Exeter City Women’s Captain Manfy Sharpe has departed the Grecians after nine years in red and white.
Signing in 2015, Sharpe would win the Player of the Year award in 2017 following the team’s rise to the top of the South West Premier Division. Victory over Keynsham Town at Speeds Meadow, Cullompton, would see Sharpe and the Grecians enter tier four of Women’s football for the first time with the Exmouth based defender taking on the captain’s arm band for the first time following the 2019 title success.
Sharpe would lift her first trophy as captain following football’s return from COVID-19, a 2-1 Devon County Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle seeing the Grecians claim Devon’s top title for the first time in six years.
An FA Cup fifth round appearance followed for the team in 2022, before narrowly missing out on promotion to Cardiff City Ladies in 2023. However, Sharpe would end her time as a Grecian in the best way possible, lifting a County Cup and League double as City gained promotion to tier three for the first time in the club’s history.
Sharpe's impact on the women’s team at Exeter City far extends her on field talent, with her generous and affable nature making her a favourite among young supporters.
Sharpe would collect the PFA in the Community Award in successive seasons from 2021-23 for her work in the City and within promoting girls football. From visiting schools, youth teams or acts of kindness, Sharpe has been a key factor in the growth of Women’s football at Exeter City and has led the team with pride and distinction.
With 173 appearances, Manfy Sharpe is a name synonymous with Exeter City’s Women’s team and will leave a strong legacy both for herself and those that follow her.
Everyone at Exeter City extends their heartfelt gratitude to Manfy for her commitment to her club, her teammates, and her community, and she will forever be ingrained in the history of the football club. We all wish her the very best for her future endeavours, wherever that may be.
Thank you Manfy.
Women's first team manager Abbie Britton said:
"She will leave a lasting legacy behind her which shouldn’t be underestimated."
"This is transitional, but exciting, period for the women’s team and Manfy felt it was the right time for her to take on a new challenge and the next step in her career."
A message from Manfy:
"It is with sadness that I have made this very difficult decision, but unfortunately and regretfully my time as a Grecian has come to an end. When I signed for Exeter City Women nine years ago, I would never have believed the journey we have been on would look quite how it has. I did not expect to buy in so deeply for this club and the ethos.
"The culture was something I became entirely invested in . From competing my first season at 20 years old and not winning a game that season and suffering relegation to eight years later competing in the same league, going unbeaten and winning promotion to the third tier for the first time in the club’s history. It all came down to trusting the process.
Leading this team and wearing the badge so close to my heart every week has been a complete honour and I have made memories and friends I will cherish for a lifetime. I am eternally grateful and want to thank all the amazing people I have met along the way that have given me opportunity, guidance and support. You have all helped me grow as a player and a person.
"Inevitably all I’ve ever wanted to do when playing football is to enjoy it, make my family proud and inspire young girls to believe in themselves. All of which I feel I have achieved here. I have no idea what’s next for me, but If it’s something even a fraction close to how good this has been then I know I’ll be happy.
"Once a Grecian, always a Grecian. Your number 5 ❤️"