JAMES Greaves and Julia Hogan have joined Thackley Ladies as their new management team

Greaves joins as the new ladies’ first team manager, while Hogan comes in as the ladies’ reserve team manager.

The club are also running a men's reserve team for 2021/22, and require a manager (ideally a level 2 + coach - or working towards) to work alongside the first team's coaching staff, including boss Pat McGuire.

Applications can be sent to, or more information can be obtained, richard.holmes@thackley-afc.co.uk

Back to the ladies, and the change in the management team comes after Michelle Woollias stood down from her role in October 2020.

James Riches took charge of the ladies' first team following Woollias’ departure, but due to anticipated work commitments for the upcoming season, it is likely he will be required to take on a reduced role moving forward.

As a result, a new team has been assembled to drive Thackley Ladies forward for next season and beyond.

The club thanked both Woollias and Riches for their strenuous efforts throughout their time at Thackley, in forming and developing the ladies' teams to the level they are currently at.

Additionally, the club have announced that ladies reserve team boss Alex Maurice has stepped down from his role as manager after two years.

Maurice takes up a role at Queensbury Celtic Women’s Football Club and leaves with Thackley’s best wishes.

As for the new appointments, Greaves will be joined by David Bray as assistant manager.

Greaves has been involved in football coaching for almost 20 years.

His early career began with Bradford City’s Community Foundation, where he gained his FA coaching badges and taught in many local primary and secondary schools.

In 2008, he set up ‘Fisical Sports Coaching’ with his brother, Tom. The business now provides PE teaching in many local schools, holiday camps, toddler classes and boasts a successful football academy.

Discussing his appointment at Thackley, Greaves said: “I am delighted to get the opportunity to join the coaching team at Thackley AFC.

“I am lucky to inherit such an enthusiastic group of players who are ambitious and want to progress.

“I am excited for the new season ahead and to help provide an opportunity for the ‘Dennygirls’ to get back to training, playing and enjoying their football.

“I have had a good few weeks getting to know the players both at training and at friendly games and I’m now raring to get out there and win games of football.”

Succeeding Maurice as reserves boss is Hogan.

She is an FA Level 2 qualified coach, with experience coaching at Hunslet Club Girls Football, CGSA Academy in USA, Leeds United Girls Academy, and Leeds United Foundation.

She therefore brings a wealth of experience to the club and said: “After playing and being involved in women's football for over 10 years, I am looking forward to this next challenge of managing Thackley AFC Ladies Reserves.”

Further announcements regarding pre-season plans at Thackley Ladies will be made in due course.

BY BEN ROBERTS