Damon Lathrope has taken the reins as Head Coach of Watford FC Women ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, as the Golden Girls return to pre-season.
With the 32-year-old preparing the ranks for the FA Women’s National League South, here’s everything you need to know about the new boss…
Name: Damon Lathrope
Age: 32
From: Stevenage
Role: Head Coach
Former position: Midfielder
Playing career: Cambridge United, Norwich City, Bishop’s Stortford (loan), Torquay United (x2), Hereford United (loan), Aldershot Town, Woking
Coaching career: Hitchin Town, Pro Direct Academy, Watford Academy
Early Career
A Hertfordshire boy, Lathrope joined Norwich City as a scholar after a spell in Cambridge United’s academy in 2006. He signed a professional contract with the Canaries in 2008 and captained the reserves side, playing 50 games before moving closer to home on loan, joining Bishop’s Stortford. It was with the-then National League South side that Lathrope made his first senior appearances, playing nine times over a two-month spell.
Davids Duel
In Lathrope’s first stint at Torquay United, the Gulls were residing in a competitive League Two. Despite the fourth tier’s quality, few would have expected UEFA Champions League winner Edgar Davids to be at the heart of Barnet’s midfield, but the former Dutch international served as player-manager at the Edgware-based side between 2012 and 2014.
Lathrope was able to nullify the three-time Serie A winner in a 2013 clash between Torquay and Barnet, with the current Hornets boss playing his part in a 3-2 win.
Double Century
Lathrope made more appearances at Torquay than any other club, turning out 165 times over two spells at Plainmoor. In addition to his time in Devon, the former holding midfielder amassed 47 National League appearances at Aldershot Town, reaching a century of career games at both League Two and National League level.
Coaching Ventures
A broken leg suffered while at Woking in February 2018 cut short Lathrope’s playing career, with several operations needed to mend the serious injury. Aged 29 at the time, Lathrope moved into coaching soon after his rehabilitation, and became a first-team coach at local side Hitchin Town. He also took charge of the outfit’s Under-19s, and led the college programme.
Lathrope has also coached at the Pro Direct Academy, and now takes charge of Watford FC Women having worked in the youth ranks at Vicarage Road for nearly three years, and coached the Golden Girls last season.
