Former Worthing Women manager Lawrence: I offered to stay on

Michelle Lawrence (centre) left her role as Worthing Women's manager a fortnight ago. Picture courtesy of Michelle Lawrence

Lawrence left her role a fortnight ago after just under two years in charge. She guided Worthing Women to promotion from the London & South East Regional League Division 1 South in her first season.

But in a huge blow for the club, the 2019-20 season for tiers three to seven of the women’s football pyramid in England was declared void by the Football Association, denying Worthing promotion.

Lawrence led the women’s team to fourth spot this campaign, her side four points off the top with a game in hand before the 2020-21 season was curtailed and declared incomplete on March 15.

Lawrence finished with an impressive league record of 17 victories and a solitary defeat during her tenure.

She told the Herald and Gazette: “It was always my intention to step down as manager. I put forward an ideal replacement and offered to stay on and lead the strategic development of the team but the club declined my offer.

“While tinged with a hint of sadness at not having been promoted, the past two seasons will live long in the memory.

“I am immensely proud of the players, past and present, and I thank them for believing enough in me to join me on this journey.

“I have some options available but I will take some time before deciding my next move.”