BRADFORD City AFC Women confirmed the departure of manager Chris Hames on Monday after he made the personal decision to move closer to home.

Hames spent over two years at the club, during which time he saw the first team through to a semi-final of the West Riding FA County Cup and a seventh placed finish in the FA Women's National League.

Coinciding with his decision to move closer to home, Hames has since taken up the managerial role at Hull City Ladies, who will now play in City's league (Division One North) after they were relegated from the Northern Premier Division.

Speaking to the T&A about his departure from Bradford, Hames said: "Life happens. An opportunity came up to join another club and it worked better for me in terms of where I live and also with the fact I can now balance the job with my family life.

"It was a really tough decision to leave Bradford because I loved my time there. A lot of effort and care had gone into making the team and club a success, but ultimately I had to make the decision to suit my family as well.

"I was really proud of the work we did together; we still had a long way to go but what we had done is change the mentality and feeling around the club. We've created a club with a real strong identity now and a club that other teams in the league respect and appreciate."

Hames added: "I do think we've put the team in a brilliant position to kick on and continue progressing. They're a really close knit team, they're talented and everything is in place for them to chase success. We left on great terms too and I'm appreciative of the club for giving me the opportunity to manage this team ."

Explaining his appointment at Hull, Hames said: "It was quite a quick turnaround really and it wasn't something that I expected at all. But when the vacancy came up and I spoke to the club, it then became a realisation quite quickly that I'd be taking the job on.

"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to and because it's closer to home, it means I can balance the job role and family time much easier. They did get relegated last season so my initial target will be to put forward my ideas to the team, and then hopefully we can challenge for promotion."

Bradford City AFC Women are now on the lookout for a new manager after Hames' departure. Through the club's application form which can be accessed via their Twitter and website, they said: "The club are looking to appoint a forward thinking, driven and ambitious manager. The individual will be required to meet the targets of the board for the season,aiming to build on the 2021/2022 outcomes. The manager will be responsible for all on-field matters, including the development of both first team and U23’s players and staff.

" The individual will be supported by the Chairman with meeting the on-field targets set at the start of the season (flexible targets that may be subject to change), ensuring the club continues to progress."

The club have also announced that the deadline for applicants is on Tuesday 21 June, with interviews commencing immediately.