Stockport County Women announces new management to lead next chapter

With the men’s side looking to secure promotion to the Championship, Stockport County Women has announced the appointment of a new management team to kick-off a new era for the women’s game at the club.

Tash Tezgel, joins the club as its new Head Coach, while Steve Appleton joins Stockport County Women as its Head of Football.

Tash joins Stockport County Women following two successful years in charge at Leafield Athletic, where she established herself as one of the most exciting young managers in the women’s game. During her two years in charge of the FAWNL Division One Midlands side based near Solihull, she transformed the team into promotion contenders who have also enjoyed success in the Women’s FA Cup. She brings with her from Leafield Athletic, Luke Beardsmore, who was assistant to Tash during her time at the club, and will join Stockport County Women as first-team coach.

The team’s coaches will be supported in her role by Stockport County Women’s Head of Football, Steve Appleton. Steve will oversee recruitment and pathways to develop players from grassroots level into its first team. Steve brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role, having previously managed in the third tier of the women’s game during spells with Stoke City, AFC Fylde and Huddersfield Town.

These three appointments form an elite coaching unit that is ready to take the club forward into a bright new future for Stockport County Women under the leadership of Managing Director, Tracey Neville.

Managing Director, Tracey Neville said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Tash, Steve and Luke to Stockport County Women. From our very first conversations, it was clear that they all share the ambition, passion and values that we want to build this football club around in the years to come.

“Tash is one of the most talented and passionate coaches in the women’s game and the work she has done at Leafield Athletic over the past two years speaks for itself. She has developed a clear identity, created a winning environment and shown a real ability to improve players and build competitive teams.

“Steve brings a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the football department, both from his work in the women’s game and from developing players and environments throughout his coaching career. Together, we believe he and Tash will form a fantastic partnership.

“This is a major step forward for Stockport County Women and reflects our long-term commitment to building something ambitious, sustainable and inspiring for women’s football in Stockport. We want to create an environment that players are proud to represent and supporters are excited to follow, and we’re confident these appointments will help drive us towards that vision.”