Sutton United have appointed trans woman Lucy Clark as the new manager of their women's team.
Clark previously became the first transgender referee in the sport but, now, the 51-year-old is stepping into the dugout to take charge of her favourite team.
The former referee has previously coached non-league men's teams in Essex.
And Clark has now been given the task of cheering Sutton to safety, with the club currently battling relegation in the London & South Regional Women's Premier Division.
Trans woman Lucy Clark has been appointed as manager of Sutton United's womens team
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Reacting to her appointment on X, she said: "Proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage such a fantastic club. Hard work starts now."
Per the BBC, Clark has revealed she's living a dream now she's in charge of the team.
"Back in the 1980s playing computer games, I would edit the teams to be Sutton United," she said.
"It's amazing, kind of a dream come true."
She added: "The plan was just to do some refereeing to have a look at players before I got back into managing, but obviously the refereeing went well and I had some fabulous times.
"And I think that has helped, I have refereed in the women's game for many years so I have seen many clubs and how they do things, now I am taking this position on at Sutton.
"I set up TRUK [a trans-inclusive amateur football team], which got me back in the dressing room as a manager, and made me think it was time. I got the bug of being a manager again.
"When the Sutton job came up I took a week to think, but I thought, this is just perfect. I put my application in, and thankfully I have been successful."
Clark is braced for a backlash.
But she's not bothered and insists it'll be nothing she hasn't heard before.
"I transitioned while I was a referee, and people don't like referees," she said.
"There is nothing anyone can say to me that I haven't heard or seen already from when I came out.
"There's already been a few of the Twitter warriors who have said their piece, I let them crack on.
"I've been known as the trans referee, and that's gone fine.
"Sometimes the words can get to you, but I'm thick skinned - I hit the block button and get on with it."
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Lucy Clark said she's living the dream after joining Sutton
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Fans on X have sent positives messages to Clark wishing her all the best for the future.
"Congratulations to Lucy," said one user on the social media website.
"You are amazing Lucy; we are so proud of you," stated a second.
A third said: "Love this! Good for you, Lucy and all the best to the team."
A fourth weighed in by saying: "Amazing news! Best of luck Lucy."
Proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage such a fantastic club. Hard work starts now. https://t.co/KT6QtNqYGs
— Lucy Clark. (@lucyclarkref) January 24, 2024
A fifth stated: "Welcome on board!"
And a sixth said: "Big up Lucy! Best of luck to you and your team."
