Doncaster Rovers Belles appointed Sammie Coates as their new manager yesterday, making her the club’s latest success story for their female mentoring scheme.

Director of football Julie Chipchase designed the scheme which develops first-class female managers and coaches to work successfully in the top tier of women’s football.

She said: “It is fantastic for the club that Emma accepted the role of manager, having worked with Emma over the last few years through the club’s mentoring scheme, it is great to see how much she has developed and now the time is right to offer this opportunity in leading the team within the top tier of women’s football.”