Matt Graves departs Southampton Women's FC

Southampton Women's FC can confirm that Matt Graves has stepped down from his role as Reserves Manager.

Due to a change of personal circumstances following his graduation from university Graves has chosen to return to his home county, Sussex.

Graves first joined in the summer of 2020 as a coach for the First Team with the aim to learn and be mentored by Aaron Smith and Lee Hurrell.

His first season was cut short due to the season annulment due to the Covid pandemic, but he was then promoted to Reserve Team Manager during his second year.

Bringing in his assistant Sam Cox Graves transformed the Reserves and went on a great run in the second half of the Southern Region season.

The Reserves won eight games in all competitions out of 13 which included reaching the Semi-Finals of the Southampton District FA Cup and the Southern Regions Chairman's Cup.

First Team Manager Aaron Smith said: "They say that some heroes don't wear capes and never was a phrase as fitting as this... sometimes they wear cricket pads.

"Matt volunteered to take over the Reserves at a time of struggle and transition and has worked extremely hard to turn their world around.

"Now the Reserve set up is in a much better place and this is down to the dedication and hard work of Matt and Sam.

"I've enjoyed every minute of Matt's time at the club from his transformation of the Reserve Team to filling in at training as a goalkeeper (badly) when needed.

"I'm going to miss working with Matt and I am upset to lose such a valued member of staff and more importantly a friend but I wish him all the best and hope he looks back at the last couple of years as a time of growth and pride in his work."

Everyone at Southampton Women's FC would like to extend our thanks to Matt for his commitment and service to the club during the last two years, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.