Crystal Palace part ways with manager Smerud following relegation | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have announced the news that they have parted company with manager Leif Smerud following the club’s relegation to the Barclays Women’s Championship.

The Eagles issued a club statement confirming Smerud’s departure via a post on their official club website this morning.

The 48-year-old was appointed Crystal Palace manager back in early March, just hours after the club dismissed former boss Laura Kaminski. Smerud was tasked with keeping Crystal Palace in the Barclays Women’s Super League but he was unable to achieve that goal. The Eagles were relegated with two games left to play. Crystal Palace’s return to the Barclays Women’s Championship was confirmed in the worst possible fashion as they crashed to a 7-1 defeat to West Ham United at the VBS Community Stadium last month.

The South Londoners must now regroup and rebuild following their relegation and it has been confirmed that Smerud will not be the person to lead the club in the second tier next term.

Announcing Smerud’s departure, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said “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.”

Crystal Palace will now begin their search for a new head coach to lead the team next season.