Crystal Palace Women announce Leif Smerud's departure after 10-week tenure

IANS May 11, 2025 231 views

Crystal Palace Women have confirmed the departure of manager Leif Smerud after a challenging 2024/25 Women's Super League season. The Norwegian coach, who was appointed in March, led the team to a last-place finish with only two wins in 22 games. Despite the disappointing results, Smerud expressed pride in the team's efforts and gratitude for the opportunity. Club chairman Steve Parish thanked Smerud for his professionalism during a difficult period and wished him success in his future endeavors.

"While we didn't get the outcome we hoped for, I'm proud of the work we've done together" - Leif Smerud
London, May 11: Crystal Palace Women have announced that manager Leif Smerud will depart the club after they finished the 2025-25 Women's Super League (WSL) season at the bottom of the table in 12th place.

Key Points

1

Crystal Palace finished last in WSL with just two wins

2

Smerud joined in March after Laura Kaminski's dismissal

3

Norwegian coach has significant international coaching experience

4

Club promises update on new manager soon

Despite two well-crafted goals for Palace, a second-half Manchester City revival consigned the Eagles to a 5-2 defeat to end the 24/25 season on Sunday.

Speaking on his departure, Smerud said, “While we didn’t get the outcome we hoped for, I’m proud of the work we’ve done together.

“I’m grateful to Steve Parish and the board for their trust and for the opportunity.”

Smerud was appointed as head coach on March 1 just hours after the club dismissed former boss Laura Kaminski.

The 48-year-old Norwegian has enjoyed domestic and international success coaching at the highest level of both the women’s and men’s games, most recently guiding Norway's men's Under-21s side to only its third-ever U21 European Championship finals in 2023.

A former Norway Under-21 international himself, Smerud began coaching whilst still a top-flight player, including a short spell as assistant coach with Norway Women, with whom he won a bronze medal at the 2009 Women’s Euros.

"Following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Women’s Super League season, Crystal Palace Women can confirm that manager Leif Smerud will depart the club. Crystal Palace Women will provide an update on Leif’s replacement in due course," read the statement by the club.

Palace ended the WSL season with only two wins in 22 games and had 16 losses to their name alongside four draws.

Chairman Steve Parish thanks Leif for his contribution during a challenging period at the club.

“Leif joined us during a challenging period, and we are grateful for his contribution and the professionalism he has shown during his time at the club. We wish him every success in the future," said Parish.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Sad to see Smerud go so soon! 10 weeks is hardly enough time to implement his vision. Palace should have shown more patience - rebuilding takes time. Hope they find a good replacement who can turn things around. #WSL
P
Priya M.
Interesting to see an Indian perspective on women's football abroad! While the results weren't great, Smerud seems like a class act in his departure statement. Hope this doesn't discourage other foreign coaches from taking up challenging roles.
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Ankit S.
Only 2 wins in 22 games? That's worse than some of our IWL teams! 😅 Jokes aside, women's football needs more stability. Constant manager changes won't help the players develop. Hope Palace finds someone long-term.
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Sunita R.
As a football fan, I appreciate how Smerud handled this with grace. Many Indian clubs could learn from this professionalism. In our leagues, we often see ugly public spats when managers leave. Respect goes both ways!
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Vikram J.
The real issue here is the timing of his appointment. March is too late to salvage a season. Palace's management needs to take responsibility too - you can't expect miracles in 10 weeks! Poor planning all around.
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Neha P.
His experience with Norway's youth teams shows he knows how to develop talent. Maybe Palace should have kept him for building a young squad. Short-term thinking won't help women's football grow globally 🌍⚽

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Crystal Palace Women Leif Smerud Women's Super League Steve Parish Football Management