Former Cheltenham Town Women captain alleges club turned into 'dictatorship'
Emily Owen has accused an individual at Cheltenham Town Women of creating a psychologically unsafe environment after announcing her departure.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: James Boyes from UK
The former captain of Cheltenham Town Women has levelled serious accusations against an individual at the club, claiming they turned the team into a «dictatorship where players feel psychologically unsafe».
Emily Owen announced her departure from the Women's National League Southern Premier side this week after a four-year stint during which she made over 130 appearances. Following the club's announcement on social media, the defender clarified that her exit was due to «a lack of an individual's principles and outright failures in processes».
Owen further alleged that three other players had left the club on moral grounds after boundaries were crossed. She stated that she felt compelled to speak out to address rumours regarding her departure.
«One individual in particular has far too much control within this team, turning the environment into a dictatorship where players feel psychologically unsafe.» Emily Owen
In response, a spokesperson for Cheltenham Town Women stated: «Cheltenham Town Women are committed to ensuring that every player, member of staff and volunteer is treated with respect and feels safe, valued and supported within our environment. We will ensure that any concerns brought to our attention are treated appropriately, sensitively and in line with all relevant policies and procedures.»