Ben Franks will step down from his role as Ebbsfleet United Women’s manager having accepted a new opportunity away from football.
Ben took over the reins in the summer after previously being assistant manager, joining the Fleet in 2022. He had spent two seasons before that at Gillingham Women in the National League.
This season Ben guided his Fleet side to the Second Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, knocking out higher-tier opposition on the way to meeting Portsmouth.
He bowed out as boss on a high as his side beat Sutton United 8-2 on their travels yesterday to leave them on six wins from nine matches in the league and with games in hand over their promotion rivals.
Stepping into Ben’s boots in 2024 will be existing club coach Quinton Naidoo who is no stranger to the job having previously managed Ebbsfleet Women in 2011. Quinton’s experience includes time at Dover Ladies before he took charge of Sittingbourne-based side UKP Ladies, where he gained promotion in his first season.
This success led to him working in the National League with Crystal Palace and he spent six years with the Eagles, taking them to their highest league finish, the FA Cup fourth round and also two county finals. He has also worked in men’s football at Lordswood and K Sports.
Ben Franks told the club website, “It’s been a pleasure to lead the women’s side over the past six months, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done over this period. It was an extremely difficult decision to part ways at this point, but I’m confident the team will go on to achieve further success from the start of the new year.
“I’d like to stress my thanks to all involved at Ebbsfleet United, from the matchday staff and volunteers, my management team, and all of the players who I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last 18 months I’ve spent at the club. A notable thanks also to Damian Irvine and Will Tan for all the support provided in continuing the integration and growth of the women’s team into the club.
“I’d like to wish the club success in the future, and I’m sure Quinton and the rest of the coaching team will continue the progress made so far.”
Fleet CEO Damian Irvine said, “We wish Ben all the very best for the future and for the new opportunities he is following. He made the seamless transition to manager, continuing the evolution of the women’s section, bringing in a number of exciting new players and of course that high of our Second Round appearance in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
“In the spirit of that continuity, I am also delighted that Quinton Naidoo will take on the role as manager of our women’s first team. He has plenty of experience, including previously at this club, and this ensures Ebbsfleet United Women go into 2024 aiming to continue their fine form and a battle for promotion. I’m really pleased Ben’s final match was an excellent performance at Sutton as that is what he and the team deserve as a farewell to a coach who has been hardworking and selfless in his efforts for the women’s team and club generally.”
