“I want to take this opportunity as now the ladies season is finally over, to thank you all for your support once again this season. The club and those who come to watch us.

“I've had two great seasons here at Gornal Athletic FC as manager of the ladies.

“The first season was truly amazing with myself only being at first asked to be the goalkeeper coach for the new team, but due to circumstances with the approached manager turning the job down, I got asked by the club to take the hot seat. I was at first apprehensive due to only coaching kids grassroots club, but with the support from family and friends and given that push by my lads manager Graham Ward I took on the role as manager.
I have to say I never looked back.

“This team has been amazing, in our first season we finished 2nd and also got to a cup final, but came out runners up to Coton Green who were the only team to beat us in league and cup competitions.

“We continued the journey this season in the premier league, with majority of the team and some players left and some players came in, and we continued to push and give our all, having the opportunity to play Walsall FC ladies in the cup at Bescot under the lights even though we lost it's one to remember and not many teams can say they have done that.

“So as the season is now closed, myself and the team will be moving on from Gornal. I leave the club with the ladies by mutual consent, as we move onto our next chapter, and would like to thank everyone at the club, from Kev, Lee, Tom, Craig and Stephen and all the other coaches and managers at Gornal. I want to wish everyone there all the best in the move and the future of the club.

“So from myself

“Thank you and good luck.”

Stuart Atkiss