We are delighted to announce that women’s team manager, Dale Houlston, has appointed a new captain for the 2021/22 season. The Captain’s armband passes to the very experienced Kim Brown. Kim joined the Mariners at the start of last season, having previously played at a higher level at both Sheffield United and Barnsley.
Speaking about the appointment Dale told us: “I am extremely pleased that Kim has agreed to step up to the skipper’s role. She is not only a great player, but she is widely respected by the group, leads by example, and has become a great character within the group too. Like many things in football, sometimes it is time for a bit of a change, and that doesn’t take anything away from Sophie Bartup who has been a tremendous captain during our first two seasons. The time was right for Sophie to pass on that responsibility, but, like quite a few of the players we have in the group, I am certain we will still benefit from all of Sophie’s encouragement skills on the pitch on matchdays”.
Speaking of the move, Sophie said: “The time and circumstance were right for a change and I think that in Kim we have a great choice of captain for this season. I’ve congratulated her and I have no doubt she will do a brilliant job. I’ve enjoyed every minute of being captain, and I will continue to enjoy playing for Town, and I’m excited about the season ahead – especially with some of the young additions we’ve made to the squad”.
And the new Town captain is honoured to be handed the captain’s armband.
“I was really thrilled when the gaffer asked me to become captain of the team,” Kim said. “It’s a great honour to wear the armband for this fab club, and I am very proud to have been asked to step up. As you know, I signed for Town at the beginning of last season, at a time when because of one thing or another, I had lost quite a lot of enthusiasm for the game. But I have loved every minute of my time here, it’s a great club with great people, and since I joined Town the club has really helped me to fall in love with the game again. I love it here, and whilst I live in South Yorkshire, my family have a holiday home in Cleethorpes and so it’s fantastic for me to combine playing football with visits to the coast.
“I’m looking forward to the season starting now. We have a good group of players, and hopefully, together we can start well and push for promotion. I recently had the opportunity to move elsewhere at a slightly higher level. But to be honest, with the enjoyment and happiness I have here, leaving was never really a serious consideration for me. I think that for any female player that is looking for a great club to come and play for, becoming a Town player is a great move. It’s a fantastic place to be to enjoy your game, the atmosphere and spirit in the camp is top-notch, and I am looking forward to being captain here”.
