Portsmouth Women boss Jay Sadler rewarded as new announcement made
Pompey Women manager Jay Sadler has received recognition after keeping his side in the Women’s Championship this season.
Sadler’s side were among the favourites to go straight back down after being promoted to the second tier.
The team suffered a rough start to the season in what was their first year in the Women’s Championship as a fully professional squad.
However, despite not picking up their first league win until March, Sadler rallied his troops toward a strong finish, and they survived following a memorable final-day victory against Blackburn at Fratton Park.
Sadler honoured in end-of-season awards
The achievement was recognised at the League Managers Association awards on Tuesday (27 May), where Sadler picked up the Women’s Championship Manager of the Year award.
The award was announced at the 33rd annual ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
The LMA panel voted for the best manager in each of the men’s and women’s professional leagues, although Sadler was the only recipient not to win their respective league. That puts the size of his achievement into perspective.
Sadler is the man to ensure Pompey Women keep progressing
Pompey Women looked like dead certs to be relegated from the Women’s Championship for most of the season.
They were well adrift of safety in March, having failed to pick up even one league win. Yet, three wins in their last six games was enough to lift them out of the relegation places at the last moment.
| Position | Club | Games Played | Goal Difference | Points |
| 9. | Portsmouth | 20 | -32 | 13 |
| 10. | Blackburn Rovers | 20 | -25 | 12 |
| 11. | Sheffield United | 20 | -25 | 7 |
It takes a calm and experienced manager to achieve such a ‘great escape’. Sadler has received plaudits throughout the season – he deserves them for helping his team to find their self-belief and go on such a fantastic run of form when it really mattered.
He’ll be busy throughout the summer in his efforts to build on last season’s performance. Six Portsmouth Women players have been allowed to leave after their contracts expired, while several key loan players have gone back to their parent clubs.
Still, if there’s one manager who’s up to the task, it’s Sadler. His experience and eye for a player will be vital in ensuring the team continues to progress.