Everything you need to know about West Brom Women's new interim manager Charlie Fripp after shock exit

Charlie Fripp is set to take charge of West Brom Women for the immediate future.

West Brom News covered Siobhan Hodgetts-Still's temporary departure from the club in April.

The boss who has been in the dugout since June 2023 has stepped down for now due to maternity leave.

Martyn Irvine was appointed as her replacement in June, but he is already set to depart the Alexander Stadium side.

It is understood that Fripp will become the new boss until Hodgetts-Still returns to her role in the new year.

Who is Charlie Fripp as new West Brom role announced?

West Brom Women announced that Irvine had left his position, with Fripp set to take over in a shock twist on Thursday.

He holds a UEFA A license and a Master's Degree in Performance football coaching, which should equip him well for the role.

He started his coaching career as Under-15s assistant coach at Cambrian and Clydach Vale BGC in September 2018, before joining Cardiff City as an Under-13s assistant coach in August 2019.

He then took a coaching post at AFC Porth for eight months before linking up with JD Cymru South side Ynyshir Albions in August 2022.

Fripp spent over two years with Swansea City, in roles with their Under-13s and 14s, and then joined The Albion Foundation initially as Under-16 Emerging Talent Girls Lead Coach.

He then held roles with the post-16 programme and Girls Player Development Lead with the same organisation.

Fripp was named as First Team Assistant Manager in 2025, a role which he described as "a huge honour and a responsibility that i am truly grateful for" on his LinkedIn page.

What are West Brom Women's aims for the new season?

The Baggies finished sixth in the Women's National League North last season, level three of the game.

They have been on a steadying climb up the division under Hodgetts-Still, with ninth and seventh placed finishes before the most recent campaign.

The aim will be to push for the promotion places in the coming season, but whether the off-field distractions will hamper their progress remains to be seen.

They have made impressive signings such as Tara Kirk and Naomi Powell, which suggests that they are not slowing down their ambitions, despite the managerial situation being so chaotic at the moment.