In a surprising development, sources close to Arsenal have revealed that former Manchester City women’s manager Nick Cushing has emerged as a leading candidate to replace the recently resigned Jonas Eidevall as the Gunners’ new head coach. The 39-year-old Cushing, who currently manages the New York City FC men’s team in Major League Soccer, is said to be among a shortlist of targets identified by Arsenal’s hierarchy.
A Proven Winner in the WSL
Cushing’s credentials speak for themselves. During his tenure at Manchester City from 2014 to 2020, he led the women’s team to an unprecedented era of success, including a historic unbeaten WSL title triumph in 2016. Under his guidance, City also claimed two FA Cups and two League Cups, establishing themselves as a dominant force in English women’s football.
His track record places him in elite company, as one of only three managers to have secured a WSL title in the past decade:
- Nick Cushing (Manchester City, 2016)
- Emma Hayes (Chelsea)
- Joe Montemurro (Arsenal)
Thriving in the Men’s Game
Since making the move stateside, Cushing has impressively transitioned to coaching in the men’s game. He initially joined New York City FC as an assistant in 2020 before being promoted to the top job last year. The Englishman has quickly made his mark, guiding NYCFC to the MLS playoffs, where they are set to face FC Cincinnati in a highly anticipated clash later this month.
Nick’s success in both the women’s and men’s game showcases his adaptability and coaching acumen. He has a proven ability to build winning teams and foster a strong club culture.
An anonymous source familiar with the situation
Arsenal in No Rush
Despite the interest in Cushing, Arsenal are reportedly in no hurry to make a permanent appointment. The club’s decision-makers, including sporting director Edu and head of women’s football Clare Wheatley, are said to have full confidence in interim head coach Renée Slegers, who has overseen two victories since stepping into the role following Eidevall’s departure.
Slegers herself has remained coy on her own aspirations for the job. When asked if she would be applying for the position permanently, the former Arsenal youth player replied:
That is not on my mind. I just know I am appointed as interim coach and that is where my focus is now. The future, I have no idea.
Renée Slegers, Arsenal Women interim head coach
A Crucial Decision
As Arsenal’s search for a new women’s head coach continues, the importance of making the right appointment cannot be overstated. The Gunners are one of the most successful and iconic clubs in women’s football, with a rich history and a passionate fanbase. Whoever takes the reins will be expected to not only maintain the team’s winning tradition but also to guide them back to the summit of the domestic and European game.
While Cushing’s pedigree makes him an attractive option, Arsenal will undoubtedly be weighing up a range of factors as they assess potential candidates. These may include:
- Coaching philosophy and style of play
- Experience and track record at the highest level
- Ability to develop and nurture young talent
- Understanding of the club’s values and culture
As the search unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly monitoring developments, speculating on potential appointments, and debating the merits of various candidates. For now, though, Arsenal’s focus will be on maintaining their strong start to the season under Slegers’ temporary stewardship, beginning with a crucial WSL clash against Manchester United on November 3rd.
The coming weeks and months promise to be a fascinating period for Arsenal Women, as they seek to identify the right individual to lead them into a new era of success. Whether that person proves to be Nick Cushing or another contender, one thing is certain: the Gunners’ next head coach will have big shoes to fill and even bigger expectations to meet.
