Their appointments spearhead a fresh Scouting and Recruitment department for our Women’s First Team, as well as an emerging talent pathway focused on Next Gen and loan player support.
Hood, who’s worked in various scouting positions at City Football Group, brings over a decade of experience and success in the Men’s game.
Most recently, he’s been Head of Partner Scouting, working with over 13 clubs spanning five continents – gaining a breadth of experience across different aspects of football.
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Coombs, meanwhile, is one of City’s finest servants, featuring 158 times across a seven-year spell at the Joie Stadium before calling time on her career this summer.
She won four major honours during that time, including a WSL and FA Cup double in her final season before retirement.
As Hood explains, her insight from a players’ perspective, in terms of talent, attitude and adaptability to City’s unique demands on and off the pitch will be invaluable.
These new roles will oversee scouting and recruitment alongside our Director of Football Therese Sjögran, and the pair already played an instrumental role in City’s summer transfer business, including the signing of Carlotta Wamser.
And in the above interview, the pair provide a fascinating insight into the process of confirming Wamser’s signature as an example of their early impact.
Speaking about Sam and Laura’s appointments, Director of Football Therese Sjögran added: “We’re delighted to bring in the incredible talent and experience of Sam and Laura, and I’m confident they’ll help take our scouting and recruitment to another level.
“As a club we never stand still. We want to keep reaching new heights even when we’re at the top, and Sam’s knowledge of global football markets will help us maintain that level in a constantly developing landscape.
“Laura – someone who knows and loves the club so much – provides a crucial player insight to that work, both from the perspective of a top international and a young talent. She made a tremendous contribution on the pitch for City, and I’m confident she’ll be just as successful off it.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Sam and Laura, and I’m excited by what we can achieve.”
Hear more from the duo via the interview above…
