Leif Smerud has been appointed Crystal Palace Women head coach following the departure of Laura Kaminski.
At various times over the past 10 years, Smerud has been interim head coach for both Norway’s men’s and women’s senior teams, as well as the head coach of the under-21 men’s team.
The 48-year-old, who himself played for Norway up to under-21 level, recently guided the nation’s men’s under-21 side to only its third-ever U21 European Championship finals in 2023.
“I’m really honoured, I’m proud and I’m very happy to join Crystal Palace, a club with a long history in football,” Smerud said upon his arrival.
“I’ve been lucky enough for 10 years to talk to players about the privilege of representing their country. I believe football is about more than tactics — it’s about a connection with some values, and I really think that Crystal Palace has values that I connect with.
“It’s a club that’s no stranger to hard work and punching above its weight. It’s an honour to connect with a club like that, and the people I’ve met in the process are also brilliant people. I really look forward to representing the club and all that it stands for.”
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