Joe Montemurro names ALW championship winning coach Emily Husband as Matildas assistant coach

Emily Husband has continued her meteoric rise that started at NPL assistant in 2020 with the Mariners’ A-League’s Women’s championship winning coach named as the new Matildas assistant.

The rise of football coach Emily Husband continues with the A-League’s Women’s championship winning coach named as new Matildas coach Joe Montemurro’s assistant.

Husband, who guided Central Coast Mariners to the title this season, has been a professional coach for just two seasons.

In the first she took new expansion side Mariners to the semi-final, then just weeks ago helped them lift the trophy after a thrilling win over Melbourne Victory in the grand final.

It has taken the English coach a relatively short time to work her way up to the national team.

She started with the Sydney University NPL team, served as an assistant at Canberra United for the 2020/21 season and then signed as head coach with the Mariners for the 2023/24 season.

Husband won two premierships during her time in the NPL and was named NSW NPL Women’s Coach of the Year in 2022. She was the A-League Coach of the Year in 2023/24.

Mariners confirmed on Monday that Husband was leaving the club to pursue another opportunity.

The Mariners hold aloft the Championship Trophy. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Football Australia confirmed what many had guessed on Tuesday morning – the Husband was the new Matildas assistant coach.

“I’d just like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity in the first place, I wouldn’t be where I am without it,” Husband said.

“To all the staff and players that I have worked with over the past two years, thank you for your effort and commitment.

“I will never forget the amazing memories and success we shared together.”

Montemurro was announced as the new Matilda coach, after a nine month search, earlier this month.

Matildas assistant coaches Leah Blayney and Melissa Andreatta departed before his arrival to take up opportunities with national teams in Japan and Scotland – respectively.

Montemurro and Husband have briefly worked together before last year working as head coach and assistant of the A-League’s Women’s All Stars team.

Emily Husband will leave her role at Central Coast Mariners to take on the assistant coach role with the Matildas. Photo supplied: By the White Line

“It’s an honour to be appointed as assistant coach,” Husband said.

“To be trusted with the chance to contribute, even in a small way, to the Matildas and their future is an absolute privilege.

“They are such an important part of Australian sport and culture, and I’m really excited to help push the team forward.

“Joe is someone I’ve always had enormous respect for. Not just for his football brain, but for the way he leads. We’ve had the chance to work together before, and I’m genuinely thrilled to build on that now as we hopefully play a part in guiding the Matildas to reach greater heights.”

Montemurro said Husband had proven her ability at a domestic level.

“Her work with the Central Coast Mariners has been phenomenal and demonstrates the qualities she will bring to the CommBank Matildas,” Montemurro said.

“Emily has a deep understanding of the game, an ability to connect with players, and a fresh perspective that will be invaluable to our setup.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with her once again.”

Emily Husband has been named as the new Matildas assistant coach. Photo Supplied: By The White Line

Husband will start her new role for the Matildas June/July window which includes two, two-game series with Slovenia and Panama.

Her contract is for the four-year cylce meaning she will help coach the team through the 2026 Asian Cup, 2027 World Cup and 20280 Olympics.

Central Coast Mariners have launched a search for a new head coach as well.

Originally published as Joe Montemurro names ALW championship winning coach Emily Husband as Matildas assistant coach