Marie Hourihan Appointed Argyle Women Head Coach
Marie Hourihan has joined Argyle as the new Women’s team Head Coach.
Hourihan makes the move to the South West following two years with FAWNL Northern Premier Division side Stoke City. In 2024/25, the 36-year-old took the Potters to a third-place finish in the league and the final of the FAWNL Cup, losing 3-1 to the Northern league champions Nottingham Forest.
Before Stoke, Marie spent a year in charge of London Bees, guiding them to a ninth-place finish in Tier Three, ahead of Argyle in 10th.
The new Greens’ Head Coach boasts a playing career unlike many others. After starting her career as a goalkeeper for Watford in 2004, several opportunities for multiple clubs in England and Scotland followed. However, Hourihan’s time in Birmingham paved the way for an exciting few years at the top of the WSL.
After winning the FA Cup whilst playing for the Blues in the 2011/12 season, an exciting chance fell to the former England youth international with Chelsea. In her second season, Hourihan missed out on a champions medal by just goal difference, to Liverpool.
The following season, Chelsea won the double. Marie was part of Emma Hayes’ squad that won the FA Cup and WSL title in 2015, but her honours did not stop there. A move to Manchester City ahead of the 2016 season saw Marie winning the FA Cup and the WSL title, for a third and second time respectively, as well as the WSL Cup.
Whilst playing for Manchester City, Hourihan received her first international call-up for the Republic of Ireland national team. A 0-0 draw against Hungary marked her debut, with 23 further appearances following in the final years of her career.
Upon joining Argyle, Hourihan said: “ I’m absolutely delighted [to be here]. I'm really looking forward to getting going now, immersing myself in Plymouth and at Argyle, and embracing this new challenge.
“In terms of the process of bringing players in and meeting everybody here at the club, it’s starting to become real now, and getting exciting. I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players and getting back on the pitch.”
Christian Kent, Executive Lead for Women’s Football at Argyle, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Marie to Argyle Women, after an extensive process, following the conclusion of last season.
“Marie demonstrated throughout the interview process her thirst for success, drive to develop young players through our pathway, and experience within the game so far, as ways of developing the team, in line with our strategy.
“She also joins Argyle after an outstanding season with Stoke City, which saw her be amongst the nominees for the division’s Manager of the Year.”
Welcome, Marie.
