Luke Podmore to step down as FC United Women’s Team Manager

Luke Podmore has announced that he will be stepping down as manager of the FC United Women’s Team after 2 ½ years at the helm during which the side won 7 trophies.





In December 2016 Luke was appointed FC United Women’s Team Manager, returning to the club at which he’d had a spell as assistant manager a few years previously. In this first season the team would finish runners up in the FA Women’s Regional League Division One South and win both the Manchester FA Women’s Challenge Cup and the Argyle Sports Cup.
The 2017/18 season would see the club win a historic treble, winning the league in impressive fashion with 16 wins and 1 draw from their 17 fixtures and a goal difference of +113 and retaining both cups. National recognition also came as the side won the FA People’s Cup at St George’s Park and received their trophy on the Wembley pitch at half time in the FA Cup Final.
Success has continued this season with the team losing only one fixture in their first season in the Premier Division and narrowly missing out on promotion whilst winning another cup double, beating the previously undefeated Salford City Lionesses 4-0 in The Manchester FA Women’s Challenge Cup final and a spectacular last minute equaliser against Stockport County LFC in the Argyle Sports Cup proved the catalyst for a 5-2 extra time victory.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at FC United over the last 2 and a half seasons. We have achieved an incredible amount since December 2016 by winning 7 trophies during this time. This team has become one of the most successful in the region and I can look back on our time together fondly” said Luke.

I would like to thank all of the players, staff and fans who have represented me during my time here. Without you and your belief in me, none of the achievements would have been possible.
It is now time to move on and explore new opportunities in the game both playing and coaching and I wish all of the players who remain and the club all the best for the future. I will remain a keen supporter of the team over the years to come."

Kirsty Chambers added on behalf of the team; "Over the last few seasons, Luke has been an integral part of FC United and the impact he has made on all of the players cannot be put into words. He has influenced us all as both footballers and people and we can’t thank him enough for the time, effort and passion he’s given each and every one of us. He has instilled a philosophy and determination within this group of players and we are so grateful to have played under him. His values and way of coaching took this team to a new level and we will continue to compete and win trophies with the amazing platform he has provided for us.
We thank you Luke for everything and it has been a pleasure to have had you as our manager - We wish you all the luck in the future and hope to see you cheering for us on from the side-lines!"

Everyone at FC United would like to thank Luke for his efforts over the last 3 seasons and wish him every success in the future.