Warrington Town are delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Monteith as the new manager of our women's team.
After taking charge on an interim basis alongside Sophie McDonald and Mike Dore towards the end of last season, Monteith now steps into the role on a permanent basis as the club continues to build on the progress made within the women's section.
The appointment comes at an exciting time for women's football in Warrington, with 34 players attending the club's recent open training session - a clear indication of the growing interest, participation and opportunities for women and girls within the town.
For Monteith, the appointment represents far more than a football opportunity. Born and raised in Warrington, he has strong family ties to the club through his father, former Warrington Town player Alan "Monty" Monteith, and his uncle Dave Taylor, the manager who famously led Warrington Town to Wembley in 1987.
Having spent many of his formative years watching the team and growing up around the football club, the opportunity to manage the women's side carries particular personal significance.
Speaking about his appointment, Monteith said: "Managing Warrington Town Women is a huge honour for me. This football club has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it's a privilege to be given the opportunity to help lead the women's side forward.
"The turnout of 34 players at our recent open session shows the potential that exists for women's football in Warrington. There are talented players throughout the town and a real appetite for the women's game to continue growing.
"My aim is to build on the excellent work that has already been done by people such as Kev Larkin, Mike Dore, Sophie McDonald, Helen Dobson and Wendy Booth, alongside many others who have helped develop women's football in Warrington over the years.
"This isn't about starting again. It's about continuing that work, creating more opportunities for players, strengthening the connection between the team and the community, and helping Warrington Town Women become an increasingly important part of both the football club and the town."
Monteith arrives with extensive experience from both grassroots and non-league football.
Having begun his managerial journey in the Liverpool Old Boys' League, he went on to manage Eagle Sports Reserves before returning to the Cheshire League as First Team Coach at Avon Villa.
Further experience followed in the non-league game through roles with Runcorn Linnets and City of Liverpool, working alongside respected coaches and managers at Steps 4 and 5 of the National League System.
He is also currently completing his UEFA B Diploma as part of his ongoing commitment to coaching and player development.
A key part of the club's vision is to strengthen the pathway for female players within the town. Warrington Town Women are keen to work closely with grassroots clubs across Warrington to ensure that football does not simply end at the age of 16 for girls who want to continue playing.
Monteith added: "We want young female players across Warrington to know that there is a pathway into open-age football. If players want to continue their journey in the game, we want them to know that opportunities exist.
"We would encourage grassroots clubs, coaches, players and parents to get in touch. We want to build strong relationships across the town and help create a clear pathway for women and girls to continue playing football for as long as they want to."
As the women's section continues to grow, our women's team are also keen to hear from local businesses, sponsors and community partners who would like to play a role in supporting the development of women's football across the town.
"The growth we've seen already is incredibly encouraging, but we know there is still so much potential to unlock. We're looking to build lasting relationships with sponsors and partners who share our vision for women's football in Warrington and want to be part of that journey.
"Whether that's supporting the first team, helping us strengthen pathways for young players, or investing in opportunities for women and girls within the game, we'd love to hear from businesses and organisations that want to help us continue moving forward together."
Grassroots clubs interested in learning more about the opportunities available through Warrington Town Women, or businesses interested in sponsorship and partnership opportunities, are encouraged to contact the club via email: WarringtonTownWomenFC@gmail.com
Looking ahead, Monteith's vision is clear: to continue growing the women's section, create opportunities for local players, strengthen links with the community, develop meaningful partnerships with local businesses, and help establish Warrington Town Women as a team that the town can be proud to support.
As women's football continues to grow nationally, Warrington Town is committed to ensuring that growth is reflected locally, with the women's team playing an increasingly important role in the future of the football club and the wider community.