Spartans have announced today that Debbi McCulloch will step down from her role as Manager and Head Coach of the SWPL side at the end of the 2015 season.
McCulloch joined the Women’s Premier League team in 2009 as Assistant Head Coach before progressing to become our Head Coach in April 2010 and from the end of 2012 1st Team Manager.
During that time, she had guided her side to four League Cup Finals and a Scottish Cup Final whilst maintaining the team’s perennial Top 6 spot in the Premier League. In 2014, McCulloch was recognised by her peers when she was crowned SWPL Manager of the Year.
Speaking of her decision, McCulloch said, “I feel the time is right as the team are in a great place, but more importantly, I want to bring a better balance to my life. With the continued success and growth of the Spartans Community Football Academy, managing the two together has understandably become a greater challenge for me in recent months.
“When I moved down from Inverness some six years ago, I promised my family that I would spend more time with them and if anything, it’s been the complete opposite.
“The last six years have been an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some fantastic talent. This club is everything to me and will continue to be a massive part of my life going forward. Some of the memories I have will live with me forever and I look forward to seeing the club go from strength to strength.”
UEFA ‘B’ Licence Qualified Coach McCulloch will oversee the recruitment process within her new role as Club Manager, where she will work alongside the new coaching team including identifying new talent together with the day to day running of the club.
McCulloch added, “The recruitment process is one we must get right and I couldn’t think of a better challenge for an ambitious coach who wants to work at a first class facility with a group of players who have a great team ethos. I will continue in my current role as Head Coach until a suitable replacement is found.”
General manager Carson Ralton said, “I have watched Debbi flourish as a coach and a manager over the last six years and although we are all disappointed to see her step down from her current role, we fully understand and accept her reasons for doing so. Debbi has been a marvellous ambassador for this club and we are happy that she has decided to remain at the club in a different capacity that will allow her to find the life balance she is looking for.
“I, on behalf of all, would like to take this opportunity to thank Debbi for the substantial amount of hard work and attention to detail given to Spartans FC during her period at the club to date and look forward to working with her for seasons to come. Whoever takes over the Team Manager / Head Coach role will be in the fortunate position of having the support and help of someone who already has the experience of leading the team in the SWPL”.
A further announcement will be made in due course in relation to filling the coaching posts for next season.