Former Wales international Cori Williams-Mills has been appointed as manager of Gwalia United of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier.
She will also continue as a player in the team she has captained.
In a statement, the club said: “Williams-Mills is one of the most respected figures in Welsh football, a Welsh international who has represented Wales across multiple positions at senior level. Cori came through the same generation of players as the likes of Sophie Ingle and Jess Fishlock, and has been among the FA National Women’s league’s leading goalscorers over the past two seasons.”
Williams-Mills was quoted as saying: “I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’m keen to contribute to Gwalia both as a player and as a coach, and to start putting some ideas into practice with the group.”
Williams-Mills begins her tenure with a home match on Sunday, 4th January, as Gwalia United host bottom club Billericay Town.
The Gwalia United managers’ timeline
Williams-Mills’ appointment comes only three months after former Barry Town Women manager Stevie Campbell-McCarthy took the hotseat.
Gwalia United co-owner Julian Jenkins said at the time: “Steve’s appointment reflects the club’s clear and long-term ambition — to identify, nurture, and fast-track Welsh players capable of competing at the highest levels.”
But that appointment in turn came just four months after the permanent appointment of James Thomas, who left the role in October to take over as academy manager at Newcastle United.
He had been in temporary charge at Gwalia since January 2025, replacing Fern Burrage-Male.
About Gwalia United
Gwalia United are the only Welsh team in the women’s pyramid in England. Previously known as Cardiff City Ladies, they are one of the oldest women’s football clubs still in existence in the UK, having been founded in 1975 as Llanedeyrn.
They currently sit second from bottom of the Southern Premier, on ten points, with three wins and a draw from their 12 matches so far this season.
However, they are just one point from safety, with AFC Wimbledon above them on 11 points.
