Pioneering Lewes FC chief executive to step down

Lewes FC chief executive Maggie Murphy is to step down at the end of the season

The departing chief executive of Lewes FC says the East Sussex club deserves a new leader willing to give “more than 100 per cent”.

Maggie Murphy is to step down at the end of the season after five years at the Women’s Championship club.

She said it was time for her to pursue new challenges.

“I love this club so much. It is very much a part of me, but it also takes up a lot of you,” she said.

“It demands more than 100 per cent. And I think after five years, it is time to take a breath and take a step back.”

In 2017, Lewes FC became the first club to pay men and women the same.

Trevor Wells, chair of Lewes FC, said: “Her dedication to advancing the club’s mission, coupled with her relentless pursuit of equality and social justice within football, has been truly commendable.”

Lewes FC Women are currently second bottom of the Women's Championship table

Lewes FC Women are currently second bottom of the Women's Championship table, the second-highest division in women's football in England, and could face relegation.

Ms Murphy said while relegation would have a significant impact on revenue, she was confident the club's sponsors and fans would stick with them.

“Our fans are here because they love the ground, the matchday experience and the players – and will still be here next year,” she said. “We’re in a stronger position than most.

“At the same time, the financial situation of women’s football is still fragile and precarious.”

A deal for Mercury 13, an American investor group backed by former England forward Eni Aluko, to invest in Lewes FC Women fell through in November.

Ms Murphy said the consortium wanted no involvement with the men’s club, but it was not the reason she was leaving her role.

“Some of our principles and values would have had to have been sacrificed,” she said.

“This is an incredible place, so if they don’t want to be a part of it, then we don’t want to force it. We’re special enough as we are.”

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