Stoney: The hard work starts now

Truly, it is an honour to help shape a new era for one of the world’s biggest clubs and I will be working very hard to make sure that it is a success.

In order for me to give my complete dedication and commitment to the role, I am stepping down from Phil Neville’s England backroom team. This comes with Phil’s blessing and I want to thank him for the incredible support and opportunities he has given me.

Additionally, I would like to place on record my thanks to the Lionesses themselves. I have said before that this is a very talented group of players and I wish them and Phil well for the future.

My thanks must also go to Sue Campbell and Dan Ashworth at The FA for guiding me through the player-to-coach scheme, along with everybody at my management agency, 10Ten Talent.

Manchester United is one of the world’s biggest and most successful clubs. The principles of the men's side have always been to offer academy players a pathway to the first team and that will be true of the women’s team too. I want to build my team using the same values that have brought so much success to United over the years.

Historically, the club has overseen a hugely successful girls’ programme with local schools and community groups through the Manchester United Foundation. The new women’s team will give graduates from Regional Training Centre the chance to establish themselves as future first-team players.

We can be a beacon for young female footballers everywhere – the chance to pull on the famous red shirt is now a reality. Interest in the women’s game has grown exponentially in recent years and I know we can count on Manchester United fans to support us next season.

When the redevelopment is complete, The Cliff will be our base and I cannot wait to start work there. Here we will be able to draw inspiration from the many other footballers who have honed their skills there before us.

The hard work starts now. Together, we can write a new chapter into the storied history of this great club.