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Sunday, May 17, 2026

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Stockport announce new management team

Stockport County Women is delighted to announce the appointments of Tash Tezgel and Steve Appleton, who will lead the club’s football department into an exciting new era for women’s football in Stockport.

Tash joins as the club’s new Head Coach following two successful years in charge at Leafield Athletic, where she established herself as one of the most exciting young managers in the women’s game.

The former Stoke City and West Brom midfielder began her coaching career as Assistant Manager at Stourbridge FC, before taking on her first managerial role at Leafield in 2023. During her two years in charge of the FAWNL Division One Midlands side, she transformed the team from perennial strugglers into genuine promotion contenders, whilst also enjoying success in the Women’s FA Cup.

Prior to her arrival, the Solihull-based club had recorded three consecutive ninth-place finishes in the 12-team division, but under her guidance, they finished fourth in her first season in charge – just four points behind second place Northampton Town. Leafield also recorded a cup upset against Derby County that year, winning 3-1 away from home to knock out their higher-ranked opponents in a famous win for the football club.

Those achievements saw her named as the Division One Manager of the Year for 2024-25, and her team continued to challenge at the top end of the table the following season.

They finished this season in third place, ten points behind unbeaten Peterborough United at the top – narrowly missing out on a play-off place on the final day of the campaign.

Her side drew plaudits for their expansive style of play, scoring an impressive 97 goals in 32 games across all competitions, whilst the 21 goals they conceded in the league was the second-best defensive record in the division.

Tash will be joined by the experienced Steve Appleton, who joins the club as our new Head of Football. In addition to supporting Tash in her job as Head Coach, the role will also see Steve oversee recruitment, as well as overseeing pathways for player development from grassroots level through to the first team.

Steve brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role, having previously managed in the third tier of the women’s game during spells with Stoke City, AFC Fylde and Huddersfield Town.

His coaching career first began during his time working as a Prison Officer, leading the England and Wales National Prison Service Team before becoming Head Coach of the women’s side, who he guided to four world championships between 2011 and 2015. He then joined Stoke City Women as manager in 2017, coaching Tash during her playing days, before going on to enjoy successful spells with Fylde and Huddersfield – guiding the latter to the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup.

In January, he was appointed as manager of Cheadle Town Stingers, competing in the same division as County. In his short time in charge, he led Cheadle to an impressive second place finish, falling just two points short of his former side Huddersfield Town, before losing out to Boldmere St Michaels in the play-offs.

Steve will take charge of the club for the final time on Wednesday night, overseeing their Manchester FA Women’s Challenge Cup Final against Mancunian Unity, before taking up his new role at Stockport Sports Village.

Stockport are also pleased to confirm the appointment of Luke Beardsmore, who joins as first team coach. Luke was assistant to Tash during her time at Leafield Athletic, with the two enjoying great success whilst working together.

These three appointments form an elite coaching unit that is ready to take the club forward into a bright new future for Stockport County Women under the leadership of Managing Director, Tracey Neville.

The ambition of the club is clear – to become a driving force for women’s football in Stockport, creating a team and environment capable of competing at the top end of the women’s game.

Managing Director, Tracey Neville said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Tash, Steve and Luke to Stockport County Women. From our very first conversations, it was clear that they all share the ambition, passion and values that we want to build this football club around in the years to come.

“Tash is one of the most talented and passionate coaches in the women’s game and the work she has done at Leafield Athletic over the past two years speaks for itself. She has developed a clear identity, created a winning environment and shown a real ability to improve players and build competitive teams.

“Steve brings a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the football department, both from his work in the women’s game and from developing players and environments throughout his coaching career. Together, we believe he and Tash will form a fantastic partnership.

“This is a major step forward for Stockport County Women and reflects our long-term commitment to building something ambitious, sustainable and inspiring for women’s football in Stockport. We want to create an environment that players are proud to represent and supporters are excited to follow, and we’re confident these appointments will help drive us towards that vision.”

Source: stockportcounty.com