Rehanne Skinner’s Journey as the Pioneering Manager of West Ham Women’s Super League Team

In the realm of Women’s Football, Rehanne Skinner has embarked on a groundbreaking journey as the first woman to manage West Ham’s Women’s Super League (WSL) side. This trailblazing move occurred in August, following the departure of Paul Konchesky at the end of the previous season. West Ham, guided by female directors Baroness Karren Brady, Nicola Keye, and Tara Warren, chose Skinner to lead their team into a new era.

In a comprehensive interview, Skinner, a former boss at Tottenham Hotspur, shares her thoughts with BBC Sport on why West Ham’s female leadership was a crucial factor in her decision to join the club. She also outlines her vision for the team and reflects on how she dealt with a four-month hiatus from the sport.

Skinner’s stint at Tottenham concluded in March, marked by a challenging run of nine consecutive defeats in the WSL. However, during her tenure, she led the team to a commendable fifth-placed finish in the league. It was during this time at Spurs that she drew the attention of West Ham defender Hawa Cissoko, who had long admired female managers. Cissoko emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for capable female coaches and not solely focusing on gender. She said, “You have to be approachable, be prepared to work with players so they are more open in general with you, and also be qualified to do the job.”

Cissoko also highlighted the unique understanding female managers have of various issues, including women’s health and the challenges that female players may face in male-dominated environments. Skinner, who has gained valuable experience throughout her 20-year coaching career, has a deep appreciation for the factors that can influence a player’s performance. She shares her passion for advancing the game and ensuring that players don’t encounter the same hurdles she did in her coaching journey.

Upon joining West Ham, Skinner’s first priority was to familiarize herself with the players and staff she would be working with. She held one-on-one meetings with each player to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. These conversations provided her with insights into the team’s mindset. She stressed the importance of comprehending the identity of West Ham and how it resonates with players, coaches, and staff.

Skinner emphasized that understanding the club’s culture is vital to raising standards, adding value, and creating structures for the team’s success. She acknowledged that no one has all the answers, but collaboration is key in achieving more than just talent on the pitch.

On the field, Skinner envisions instilling confidence in the team, enabling them to confidently dominate possession during matches. Her approach has evolved over the years, incorporating elements from coaches who have developed this style of play. She believes in constantly tweaking and refining tactics to achieve her goals.

West Ham’s season began with a loss to Manchester City, followed by a victory over Brighton. Now, Skinner is gearing up her team for a challenging match against defending champions Chelsea. Her arrival at West Ham was just before the close of the WSL transfer window, making for a busy start to her tenure.

Outside of football, Skinner acknowledges the importance of mental breaks and enjoying quality time with family. She is an avid dog lover, finding solace in the company of her two dogs, Alfie and Luna. In addition, she has diverse hobbies that include playing golf, watching films and sports documentaries, and pursuing adventurous activities like scuba diving.

Rehanne Skinner’s journey as West Ham’s Women’s Super League manager not only breaks new ground but also carries the hope of inspiring future generations of female football leaders.