Shocking, but not Shocking. That is how you describe Jorge Vilda, the former Spain manager, walking into another job in women’s football.

Last week Vilda was announced as the new manager of Morocco – who have been praised for their rapid growth and investment in the women’s game. 

They became the first Arab country to take part in a World Cup and broke records by progressing to the last 16 at the expense of two-time winners Germany. 

The 65-million-dollar facility that houses the women’s international team in the capital city of Rabat is said to be incredible.

So to see Morocco hire Vilda is disappointing. To some people, he is the man who led his country to a World Cup just two months ago. But those who have followed events around the Spanish national team for the last 12 months and longer know that victory was not his.

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Vilda was intensely disliked by his players, to the point he was not included in team celebrations. They played in spite of him, not for him.

Fifteen Spanish players went on strike in September last year in protest at his management and the resources provided by their federation, yet Vilda remained in charge. 

That 12 of those 15 players ended their strike action was not because they were suddenly happy to play for their manager, but because they knew their position of power would be stronger as world champions.

It was alleged that Vilda created a controlling environment, with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reporting that in 2019, he forced players to keep the doors of their rooms open until midnight to check for himself that they were there before going to sleep.

Vilda was allegedly in charge of closing the door and making sure the lights were turned off. These practices were abandoned following complaints from players but there are still heavy restrictions on their freedoms while in camp.

Vilda’s control was said to be excessive to the point he would check their bags when they return from a shopping trip while players also have to say who they are meeting if they want to leave camp, with all movement subject to strict surveillance.

There were other criticisms of Vilda – poor tactics, a lack of organisation and knowledge. Some may question how Spain could have won a World Cup if their manager was so poor. They have the best players, it was that simple. We should instead question how they did not win the Euros a year earlier.

Vilda was eventually sacked following the kiss-gate scandal involving disgraced former Spanish president Luis Rubiales and striker Jenni Hermoso. 

Vilda was a close ally of Rubiales, who had refused to sack him despite the feelings of Spain’s players. Vilda was seen applauding when his former boss refused to resign.

Hermoso lodged a criminal complaint against Rubiales and Vilda is also under investigation for allegedly pressuring the player and members of her family to downplay the controversy. Vilda denied the accusations in Spain’s high court on Tuesday.

Two days later, he was announced as Morocco’s new manager. It is like a bad version of the Craig David song Seven Days – in court on Tuesday, in a new job by Thursday.

This should surely raise alarm bells at FIFA. Vilda may protest his innocence but, while he remains under investigation, he should be nowhere near a manager’s job.

But this leads us back to the original point. Vilda’s appointment is shocking – but not shocking. It is all too easy for people to fall upwards in the women’s game. 

Zambia’s manager Bruce Mwape has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct – accusations he denies – but is still in his post.

One needs to only look at the Sally Yates report, which investigated allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct against three former top flight managers in the United States – who were all allowed to jump from job to job before action was taken.

Vilda was allegedly recommended to Morocco by the Spanish federation – the same body who sacked him. The situation stinks. People like Vilda will continue to get jobs in women’s football for as long as their shocking actions remain unshocking to those in power.

Fran Kirby must NOT feature for England yet

It has been great to see Fran Kirby back involved with Chelsea, but I do not want to see her in an England shirt this month. 

As desperate as we may be to watch Kirby play for the Lionesses again, she cannot be rushed back before she is ready. 

The forward has not yet played enough games after recovering from the knee injury that kept her out of the World Cup and much of last season. 

These fixtures against Belgium are important and there is no doubt England could use both Kirby and Beth Mead, who also returned from injury in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa. But neither are ready to be thrown back into the international mix. 

They need to be given more time to get back to full match fitness before they are asked to cope with extra minutes. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes and Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall will hope Sarina Wiegman also sees it that way. Both Mead and Kirby should be in contention for December’s fixtures against the Netherlands and Scotland.

Brighton go above and beyond for one fan

After last month’s column called on WSL clubs to do more to help disabled fans, it was great to see Brighton go above and beyond for one supporter. 

Kirstie Martin has Complex PTSD and General Anxiety Disorder takes her assistance dog, Scooter, to matches with her. 

After encountering difficulties at the security gate, Brighton’s supporter services manager Millie Crowhurst provided Scooter with his own bespoke season ticket to ensure there are no problems in the future.

LIONESSES WATCH

GOOD WEEK – Maya Le Tissier

The centre back narrowly missed out on a place in the World Cup squad but is making a strong claim to be a regular for Sarina Wiegman. 

Le Tissier scored Manchester United’s equaliser against Leicester on Sunday and enjoyed an impressive performance on her Champions League debut earlier in the week. 

The defender is only getting better with each game.

COULD DO BETTER – Jordan Nobbs

It’s been a tough start to the season for the Aston Villa midfielder, who was once again forced to make do with a place on the bench. 

She did come on in the 73rd minute in Villa’s 2-1 defeat by Arsenal but was unable to have much of an impact on the game. 

Nobbs will hope her lack of game time will not affect her chances of being included in this week’s England squad for Nations League games against Belgium.