Kentish Football 
Gillingham Ladies begin search for new manager
Varley, 28, who played Ryman Premier League football for Horsham this season and is looking for a new club following the club’s relegation, took charge of Gillingham’s Ladies side for 84 games and enjoyed a 52% win ratio.
Varley’s led the club, who play at Chatham Town’s Maidstone Road Sports Ground, to fifth-place in the Women’s Premier League Southern Division, which was the club’s highest placed finish in their history and they defeated Charlton Athletic 2-0 to win the Kent Women’s Cup at Sevenoaks Town’s Greatness Park last month.
A club statement said: “The club is ambitious on and off the pitch and have enjoyed three seasons of success coming from the bottom of the South East Combination League to their current position in the Southern Division.
“We are now looking to appoint a new first team manager who matches the club’s ambition of achieving their ultimate goal of a place in the FA Women’s Super League.
“You must be enthusiastic, dedicated with a commitment to developing the talent of young players of the club, as well as coaching established first team squad members.
“The new manager will work with the established coaching team and the reserve team manager as well as having the opportunity to bring in your own team.
“It is important to note that all roles at Gillingham Ladies FC are voluntary.”
Captain, Natalie Crinean, who lifted the Kent Women’s Cup at Greatness Park last month, after goals from Lauren Williams and now retired Laura East defeated south Londoners Charlton Athletic, told the club website that she is sorry to see Varley leave.
She told www.gillinghamladies.clubfans.co.uk: “I think everyone was a little shocked at Ian’s decision to leave. However, I think everything he has brought to the club will forever be remembered.
“Ian took a lot on when starting at Gillingham and achieved the impossible. He truly will be missed. He has top banter and dedicated so much time to the ladies and the club as a whole.
“I wish him luck in his career whatever he chooses to do. I hope Ian won’t be a stranger as I have a lot of respect for him as a person and a manager.”
Looking ahead to next season, Crinean added, “I think when the new manager is appointed we really will realise the hard work Ian put in. It will take a lot to match the dedication and commitment from him.”
Former Sittingbourne defender Varley added: “I think it is a good way to go. I started by winning the Kent Cup and I have finished by winning it as well.
“I have enjoyed my three years’ with the club and the girls’ have been brilliant in those three years.
“Hopefully someone else can take it on now. The group of girls are brilliant and if you can keep them together and add one or two more players then this club can go all the way.
“I’m sure Martin Andrews (chairman) and Chris Dicketts (vice-chairman) will find the right person to take the club forward and continue the success of the last three seasons.”
The club outlined the criteria that the candidate should meet:
• A passion for football and preferably women’s football and the desire to help the club towards its continued progress on and off the pitch.
• FA Level 3 (UEFA ‘B’) Coaching Award (minimum).
• A successful record of coaching and managing experience ideally in women’s football or similar;
• A clear understanding of the Girls’ Centre of Excellence structure, coaching methods and development strategies, as the club is looking to build closer links with Gillingham Football Clubs Centre of Excellence.
• Excellent people management skills;
• Be available to coach the first team twice a week;
• Be available for all matches taking on Sundays and some midweek dates
Applicants are asked to submit a CV and a brief covering letter demonstrating your suitability for the post to Chairman Martin Andrews on info@gillinghamladies.co.uk.
Interviews will take place in the week beginning 21st May 2012 at Gillingham Football Club’s Priestfield Stadium.
Quotes courtesy of Gillingham Ladies’ website: www.gillinghamladies.clubfans.co.uk
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