Lewes have appointed the former assistant to Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman as manager of their women’s team.

Fran Alonso takes over in charge of the Championship outfit.

Alonso has worked for more than 15 years as a coach and manager, six of them in the Premier League for Southampton alongside Pochettino and Everton as assistant coach to Koeman.

The UEFA ‘A’ licensed Spaniard has also enjoyed coaching spells at Everton Ladies and Southampton Women and most recently as manager at Liverpool Feds.

Alonso said: “I am really looking forward to starting my work with the players. I want my players to reach their own full potential.

“The kind of football I grew up playing and watching and then coaching is possession-based and attacking. For me, there are no limits for this club.”

Lewes head of football Stuart Fuller added: “We were fortunate to interview some of the best male and female coaches around.

“But, when we met Fran, we knew this was someone who had all the attributes and passion we’ll need to take this team to the top of the game.”

Alonso has plenty of time to get to know his new squad.

The Rookettes’ next match is away to Leicester City on January 6.

His first home game will be against London Bees on Sunday, January 27.