Stoke City Ladies report that first team manager Steve Swanwick has resigned from his post with immediate effect.
Swanwick’s departure brings a 10-year association with the team to an end, having guided them to a third consecutive fourth placed finish in the FAWPL last season.
City say that the 45-year-old began his second term as first team manager in January 2017 and ends his spell with a win ratio of 59% from 38 matches, including a 4-0 victory in his final game away to Derby County.
Speaking to stokecityfc.com, Swannick cited non-footballing reasons for his decision to leave the Potters: “It is with regret that I have decided to leave Stoke City Ladies. There are a number of reasons for my decision, the main reason being wanting to spend more quality time with my family.
“I have absolutely loved the past 10 years and wouldn’t want to replace them. I take great pride in having played a part in the Stoke City Ladies journey and to see where the club is today, superbly backed by Stoke City, shows just how far we’ve come in such a short space of time.”
Stoke begin the new season in the FA Women’s National League away to promoted Hull City this Sunday.