"As the year draws to a close, so does my time at West Ham United.
"The journey was a rebuild from the start, with challenges ahead to stay in the WSL – but it was a challenge I tackled head-on with energy and enthusiasm. The work done for the women’s game across the club – to professionalise, restructure, build relationships, and increase understanding – was crucial to our survival. The most important part was recruiting the right people on and off the pitch to operate successfully in the WSL, while striving for consistency and stability in a team that had undergone so many changes.
"The 2024–25 season is one I will always be proud of. Finishing ninth – just three points behind sixth – was an incredible testament to a team punching above its weight, culminating in the club’s highest-ever home points record, the most goals scored in a league campaign, players achieving several individual accolades for the first time, reaching the semi-final of the League Cup, and a personal nomination for Manager of the Season. A fantastic team effort.
"There were also several firsts and a club record for the most senior international call-ups, including debuts for Anouk Denton with the Lionesses and Shekiera Martinez with Germany. Earning selection for your country is a huge achievement, and I am incredibly proud of how the team has helped develop so many senior internationals during my time here.
"All of this was the result of the daily determination, passion, and attitude of the players and staff, both in training and on matchdays. Replicating that this season has been difficult and despite some strong performances and everyone’s best efforts, we sadly weren’t able to secure the points.
"I believe the team can continue to compete above its means because of the people involved, and I remain confident they will meet expectations of staying in the league with the structure and new staff now in place. I would like to thank the staff for their commitment to creating a high-performance environment, driving standards, and constantly seeking ways to move the team forward. The club is definitely in a better place.
"I would like to thank all the players I’ve had the pleasure of coaching during my time here. Bringing together 19 different nationalities to bond and perform the way they did was no small feat, but everyone has been committed, hardworking, and supportive of one another through the highs and lows – a true testament to their individual characters.
"I would also like to thank the board for giving me the opportunity to manage a club with such passion and pride – traits that were evident from the very start.
"This leads me onto the faithful fans whose unwavering support has been incredible. Your chants of “Come on you Irons” and the iconic “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” were always special. Your understanding, tireless commitment to travel up and down the country, and the passion that made Dagenham such a difficult place to visit will always stay with me. For that, I will forever be thankful.
"Over eight seasons of managing or assisting in the WSL – and reaching a personal milestone this season as the eighth manager to oversee 100 games – the changes I’ve witnessed have been remarkable, however we all know there is still plenty of room for growth behind the scenes. It’s fantastic to see clubs recognising that potential and increasing investment in this new era of the game, with a focus on enhancing team performance and capability – something I look forward to being a part of again in the future."
#COYI
Rehanne
