Heather Watson Appointed New General Manager of AFC Fylde Women

AFC Fylde Women is delighted to announce the immediate appointment of Heather Watson as its Interim General Manager, covering the period until November 30, 2023.

Heather has been closely involved with the football club since 2022, primarily in the management of media activities for the Women’s team and is currently working towards her degree in Multimedia Sports Journalism. 

In her new role, Heather will provide leadership, oversight and the overall financial management of the Women’s team; establishing and progressively implementing a strategic plan to deliver success on and off the pitch.

During the interim period, the role will especially demand a close alliance with the FA and Women’s National League and, importantly, developing the commercial growth of the Women’s team whilst overseeing all aspects of home match day operations.

The position of Interim General Manager will report to AFC Fylde’s Chief Operating Officer, Craig Dootson and will maintain a critically important relationship with the Women’s Head Coach, Jack Garside.

Following her appointment, Heather expressed her delight and said: “I’m really pleased to have been appointed to the position of Interim General Manager, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Jack and the rest of the team to deliver the level of success that I know the club is looking for.”

Executive Vice Chairman Phil Humphreys added: “We are pleased to have secured Heather as the new General Manager and know that she is looking to progress the Women’s team in a way that can hopefully put her interim appointment on a more permanent footing.

“The role of General Manager represents a big and growing challenge for Heather, but it’s one that I’m certain she is more than up to.

“I know that Heather will receive a big welcome and full support from everyone connected with the Club.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the previous General Manager, Jenny Rigby, for her unswerving support and commitment to the development of AFC Fylde Women.”