Joe Sheehan is stepping down as coach of Ipswich Women

Joe Sheehan has resigned as Ipswich Town manager after nearly seven years, with the team sitting bottom of Women’s Super League 2.

Sheehan has been in charge since February 2019 and led Ipswich to promotion from the third tier in the women’s competition last season.

However, they have found progress difficult, taking just five points from 11 games, winning just one, as they prepare to face Charlton Athletic on Sunday.

Chairman Mark Ashton said: “I would like to thank Joe for the passion and commitment he has shown during his time in charge of Town Women, which has included the team moving to professional status as well as two promotions under his leadership.”

He added: “We are currently in discussions with Joe regarding a new role, in which we hope he will remain at the club, drawing on his extensive experience in developing young players.”

Former Ipswich defender David Wright, who played more than 100 games for the men’s team between 2007 and 2010, has been named in charge until the end of the season.

He has been acting as the academy coach and has been assisting the women’s team in recent weeks.

“We look forward to continuing to grow the club’s women’s program, both in the short and long term, starting with our desire to retain our WSL2 status for the final 11 games of the season under the interim leadership of David Wright,” Ashton added.