Spacey-Cale steps down as Southampton head coach

Marieanne Spacey-Cale was one of England's top players

Marieanne Spacey-Cale has stepped down as Southampton head coach and taken a new role leading the club's women’s and girls’ programme.

Spacey-Cale, who played 91 times for England, has been with the Saints since 2018.

“This is a pivotal moment for us," she said.

"We will take our women and girls’ programme to the next level, in an exciting era of women’s football.

“I look forward to building on the strong foundations we have in place to ensure we are ready not only for next season but that we can create something special for years to come.”

Southampton will appoint a new women's first-team manager, who will report to Spacey-Cale.

Last season, her team finished fourth in the Championship, the second tier of women's football in England. She previously guided the Saints to back-to-back promotions.

“Marieanne is one of the most respected figures in the game," said Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons.

"To have her in a senior position at the club also shows she believes that our journey is only just getting started.

“This is another important sign of our ongoing commitment and support to the women’s game, which we believe deserves a real focus."