New Albion Women Interim Head Coach Martyn Irvine has expressed his intention to “continue” building upon the foundations set by Women’s Manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still.
The 39-year-old, who was appointed on Monday, will take charge of the team throughout Hodgetts-Still’s period of maternity leave.
Irvine is excited to join a group who have enjoyed a decade-best 2025/26 season in the FAWNL Northern Premier and will “only look to add” to their successful league exploits as he prepares for a new campaign.
And the interim boss knows a thing or two about coaching in tier three, after helping former side Stoke City towards an impressive league finish in 2024/25 - a feat he hopes to help the Baggies achieve this term.
He said: “It’s a great opportunity to continue the great work that Shev has done over the last three years. It’s a chance to support a group of players who have gone from strength to strength, and it’s an environment I want to be a part of.
“I know quite a bit about the club and how progressive it is, it has a great community feel, and everyone’s always trying to raise the standards here. Certainly with the Women’s team, a lot of work has gone in off the pitch to support the programme here. The work Shev’s done here has been brilliant - I only look to add to that.
“There were a lot of honest conversations in the build-up to taking this role. I was really glad to hear about where the club is trying to go, and where they are currently.
“I was very excited about the fact that they really want to kick on, and I understand and share those ambitions.
“My journey has been a bit different to most coaches; I haven’t had a real playing career and served for 12 years in the army. I was probably out of the circle for a bit in terms of networking.
“Since coming back into it, I’ve worked on lots of courses and with a varied mix of age groups. It’s been a journey of hard work and sacrifice to get myself into a strong enough position.
“I feel very well-equipped to take on the job. I was a number two at tier-three level; it gave me the platform for where I want to be as a coach. It gives me a chance to gain that experience, and lean on my time in the army - where I had the chance to lead a group with honesty.
“I’ve been speaking to Shev over the last few weeks. Her experience and knowledge of West Bromwich Albion is exceptional; it’s vital for me to come into that and try to take the team to the next level.”
