Our Top 4 Managers to watch across Tier 4

1. Dylan Wimbury - Cheadle Town Stingers Women FC (Division 1 North)

Photography by Lewis Tate Photography

Dylan Wimbury is without a doubt one of the most exciting young managers within the FAWNL. Having held the reins at Cheadle Town Stingers Women FC for several seasons now, Wimbury has achieved remarkable success with the club, leading them to their first-ever Manchester FA Women’s Challenge Cup win in the 2021/22 season—a trophy they managed to retain the season after!

Currently, with only 4 league games remaining, his side sit at the top of the Division One North, three points clear of second-placed Middlesbrough Women. This feat is made even more extraordinary by the fact that Cheadle Town Stingers only earned promotion to the division this year. Last season, Wimbury guided his team to an impressive league title in the North West Women’s Regional League winning 18 games out of a possible 20. If their dazzling form, which has seen them win 12 league games this season, continues, they will be well on their way to securing back-to-back promotions!

Wimbury's achievements have not gone unnoticed, and he was rewarded with a nomination for the FAWNL Manager of the Month in September 2024. Whilst this is an impressive accolade, come the end of the season, a league title will be the only accolade to interest the Cheadle manager.

2. Lee Mitchell - Lincoln United Women FC (Division 1 Midlands)

Photography by Ed Mayes Photography

Lee Mitchell’s move to Lincoln United at the end of October 2024 has been an excellent boost for the club. After a turbulent start to the season, which saw the club go through two managerial changes, Mitchell’s arrival ensured that the team entered a period of much needed stability. Under his leadership, Lincoln United have now retained their position in the Division 1 Midlands during their debut season following an impressive and gritty 2-1 victory against Leafield Athletic Women.

Currently sitting securely in 9th place with 22 points, Mitchell has already exceeded expectations in his first season at Lincoln United. He joined the club after previously holding the position of head coach at Lincoln City (United’s Division One Midlands rivals), where he led them to a third-place finish in Division 1 Midlands in 2021/22. Upon his arrival to the Whites, Mitchell brought with him his assistant coach from Lincoln City, Steve Hardie.

With this double act working together, make sure to watch out for what Lincoln United achieves in the 25/26 campaign!

3. Andy Cook - Norwich City Women FC (Division 1 South East)

Photography by Alex Guest

Andy Cook’s appointment as Norwich City Women’s manager at the start of the 24/25 campaign has been a remarkable acquisition. Upon his arrival to the club, Cook brought with him a wealth of experience; this included a role at Newcastle United Women where he was instrumental in their promotion to the Championship, and leading Nottingham Forest Women to a league title, league cup, and plate trophy during his four years at the helm. This experience of working with top-level clubs has undoubtedly been a massive boost for The Canaries this season.

Currently, Norwich find themselves in second place in Division 1 South East, just behind Real Bedford Women. Cook's side is currently on a stellar run of form, which has seen them maintain an impressive unbeaten record for the last 7 league games, winning six and drawing one. His effective leadership and tactical ability saw him receive a well-deserved FAWNL Manager of the Month award in January. With Norwich only a point behind Real Bedford, promotion to Tier 3 is not out of the question - especially with the current form that they find themselves in! As we move into the final few tense games, Cook's experience will be crucial to push Norwich City towards Tier 3!

4. Jesús Cordon - Worthing FC Women (Division 1 South West)

Photography by Jay Wrighte

Jesús Cordon boasts an impressive career to date, having held roles in numerous clubs across the Women’s game. One of these roles includes a position as assistant coach at Lewes Women FC, giving him valuable experience at the Championship level. He has further held roles at Chatham Town and Crawley Wasps further demonstrating his knowledge of and experience within the women’s game

After joining at the beginning of this campaign, Cordon has had an impressive first season in charge, leading his side to their current position of third place in Division 1 South West. Currently in incredible form (his side boast an unbeaten league record spanning 9 games) an enviable second-placed finish is not out of the question for Cordon’s side. This superb level of consistency, has meant that Worthing find themselves just six points off 2nd placed Moneyfields FC Women with five games left to go.

After having moved laterally into the Division One South West this season, Cordon stated that he simply wished to match their 3rd place finish from last season - no mean feat in an entirely new league! With the end of the season approaching, Worthing will be hoping to leapfrog Moneyfields and break Bournemouth FC Women’s unbeaten record after a narrow defeat on the opening day.

Make sure to watch out whether Cordon’s leadership can result in his side finishing 2nd in the Division 1 South West!