Thackley AFC are delighted to announce that Michelle Woollias has rejoined as the new manager of Thackley AFC Ladies, replacing James Wright who departed the Club earlier this week.

Michelle, now an FA Level 3 (UEFA B) Coach, founded Thackley AFC Ladies in 2017 and led the team to fantastic success with successive promotions and division titles to see the Dennygirls reach the WRCWFL Premier Division, as well as Cup success. Michelle departed Thackley AFC Ladies in October 2020 and has been in various coaching roles since then, including at Bradford City, but has rejoined to continue to build on the solid foundations which were put in place by her during her previous spell in charge of the Dennygirls.

We are also pleased to announce that Adam Rhodes, who was assisting James Wright last season, will stay on and assist Michelle this coming season. Adam has coached the Thackley Juniors Girls team to an u16 Level and a number of those players stepped up to the First Team last season gaining great experience in a high division of Women's football, and excelling in their performances.

Michelle had the following to say on her return:

I'm delighted to be invited back to the club for a second stint as Women's Team Manager. It's a fantastic club and one I have fond memories with and have always kept an eye on how they are doing.

Meeting the team yesterday I'm happy to see there is still an outstanding core of senior players, many who were here in my last term and I know well. I'm also really excited to see there is the pathway in place now for the progression of players from Thackley Junior Girls into the Women's senior team. Having started my coaching journey way back in 2014 at Thackley Juniors and being one of the founding parents, it is amazing to now see those first founder players, that started way back in 2014, stepping out to play in the stadium. That was the ambition and dream back then, so I'm keen to see this continue and support the young players to grow and develop in the adult game. For the rest of the junior girls, how amazing it is for them to see the visible pathway and have those role models to follow.

Taking my first session yesterday, it is clear to see the players' ambition for the season and we have set the aim on what they want to achieve. It's an exciting time to be back at the club and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead.