Dale Quits as Wrexham Women’s Boss: A New Chapter Begins
Wrexham, Wales — In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples through Welsh football, Steve Dale has officially stepped down as manager of Wrexham AFC Women, ending a remarkable tenure that oversaw the club’s meteoric rise from grassroots obscurity to the elite echelons of the domestic game.
The club announced the decision via an official statement, thanking Dale for his service and leadership during a transformative period in Wrexham Women’s history. While no immediate successor has been named, speculation is already mounting about who might take up the reins as the team prepares for its next chapter.
From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition
Dale’s journey with Wrexham Women began in 2021 when the club was reestablishing itself as a serious force in the women’s football landscape. Backed by the broader ambitions of Wrexham AFC, which gained international attention following the high-profile takeover by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the women’s side was positioned as a critical component of the club’s long-term vision.
Under Dale’s stewardship, Wrexham Women achieved historic milestones. His leadership culminated in the team’s promotion to the Genero Adran Premier — the top flight of women’s football in Wales — after a dominant campaign in the Genero Adran North. Their success was capped by a dramatic playoff win against Briton Ferry Llansawel in April 2023, a game watched by thousands of fans, both in-person and online, and hailed as a turning point for the visibility of women’s sport in Wales.
An Emotional Exit
In a statement released by the club, Dale expressed both pride and emotion at his departure.
“It’s been an incredible journey — one filled with highs, challenges, and unforgettable memories. I believe the time is right for me to step aside and allow someone else to build on the foundation we’ve laid. Wrexham has always been more than just a football club — it’s a community, a heartbeat — and I am honored to have played a part in this story.”
While Dale cited personal reasons for stepping down, sources close to the club suggest that the intense pressure of managing a side now under increasing national and international scrutiny may have influenced his decision.
A Leader Beyond the Pitch
Dale’s impact went far beyond tactics and touchline decisions. Known for his inclusive leadership style and emphasis on player development, he was instrumental in professionalizing the club’s structure, introducing modern training regimes, fostering youth engagement, and ensuring the team embodied values of equality and opportunity.
Perhaps one of his most praised initiatives was working closely with the club’s ownership and community arms to establish a clear development pathway for girls in North Wales. Through school outreach programs, youth coaching clinics, and grassroots partnerships, Dale helped Wrexham AFC Women become not only a successful team but a symbol of aspiration for young athletes.
Rising Under the Spotlight
Since the takeover of Wrexham AFC by Reynolds and McElhenney in 2020, the men’s team has enjoyed a resurgence — and the women’s side, under Dale’s guidance, followed suit. With increased investment, improved facilities, and enhanced media coverage, Wrexham Women began drawing larger crowds and media attention.
A highlight of this increased exposure was the team’s match held at the Racecourse Ground in 2023, drawing a record attendance for a women’s game in North Wales. Dale’s ability to keep the team grounded amid rising expectations was widely commended.
“He made us believe we could do something special,” said team captain Katie Sharp. “He took us from a team with dreams to a team making headlines. We’ll forever be grateful.”
Looking Ahead: The Challenge of Succession
The big question now is: who will fill the void?
The club has not set a timeline for appointing Dale’s successor, but the new manager will inherit a team with high expectations and an increasingly competitive league ahead. Wrexham Women finished mid-table in their first season in the Adran Premier, showing resilience and glimpses of brilliance — but also the gaps that must be addressed to compete with more established sides like Cardiff City and Swansea.
Potential candidates for the job include experienced names from within the Welsh women’s game as well as emerging talents from the English lower leagues. There is also speculation that the club may look to promote from within, possibly considering assistant coach Emma Williams, who has been part of Dale’s core team for the past two seasons.
The club’s ownership is expected to be heavily involved in the selection process, with Reynolds and McElhenney both outspoken about their commitment to the women’s game.
In a post shared on social media, McElhenney wrote:
“Steve Dale has been an inspiration and a builder. We’re proud of everything he’s done for Wrexham Women and grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. Onward and upward.”
What Dale Leaves Behind
Steve Dale departs not in the shadow of defeat, but on the shoulders of legacy. He exits having redefined what Wrexham Women can be — not a side merely participating, but one capable of challenging, inspiring, and leading the way for women’s football in Wales.
His influence can be seen in the team’s elevated profile, improved standards, and strong community connections. His departure also comes at a time when the club is at a crossroads — on the brink of either solidifying itself as a powerhouse or slipping into the pack of also-rans.
The infrastructure Dale helped build will be critical in this next phase. With new training facilities, a strengthened youth academy, and increasing fan engagement, Wrexham Women are better positioned than ever before to aim high.
Community Response
Fans and local supporters have reacted with a mix of sadness and gratitude to the news of Dale’s departure. Social media has been flooded with tributes, and some supporters are even calling for a permanent tribute to be installed at the club’s facilities.
“Dale gave us hope. He made us proud to support Wrexham Women,” wrote one supporter on X (formerly Twitter). “Whatever comes next, his mark on this club will never be forgotten.”
Local football writer Cerys Thomas noted:
“What Dale did in such a short space of time is remarkable. He made sure Wrexham AFC Women weren’t just passengers on the club’s broader journey — he made them leaders in their own right.”
A New Era Dawns
As Wrexham Women now begin the search for a new leader, they do so from a place of strength and promise. Dale’s exit, though emotional, is not an end — it’s a new beginning.
His legacy will not be measured in wins and losses alone, but in the doors he opened, the lives he impacted, and the standard he set.
In a sport often defined by transitions and turnover, few leave as respected and as appreciated as Steve Dale. As Wrexham Women prepare for the next chapter, they do so walking in the footsteps of a man who dared them to dream bigger — and helped make those dreams a reality.
