Keith Boanas has been confirmed as Watford Ladies’ new head coach less than six days before their Spring Series campaign kicks off at Aston Villa on Sunday.

The experienced UEFA Pro Licence holder, who previously enjoyed a successful time as head coach of Charlton Athletic and most recently spent an eight-year spell as national team manager and technical director for the Estonian FA, finally fills a post that has been officially vacant since Katie Rowson resigned in August.

Confirmation of Boanas’ appointment comes after the Golden Girls conceded last weekend’s Women’s FA Cup tie at Doncaster Rovers Belles “in order to ensure necessary preparations were fully in place ahead of the start of the league fixture programme”. We understood the club had an insufficient number of players to fulfil the tie.

The Lady Hornets’ first home game in the Spring Series – a half-year bridging season to enable the women’s game to return to a winter cycle from autumn 2017 – is due to take place against London Bees on Sunday, February 26 (kick-off 2pm) at their new Kings Langley FC home.

Ladies general manager Ellie Kemp told the club’s website: “It’s been a time of much transition and change. However we believe we’re now on a very firm footing with Keith leading our coaching set-up.”