Lauren Smith has resigned from her role as manager of Bristol City Women.

The former Newtown High School student, who has been in charge of the club since 2021, is understood to have informed her players of the decision on Monday afternoon.

The Robins were relegated to the Championship last season after Smith had guided them to promotion in the previous campaign.

Smith’s departure throws the club into chaos with just two weeks until the new season starts.

The club has seen 10 players depart following their demotion to the second tier, with just three new arrivals.

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Experienced players like Rachel Furness, Lisa Evans and Megan Connolly have all left the club along with promising youngsters Naomi Layzell and Maddi Wilde.

Smith joined City in 2010 as an Under 14s coach and has retained links to the club for the past decade with spells away with the Welsh national set-up and Tottenham Hotspur.

In 2014 she became a full-time employee as the club’s 9-19 years technical director and first team assistant coach. 

In 2017 she left to become assistant coach at the Wales national team before returning to back to City in 2021.

Former Wales assistant manager Smith has been in charge of the Robins since 2021 and guided the club to their first ever league title as they won promotion to the Women’s Super League in 2023, before their subsequent relegation after one season in the top flight.

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In August 2023, she signed a three-year deal that would keep her at the club until 2026 but now departs for pastures new having thanked the club for its support.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I leave the club, a club that means so much to me, but the time is right for me to explore new opportunities,” Smith said.

“I want to thank all the staff and players that I have worked with over the years for their support and hard work on and off the pitch.

“I will always keep a keen eye on how City are doing and wish everyone well for the coming season.”

The Championship season gets under way on 8 September, with Bristol City away to Southampton in their opening game.

Smith departs the club with her head held high and praise from club top brass following a difficult season which culminated in relegation.

Gavin Marshall, chair of Bristol City Women, said: “It is hard to put into words how much Lauren has given to Bristol City over the years.

“I thank her for her tireless hard work and commitment to the development of City Women. We are sad to see her go.”

Smith had a short spell as assistant coach for Tottenham Hotspur Women in 2021, between her roles at Wales and Bristol City.

Smith becomes the second Powys coach to make the headlines in the past week with former Newtown Football Club team-mate Nia Davies, originally from Sarn, appointed head coach of Wales women under 17s last week having stepped up from the under 15s role.