Tracey Neville's Ambitious Vision for Stockport County Women

Tracey Neville, the newly appointed managing director of Stockport County Women, aims to transform the club from a volunteer-run entity into a competitive force in women's football. Hired in February 2026, Neville's vision includes a significant rebranding and a push towards professionalism, beginning with the upcoming season. The club, currently competing in the FA Women’s National League Division One North, aspires to reach the Women's Super League 2 (WSL2) within three years. This ambition marks a pivotal shift for Stockport County, which will officially change its name from Stockport County Ladies this summer.

The Guardian

Neville's strategy involves establishing a robust academy structure to nurture young talent in Stockport. She acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly the difficulty of gaining promotion from the lower tiers of women's football. "Winning promotion from tier four and tier three is really, really difficult," she stated. To facilitate this growth, Neville plans to enhance training frequency and ultimately transition the team to a fully professional setup. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with knowledgeable individuals to navigate the complexities of club management and governance.

The Guardian

Reflecting on her journey, Neville expressed a renewed sense of purpose after returning from her previous role as head coach of the Melbourne Mavericks netball team. She noted, "When I got back... I felt that there was nothing in my sporting world... that really drove that challenge." Her commitment to women's sport is evident, as she aims to create opportunities for aspiring athletes. "To give someone an opportunity or a future to aspire to is something that is really, really important to me," she remarked, highlighting her belief in the potential of women's football.

The Guardian

Neville's appointment has been met with optimism within the club and the wider community. She has received support from local clubs and is actively learning from their practices. Her approach focuses on creating an environment conducive to performance, stating, "I can put around them the best performance environments." This philosophy underscores her commitment to fostering talent and ensuring the club's success.

The Guardian

While Neville's vision is ambitious, some critics may question the feasibility of rapid progression in a competitive landscape. The challenges of transitioning from a community-level club to a professional entity are significant, and skepticism about the timeline for achieving WSL2 status may arise.

The Guardian

• “The aspiration for us is to get to WSL2 in three years’ time,” — Tracey Neville, Managing Director, Stockport County Women

The Guardian

• “You can’t build a mountain in one day,” — Tracey Neville

The Guardian

• “To give someone an opportunity or a future to aspire to is something that is really, really important to me.” — Tracey Neville

The Guardian

Tracey Neville's leadership at Stockport County Women represents a significant step towards elevating women's football in the region, with a clear focus on development, professionalism, and community engagement.

The Guardian