Ipswich Women overhaul staff ahead of FA Cup tie as survival fight continues

Ipswich Town Women go into their Women’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against WSL2 rivals Sheffield United with the pressure off and spirits high, returning to their former Felixstowe home for the match after having used Colchester for league games to meet WSL2 ground requirements. The Tractor Girls have endured a difficult debut season in the fully professional second tier, sitting bottom of WSL2 and five points behind Portsmouth and Durham, with Portsmouth having played a game more.

Sean Burt, the club’s new technical director, said: “The players will have a sense of freedom. There’s no consequences. It doesn’t matter if you go out and you make a mistake because the reality is it’s not going to affect our league standing.” The club has made a number of off-field changes this month: Joe Sheehan was relieved of his duties as manager on 6 January and moved into a new role as head of player development and pro game academy manager on 16 January, David Wright has taken interim charge, and Burt was appointed from Hearts on 12 January.

Ipswich are also adding a wellbeing lead and a new sports scientist as they adapt to life in WSL2. Head of women’s football Rachel Harris said the expanded staff is important for a small group operating in the second tier and argued that more support at National League level would help bridge the gap to WSL2.

Key Topics

Sports, Ipswich Town Women, Sean Burt, Joe Sheehan, Rachel Harris, Sheffield United