Alberto Kurti may hold the reins at Millwall Lionesses, but in assistant manager and former playing legend Les Briley he admits he has the ideal right-hand man to bring success.
A tough-tackling midfielder and fans’ favourite, Briley made 273 appearances during a seven-year spell with Millwall between 1984 and 1991, captaining the team as they secured the Division Two title in the 1987-88 campaign.
His involvement with the club continued during his retirement, working as U15s manager for the boys in Millwall’s academy as well as becoming technical director at the Millwall & Lewisham Girls Centre of Excellence.
Millwall Lionesses
Founded: 1971
Ground: Champion Hill
Manager: Alberto Kurti
By Pippa Field
But it was in June 2012 that Kurti, who himself had just finished his first season in charge of the Lionesses, linked up with the club legend.
The relationship blossomed instantly with the team going from FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division relegation candidates to title contenders – earning a solid second-place finish last year.
Next season, the pair will lead the team as they make their debut in the Women’s Super League and Kurti revealed his assistant’s experience will prove invaluable.
"I’m the manager but Les is very much second in command,” said Kurti. “Since he has come in he has been fantastic. I don’t have a single bad word to say about him.
"His knowledge is key and his understanding of the game is tremendous. For the players to have someone of that stature is great.
"He is such an icon at the club and it’s great that the girls can benefit from that.
"He’s also a really down to earth guy, and despite what he has achieved before, he is one of us and it’s all about going in the same direction.
"We are both pretty vocal and have a similar coaching style and we work really well together.”
Although not having the same association with the club as his assistant, Kurti is also a well known face around the place.
With previous experience coaching the England Women’s U15 national team and Tooting & Mitcham FC men’s first team, he joined Millwall as goalkeeper coach for the first team before being appointed manager in 2011.
Now about to enter his third season in charge, Kurti admits his efforts would be nothing without those around him.
"We are an entire unit, that includes the coaching staff, players, backroom team, everyone,” he added.
"It’s a challenge being a coach but it’s extremely rewarding, in the good times and the bad times. It’s easy when the club is doing well but it’s just as rewarding bringing a team on.
"We have really been improving the sports science side of things recently.
“In the long term, the game is getting faster and stronger and we want our players to improve and be in the best shape possible in the long term.
“It’s a very exciting time for the club at the minute and it’s great to be a part of."
