New Watford Women’s head coach Renée Hector “is the perfect person to drive the standards and philosophy of our club” Helen Ward believes.

The 29-year-old, who was previously the Hornets’ head of youth development, has been promoted to become the permanent successor to Damon Lathrope, who is now part of Tom Cleverley’s coaching staff.

The former Golden Girls defender also played with clubs including Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur, winning promotion to the Women’s Super League with the latter in 2018/19.

Ward, who has taken up the new role of Watford’s head of women’s football, said: Having worked with the first team at the back end of last season, we're delighted that Renée is taking up the head coach role.

“With her long history at Watford FC as both a player and a coach, we believe Renée is the perfect person to drive the standards and philosophy of our club.

“She's shown great leadership in her role with the development team and preparations for the new season have already begun with Renée at the helm.”

Hector says it is “a dream come true” to become head coach whose career at Watford started as a ten-year-old and told the club website: “I didn’t know when but I always hoped one day I would manage this football club, the club that is most dearest to my heart amongst my playing and coaching career.

“I have been affiliated with the club for around 18 years, and I am so grateful that they have put their trust in me to lead this extremely talented group of players. The coaching staff and players have been so supportive.

“The people are what make this club so special and I cannot wait to get after it this season. One thing is for sure, I will give it everything I have.”

Ward, who was previously general manager of the women’s team, has taken on the newly-created role.

“Helen is a Watford Football Club person through and through; she understands how everything fits together so is the perfect person to lead women’s football here,” chairman Scott Duxbury said.

“She’s been a player, a captain and has held other key roles at Watford – quite apart from being the club’s all-time top female goalscorer.

“Her voice will be a key addition at the club’s senior management meetings, aligning with our ambition to grow women’s football in a sustainable and responsible manner.”