Headline: Cheltenham Town Women’s Ex-Captain Claims Club Environment is ‘Dictatorship’
Emily Owen, the former captain of Cheltenham Town’s women’s team, has accused an unnamed individual of creating a “dictatorship” within the club, resulting in a psychologically unsafe atmosphere for players.
On Monday, Owen announced her departure from the Women’s National League Southern Premier club after making over 130 appearances over her four-year tenure.
After the club shared news of her exit on social media, Owen clarified her reasons for leaving, citing “a lack of an individual’s principles and outright failures in processes.” She emphasized the need to address rumors regarding her departure.
In her statement, Owen expressed, “One individual in particular has far too much control within this team, turning the environment into a dictatorship where players feel psychologically unsafe.”
Furthermore, she claimed that three other players have also left the club “on moral grounds as boundaries were crossed that shouldn’t be crossed in women’s football.”
In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for Cheltenham Town Women stated, “Cheltenham Town Women are committed to ensuring that every player, member of staff, and volunteer is treated with respect and feels safe, valued, and supported within our environment.” The spokesperson assured that any concerns raised would be handled with care and in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.
