- Norwich City women’s team win promotion.
- The team then part ways with manager.
- A sign of further shake-ups to come?
While it was a rollercoaster of a season for the Norwich City Men’s Team, it has also been an eventful one for the Norwich City Women’s Team.
Promotion
Norwich City Women had their own fair share of drama, none more so than on the final day of the season.
The team were aiming to get promoted from the Women’s National League Division One but things were getting tense as their final at the Pirelli Stadium against Moneyfields ended 2-2 after 90 minutes thanks to Holly Kennard and Grace Riglar.
But it was goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill who saved the day as the team celebrated promotion, winning 6-5 on penalties.
Moving on
While the promotion was celebrated, things were changing behind the scenes.
It was announced soon after that manager Andy Cook and assistant coach Ethan Scott were being let go.
Despite previously stating how he was looking forward to taking the Norwich City Women’s Team to the next level, head of women’s football at Norwich City, Flo Allen, stated, “I have huge appreciation for the work Andy has done to get us over the line… Despite that, we have taken stock of what we need to move forward, not only to sustain tier three status but to remain competitive on the pitch moving forward.”
Reaction
Unsurprisingly, this news provoked a reaction. Fan contributor Nicole Nicholls was understandably wary, “It’s come out of nowhere… we’ve got to hope they have a plan in place.”
Other fan reactions pointed out that Cook and Scott had achieved the target that they had been set out to do, while others were more inclined to trust that Allen alongside sporting director Ben Knapper had a plan in mind and that this would help develop the team.
BBC Radio Norfolk’s women’s football reporter, Jack McLean, believes this is a “gamble” and may also indicate further changes ahead. “It means they are taking it seriously, and it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw a lot of change in the playing staff as well.”
One player who will be staying on is Grace Riglar, who has signed an extension to her contract. This will please fans given that the centre back has not only kept 13 clean sheets but also scored 20 goals this season.
The future
It will be interesting to see who becomes the next Norwich City women’s team manager and who is brought in to assist them.
Given other recent news, it would appear that this could also be the sign of a wider shake-up at Norwich City as a whole.
