded with a 2-0 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrews on Sunday, but it did not take the gloss off of their league title win.

City’s promotion has brought a feel good factor around the training ground, with the feeling in Failand positive. As a newly promoted side however, there is a desire for more investment to ensure they can survive next season.

“They’ve worked very hard over the last two seasons,” said Pearson about the Women’s team’s recent success.

“They came relatively close last year. Lauren and her staff have worked very hard. I always enjoy seeing them work here, they’ve had a great season.

“They’ve worked exceptionally hard to achieve success but of course they will need to have I think a bit more investment this year to be competitive.

“I’ve not really spoken to Lauren too much about that, it’s not really my business but I think it’s really good for our football club, I think it’s great for the area and I’m really proud of them.”

The former Leicester City boss has attended several Women’s matches at the High Performance Centre, and at the Gate over the past few seasons. He has regularly engaged with Lauren Smith and her players, and both the men and Women’s teams train at the HPC as equals.

This summer, England Women will jet off to Austria and New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Lionesses are hoping to win the ultimate prize after winning EURO 2021 last summer.

Pearson added: “Women’s football in general has made huge improvements in its profile and the way it has been received. Certainly; across our country and we’ve had a bit of catching up because worldwide there are countries which have been ahead of us.

“On a national level we have caught them up. I think the Women’s Super League now is getting some good exposure for our Women’s team, so to be playing there is something we should celebrate.”

In the conclusion of City’s campaign, several players have departed the club for new ventures or retired. Wales international Chloe Bull has retired from playing to take up a new role with the Football Association of Wales.

Aimee Palmer also confirmed her departure whilst Lia Cataldo, Lily Greenslade and Jodie Hutton have also exited the club.