Swindon Town Women's Manager Richard Wood has made the decision to leave the club with immediate effect, following his side's Wiltshire FA County Women’s Cup victory on Sunday.
Wood stepped up to the role following the departure of Mike Cook in September 2023, and after a successful season which saw Town sit in fourth place in the FAWNL and claim the Wiltshire FA County Women’s Cup, he has decided to leave the club positively.
As he steps away from the role, we can also confirm that Assistant Manager Jonny House, Goalkeeping Coach Dave Tomlinson, and Player-Coach Georgia Clifford will lead the team for the remaining two games of the season, away at Abingdon and Torquay United.
When discussing his decision to step away from the role, Wood said: "I have made the tough decision to step down from the role as manager to enable the club to have the most time possible to make new plans for next season.
"I didn’t come to Swindon with the view that I would be the Women’s Manager and it has been a difficult and at times steep learning curve but also one that I have been very proud to hold and proud to work with so many great staff and players.
"We have easily the highest points total for many years, become respected and considered a highly competitive team by other top teams in the league, will hopefully have the Golden Boot winner, have had a good FA Cup run, and just won the County Cup while integrating young development players successfully, all while at times playing some fantastic, exciting attacking football.
"Some incredible people work at the club; Anthony has fantastic enthusiasm for the Women’s team and he has given me lots of direct support. The same can be said for Jamie, Tim Hall the secretary, but most of all for Mandie Coe who gives so much time and energy to have driven the Women’s section of the club so far forward so quickly. She has worked tirelessly.
"The club have a set of values that are very much alive in the people working at the club and they very much align with my values. I will always have the Club in my heart because of this and the unequivocal support and faith that they have shown in me.
"All of the staff behind the scenes from the media team, medical team, ground staff, and all the volunteers are top-notch people who have made me feel very much like part of them.
"Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to the players and staff who deserve the very best. I will be watching and supporting you closely."
Head of Women's Football, Mandie Coe added: "We would all like to thank Richard for all his efforts during his time with the club.
"Richard is a kind, considerate coach who has provided us with attractive, attacking football and plenty of goals to enjoy this season, in addition to a memorable FA cup run and County Cup Trophy. He has certainly left his mark on our first season since joining Swindon Town Football Club.
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him, he worked tirelessly pre-season to get us to this position and we hope that he enjoys a well-earned rest over the summer, he deserves it!"
