CHRIS WILLIAMS STANDS DOWN AS MANLY UNITED WOMEN’S HEAD COACH
Manly United Women’s first grade coach Chris Williams will step down from his position of Head Coach at the end of the current season, after spending 16 years at Manly United in the boys and women’s program.
Chris made the decision to take a year off from football coaching after playing a crucial role in elevating the professionalism and standards of the Manly United senior women’s program since taking over as Head Coach during the 2013 season.
Chris started his coaching in the Manly United boys program in 2003 where he spent 7 years coaching teams across the Youth League before taking up a role as the Head Coach of the Tongan Men’s National team in 2010-11.
Following that stint, where he led Tonga through World Cup Qualifying, finishing 2nd in their group, Chris returned to Manly United and moved across to the women’s program where he spent time as the reserve grade coach before stepping up to the first grade head coach role.
“Chris Williams has been a huge part of the Manly United Football Club for a long time and has undoubtedly left an enormously positive mark on the football club,” said Manly United CEO David Mason. “We are sad he will be leaving us but completely understand the need for Chris to take a break and spend more time with family and work commitments.
“Coaching at NPL level, for either the men or women, is a significant commitment both in terms of time and energy and Chris has been magnificent and put his heart and soul into the club and the women’s program for a long time.
“He has lifted the professionalism, energy and structures around the senior program and his work will continue even in his absence thanks to the structures and culture he has helped put in place.”
Williams will see out the 2020 season and has stated he believes the current Manly United team has the ability to claim the 2020 NPL NSW Women’s first grade Premiership.
“Manly United has been my home and my heart will always be here but it is time for me to take a year off and have a break and spend more time on family and work,” Williams said. “The time is right for me and also for the women’s team.
“We have worked to this point for a couple of years and I have no doubt the club is in a good position to be able to continue forward with a very strong core of players and some really talented juniors coming through.
“I have no doubt that this group of girls has the ability and desire to build on our success this season and continue to be a force in the NPL Competition for years to come.”
“I will still be a keen supporter of the girls and the team and I’m sure I will be drawn back to Cromer Park because it has been such a huge part of my life.”
Chris’ legacy will commence immediately with his long-term assistant Tom Hopley elevated to the Head Coach role for the 2021 season.
Hopley has been with Manly United since 2011 and Williams’ assistant coach since 2017 and was a logical appointment, continuing Manly United’s proud tradition of preparing talented young coaches to be able to progress through the coaching ranks.
“Tom’s appointment was a clear decision as Manly United has a strong tradition of giving coaches, just like players, the opportunity to advance their careers within the club. Tom’s appointment, just like that of Adam Griffiths, was a product of our culture and structures that ensure succession plans are in place for clear transition in key roles.
“We have a unique culture and environment and it is important that we employ head coaches with an understanding of that to ensure our structure remains consistent.
“We are confident Tom will ensure the women’s program continues to be successful. He has learned from Chris, who will still be a sounding board, but Manly United Technical Director Sharon Egger is supremely confident he will put his own stamp on the team and take the club forward.”