The former City and England goalkeeper will help to oversee the development of the next generation of talent at the City Football Academy, continuing the fantastic work of the departing Jayne Ludlow MBE.
Bardsley’s association with the Club spans over a decade, with the goalkeeper joining City’s playing squad ahead of our professional relaunch in January 2014.
A legendary figure in her own right, the stopper turned out 103 times in sky blue over the following eight seasons before hanging up the gloves in 2022, keeping a record 64 clean sheets in the process.
Completing a Master’s degree in Sports Directorship towards the end of her playing career, Bardsley returned to the City Football Academy in November 2022 as Project Officer, creating and managing specific projects to support the women’s set-up across various departments.
And Bardsley will continue to use her wealth of experience on and off the pitch in her new role, working closely with Managing Director, Charlotte O’Neill and Director of Football, Nils Nielsen.
Speaking about her new position, Bardsley said: “I can’t wait to get started in my new role and am excited by what we can achieve.
“I have always been passionate about trying to use my knowledge and experience to develop the next generation of young footballers, and I am so thankful to be in a position that can help me do that after the amazing work that Jayne has previously done.
“Manchester City has a special place in my heart and both its on and off-pitch values match my own, so I am delighted to continue that journey as Academy Manager.”
Managing Director, Charlotte O’Neill added: “We are delighted that Karen will continue to inspire the next generation of young female footballers through her role as Academy Manager, building on Jayne’s excellent work.
“Karen was an exceptional player and leader on and off the pitch for Manchester City, and her achievements in the game speak for themselves.
“This appointment reflects our ambition to provide an exceptional development environment for our talented young footballers, where they can maximise their potential both on and off the pitch under the guidance of experienced and ambitious figures like Karen.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Karen in her new role, and excited by what the future holds.”
