Women’s football continues to make strides towards excellence and acceptance by the global audience and it only keeps getting better as each day passes.
While it is common to see women manage women’s football teams, it is not so common to see them do so on the men’s side but Manisha Tailor is a rarity in the male-dominated sport, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of female coaches.
She currently serves as the assistant manager at Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers (QPR), a position she has held since 2021, becoming the first woman in English professional football and the first person of Asian descent to hold such a position. As tough as it might be to reach such height, Tailor is proving she has the talent and drive to succeed.
Her journey in football coaching began in her teenage years. She played football for local teams while growing up in London but she came to the realisation that she was cut out for coaching rather than playing after she worked with young players in her community.
Upon completion of her coaching badges, Tailor started her career at the grassroots level, working with a number of local clubs she used to gain valuable experience. Her commitment and dedication eventually paid off when she was offered a coaching role at QPR’s academy.
In her 7th season in football, and in spite of all she has achieved, @_ManishaTailor_ is still occasionally mistaken for a physio but she doesn't let lazy assumptions based on her gender and ethnicity stop what is an extraordinary trajectory.
She doesn't allow these experiences… pic.twitter.com/eY3xZTd7yW
— Football Journeys Podcast (@journeyspod) April 26, 2023
She made immediate impact at Loftus Road by impressing the coaching staff with her knowledge and enthusiasm, making her way up to her to assistant manager.
“The journey within a male-dominated environment has certainly not been easy. Being provided with the support to develop an array of tools enabling me to be adaptable and resilient has been a key part of not only navigating my way within a male space but create my own seat at the table that was perceived not for me,” Tailor said on BBC Radio 4
Tailor has since played an important role in helping QPR to develop its young talent, working closely with the players and helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. She is also involved in the scouting and recruitment of talent.
Tailor is a role model for young women who aspire to go into football coaching. She has also been able to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes in the game where people of minority backgrounds including people of African descent are not given enough opportunities in football management.
Just know that you are now that role model for so many now @_ManishaTailor_ ???????????????????????????? https://t.co/hYNNABMrlR
— Sabrina Dale (@sabrinadale22) April 27, 2023
Tailor acknowledges that it will take time for more women to fill top positions in men’s football the way she has but emphasised patience is key.
“Change takes time. I’m willing to be patient, develop and push to improve because I think that’s important that we do that especially so that we can open doors for other people,” she told BBC Sport.
Tailor’s determination and talent has helped her to overcome the challenges that come with being the odd one out and such traits will be needed for other women who want to walk in her shoes and stand out.
