Albion Women’s new interim boss worked in the British Army

Football coach and former member of the armed forces Martyn Irvine has been appointed as Albion Women’s interim head coach.

Irvine, 39, takes over in charge of the third tier Baggies as boss Siobhan Hodgetts-Still steps aside for a period of maternity leave.

Irvine, who boasts more than 20 years of experience as a football coach, also served as a member of the British Army for 12 years.

He was previously assistant head coach at Northern Premier Division rivals Stoke and has held coaching roles at Nottingham Forest’s academy and the Football Association, with whom Hodgetts-Still has also worked.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to continue the great work that Shev has done over the last three years,” Irvine said. “It’s a chance to support a group of players who have gone from strength to strength, and it’s an environment I want to be a part of.

“I know quite a bit about the club and how progressive it is; it has a great community feel, and everyone’s always trying to raise the standards here.

“Certainly, with the Women’s team, a lot of work has gone on off the pitch to support the programme here. The work Shev’s done here has been brilliant - I only look to add to that.”

Irvine has been in contact with Hodgetts-Still for several weeks and feels well-placed to lead the side into the new campaign.

Albion Women have progressed since the club was taken over by Shilen Patel’s Bilkul group in early 2024, as the ownership stressed one of its desires was to improve the standing of the women’s side.

Last year Bilkul appointed existing boss Hodgetts-Still into a first full-time role as women’s head coach.

The finish of sixth at step three - the side were just two points from fourth - was also seen as progress.

“I feel very well-equipped to take on the job,” Irvine added. “I was a number two at tier-three level, it gave me the platform for where I want to be as a coach.

“It gives me a chance to gain that experience and lean on my time in the army - where I had the chance to lead a group with honesty.

“I’ve been speaking to Shev over the last few weeks. Her experience and knowledge of West Bromwich Albion is exceptional, it’s vital for me to come into that and try to take the team to the next level.”