Aberdeen FC this afternoon confirms AFC Women Co-Managers, Emma Hunter and Gavin Beith, have both resigned from their roles with immediate effect.

Following the match at Tannadice yesterday, in which the Dons recorded their second win in their last three games thanks to a late strike by Bayley Hutchison, Co-Managers Emma and Gavin informed the Club of their decision to leave their positions with the team.

Commenting on their departures, Director of Football, Steven Gunn said: “We’re grateful to Emma and Gavin for their selfless commitment to AFC Women during the last few years.

“They delivered AFCW’s return to SWPL 1 and oversaw the programme that has provided a platform for the Club’s first-ever professional players. Their legacy will continue with the solid foundations laid in the previous three seasons and they have assembled a group of players which gives the next coaching team a great platform from which to build.

“We are in the midst of a strategic review of the Women’s and Girls’ programme at the Club and that work will continue in the background to ensure we keep building on the positive progress made during this period.

“We respect the decision Emma and Gavin have taken and work will start immediately to identify the new AFCW leadership team.”

Meanwhile, an interim coaching team comprising Academy Director, Gavin Levey, supported by AFCW coach Claire Garrett, Youth Academy coaches Mark Emslie and Matthew Mackie, and Head of Academy Performance, Kevin Symon, will assume responsibility for the team in the short term ahead of a run of important matches.

Emma Hunter was part of the set up when the Aberdeen FC Women’s team was launched in November 2018, and in her first season won the 2019 SWFL Division 1 – North. She then helped the side achieve back-to-back promotions when the Dons won the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 title. Gavin Beith joined Emma 14 months ago as Co-Manager and the pair steered the Club to a very impressive fifth place finish during their first season in SWPL 1.

Further to the above, AFC Women goalkeeping coach, Kenny Strachan, has also confirmed he will step down from his role with the team.

All at Aberdeen FC would like to thank Emma, Gavin and Kenny for their hard work and dedication and wish them the best in their future coaching careers.

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