3rd August 2024
Cheltenham Town Women FC have made another addition to their defensive ranks, securing former Exeter City Women’s captain, Manfy Sharpe.
The centre-back will be no stranger to Cheltenham, having faced the Robinesses a number of times in what are usually closely contested league and Adobe Women’s FA Cup games during her nine years with Exeter City Women.
While excited to experience life in a new environment, she admitted to Gloucestershire Live that there were some nerves after so long with The Grecians.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Cheltenham so far,” Sharpe said. “Obviously to come to a new place is very daunting. It can be quite scary.
“But the girls and the staff have made me feel really welcome and it’s a really enjoyable place to be.”
Sharpe also looks back fondly on nearly a decade of service to Exeter City Women, commenting: “It was amazing, I’ve not got a bad word to say about Exeter.
“I really enjoyed my time there. It shaped me as a player and as a person. I’m just grateful to them for building me to the person and player I am today.”
Sharpe helped lead the Grecians Women to promotion from the FA Women’s National League Division One South-West by two points, remaining unbeaten in league action.
Reminiscing on promotion, Sharpe commented: “It was an amazing feeling. Just being resilient and knowing that every game is a must win game is a good quality to have.
“As captain there, it’s good to bring those leadership qualities into any team.”
Cheltenham’s new signing can’t wait to get stuck into competitive action at the Third Tier of Women’s Football, as Cheltenham play host to Exeter’s local rivals Plymouth Argyle Women on August 18 (Kayte Lane, 2:00PM).
“I can’t wait to get going,” Sharpe said, anticipating the start of the season. “It’s two weeks away now. I think the way they’ve managed pre-season is really impressive. I’m really excited to get going.
“Getting the opportunity to play in Tier Three is something I’ve always wanted. Hopefully, I’m going to take that opportunity with two hands and run.”
As a leader, Sharpe is also relishing the opportunity to help lead within her new group.
When questioned on what qualities she’ll bring to Tom Davies’ young squad, Sharpe said: “As an older and more experienced player, I’m hoping I can offer encouragement, praise, instructions, and hopefully we can provide that for each other.
“I’ve not got experience in Tier Three, so that’s something I’ll be learning as well,” Sharpe concluded.
Manager Davies was pleased with his latest acquisition, talking to Gloucestershire Live he said: “Manfy’s a great signing for us. She’s brought in straight into what we’re trying to do and it feels like she’s been here for years.
“She’s been a top-class captain and leader for a number of years and these attributes will be key throughout the season within the group.
“She’s still got hunger and desire to learn and improve while having qualities in a defender we appreciate by being composed in possession and aggressive to protect the goal.”
Cheltenham’s third season in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier gets underway on August 18, with Plymouth Argyle Women making the trip to Kayte Lane. For a list of the Robinesses’ 2024/25 fixtures, click here.
