Doncaster Rovers Belles have 'plans in place' to fill managerial void

Andy Butler, pictured in his role as Doncaster Rovers Belles boss.

Butler relinquished his Belles duties after moving into the manager’s hot seat at Doncaster Rovers following Darren Moore’s sudden exit – although the door has been left open for him to return to the women’s side.

Belles are waiting to discover if their FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands campaign will re-start next month. A decision is expected to be made by mid-March.

Butler’s assistant Nick Buxton, who has also been linked with the vacant assistant manager’s job with Rovers, is well placed to take charge of team affairs.

Belles chief executive Russ Green said: "Andy will have to take a step back from the Belles as it’s impossible to combine the demands of both no matter how much we know he’d love to.

"Rest assured that we have plans in place from a coaching viewpoint if we are able to resume the league season again.”

He added: "Andy took charge of the Belles when we were second bottom of the table last season, and the fact we are second now shows the impact he made - he brought a real sense of professionalism, unity and optimism to the club which really helped drive us on and off the pitch.

"The messages Andy and I received from players on Monday after the news was confirmed showed how much he meant to the players.

"We know he will smash it as Rovers boss and every one of the players and staff will be right behind the lads.”

Belles, who sit second in the fourth tier standings, hope to see the 2020/21 season resolved – either in full or by PPG – to enable promotion and relegation to take place as normal.

The FAWNL have been in consultation with clubs and have conducted a survey to gauge opinion before making a final decision on how the league will restart.

The FA Women’s Football Board will now be reviewing all feedback and information received ahead of a decision being made.

A FAWNL statement read: “The FA would like to thank all those who have fed into the consultation process thus far.

"It is anticipated that an update will be given by the FA in the week commencing Monday 15 March.”