LYDIA BEDFORD became the first female manager of a male senior side in England yesterday when she was appointed St Neots Town under-21s manager.

Bedford holds a Uefa A Licence — one of 26 women in England — and was involved with the England Women’s Under 17 side at the European Championships who were knocked out in the group stages in Iceland.

Saints assistant manager Steve Eastaugh told the club’s official website: “We are delighted that Lydia has decided to accept a position with us, adding another talented coach to our support staff.

“She has come with very high recommendation from her peers at the FA and we look forward to working with her.”

The 28-year-old is also employed by the Football Association as their Elite Women’s Coach Developer for the East.

Helena Costa made headlines last year when she was appointed manager of French second division club Clermont Foot 63.

However, Costa subsequently quit 49 days later saying she was ignored by the club’s hierarchy.

She was replaced by Corinne Diacre who went on to become the first woman to coach a men’s professional football team in a competitive match in France.

Shelley Kerr became the first woman to manage a male senior side in Britain last August when she took over at Sterling Unversity in the Scottish Lowland Football League, where the club finished sixth.