Ipswich Town have confirmed the departure of Joe Sheehan as manager with immediate effect.
Sheehan has been in the role for almost seven years – but a club statement indicated that he may be moving to an alternative role.
Town chairman Mark Ashton said in a statement on the club website: “I would like to thank Joe for the passion and commitment he has shown during his time in charge of Town Women, which has included the team moving to professional status as well as two promotions under his leadership.
“We are currently in discussions with Joe regarding a new role, which will hopefully see him remain at the club, utilising his vast experience in developing young players.
“We look to continue the growth of the club’s women’s programme, both in the short and long-term, beginning with our desire to retain our status in WSL2 during the final 11 games of the season under the interim leadership of David Wright.”
Wright is a former player and has been assisting Sheehan in recent weeks as well as continuing his coaching duties in the club’s academy. He will be supported by the current coaching staff, including Lauren Phillips, who has formerly coached at Southampton, Arsenal and Millwall.
Ipswich Town: their recent history
Joe Sheehan was appointed as Ipswich Town manager in February 2019, and led them to promotion to the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier in 2021. They won the league in 2024-25, securing promotion to Barclays Women’s Super League 2 for the first time in the club’s history.
However, this season has proved a struggle, with Ipswich currently bottom of the table. They have five points from their 11 matches so far, with their only win coming back in September when they defeated Portsmouth 3-2. They also drew 0-0 with Charlton Athletic that month.
Since then, they have secured only one more point, when they drew 1-1 with Durham in December.
They are now five points adrift of second-bottom Portsmouth – and begin their 2026 with a trip to league leaders Charlton on Sunday.
