FOOTBALL: BLUES Ladies officially became part of the ‘Blues family’ after being full integrated into the men’s setup.
The women’s side has been taken over by Trillion Trophy Asia (TTA), which brings the two clubs closer together and aims to strengthen and enhance the ladies strategy and vision in the same way the men’s side has benefited in recent months.
Panos Pavlakis been appointed a new Director of Blues Ladies and he will join existing Director Joanne Allsopp to comprise the Board of the Blues Ladies.
Tim Andrews has resigned his position of Chief Executive Officer after taking on the role earlier this year help oversee day to day matters at Blues Ladies.
Heather Cowan has come in as full-time General Manager, Zoe Jones was appointed Football Administration and Operations Executive and Chris Gould, who oversees the day to day operations of the Ladies Regional Talent Club, is now also working from St. Andrew’s.
The FA-endorsed Tier 1 Regional Talent Club replaces the old Centre of Excellence youth development model and that, too, is now fully integrated under the Birmingham City Football Club umbrella.
Following Marcus Bignot’s appointment as Grimsby Town manager, he will be leaving his role as Blues Ladies Head Coach in January. Marcus will continue to support Blues Ladies in an advisory capacity and is currently helping with future planning.
The search for his replacement and the coaching team heading into 2017 is ongoing.
Steve Shipway, who served Blues Ladies for more than 25 years before stepping down at the end of this season, has accepted a position of Honorary Vice President in recognition of his long service and dedication.
Last season was another successful one for Blues Ladies which saw them finish fourth in the Women’s Super League and they also reached the final of the Continental Cup.
Next year the WSL campaign switches from a summer to a winter league but a ‘Spring Series’ competition will take place between April and June.
