Who's Who

Richard Tims - Chairman

'Chairman Rich' has masterminded a turnaround in the club’s fortunes since taking over in 1999. At that point Sheffield FC were playing in front of 'one man and a dog' at the cavernous Don Valley stadium, with no fans, no cash and not much hope of making it to the 150th anniversary in 2007.

But a combination of passion for the club and a shrewd business sense has seen the fortunes of the world’s oldest football club transformed. The club now has a ground to call home – the BT Local Business Stadium in Dronfield – a loyal fan base and an ever increasing army of worldwide members.

"We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a long way to go," the Chairman told the SFC site. "We’ve got big plans for this club, for the 150th anniversary in 2007 and beyond."

Guy Higton - Head of Brand

Guy joined Sheffield FC in early 2008 from the Derbyshire Building Society where he was Sponsorship and Affinities manager for the company, managing the sponsorship of Derby County Football Club and individuals like Ellen Macarthur.

His responsibilities as Head of Brand cover all facets of the commercial side of the club, including marketing, media, sponsorship and legal’s as well as securing funding for the community programs and the 'Boots For Africa' Charity.

Guy has played a significant role in shaping the long term strategy of the Football Club, a key player supporting the Chairman in the creation of the Sheffield FC Foundation.

With a passionate belief for the heritage of the Club, Guy’s core focus is to capitalise on the global awareness of the Club to keep the Sheffield FC heritage alive for future generations.

Lee Walshaw - Club & Community Manager

Following a successful 7 seasons with Sheffield FC as assistant manager, Lee is now responsible for the development of the Club.

A former professional footballer and UEFA B qualified coach, Lee has developed Sheffield FC’s award winning community scheme and built relationships with businesses and organisations both locally and nationally, looking to enhance the reputation and goodwill of the Club.

Jenny Tims – Boots for Africa Project Manager

Jenny joined Sheffield FC as Project Manager for Boots for Africa in May 2010. With a background in advertising, media and data processing she is well equipped to facilitate the collection processes around the UK and the delivery programmes into Africa.

Jenny’s aim is to maximize PR opportunities for community partners and sponsors of the Charity and to engage more collection partners both in the UK and overseas.

Jenny is relishing her new role saying “to be a part of such an amazing charity is an honor; the feedback we receive from Africa once the boots have been delivered is amazing; the smiles on the children’s faces is a real motivator to work hard”.

Chris Dolby – First Team Player/Manager

Chris became Manager of Sheffield FC at the beginning of the 2008/9 season, following a two year spell as a player. Chris has previously played as a professional for Bradford City and Rotherham United and in non-league football for Denaby United, Alfreton Town, Belper Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Gavin Smith – Player Assistant Manager

Gav joined Chris Dolby as Assistant for the season 2008/09 having been at Sheffield FC for two and a half years as a successful right back. Previously played as a pro for 4 years at Sheffield Wednesday before a non-league career that took him to Worksop Town and Buxton.

Stephen Hall - Honorary Club Secretary

Stephen is not only Club Secretary but a Vice President of the Club and acting Chariman of Windsor Foods North Midlands U19's Football League. Steve's near 30 years experience at the Club proves invaluable in the running of 'The World's First Football Club'.

Mark Joyce, Under-19s Team Manager

Lecient 'Eddie' Edwards - Disability Squad Manager

Popular with everyone amongst the Club, Ed is a key figure at Sheffield FC. His enthusiasm is infectious and the club look forward to continuing the early success achieved by the disability squad.

Helen Mitchell - Sheffield FC Ladies First Team Manager

Helen plays a pivotal role organising the Sheffield FC Ladies squad and is well respected by all at Sheffield FC. She joined Norton Ladies from Chesterfield LFC in 2001 as a player, but when the manager left at the end of that season, Helen took over the reins and helped to bring about the affiliation with Sheffield FC in 2003. A series of long-lasting injuries curtailed her playing career. but allowed Helen to concentrate fully on her role as manager. The Ladies team has been transformed over the past seven seasons to become a hugely successful and professionally run team thanks largely to Helen's dedication, enthusiasm, and sheer hard work. Helen holds her FA Level 2 coaching badge and is currently undertaking her FA Level 3 'UEFA B'.

Nigel Hughes - Sheffield FC Ladies Coach

Joined Sheffield FC as a player in 1974, enjoying 14 unbroken seasons with the club and was first team skipper for five seasons. Nigel was involved in the ‘glory days’ of the mid 1970’s and one of his last competitive games was in the Whitbread Trophy Final in 1988, which the Club won 1–0.

He had seven years coaching young players at AFC Dronfield then, wanting to put something back into Sheffield FC, Nigel became an assistant coach for the ladies first team team, a role he has had for the past six seasons. He is an FA Level 1 goalkeeping coach and a Committee member at the Club.

Sean Atkins - Sheffield FC Ladies Coach

Sean was a very welcome addition to the Sheffield FC Ladies coaching staff following the decision to run two adult teams in 2008/09. He took on the reserve team coaching role and his quiet, calm and methodical approach has been perfect for developing the considerable talent in the young side. He has also managed the reserves during the past two seasons, a role he is stepping down from this season to accept a new commitment with SUFC Academy U10s team, but he will continue to coach the Ladies' teams. He currently holds his FA Level 3 'UEFA B' coaching badge.

Lisa Bailey - Sheffield FC Ladies Reserve Team Manager

Lisa is the newest addition to the Sheffield FC Ladies coaching staff as she takes on the role of Reserve team manager this season. As the Ladies first team's leading striker for three years from 2006-2009, Lisa retired from a glittering football career at the end of season 2008/09 having played for some of the best teams in the region. She made a huge difference to the Ladies first team when she signed in 2006 and had a massive hand in the team progressing up the ranks at that time. She has continued to support the team since hanging up her boots, and is a great ambassador for the Club who has often influenced many others to come and play for the team.