The Spartans FC can today confirm that highly regarded Spartans Women FC Head Coach Debbi McCulloch will step down from her position to dedicate her full focus and commitment to her new position as CEO of the Spartans Community Foundation.
Debbi is an exceptional coach and has led the team out on 289 occasions since becoming Head Coach in April of 2010. The following year, Debbi would lead the team to a runners up finish in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. In 2014, McCulloch would win SWPL Manager of the Year. It was in 2015 when Debbi announced she was stepping down from the SWPL side at the end of the season. A spell that had seen her guide the club to four League Cup Finals and a Scottish Cup Final all whilst maintaining the team’s status in the top 6 of the SWPL.
As Debbi rejoined the club in 2018, the manager lead the team to just one defeat in six matches to ensure the club retained their spot in the top flight. Very much picking up where she left off, Debbi continued to take the team on inspiring cup runs, with a further four semi-finals made, most notably a historic win away to Celtic in the Sky Sports Cup just last campaign.
“My time as SWPL Head Coach at Spartans has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to work at a club full of great players, inspirational staff and dedicated volunteers over the past six years and will forever be eternally grateful to you all. A moment lasts all of a second, but the memories last forever and I feel very blessed that I leave the role of Head Coach with a bucket full of memories which will always fill my heart with much joy. As the game continues to grow at a rapid rate, I look forward to supporting Spartans Women’s & Girls section develop, on and off the pitch. This has been a decision that I have not taken lightly but is one which I know is not only right for myself and my family, but also the club, as I look to balance my new role with the Foundation as CEO and life itself.”
Alongside the news that McCulloch will be stepping away to focus on other commitments, Assistant Coach Katie Reilly will step down from her coaching role at the club. As a player, Katie became a club centurion, raking up a total of 127 appearances for the club. In her coaching role, Reilly also coached the U16 Galbraith National Performance team last season helping pave the way for the next generation.
“Spartans has and always will hold a special place in my heart. I have loved my time as a player, and coach within the club, and look forward to watching the club grow from strength to strength. Spartans is a remarkable club, with magical people and a fantastic sense of community. It’s a family I’m very proud to be part of.”
Debbi will continue in her Head Coach role until her replacement is in place. The club are also pleased to say that Katie will continue her role as Club Podiatrist.
“Debbi has been a fantastic Head Coach for us. Debbi and her coaching team, with Katie a key part of it, have inspired and developed our players to compete very well against the top teams in Scotland. I am delighted she will continue to play a key role in the development of our Women’s and Girl’s section”
We therefore now seek applications from enthusiastic and committed individuals for the role of Head Coach of our Women’s team playing in the top level of Women’s football in Scotland. The role has responsibility to develop our Women’s programme and manage our SWPL team working at the outstanding training and playing facilities at Ainslie Park Stadium in Edinburgh. The role is part-time with the team training three days per week with matches mostly on Sundays. Applicants should have an UEFA A level Coaching licence and a proven track record in coaching and management. The salary is dependent on experience.
If you are interested pleased email your CV with a covering letter to Chairman Craig Graham at craiggraham@spartanscf.com. A more detailed job profile will be emailed to those candidates who meet the role specification. The closing date for applications is Friday 15th December 2023