Rovers Women have confirmed the appointment of Simon Parker as their new head coach.

The appointment comes after a “rigorous recruitment process” which saw shortlisted candidates take part in multiple interviews with a panel consisting of CEO Steve Waggott, head of academy Stuart Jones and women’s general manager Ellis Clark among others.

Parker was previously in charge at Southampton Women, guiding the south coast club to the National League title in his first season. He spent two-and-a-half-years at the club in total, boasting an 89 per cent win rate.

The 37-year-old made the move to Lewes in January 2019, initially as assistant to Fran Alonso before becoming head coach a year later. He guided the club to its highest-ever Championship finish during the 2020/21 campaign.

Parker headed overseas to join Portuguese side SC Uniao Torreense in October 2021, losing just once in the southern section of the league to advance to the Championship group during the second half of the season.

They also had a strong finish to the Championship group to ensure their place in the top division the following campaign.

Parker now returns to the Women’s Championship to oversee a new era for Rovers Women, succeeding Gemma Donnelly in the dugout.

Donnelly, who spent nine years in charge, left the club by mutual consent several months ago to pursue other opportunities.

Matt Bee had been in interim charge during the final games of the campaign but will now return to his role as first-team coach. The club thanked Bee for his efforts in an official statement.

Rovers Women achieved their record points tally in the Championship last season, finishing in 10th place.

Keep up to date with our Rovers coverage on social media, by joining us on Facebook and Twitter

Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227