Spanish coach Pedro Martinez Losa has been appointed Arsenal Ladies first team manager.

Losa arrives from Western New York Flash in the USA National Women’s Soccer League, where he has been assistant coach since summer 2012.

Prior to his time in the United States, the 38-year-old spent five years as Head Coach of Rayo Vallecano Femenino in Spain.

Losa led Rayo Vallecano to the Spanish Cup in 2008 - the first major trophy in the their history - and to league titles in 2009 and 2010. In Europe, he took the team to the last 16 of the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2010/11.

Losa, who holds a UEFA ‘A’ licence, will take up his position with Arsenal on September 15. His first game in charge will be away to Bristol Academy in the FA Women’s Super League on 20 September. Captain and assistant coach Kelly Smith will take charge of the team until then.

Losa said of his appointment: “Joining Arsenal Ladies is a very special moment for me. The team has a great history and I will do my best to add to it during my time in charge.”

Arsenal Ladies General Manager Clare Wheatley added: “We are excited to welcome Pedro to the club. He is a fantastic coach, with experience of working at the top of the women’s game in both the United States and Spain and we look forward to him getting underway."