Arsenal Women have appointed Joseph Montemurro as manager, taking over from Pedro Martinez Losa who resigned from the post last month.

Montemurro was previously in charge of Melbourne City FC, having led the side to two Championships in consecutive seasons – 2015/16 and 2016/17.

The 48-year-old has a UEFA Pro License qualification and a Masters Degree in Sports Coaching, and revealed his delight to join Arsenal.

“I feel honoured and humbled to join Arsenal. I’m excited by the challenge and I am really looking forward to working with the talented staff and players at this great club,” he said, reports Arsenal.com.

One of the players he’ll be managing is midfielder Kim Little, who played under Montemurro in Australia. She gave a glowing endorsement to the new manager.

“Joe is a great manager. I really enjoyed working with him previously and I think that he has the qualities that we need to help us achieve our goals, and ultimately win more trophies.”

Montemurro certainly has a difficult task on his hands given Arsenal’s woes in recent seasons. The club once dominated Women’s football, but now finds themselves behind the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in the Women’s Super League 1.

Losa resigned from his post in October after three years in charge, having won two trophies in his time with the London club. Montemurro was named as a potential replacement some time ago but Arsenal Women have finally confirmed the news.

Arsenal are currently fourth in the table with seven points from four games this season, having beaten Birmingham City and Everton, while drawing with Bristol City and suffering defeat to Manchester City.