Flo Allen has praised Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber for his work in helping professionalise the women’s set-up.

Webber was criticised for comments made in an interview earlier this summer around women’s football when asked for his personal opinion on the game.

City’s women have spent the last season progressing their attendances at The Nest and are aiming for promotion on the pitch. They will return to Carrow Road next month for a game against Cambridge United.

Allen was quick to highlight the support that Webber and those on the sporting side of the business have offered the women’s team over the last season – including access to facilities and staff at the club’s Colney training base.

When asked about Webber’s comments, Allen was quick to highlight the help he has given the women’s set-up to aid their progress and countered the perception created by his comments, which he sought to clarify with the women’s team quickly after they surfaced.

“He was the first person to come and speak to the girls immediately,” Allen said. “He spoke to them about where the long-term plan for the women’s team is and how closely we work. That resonated with the players.

“Sometimes there are things that are said and read online – but actions speak louder than words. I get so much support from Stu, and he is so invested in the team.

“We train at the Lotus Training Centre twice a week; we’ve got staff that are across both our men’s and women’s first team now in the physical performance, medical and sports science areas. All of these actions speak a lot louder than words and I can only place on record my thanks for Stuart’s guidance. I’m learning lots.

“Only the other day myself and Martin (Herdman) had lunch with David (Wagner) and Stuart. We all have similar challenges and it was good to share information. It’s such a progressive club on how we share information across different departments. Stuart’s door is always open for us.”

City women are hoping to continue their growth and progress this season, having appointed Martin Herdman as their new head coach earlier this month.

The Pink Un: Flo Allen has thanked Stuart Webber for his support of Norwich City's women side. Flo Allen has thanked Stuart Webber for his support of Norwich City's women side. (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

Allen has explained in more detail how the relationship with those on the sporting side of the club has evolved over the last year.

“It’s happened organically,” she said. “Everyone has been so welcoming. We have conversations across departments and teams.

“Martin and I sit in the same office as all the academy staff.  This site is so open to information sharing on best practices. It’s a high-performance environment, a category one academy, and the culture here is inspiring.

“It ups our game too. The girls come in the evening and use the analysis rooms and the dome in the winter.”