Following a massive rise of the club’s Academy, Rob Liddiard has stepped down after 16 months as Academy Manager.

In that time Rob, oversaw the implementation of the club’s first ever Boy’s Academy Age Groups as well as the development of the club’s existing Girls Age Groups. Within the first year, the Academy grew from 6 to 9 teams with a number of teams receiving honours within their respective leagues and cups. In order to further our programme, Rob will continue within our Post-16 Women’s programme in partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College and Women’s First Team. On top of this, the club have appointed current staff member, Josh Richards, as Head of Academy for the remainder of the 22/23 season.

“Over the past 16 months, the club’s Academy has taken a big rise and has left both men’s and women’s team with a sustainable flow of young players who could one day represent us at senior level. It has been a great honour to develop the club’s first ever Boy’s Academy as well as develop the existing Girl’s Academy – I cannot wait to see our athletes progress through our Academy into the post-16 programmes.” – Rob Liddiard

Josh Richards, is a current UEFA B Licence Coach and a current Academy coach with the club, will transition into Head of Academy as well as remaining as the current girls U14s lead coach.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for me to get involved in the framework and growth of the academy.  I’m looking forward to working with the club in general and the academy staff on both a professional and personal level to help align our visions to what we see as the best development opportunities for both the players and staff. I feel privileged the club has offered me this role, and would like to thank Adam Murry and Rob Liddiard for the opportunity.” – Josh Richards