New Era Begins: Hadfield and Dyson Take Charge of Women’s Football at Eastbourne Town

New Era Begins: Hadfield and Dyson Take Charge of Women’s Football at Eastbourne Town

We are thrilled to announce significant developments in our Women’s section here at Eastbourne Town Football Club. Steve Hadfield has joined us as the new manager of the Women’s First Team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for developing local talent.

Steve remarked: “I’m delighted to have accepted the role with the club. It’s a club who have a deep routed history in the Womens game having played at up to step 5 previously. I’m very grateful to Dave and the committee for their faith in me, also I’m looking forward to working with Richard Dyson with his experience in the women’s game and will be doing everything I can to repay them. We have big plans for the team and I can’t wait to get started. 

Having spent time as a coach and chairman at Pevensey and Westham JFC over a 7 year period, which allowed me to gain experience and help with the development of some great local talented players. I have been lucky enough to coach in the Womens National League at step 4 and at Step 5 in The L&SE Women’s Premier League. Having coached in the JPL and Sussex County Schools, which I got to coach some of the best talent in Sussex, who will be the future of women’s football in time to come.

I would also like to mention the coaches that I have worked with in my time in women and girls football for there help and guidance which I have gained experience to get to where I have.”

Joining Steve is Richard Dyson, who will serve as the new Director of Women’s Football.

Richard expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m delighted to have been asked to be director of women’s football at Eastbourne Town and am really looking forward to the new role and growing the women’s and girls football at the club. I’m looking forward to working with the new management put in place and over seeing an exciting project ahead.”

Chairman Dave Shearing welcomed the appointments, saying: “We’re incredibly excited about the future of our Women’s section under Steve and Richard’s guidance. Both bring fresh energy, experience and a clear vision to help take us forward. We’re proud of our history in the Women’s game and now we’re building a structure that can push us on to even greater heights.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah for her outstanding service to the club. As both a player and manager, Sarah has been a central figure in our Women’s setup for nearly two decades. Her commitment, passion and resilience – particularly through challenging times – has been inspirational. We’re hugely grateful she will continue to support the club behind the scenes as we move forward.”

We also bid a fond farewell to Sarah Walshaw, who has played an integral role as both manager and player over the past 18 years.

Sarah shared her reflections, saying: “It’s been a journey, starting 18 years ago at Eastbourne Town as just a player, winning trophies, getting promotions and success in the FA cup, to being the manager of the greatest women’s club in Eastbourne. This season did not go to plan but we had to start again and grow. This led to us folding our development side and losing a number of players before pre season. Everyone rallied around from; committee, volunteers and players. All this amazing effort let the season continue and grow. But now, it is time for me to hang my boots up and my team sheets for good and pass the reigns on. I have loved every part of being at Eastbourne Town and I shall be their biggest supporter off the pitch. I shall still be working behind the scenes helping the new management team in building a successful women’s side!”

Sarah’s dedication and leadership has been exceptional and we are grateful that she will continue to support us behind the scenes as we embark on this new era in Women’s football at the club.

Please join us in welcoming Steve Hadfield and Richard Dyson to their new roles, and in thanking Sarah Walshaw for her outstanding contributions to Eastbourne Town FC.