Marieanne Spacey-Cale to leave Southampton later this year | OneFootball

Southampton have confirmed that director of women’s football Marieanne Spacey-Cale will leave the club later this year.

According to Daily Echo, she had been expected to resign as the club faces cuts of at least £300,000.

Spacey-Cale joined in 2018 as manager, delivering swift progress and back-to-back promotions to reach the second tier in 2022. After the 2023/24 season she moved from the dugout into a senior off-pitch role as director of women’s football.

She played a major part in developing local talent, with Kayla Rendell and Ella Morris moving on to play top-flight football. Lucia Kendall has since gone on to represent the senior England team after leaving.

Spacey-Cale said it was a difficult decision to depart after eight years and expressed gratitude to players, staff and supporters for their backing. The club thanked her for her commitment and impact on the women’s and girls’ programme.

Southampton’s women’s operation has already seen job losses after the academy was downgraded from Category One to Category Two. Category Two status requires fewer full-time roles, with funding aligned more closely to minimum requirements.

Source: Daily Echo