Football
Singleton steps down as Ladies chairman

Buy photos » Dave Singleton pictured with vice-chairman Tim Kalns with the Midlands Combination League trophy. (S)

DAVE Singleton has stepped down as chairman of Coventry City Ladies with immediate effect.

Singleton announced in December that he would step down from the Premier League club at the end of the current season.

But work commitments have brought his ten year reign at the club to an abrupt end this week.

"When I joined we set a vision that Coventry City Ladies FC would be a place where the girls of Coventry could realise their footballing dreams," said Singleton.

"We always had huge ambition, and spirit and togetherness has been rewarded with terrific results.

"Our new chairman needs to be a person who has time on their hands to grow the commercial side of the football club that is representative of one of the clubs at the top of the pyramid.

"It's not a position that requires footballing prowess, there's a full team and director in place to undertake that, they need all the support they can get to maintain a top flight Premiership position."

Singleton took over as chairman when the ladies were struggling in the Midland Combination League.

The appointment of Paul Cudby as manager back in 2008 was part of the club's 'Think Premiership' campaign and the Sky Blues have gone on to enjoy much success since.

In 2010 the club finally achieved promotion to the Premier League Northern Division and the following year Cudby guided the club to the top tier of women's football.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed ten years with Coventry City Ladies," Singleton added.

"I'm really sorry to be leaving the club, but do so proud of everything we've achieved.

"There's little doubt, however, that I'll never be gone for ever. I'll be watching from a distance, would like to sponsor a player and continue to help from afar."