Former Technical Director of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) Katie Rowson is back in her homeland and has hit the ground running as the new Head Coach of Watford Ladies FC. Her new team plays in the English FA Women's Super League (WSL) second tier. Photo: Watford Ladies FC

Rowson had tendered her resignation on Friday January 22, 2016, to BVIFA President Mr Andy Bickerton after just 12 months on the job to take up the coaching position in England. Photo: VINO/File

Rowson had tendered her resignation on Friday January 22, 2016, to BVIFA President Mr Andy Bickerton after just 12 months on the job to take up the coaching position in England.

Quick transition

 “I am delighted to join a fantastic club, with such great prospects and a great vision for the future,” Rowson told Watford Ladies FC.

“It has been a quick transition, I only landed back in the country on Friday from working abroad; so I am happy to hit the ground running!”

The new Head Coach takes over a squad that has plenty of talent and potential within the ranks.

Rowson is looking forward to getting to know the players: “I am excited to get onto the training pitch and want to get to know the players as soon as possible,” she explained. “I am looking forward to working with them during our preparation for the season.

“I need to complete player appraisals immediately but I believe that it is important to have experienced players within the squad so our recruitment plan in underway.”

A plethora of injuries meant that at times, the 2015 season was a challenging one on the pitch. Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, what would be classed as a success for Rowson?

“Success will be based on how well we have implemented our vision and philosophy on and off the field,” she says. “Our seasonal goal is to be a competitive team with great work ethic.”

The new General Manager, Ellie Kemp, is pleased to have Katie on board: “We needed someone to come in who would look at our strengths and our positives,” said Kemp.

“Here, I believe we’ve found someone who has quickly assessed our position and is committed to developing our players to get the best out of them.”

Best wishes from BVIFA

Meanwhile, the BVIFA had expressed disappointment with having to part with Rowson but wished her well in her pursuits.

“Whilst disappointed Coach Katie is leaving the F.A. I would like to thank her for her contribution to the development of football in the territory and especially for working towards improvements in our Women’s Programmes,” commented Bickerton. “The F.A wishes her all the best in her future endeavour.”

Rowson had said: “This is a huge step in my career and I have worked to achieve this level over the last 18 years and I am delighted to take this opportunity,” she stated. “It will be extremely hard to say goodbye to so many people that I have met, worked with, leaned on for support and the amazing people that I can now class as friends and family.”