Tracey Neville, the former England netball head coach who led the Roses to a historic Commonwealth Games gold in 2018, has embarked on a fresh mission in an entirely different sport. Appointed as the managing director of the women’s football team at Stockport County, Neville is once again embracing the challenge of building from the ground up.
From Netball to Football: A New Chapter
“You can’t build a mountain in one day,” Neville told 90min. football, reflecting on her approach. “Every job I’ve done has been about building something from scratch, starting a new franchise, turning something professional or trying to get someone up the table, where we were the underdog and we gave ourselves a big challenge and sent a statement to someone.”
Her track record speaks for itself: she transformed England Netball from a team that had never won a major global title into gold medalists at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on home soil. Now, she is applying that same blueprint to women’s football at Stockport County, a club steeped in history but currently operating in the lower tiers of the women’s game.
The Vision: Creating a Future in Sport
Neville’s ambition extends beyond immediate results. She is focused on establishing a sustainable pathway for female players, coaches, and staff. “This isn’t just about winning matches,” she explained. “It’s about creating a future in sport for women and girls in this community. Stockport County has a proud tradition, and I want to build a women’s programme that reflects that.”
Her role encompasses everything from player recruitment and coaching structures to commercial partnerships and fan engagement. Neville is already working closely with the club’s academy to identify talent and create a clear route from youth to senior level.
Key Takeaways
- Tracey Neville has been appointed managing director of Stockport County Women, moving from netball to football.
- She previously led England Netball to Commonwealth Games gold in 2018, a historic first for the sport.
- Neville is focused on long-term development, not short-term success, emphasising “starting from scratch”.
- Her goal is to create a sustainable women’s football programme that serves the local community and provides opportunities for girls.
Infographic: Neville’s Career at a Glance
Sport: Netball → Football
Previous Role: England Netball Head Coach (2015-2019)
Biggest Achievement: Commonwealth Games Gold Medal (2018)
New Role: Managing Director, Stockport County Women
Philosophy: “Build from scratch, embrace the underdog, create a legacy.”
Neville’s move has drawn comparisons to other high-profile cross-sport transitions, but she is keen to carve her own path. “I’m not trying to be anyone else,” she said. “I’m just being Tracey, and I’m going to give this everything I’ve got.”
For more on Stockport County’s women’s team, visit the club page or follow the Women’s FA Cup coverage. The original interview was published by 90min.
