SWINDON Town Football Club have sacked Women’s head coach, James Lally and assistant head coach, Keehlan Panayiotou.

Lally’s coaching staff have also been relieved of their duties with Swindon sixth in National League Division One South West.

Town’s final game under their former boss - who arrived in 2019 - was Sunday’s 5-1 defeat by Southampton Women at the County Ground.

It was the third time Swindon Women had played at the home of their male counterparts, with the first appearance generating a 10-0 victory in the FA Cup and the second resulting in a 3-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle.

In a statement announcing the news, Town CEO, Rob Angus, said: “We have taken the tough decision to part company with James [Lally] as we look to take the Women’s team in a different direction.

“His contribution since joining us has been great, but we now feel the time is right to make a change as we seek to continue growing both on and off the pitch.”

Swindon’s hierarchy have made it clear they wish to expedite the progression of its Women’s team and want to see them in the third tier within the next five years.

Angus continued: “I’d like to thank James for his efforts and professionalism since joining the club back in 2019, and wish him all the very best in the future.

“The same goes for Keehlan, who has been exceptional over the last five years, giving his all in supporting James and our girls, regularly going above and beyond.

“Work is well underway to appoint a replacement First-Team Head Coach, with an announcement in due course.”