Ex-Cheltenham captain says club was turned into 'dictatorship'

Ex-Cheltenham Women captain Emily Owen accused an individual at the club of creating a 'dictatorship' where players feel psychologically unsafe, citing three other departures on moral grounds.

Emily Owen, who departed Cheltenham Town Women after four years and more than 130 appearances, has alleged that an individual at the club has created a toxic environment. In a statement following the announcement of her departure on Monday, the defender said she left due to "a lack of an individual's principles and outright failures in processes".

Owen claimed that one person has "far too much control" within the team, turning it into "a dictatorship where players feel psychologically unsafe". She also stated that three other players had left the club "on moral grounds as boundaries were crossed, that shouldn't be crossed in women's football".

Cheltenham Town Women responded by saying they take all matters relating to player welfare and wellbeing "extremely seriously" and that any concerns brought to their attention will be treated "appropriately, sensitively and in line with all relevant policies and procedures".