Jayne Ludlow

Jayne Ludlow made history when she led Arsenal Ladies to the Uefa Women’s Champions League title in 2007. It was the first time a club outside Germany and Scandinavia had not only reached the final, but won the title, and it allowed her side to win an unprecedented quadruple with a clean sweep of the domestic trophies.

The former triple jumper had joined Arsenal in 2000 and made an immediate impact with 28 goals from midfield in her debut season. She helped the Gunners win a domestic treble and was voted FA Player’s Player of the Year in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

She joined Arsenal from Southampton and went on to win 26 major trophies during her time at the North London club. During her 13 years at Arsenal she scored more than 200 goals for the Gunners during her career, making her the club’s all-time top scorer.

Among her haul of trophies were nine FA Women’s Premier League National Division titles, six FA Women’s Cup crowns and two FA Women’s Super League and Super League Cup triumphs. Earlier in her career she had played for Barry Ladies, Milwall Lionesses, Southampton Saints and New York Magic.

She made her Wales debut against the Republic of Ireland in 1996 at the age of 17 and went on to win 61 caps. She was described by the Wales manager, Jarmo Matikainen, as “the most successful player that Wales has ever had”.

Following in the footsteps of her father, who was a professional footballer, Jayne had to make a decision which sport to follow having been a good enough athlete to set a British record at Under 17 level in the triple jump. She also represented Wales at netball and basketball.

A qualified physiotherapist, she launched her managerial career at Reading Ladies before taking over the job as Wales Team Manager on a full-time basis. She was the official ambassador for the 2017 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final in Cardiff and led Wales to the brink of qualification for the 2019 Women’s World Cup with an unbeaten run of seven pool matches in which they didn’t concede a goal.

Jayne Louise Ludlow (Footballer) Born in Llwynypia on 7 January, 1979