The Welsh club announced the news via a post on their official club website this afternoon.

Donnelly spent more than a decade-and-a-half working in various roles at Blackburn Rovers. During her time with the Lancashire club, Donnelly took charge of the Blackburn Rovers Centre of Excellence before working her way up into a first team manager role. She helped guide the club up the pyramid into the Barclays Women’s Championship where they have been a permanent fixture since 2019.

In April, Donnelly left Blackburn Rovers in a bid to take up a fresh challenge and she has now joined Welsh club Cardiff City LFC.

After appointing Donnelly as Cardiff City LFC manager, co-owner Damien Singh said “These past weeks have been nothing short of transformational. Gemma joining us is not just an appointment; it’s a testament to where we’re headed. Her two decades of experience will undoubtedly steer us towards a brighter, more competitive future.”

Donnelly’s appointment forms part of an exciting new era at Cardiff City LFC. The club’s new owners are aiming for Barclays Women’s Super League and UEFA Women’s Champions League football in the future. For now, Donnelly must try to guide her side up the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division table.