Page 3 Profile: Helena Costa, football manager

Here’s a game-changer…

France’s second-division team Clermont Foot Auvergne 63 have named the Portuguese football manager Helena Costa as their new coach. The appointment will make Costa the first ever professional female coach for a French male team.

What are her credentials?

The 36-year-old sports science graduate studied at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho in 2005. She spent 13 years as a youth coach with the Benfica academy in Lisbon, leading the male youth team to two World Cup titles, and three years scouting for Celtic in Portugal and Spain between 2008 and 2011. More recently she has managed the women’s teams of Qatar and Iran.

And now she’s making the transition to men’s football?

Announcing the appointment yesterday, a statement on Clermont’s website confirmed that Costa will be introduced to the media after this season’s final fixtures have been completed. “Clermont Foot 63 has chosen Helena Costa to be our new coach,” the statement said. “This appointment will allow Clermont Foot 63 to begin a new era”.

Any whispers of football being a ‘man’s’ sport?

While there is no doubt sexism in football is still rife, the players have proved themselves citizens of the 21st century and have responded favourably to the news. Speaking to the French newspaper L’Equipe, Clermont striker Remy Dugimont said: “It is a surprise, a big surprise… It is good, it will create a buzz and will be a unique experience.” Team-mate Anthony Lippini said: “I cannot wait for next season … I’m really curious.”

Will Britain be following suit by encouraging more women to get involved with the beautiful game?

If anything, Britain helped pave the way for Costa’s new role. Karren Brady, who is also known as “the First Lady of Football”, became managing director for Birmingham City FC in 1993. In January 2010 she was appointed vice-chairman of West Ham United. TV cook Delia Smith took over as a majority shareholder of Norwich City Football Club in 1996.