The 2023/24 season has nearly begun for our women’s teams so it’s time to unveil their coaching set-ups, with some new and some familiar faces.

First team

New coach/manager Koral has taken over the women’s first team ahead of the new season after the departure of Claudio Gomes at the end of 2022/23.

Having been going to football since the early 1980s (a West Ham fan) and having coached teams of different ages from U10 to university level, Coach Koral will bring a wealth of football knowledge and experience to the team, for what will hopefully be an entertaining and successful season.

Our second campaign in the London & South East Women’s Regional Football League begins on Sunday, August 27 away at Sport London e Benfica.

Development team

The Women/NB development team will be in the brand new London Women’s Saturday Football League Division One North on Hackney Marshes. No more trips down to Clapham or Tooting!

Experienced coach Neil Day is taking up the reins as head coach of the development team. He brings a wealth of experience in the men’s game, having coached at many teams in the Isthmian and Essex Senior League, including Ilford, Barking, Wadham Lodge and Tower Hamlets. Most recently he was assistant manager at Woodford Town.

Neil, who is no stranger to the Old Spotted Dog, said: ”This is a fantastic opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with a new generation. I’m delighted to see the progress the club has made and am relishing the challenge of promoting its ideals and ethos in a diverse and inclusive environment.”

He will combine this new role with being joint manager of Buckhurst Hill Reserves men’s team. He’s also a scout for Leyton Orient and Colchester United.

Open Access team

Clapton CFC will be fielding not one but two teams in the LWSFL league, with the CCFC Open Access (women/NB) 11s joining Division Two North.

The team will continue to be coached by Ellie Guedalla who will be joined by assistant coach Johanna Kuosa.

Ellie has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the game whilst Johanna is studying sport psychology. Both are undertaking the UEFA C licence course during the season as well and are looking forward to utilising modern, transformational leadership approach to coaching. Johanna should also be back on the pitch playing once recovered from injury.

The two LWSFL teams will play every fortnight on Hackney Marshes on Saturday mornings, with the season due to begin in September. Fixtures to follow soon, support always welcome.