Portsmouth send ‘incredible’ thanks as manager exit now confirmed
Portsmouth are set to undergo major changes throughout this summer, with their women’s set-up shifting dramatically already.
Pompey Women endured a tough season, but survived the threat of relegation from the FA WSL 2 Division as they finished superbly and bounced back to finish ninth.
Portsmouth will now go through a redevelopment, which should aid their women’s teams in the long run, and this means that a key staff member has now left Westleigh Park.
While John Mousinho has been linked with a move away from the Portsmouth men’s side, the women have overseen a major departure.
Molly Small leaves Portsmouth Women under-23s
Portsmouth Women under-23 head coach Molly Small has now departed, and the Fratton Park club have sent a message of thanks.
“We would like to thank Molly and her staff for their incredible dedication and effort while at the club,” they wrote in a club statement.
| Women’s Championship Final Standings 2024-25 | Games Played | Points |
| 9. Portsmouth | 20 | 13 |
| 10. Blackburn Rovers | 20 | 12 |
| 11. Sheffield United | 20 | 7 |
Small took up her role in 2022 and led Portsmouth Women under-23s to the FA Women’s National League South West Reserve Section title in her first season, before back-to-back second-place finishes in an impressive reign.
The 29-year-old has now sent a message expressing her gratitude towards Portsmouth after what has been an incredible period for the under-23s, with thanks being directed at Ladies’ manager Jay Sadler.
Portsmouth Women disband under-23 side
Portsmouth Women have now announced that their women’s under-23 side will be disbanded and reorganised into a development programme.
The decision to disband the team may be a controversial one, given how well they have performed under Small, but it is a long-term vision.
She managed 66 games, won a title, and reached several other finals and semi-finals as Portsmouth became one of the best teams at under-23 level.
Freya Jones and Jess Smith are two of the players who reached the first team after coming through the under-23s, and Portsmouth fans will now hope that the decision to restructure pays off in the future, given the weight of the decision that has been made.