FOLLOWING the departure of manager Sian Williams, Chris Crickitt, Chairman of Watford Ladies FC released the following statement.

"It is with sadness that we say good bye to our Manager Sian Williams who has spent 3 years with the team, and before that 2 years with Watford's Centre of Excellence.

"In that time Sian has successfully steered the team to promotion into the National Women's Premiership League where it is firmly established.

"After 28 years devoted to football, Sian has understandably decided that it is time to concentrate her efforts on her teaching career and her role as Mrs Karl Lingham.

"We thank Sian and Karl for their continued support from behind the scenes and wish them all the best for the future.

"Watford Ladies FC is a club that runs its Seniors Team in partnership with the Community Development Trust of Watford FC.

"Over time this has afforded us more than the obvious financial assistance they give us. It has allowed us to tap into the best practice through their staff in the Centre of Excellence Programme.

"As a short term measure until the end of the season it seems most sensible to utilise this excellent resource pool to assist with the delivery of training and management of the First and Reserve Teams.

"With immediate effect the First Team will be managed by Craig Rydeheard who is currently Centre of Excellence Director. The Reserves team will continue to be managed by Sam Perrin supported by Stuart Green.

"We have a great Squad at Watford Ladies FC, and we look forward to your continued support for our players in the coming weeks and months."