Brentford Women head coach Karleigh Osborne departs | OneFootball

After leading Brentford Women to this season’s LSE Division One North title and promotion to tier five, head coach Karleigh Osborne has stepped down from his role ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Osborne played a vital role in the Bees’ most successful period in recent memory. Headlined by this season’s league title, the side also enjoyed two Capital Cup triumphs under Osborne’s watch, a Trophy Cup and an appearance in the FA Cup third-round proper this season, the deepest run in the club’s history.

Osborne enjoyed a 175-game career with Brentford, which included a Sky Bet League Two title, and joined the women’s team coaching staff on a part-time basis for the 2015/16 season.

"After a lot of thought and conversations, I’ve decided the time is right to step away from my role as head coach," sais Osborne.

"This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s one I’ve made myself and it feels like the right moment both personally and professionally."

He continued: "I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and grateful to have worked with such an inspiring group of players and staff.

"While I’ll no longer be leading the team, I will be supporting Brentford Women as a fan next season and I’m pleased to be continuing my journey with Brentford in a different capacity, supporting the club in a new way as we shape what comes next."

After joining Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 2016, Osborne rounded out his playing career with Kilmarnock, Grimsby Town, Aldershot and Braintree Town, returning to Brentford Women in the process as head coach ahead of the 2018/19 Greater London Division One season.

The Bees moved up to the Premier Division for the 2020/21 campaign where they finished second, earning promotion to LSE Division One North.

Brentford’s first season in tier six brought with it solid success, the Bees finishing fourth with eight wins and four draws from 16 games.

Back-to-back second-place finishes in the league followed, before the group triumphed this season and secured the title and promotion.

Osborne led the side to three-consecutive Capital Cup final appearances, the Bees lifting the trophy in back-to-back attempts the past two seasons. They also raised the Trophy Cup last season, adding more silverware to a growing trophy cabinet.

Osborne oversaw an improved showing in the FA Cup, starting with the club’s first-ever appearance in the first-round proper last season.

Despite losing 4-3 to Southampton Women, the Bees returned to the competition this season to defeat multiple clubs in higher divisions on their way to the third round, eventually losing to Fulham 2-1.

Brentford Women general manager Amy Crook praised Osborne for his commitment to the club since taking on the role.

“We would like to thank Karleigh for the amazing job he has done while involved with our programme,” she said.

“Since joining as head coach ahead of the 2018/19 season, Karleigh has played a vital role in the strides that we have taken as a club.

“His development of the team and development of the players individually has led to the success that this group has achieved over the past few seasons and we are forever grateful for the countless hours he has put in to help us to this success.

“While sad to see him go, we wish Karleigh all the best in his next venture and look forward to welcoming him back to Bedfont Sports Club as a fan next season.”