BURY AFC Women have appointed Jake Williams as manager.

The club went through a rigorous application and interview process and admitted they were impressed with Willliams’ vision for the women’s team and the club.

Williams started his footballing career at Manchester United where he spent most of his youth in the academy squad, before taking up handball, going on to represent both England and GB in the sport.

He began his football coaching career 10 years ago at Ramsbottom United Juniors and after coaching and management spells in Denmark, America and Australia, he returned to the UK and re-joined Rammy in 2019 as head coach of the development squad.

Last year he joined the first-team coaching staff of the Rams helping Chris Willcock’s side shine in the Northern Premier League North West Division.

“My time at Ramsbottom United has been brilliant,” said Williams, whose brother Ciaran represented the GB handball team at the London 2012 Olympics.

“I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some fantastic managers and coaches, while working with players that have played at the top level.

“I can’t wait to get started with the new women’s team.

“It’s an exciting project that I see as a great opportunity and look forward to giving the local community something to cheer about.”

Williams will lead the club’s recently recruited squad and

coaching staff of Casey Lynchey, Kelly Boag and Krystle Johnson. They will also be joined by physio, Mandy Walsh.

Due to the large interest Bury AFC Women have had from players wanting to join the new women’s elite team, it has decided to launch a reserves squad to run alongside the first team.

This will allows them to offer a clear pathway for players to progress into the first team.

Boss Sam Irvine and assistant Craig Nolan

Boss Sam Irvine and assistant Craig Nolan

Sam Irvine has been named as the reserve team manager, with Craig Nolan as his assistant

The pair have been coaching across the recreational teams since their inception. Irvine is a Level 2 coach who has previously worked with Rochdale Ladies, with lots of experience coaching youth football and is currently with Bridge FC under-17s.

Nolan is also assistant manager of Milnrow Juniors under-16s as well as coaching AFC Bolton Girls under-9s.