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Montse Tome has been made the first ever female head coach of the Spanish women’s side.
It came after the side decided to sack former manager Jorge Vilda despite guiding the country to their first Women’s World Cup title.
It is understood there was a desire among players for Vilda’s replacement to be a woman. Tome was part of the Spanish coaching set-up that won the final in Australia back in August.
Mail Sport breaks down everything you need to know about Montse Tome.
Montse Tome has been made the first ever female head coach of the Spanish women’s side
Tome was part of the Spain side that won the Women’s World Cup after defeating England in the final
Who is Montse Tome?
Born in 1982, Montserrat ‘Montse’ Tome Vazquez, the 41-year-old began her career as a professional footballer.
Tome made her senior debut for Oviedo Moderno back in 2002 – where she would go on to make over 80 appearances for the side.
After five years spell with Oviedo Moderno, Tome moved to Levante. In her first season with the club, the side would go on to win the league, finishing above Rayo Vallecano.
The former midfielder would spend another two years at the club before moving to Barcelona in 2010.
Tome spent two years with the Spanish giants, winning the league title in 2012, before returning to Oviedo Moderno.
During her 11 year stint as a professional player, Tome would make five appearances for the Spain national team.
After retiring from football in 2018, Tome would go on to earn her UEFA Pro licence in 2018. In the same year, she was appointed as the No.2 to Vilda with the women’s national team.
Montse Tome (right) was appointed as Jorge Vilda’s (left) assistant back in 2018
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When is her first game in charge?
Tome’s first game in charge of the women’s national team will take place on Friday, September 22.
La Roja are scheduled to face Sweden in their first game of the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Her first home game in charge of the national team will be played four days later when they host Switzerland.
Why was Vilda sacked?
The Spanish FA were urged to dismiss Vilda by their regional presidents’ committee back in August, with the organisation facing mounting pressure over the controversy surrounding Rubiales, who is a close ally of the coach.
Vilda was dismissed by Spain after a meeting with acting Spain FA president Pedro Rocha.
The national team were quick to announce Tome as Vilda’s successor. It is understood there was a desire among players for Vilda’s replacement to be a woman.
In a statement, the Spanish FA thanked Vilda for his work in the role and noted how he had helped grown the women’s game in the country.
The Spanish FA were urged to dismiss Vilda by their regional presidents’ committee back in August
‘The Royal Spanish Football Federation, in one of the first renewal measures announced by president Pedro Rocha, has decided to dispense with the services of Jorge Vilda as sports director and women’s national coach, a position, the latter, which he accepted in 2015.
‘The RFEF appreciates his work at the head of the National Team and in his functions as the head of sports for the women’s teams, as well as the successes achieved during his time crowned with the recent achievement of the World Cup.
‘We value his impeccable personal and sporting conduct, being a key piece in the notable growth of women’s football in Spain. During his extensive period, Vilda has been a promoter of the values of respect and sportsmanship in football.
‘The RFEF would like to express its gratitude to Jorge Vilda for the services provided, for his professionalism and dedication during all these years, wishing him the best successes in the future.’
