Russ Green has been appointed chief executive of Doncaster Rovers Belles, the first time the position has been created at the most iconic club in women’s football.
Russ, who has previously been in charge of Hartlepool United and Rochdale, will oversee the transition into the Club Doncaster group this summer.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to be given this role, everyone knows the name of the Belles and it’s clear from everyone I’ve already met that there is a real determination to bring great days to the club again.
“With England doing so well in the World Cup there is a real buzz about women’s football at the moment, it feels like a great time to build on interest in the Belles and inspiring local girls who have seen their heroes on TV and now dream of following in their footsteps.
“There is a tremendous heritage for us here to build on, and from speaking to people like Sheila Edmunds and manager Zoey Shaw, as well as their staff and players, it’s clear that there is a real excitement about what the future holds with a focus on what the club is all about - developing young players and inspiring future generations.”
Club Doncaster chief executive Gavin Baldwin feels Russ can play a significant role in the Belles climbing back up the leagues.
He said: “I’ve known Russ for many years, he is a man of integrity who can bring his decades of experience in football to the club.
“We could not have found a better person to lead the club off the pitch, I know the coaching staff have already taken to him and I’m sure the players and fans will too. He will leave no stone unturned in his aim to get the Belles back to where they should be on the pitch, and in fact we can already point to ideas he has brought to the table which should really help the club develop.”