Paul Reid will step down from his role as Ebbsfleet United Women’s manager with immediate effect.
Paul took over the reins in the summer after previously being the manager of Ebbsfleet United U16s.
This season has had a difficult start with opening fixtures against the top three in the league and a large squad turnover, with the club pursuing a youth policy.
We would like to thank Paul for all his hard work and efforts over the course of this season and with his personal circumstances changing, it was the right time to step away. The club wishes him the best for his future endeavours.
Quinton Naidoo has been overseeing the women’s programme for some time and has twice previously managed the Women’s team and he will be taking the first-team squad as manager following Paul’s departure.
Naidoo stated, “This club has been a massive part of my life and I will ensure that I give everything to make sure we represent it well after a difficult start to the campaign. We have struggled with player availability at times and it has been a big transition over summer into a younger squad. We will continue the development of promoting our youth players into the women’s first team.
Naidoo continued, “Over the last four years I’m sure all players and staff will agree that the way the club has supported the women’s programme has been first class and we appreciate the support again as we move forward with our current plans.
“We have an average age of 17, and even though we will be bringing in more experience to support the younger players, the future and talent coming through the youth system is booming with our current U16 squad now competing in the Premier JPL division.”
Moving forward, the club is open to applications and expressions of interest for a management team in order to explore all options in progressing the longer term development of the women’s programme.
Ebbsfleet United CEO Damian Irvine added, “In the four seasons since we launched our women’s programme, the sport has changed and advanced significantly. The success and growth of women’s football higher up the pyramid has had an effect on the lower leagues and changed so much in a short space of time. To take the programme forward, a fresher approach with a development focus and pathways for our exciting youth squads is our preferred model and we look forward to supporting the squad as they develop into the future.”
The Women’s team travel to Ashford Town (Middlesex) for their next match on Sunday 12th October, before returning on Saturday 18th October for a home double-header following the men’s clash with Dorking.
