Mo Marley has announced she is stepping down as manager of FA WSL side Everton Ladies with immediate effect after an amazing 25 years involved in the club.
The 45-year-old, who is also the England Under-19 Coach, has been in charge of the Blues since taking over from her husband, Keith, in the summer of 2002. Prior to taking the reins she played in central defence and captained Everton.
Marley, recognised for her services to women’s football in 2005 with an MBE, has also been influential in the national game, representing her country on 41 occasions and taking up the position of England under-19 coach in 2001 – a role she will continue with.
“It is a sad day but I would like to thank everyone I have worked with at Everton over the years, especially the players,” she told evertonfc.com. “It is a great Club, with great people and fantastic supporters.
“It has been an unbelievable journey for me personally and I am delighted to have played a part in ensuring women’s football has developed into the game it is in 2012.
“But I feel now is the right time for me to move on and concentrate on my commitments with the Football Association.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Everton all the very best for the future and I hope they achieve the success they truly deserve.”
Under her stewardship, Everton Ladies have established themselves as one of the most respected teams in the women’s game with Marley having twice guided the Club to silverware – in the 2008 FA Women’s Premier League Cup and 2010 Women’s FA Cup.
Everton Ladies finished third in last season’s FA Women’s Super League and were quarter finalists in the FA Women’s Cup.
Paying tribute to her achievements, many players and Club staff took to Twitter to share their thanks.
Andy Spence, Marley’s assistant and general manager of Everton Ladies, said: “My admiration and thanks for what Mo has done for the club and myself personally has no limits. Thank you my mentor.”
Blues’ Toni Duggan commented: “Emotional day. 140 characters isn’t enough to tell you how much I appreciate what Mo Marley has done for both myself and EFC ladies.”
Marley will continue working with the under-17 girls at the Everton centre of excellence until the end of the season. The Club will start their search for a replacement manager immediately.
Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
