THORNABY Women manager Abbey Lyle said today she believes gender is a factor in the club’s decision to withdraw their “entire female section.”

Thornaby FC, based in Stockton in County Durham, announced on Sunday that following an emergency meeting the decision was taken to axe all of the club’s female teams, which range from youth squads through to senior level.

A further statement was published by club chairman Garry Morris on social media, asking the board to “reconsider” its decision.