Pedro Martinez Losa has been appointed Arsenal Ladies first team manager, the club has confirmed.
The Spanish coach joins the Gunners from from USA National Women’s Soccer League side Western New York Flash, where he has been assistant coach since 2012.
Losa takes over from John Bayer, who has been in charge in a caretaker capacity following Shelley Kerr’s resignation in May 2014.
“The team has a great history and I will do my best to add to it during my time in charge”
Pedro Martinez Losa
Prior to his time in America, the 38-year-old spent five years as head coach of Rayo Vallecano Femenino in Spain.
He lead Rayo Vallecano to the Spanish Cup in 2008 - the first major trophy in the their history - and to league titles in 2009 and 2010.
In Europe, he also took the team to the last 16 of the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2010-11.
Losa said of his appointment: “Joining Arsenal Ladies is a very special moment for me. The team has a great history and I will do my best to add to it during my time in charge.”
The new coach will take up his position with Arsenal on 15 September and first game in charge will be away to Bristol Academy in the FA Women’s Super League on 20 September.
John Bayer has been looking after the side since Kerr's resignation in May
Captain and assistant coach Kelly Smith will take charge of the team until then.
Arsenal Ladies General Manager Clare Wheatley added: “We are excited to welcome Pedro to the club.
“He is a fantastic coach, with experience of working at the top of the women’s game in both the United States and Spain and we look forward to him getting underway."
