Trans woman Lucy Clark becomes manager of football club as fans send messages on social media
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.”
