Wigan Athletic Women confirm two new additions to Emmerson Boyce's backroom staff

Latics Women confirm two new additions to Emmerson Boyce's backroom staff
Emmerson Boyce confirms new members of his coaching team ahead of the 2024/25 Lancashire Women's County League campaign
Stephen Longrigg and JP Ditchfield arrive as Goalkeeper Coach and Set Piece and Physical Performance Coach respectively

Wigan Athletic Women's Manager Emmerson Boyce has added further strength to his backroom staff with the appointments of Stephen Longrigg and JP Ditchfield.

Stephen and JP arrive at the Club's newly founded Women's Team as Goalkeeper Coach and Set Piece and Physical Performance Coach respectively ahead of their inaugural 2024/25 Lancashire Women's County League campaign. They will work directly with Boyce and Head Coach Martin Fitzsimons to help develop the players both on and off the field, and ensure they are role models for the next generation.

With the Women's Team still in its infancy, it's an extremely exciting time for everyone connected to the town, and both roles are focused on enhancing the Women's football programme in line with the Wigan DNA.

Stephen will mentor Latics Women's young stoppers Amelia Knowles and Faye Moseley as Goalkeeper Coach, having gained a wealth of experience as both a Player and a Coach. He progressed through the Academy at Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers, before going on to have a very successful career in the non-league pyramid with the likes of Vauxhall Motors, Prescot Cables, AFC Liverpool and Wigan-based side Ashton Athletic.

Following the end of his playing days, Stephen has been coaching for the last decade and has held a number of eye-catching roles. He has most notably worked for the Peak Elite Goalkeeper Brand and Blackburn Rovers Women as recently as last term.

Supporting Stephen, Emmerson and Martin, JP is an extremely enthusiastic coach who is highly knowledgeable about the Women's grassroots scene in the Wigan Borough.

He took his first steps into coaching in 2012 with Wigan Athletic Ladies and Girls, where he played a part in the development of thousands of girls and worked with both the first-team and development squad during his 12-year tenure. Raised in the town and a lifelong Wigan Athletic fan, JP is honoured to have the opportunity to play his part in what's set to be a historic journey.

Commenting on their appointments, Head of Women's Operations Hayley Sherratt said:

"We are delighted to have both Stephen and JP on board at the start of our exciting journey. They will add a lot of strength and knowledge to our coaching team, and we know their work rate and passion for the women's game will be a real asset to our Football Club.

"They join Emmerson and Martin within the coaching set-up, and will work towards our shared goal of achieving something special this season and making the town of Wigan proud."

Welcome to Wigan Athletic Women, Stephen and JP!

Stephen Longrigg and JP Ditchfield join Wigan Athletic Women's backroom staff!