West Ham United Women have parted ways with head coach Rehanne Skinner following a disappointing start to the 2025-26 Women’s Super League (WSL) season. Skinner, who joined the club in July 2023, leaves after winning just one of the opening 11 league matches, with the team currently second from bottom in the table.

Latest Result Seals Decision

West Ham’s struggles continued on Sunday as they drew 2-2 at home against bottom-placed Liverpool. The club’s official statement read:

“Recent results have not matched expectations and the board of directors believe that a change is necessary.”

The search for Skinner’s replacement is now underway, with West Ham hoping to use the winter break and January transfer window to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.

Skinner’s Tenure at West Ham

Skinner’s time at West Ham has been challenging. The club has flirted with relegation in previous seasons, finishing second from bottom in 2023-24 and fourth from bottom in the previous campaign. Despite the difficult start to this season, Skinner managed to guide the team safely over the line in previous years while bringing in promising new talent.

Her only WSL win this season came against Everton on 16 November, highlighting the struggles the side has faced in converting performances into victories.

Contributions Beyond Results

Beyond on-pitch results, Skinner, the first female head coach in West Ham Women’s history, made significant contributions to the club’s structure and culture:

• Advocated for expanded staff and medical support
• Pushed for women’s medical research and maternity support
• Helped improve stability and organisation within the squad
• Found ways to navigate the transfer market despite a limited budget, often signing foreign talent who initially needed loans to meet league eligibility requirements

Sources within the club praised her dedication and acknowledged the positive structural changes she implemented, even if results on the field did not meet expectations.

Challenges and Legacy

This season, West Ham have struggled with organisation and consistency, leaving them vulnerable near the bottom of the WSL table. At this point last season, the team had accumulated eight points compared to the five points they currently have.

Despite Skinner’s experience and tactical knowledge, the results-driven nature of football meant the club felt a change was necessary to reset ahead of crucial fixtures, including:

• League Cup quarter-final vs Manchester City (Sunday)
• WSL match against reigning champions Chelsea (11 January)

The timing of her departure allows West Ham to rebuild the squad during the transfer window, giving her successor a stronger platform to improve results in the second half of the season.

Looking Ahead

West Ham’s decision signals a fresh start as the club seeks to climb out of the WSL relegation zone. The winter break offers a vital opportunity to restructure, sign key players, and regain momentum in domestic competitions.