Manageress Powell looks forward to her big moment in the spotlight

DONNA POWELL makes Conference history on Wednesday night, when she takes charge of the Fisher Athletic team that takes on highflying Eastleigh at Champion Hill.

Powell, 27, the club’s turnstile operator, has been promoted to first team manager, for the Blue Square South game.



HISTORY MAKER:  A big crowd is expected at Champion Hill on Wednesday night, as 27-year-old Donna Powell takes charge of Fisher Athletic's Blue Square South game against Eastleigh - the first woman to do so in senior football
Photograph courtesy of www.fisherathletic.co.uk

Powell, whose family have strong links with the club, was set the task by chairman Martin Eede of raising £500 sponsorship for the opportunity to manage the side.

Fisher Press Officer Joe Arif explained to www.fisherathletic.co.uk, “The novelty of having a woman in charge of a senior male football team was originally not the idea we had in mind.

“The club have been struggling financially for some time now, the chairman Martin Eede called for a meeting with some supporters before Christmas to see how we could generate some extra revenue.
“One idea put forward was 'Be-The-Manager-For-The-Day' - a text competition but we struggled to get it off the ground. Donna found out about the idea and immediately had her heart set on it. She approached the Chairman about raising some sponsorship to be given this opportunity and it took off from there.”

The Champion Hill based club were delighted to learn that no women has ever been placed in sole charge of a full male side for a competitive game, especially a team still plying their trade in the sixth tier of English football.

The idea has already received some considerable interest from the press. Powell has so far been interviewed by the South London Press and the Non League Paper. The London Metro and Times Newspaper are also said to be preparing story's for nearer the time. And the club are hopeful the BBC will follow up their initial interest and send a News Crew down to the cover the match.

The game against fourth-placed Eastleigh is set up nicely for Powell to showcase her already considerable managerial skills.

The Fish, without a league win since November have lost their last ten league games on the bounce. The team, who have not been paid in five months, currently sit in 21st place, one off the bottom.

Eastleigh on the other hand have won their last three games and are currently fourth in the table and still in the title race.

To make matters worse, the Spitfires have always been something of a bogey side for Fisher and have scored thirteen goals without reply in the previous four fixtures between the two clubs.

Speaking about the club's chances, Mr Arif said, 'We need a miracle to avoid relegation and we probably need a minor miracle to avoid defeat on Wednesday. But miracles do happen and hopefully ours will be Donna!

“The team has shown signs of improvement and have been unlucky in the last few games so we're not too far off the pace.

“Our manager Dave Mehmet, in truth, has already performed great things just getting a team out every week and thus far we've avoided embarrassing defeats in terms of scoreline.

“If Donna can turn things round, then who knows - maybe there's a permanent position in future!

“It's a great opportunity and Donna knows it, she's already attended a few training sessions and was introduced to the squad a couple of weeks ago.'

Powell, also speaking to www.fisherathletic.co.uk, says she’s looking forward to the game and wants to make an impression.

'I'm confident I can do well,” she said. “I already run a boys football team - Red Lion Boys Under 11's. We're having a good season and we remain unbeaten in the league.

“I'm no shrinking violet and don't suffer fools lightly. I'll be picking the team and they'll be playing my way, none of this long ball nonsense - we'll be passing the ball on the floor, playing the game the right way.

“Sure, I'll be nervous - I realise there's a difference between kids football and the Conference South but I see it as football is football no matter how old they are - and I know my stuff.”

“It will be a tough job as Eastleigh are third and we've lost ten in a row but to me that doesn't mean a thing - it's what happens on the day.

“I see this as an opportunity, there are not enough women in football and why shouldn't a women manage a male side.”

“But first and foremost I'm doing this to raise money for Fisher, I hope we get a good turnout and people can give me and the team the support we need and it's an enjoyable evening for everyone. I would also like to thank all the people who sponsored me so I could do this, hopefully I can return your good faith with a win!”

Meanwhile, Wayne Burnett, who left the club last October, has joined League One side Leyton Orient as youth team manager.

The former Fisher manager, who led the club to the Blue Square South play-off’s last season, was on the Dagenham & Redbridge coaching staff since leaving Champion Hill.

The former Grimsby Town star replaces Kevin Nugent, who has since been promoted to assistant manager, following Gariant Williams’ arrival at the east London club.

And the Conference Board have reversed their decision allowing Fisher Athletic to bring in squad re-enforcements once again.

A club statement added, “With the club unable to pay salaries at this time, understandably the squad has a high player turnover.

“The Conference originally imposed this embargo due to the club facing a winding up order for unpaid Inland Revenue tax. Court was adjourned but now all eyes are on Wednesday, 4^th March and the next instalment for proceedings.

“In December the FA imposed the first transfer embargo due to unpaid player wages. This was settled in January.”

Article courtesy of www.fisherathletic.co.uk

Admission prices for the game:
£10 Adults
£5 Concessions
£2 Under 18s
£0 Under 12s accompanied by an adult


Fisher Athletic v Eastleigh
Blue Square South
Wednesday 18^th February 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Champion Hill Stadium, Dog Kennel Hill, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD