Exclusive by Neil Goulding

ENGLAND women's head coach Lois Richardson has revealed she will continue to lead the team at the next World Cup in 2009.

Richardson, who guided England to a bronze medal at the 2005 World Cup in Annapolis, United States, last summer, admitted her passion for the game has never diminished - and she is still hungry for success.

'I'm going to coach the team up to and at the next World Cup in 2009, but then that's definitely it!' said Richardson.

'It took me a bit of time to decide what I wanted to do, but I've decided to continue becuase I enjoy coaching the girls so much.'

Richardson, a former England captain, has been part of six World Cups ('82, '86, '89, '93, '97, '05), and as a player she is one of an elite group who attended all of the first five World Cups, up to and including Japan in 1997.

The records indicate that Wales stalwart Vivien Jones and the Australian duo of Sue Sofanos and Marge Barlow are the only other two players to have achieved this amazing feat.

Richardson also revealed that star player Lucy Lynch, who revelled in the World Cup spotlight despite her tender years, was offered three scholarshop deals by top American universities after the competition.

The 20-year-old contributed nine goals to the England cause in Annapolis and her bursts of pace, at times, were frightening for any opposition including the defending champions United States.

'Lucy was approached by three colleges after the World Cup - and she;'s decided to go to Denver,' added Richardson.

'Jen Adams and Sonia Judd (who starred for World Cup winners Australia) both coach at the univeristy, so Lucy will get the best coaching.

'She's still very young, which is great because she's got time to get better and better.

'Playing lacrosse in America will be great for her - a fantastic experience.'

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