West Ham manager Rehanne Skinner has called for greater mental health support for Women’s Super League (WSL) coaches, describing the current situation as “a huge concern”.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the former England and Wales assistant coach said managers often face isolation, financial pressure, and job insecurity — all of which take a heavy toll on their wellbeing.
‘A lonely place to be’
Skinner, 45, who previously managed Tottenham and worked at Arsenal and Leicester, said the demands of the women’s game have grown rapidly without adequate resources to match. She described management as a “lonely place”, especially after being dismissed by Spurs in 2023 following three years in charge.
“When you’re sacked, it makes you question everything,” she said. “The role can move you around the world, and partners often change jobs to support you. It’s a massive commitment people don’t talk about.”
She also highlighted the financial gap between WSL coaches and their Premier League counterparts, noting that shorter contracts and lower salaries create additional stress.
Limited support options
According to Skinner, mental health support in the WSL is often “reactionary” and primarily focused on players. Coaches, she added, fear speaking up about struggles because it could be seen as weakness by club authorities.
“There’s only one place to turn — the League Managers’ Association,” she said, urging more funding for independent support systems.
A call for consistent care
Skinner has worked with the LMA on studies promoting regular mental health mentoring for managers. She believes long-term investment from the FA, WSL, and clubs is essential.
“Mental wellbeing should be part of performance, not an afterthought,” she said. “It needs to be talked about constantly — that’s how the game moves forward.”
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