- Emmerson Boyce appointed Wigan Athletic Women’s manager
- Former Barbados international returns to the Brick Community Stadium to manage the club’s first-ever official women’s team
- Wigan Athletic head of women’s operations Hayley Sherratt: “We received a high calibre of applicants for the position, and Emmerson’s enthusiasm, knowledge and immense desire to be part of this historic project shone throughout the process.”
Wigan Athletic has named Emmerson Boyce as manager of the club’s new professional women’s team.
The historical appointment marks an emotional return to the Brick Community Stadium for Boyce, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Latics, making 298 appearances and captaining the club to a famous FA Cup victory in May 2013.
Following his retirement from the professional game in 2016, Boyce has held prominent roles in his native Barbados with the former international skipper having operated as technical director and head of the Barbados Female Football Development Programme for the Barbados Football Association.
The 44-year-old played an integral role in developing the women’s national team, transforming the country’s culture and sporting approach, culminating in the unprecedented development of the women’s game both on and off the field in Barbados.
His work led to a total change of strategy, including improved coaching, regular training, nutrition support and injury prevention, which aided their preparations immensely for high-profile competitions such as the Nations League and World Cup qualifier games from 2020 to 2024.
Building rapport with key stakeholders, Boyce created a player-focused environment, as well as a new safeguarding policy, which ensured a safe and comfortable environment for all players and parents. He also shone when facing adversity, changing the general perception of women’s football in Barbados by re-educating the community and highlighting the positive influences of the beautiful game.
A UEFA licensed coach, Boyce used his wealth of experience to implement player and coach development plans across all age groups for men and women, helping each player maximise their potential and satisfying the FIFA Talent Development Programme in the process. He also mentored the Barbados coaching team, ensuring they were up to date with the latest methods, and preparing them in the best way possible for future national teams.
Boyce devoted his life to developing football in his native country, and his commendable efforts were recognised in 2016 when he received a Barbados Golden Jubilee Award.
Aside from his magnificent work overseas, Boyce has an incredible affinity with Wigan Athletic due to his efforts both on and off the field during a nine-year stint as a player.
In addition to being Latics’ all-time Premier League record appearance holder, the 44-year-old is a former Wigan Athletic Community Trust trustee, previously playing a vital role in the governance of Latics’ official charity. Boyce has always taken an extremely proactive approach to giving back to the local community, forming links and relationships which he will look to utilise when promoting the women’s game in the local area.
Having played under and learnt from respected managers throughout his career from the likes of Iain Dowie, Steve Bruce and Roberto Martinez – as well as years of top-flight, European and International coaching experience – Boyce will now take up an exciting new role at the football club where he calls home, starting work immediately ahead of the 2024/25 campaign kicking-off in September.
Joining at the start of the Latics Women’s team’s historic journey, Boyce is determined to help the football club develop a highly-competitive team, which plays attractive football in line with the famous Wigan DNA.
Boyce said: “It’s exciting, and I am delighted to be back. When I heard about the opportunity, I wanted to be part of it.
“We want to make sure the town is proud of its female team. There’s going to be a great community feeling, and it’s an exciting time for the town.
“For me personally, I have a great history here, and I want to share my experiences with the players and coaching team. We are on this journey together, and we want to progress.”
Head of women’s operations, Hayley Sherratt added: “We are delighted that Emmerson has become the first-ever manager of Wigan Athletic Women, and we believe he is the perfect appointment given his experience coaching in Barbados and his previous connections with the football club.
“We received a high calibre of applicants for the position, and Emmerson’s enthusiasm, knowledge and immense desire to be part of this historic project shone throughout the process. Emmerson is a manager who wants to play an entertaining brand of football and will strive every day to make our Women’s Team a success both on and off the field.
“As an FA Cup winner with Latics in 2013, Emmerson also understands the values and history of our football club and knows the importance of developing a Women’s Team that will bring great pride to the town weekly.
“The work starts immediately as we start to assemble our first-team squad and lay the foundations ahead of the season starting in September. We are looking forward to working closely with Emmerson, and there is no doubt that this appointment is an exciting one for the football club.”