NEW Swindon Town Ladies manager Leonie Wade is looking forward to her new role with the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division side.

Wade takes over from previous manager Steve Robertson after he stood down from the managerial post following the conclusion of last season.

With just two wins from 20 games last season, Town just about managed to cling on to survival in their first season at Southern Division level.

New boss Wade, who has coached in America as well as West Ham Ladies and Blackpool Wren Rovers Ladies, has recently moved to the area and said:

“I'm very excited about the new season ahead and I'm looking forward to getting started. I would like to thank the club for giving me this opportunity.

"It's an exciting time for the club after gaining promotion and finding our feet in the league last year, and we believe we can push on from the great work Steve and the team have done over the last three years.”

With the club’s fixtures due out next week, Wade says she is looking ahead to working with the group already at the club, as well as any new recruits.

"I'm excited about this team and what the future holds and I hope that we can continue to develop as a club as well as pushing individuals on to reach their potential,” she added.

"Plans are underway with the club for the coming season with pre-season friendlies being set up."

The club will be holding open pre-season training sessions for players wishing to play in both the 1st team and Development team next season on the 13th, 18th & 20th July at the Gas Club in Swindon from 7pm and players both new and old are most welcome.