Nick Cushing, who led Manchester City to the Women’s Super League title in 2016, is among the top candidates being considered for the head coach position of the Arsenal women’s team. Currently, the 39-year-old serves as the head coach of New York City FC’s men’s team, a role he stepped into in 2022 after initially joining as an assistant in 2020.
Arsenal’s interest in Cushing, first reported by The Athletic, comes shortly after Jonas Eidevall’s resignation last week. As Arsenal looks to fill the position, Cushing stands out due to his notable achievements, including being one of only three coaches to have won a WSL title in the past decade, alongside Emma Hayes and Joe Montemurro.
Meanwhile, Cushing is focused on his current responsibilities as New York City FC is deep in playoff action, with a crucial match against Cincinnati scheduled for October 28. He is under contract with the MLS club until the end of the 2025 season.
However, Cushing isn’t the only contender for the Arsenal role. The club is taking its time with the decision, trusting interim head coach Renée Slegers, who has successfully led the team to two wins in her brief tenure.
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu and director of women’s football Clare Wheatley are spearheading the search for a new head coach and likely had a candidate profile in mind even before Eidevall’s departure. When asked about her interest in the permanent position, Slegers maintained her focus on her current role, stating, “That is not on my mind,” and added, “I just know I am appointed as interim coach and that is where my focus is now. The future, I have no idea.”
Arsenal will play their next WSL match on November 3, facing Manchester United. In addition to the 2016 WSL title, Cushing’s accolades with Manchester City include a Women’s FA Cup win in 2017 and two League Cups in 2014 and 2016, highlighting his successful tenure in women’s football.
About the author