Bedford, who has held the Uefa Pro Licence qualification since 2019, will be managing in the WSL for the first time in her career, but she has also previously coached at Tottenham and London Bees.

Hills, who is a former assistant manager of the England Women’s national side, has had a 42-year career in the game. The remaining members of Bedford’s backroom team are yet to be confirmed, however, sources have said Manchester United Women’s academy manager Charlotte Healy could also join Bedford and Hills at Leicester in a first-team coaching capacity.

Leicester’s chief executive Susan Whelan told the club website: “Lydia is one of the rising stars of the women’s game, whose technical coaching credentials are complemented by an incredible passion for and knowledge of women’s football that can have an immediate impact on our squad.

“While addressing the form of the team on the pitch is clearly the immediate priority, I’m excited to see the impact of Lydia’s and Brent’s experiences on our entire women’s football operation. We’re grateful to the FA for allowing us to give Lydia this opportunity and look forward to her officially starting work in early December.”

Bedford added: “Leicester City’s vision for women’s football and the extent of its ambition have been obvious during the last two seasons, so I’m unbelievably excited to have the chance to be part of that. Taking the step into a senior coaching role is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’m delighted that Brent has agreed to join our coaching staff. His experiences in the women’s game are unrivalled and he will bring invaluable support both to the training pitch and to our strategic planning.”

Leicester’s head of women’s football development and former England forward Emile Heskey will continue to oversee the team’s training and preparation for Sunday, December 5’s Continental League Cup group-stage fixture against Manchester United.