Former Liskeard boss Lee Mann takes charge.
Torquay United Women have been quick to appoint a new regime to regain their National League status as soon as possible, with chairman Steve Elswood announcing the arrival of manager Lee Mann on a three-year arrangement.
Mann spent three successful seasons at Liskeard Women FC, bringing county cup silverware to the club on two occasions, along with gaining promotion to the SWRWFL Premier Division. In addition to that progress on the field, Lee’s record of consistently developing players and overseeing the club’s development on and off the pitch proved hugely successful.
Alongside Mann, The Gulls’ new management team will be made up of Assistant Manager Sam Borthwick and coaches Ben Cooper and Jan Augustynowicz, all of whom were part of Mann’s Liskeard Athletic outfit.
Resident Goalkeeper Coach Jimmy Weeks has also been confirmed as staying on board for 2024/25, whilst other appointments are set to be confirmed over the course of the next fortnight
Tracey Cross, who finished last season as player/manager, will continue in her role as captain for the forthcoming campaign, as she continues to lead the team’s charge on the pitch towards more silverware next term.
Club Captain Danni Wyatt remains as Club Captain, in addition to her position as #HerGameToo ambassador, whilst also adding a new youth development role to the club structure.
Elswood spoke with enthusiasm regarding the new appointments.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank Tracey for the amazing job she did, in tough circumstances, as Player/Manager in the second half of last season, and recognise how close she was to guiding us to safety against the odds.
“However, we need a stronger structure and model for the future, and I am therefore delighted to have secured Lee and his coaching team from Liskeard Athletic Women FC, where they have done a fantastic job over the last 3 years. Lee has a real infectious passion for the game and our project, along with a wealth of experience and player contacts in the women’s game.
“Our aim is simple this season – it is to learn from the season just gone in the National League, and put those things into practice straightaway so we can be stronger and more competitive than ever. That starts with a strong management team to lead the players on and off the pitch, and to continue that National League mentality even though we may be away from that structure for now.
“We are a big club and every aspect of how we operate is important this season more than ever. This way we continue our forward development in the most professional way possible, and give Lee, his coaching team, and the players every opportunity to achieve in 2024/25 and beyond.
“There will be more positive news to follow, so this is a wonderful time to be part of the next step of our journey, and I am looking forward to Lee and his team embedding this on the pitch and through the players’ performances and results.
“Our future is very bright indeed.”