News that the AFC Bournemouth Ladies withdrew from the South West Combination division broke on Wednesday.
Over the last few years UpTheCherries have enjoyed reporting on the Cherries ladies side climbing the ladder in the women’s ranks (Click Here to view our AFCB Ladies archive) and it was a real disappointment to us to hear the news.
Speaking to UpTheCherries former player Charlie Lanahan said…
‘AFCB Ladies folding is such a shame to think there is no one who would want to coach/manage or play any of the staffing roles comes as quite a shock.
‘I started the club back in 1998, we start as AFC Bournemouth Ladies – Charlie’s Angels and Dorset Devils and played a vital role in building the youth system in Dorset as we divided our team in to two to get a league running.
‘The club grew and grew progressing up the leagues, shocking teams with how fast we were improving.
‘Our first trophy came in the Dorset cup final, beating cup favourites Dorchester who were playing 2 leagues above us at the time 3-1 and then we got promoted and were currently playing in the South West Combination, 2 leagues from the premiership.
‘In the ten years I was at the club a lot of hard work was put into club by my Dad Nick Lanahan, Shaun Langrish and of course Neil Prince who put in so much time and dedication to get the club where they are now, or was!
‘All 3 left due to family commitments with their own children and their football teams.
‘Many players left at the start of this year progressing up to higher clubs.
‘Lindsey Roe and Claire Heydon signed for Yeovil currently 2nd in the South West Combination Kerry Fisher and Lisa Langrish signed for Portsmouth who perform in the league above and Rachael Simkin took the biggest step signing for Bristol Academy in the Women’s Premiership as their number 1 keeper.
‘Jodie Prince also a valuable player left the club.
‘6 regular 1st team players leaving the club left the future manager a tough role trying to fulfil these positions. However they were still in a reasonable position in the league and pulling of some good results but for unknown reasons the club folded this week.
‘I’m not entirely sure why as I don’t have as much contact with the club due to living in Bristol at University, but I know many of the players that were there for a long time are upset to see the club that was once so strong and full of some great memories fold so easily..
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