Just one day after drawing with the transfer window shut, Millwall parted company with Rebecca Sawiuk. Her last duties were two bring in Bonnie Horwood and Charlotte Gurr before drawing 1-1 with London Bees.
Mixed season
It was a mixed season for Sawiuk who only took over at The Den in January, she guided the Lionesses through two rounds of the FA Cup before being knocked out by Reading in the round of 16. She also got Millwall off to a flying start when the WSL season started in March, winning their first league game and drawing the next to their unbeaten run coming to an end in late April, including a thrashing at the hands of Yeovil.
However, things looked to be turning around for Sawiuk and her young squad, having drawn their last two games before the club announced her departure on Friday afternoon, saying that she left to pursue other career opportunities.
Although still young, Sawiuk has already worked in coaching and player development at Barnet, Crewe Alexandra, Stoke City and the FA.
Whilst Millwall search for a new first team manager, assistant manager Lauren Phillips will take charge of the Lionesses in the interim, assisted by development manager, Andy Hill.
Additions
Before she left, Sawiuk boosted her squad with the additions of Reading’s Bonnie Horwood and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Charlotte Gurr.
Horwood is an experienced midfielder, who spent time at Lincoln before joining Reading where she helped the Royals achieve promotion to WSL1 and finish at the top of WSL2, last season.
Gurr is much more of a familiar face at the Den having spent time with Millwall before moving to Brighton and Hove Albion where her goal scoring exploits helped the Seagulls to promotion from the WPL, having netted 24 times last season. In her career, Gurr has also spent time at Arsenal, after coming through the academy as well as a season with Chelsea, although originally from Sheffield, the potent goalscorer is no stranger to the capital.
Gurr and Horwood will bring much needed experience to a predominantly young side that have struggled at times this season. When talking about the move, Phillips spoke of an intent to keep building this season, utilising their experience to strengthen the foundations of the squad.
Both new signings featured for the Lionesses when they were held to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, Horwood making her full debut and Gurr coming on early in the second half.
