West Brom Women interim boss leaves just weeks after appointment

Martyn Irvine has left his role as West Brom Women’s interim head coach just weeks after his appointment.

Albion confirmed Irvine’s departure by mutual agreement and wished him well for the future.

The 39-year-old was appointed interim head coach on June 22 after taking over from Siobhan Hodgetts-Still, who stepped away on maternity leave.

Irvine brought more than 20 years of coaching experience to the role and also served in the British Army for 12 years.

Before joining Albion, he was assistant head coach at FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division rivals Stoke City. He has also held coaching positions in Nottingham Forest’s academy and with the Football Association, where Hodgetts-Still has also previously worked.

Irvine had overseen Albion’s pre-season preparations, with the Baggies most recently recording a convincing 5-0 victory over Leafield Athletic last weekend.

However, in a surprise development just weeks into his tenure, Irvine has now departed the club.

Assistant coach Charlie Fripp will take interim charge of the side until Hodgetts-Still returns from maternity leave in the new year.

Albion face Portsmouth on Sunday before hosting Wolves in their final pre-season friendly on Thursday, August 6. Both fixtures will be played behind closed doors.

The Baggies begin their 2026-27 FA Women's National League Northern Premier campaign away at Stoke City on Sunday, August 16 (2pm kick-off).