Former Athlone Town boss Tommy Hewitt is set to take the reins at Sligo Rovers women, succeeding Steve Feeney, who will step away at the end of the season for work and family reasons.
Hewitt was voted SSE Airtricity Manager of the Year in the Women's Premier Division in 2022 after leading Athlone to second in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division and to the FAI Cup final, which they lost to Shelbourne.
He's previously served as assistant manager with the Athlone Town men’s team and was also head coach with the Irish Defence Forces team at the Military World Games.
Hewitt spent four seasons with Athlone, building a fine side that was weakened last winter when other clubs picked off some of their best players. Hewitt resigned last June, with Ciaran Kilduff taking over and guiding them back to another cup final. They'll once again face Shels in the Tallaght Stadium showpiece next month.
"I’m very pleased to become manager of Sligo Rovers next month," said Hewitt.
"I spoke to the committee and the staff at the club when the opportunity arose. The vision and plan Sligo Rovers have for the women’s area of the club was very impressive.
"First and foremost, I want to commend Steve Feeney. When he took over at the formation of the team, I was immediately on the phone to him to wish him well and offer any advice that I could and have done during his time. He has done an absolutely fantastic job over the two seasons.
"The foundations that have been laid are another reason why the job is so appealing.
"I’ve always had the hunger to return to management. I think the break has served me well. I want to build on what has been done already and try to push it on further. For me there is no reason why Sligo Rovers can’t climb the table next season."
Feeney became manager two years ago following the formation of the Bit O' Red’s team in the Women’s Premier Division.
He recorded a memorable first season, accumulating 20 points and a stunning 3-2 win over the present champions Shelbourne in The Showgrounds.
This season Feeney’s side have only won two games but reached an FAI Cup semi-final with Athlone Town as over 1,100 fans attended a historic occasion in The Showgrounds.
He informed the club of his decision to let 2023 be his last season earlier in the year.
Feeney said: "The role is very demanding and with a young family and a work life I had to acknowledge it would have a certain period that I could commit.
"I’m very proud that I managed Sligo Rovers firstly. As a former player and Sligo person I know what it means and that I can say I was a player and manager of the club is very special.
"Secondly I’m very proud of the group of players. The first two years just showed how much the region needed this team. There is a very exciting future ahead for women’s football with the club."
Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins said: "Steve has done a magnificent job. He showed enormous commitment and hard work to not only build the team but also bring so many great players to the club and develop them. Together they achieved some tremendous results over the last two years.
"We owe him a debt of gratitude for creating a high-level environment that is in place for his successor and all of the players both now and in the future. On behalf of Sligo Rovers I want to thank him for his great contribution to the club and women’s football in the region."
Feeney will formally depart on Sunday 11 November.
