Sutton Coldfield Town FC Releases Final Statement Following Former Manager's 12-Year Ban
Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club has issued what it describes as a final comment following the Football Association's decision to ban their former women's team manager, Ryan Hamilton, from all football activities for twelve years. The substantial ban comes after a comprehensive FA misconduct investigation found multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour to be proven.
Details of the Misconduct and FA Investigation
The FA's report concluded that Hamilton, who served as first-team manager between May 2022 and November 2024, displayed overt sexual behaviour towards players. The proven allegations were severe, including the finding that Hamilton, who was also described as a bully, sent images of his penis via Snapchat to a female colleague and player.
Furthermore, the investigation proved he sent videos of himself committing a sex act to the same individual and distributed indecent images to other people associated with the club. In total, the FA found 23 out of 24 allegations against Hamilton to be substantiated, leading to the lengthy ban from the sport.
Club's Immediate Action and Official Statement
In its statement released on Tuesday, January 20, Sutton Coldfield Town FC clarified its position and the timeline of its response. The club emphasised that it does not condone or allow such behaviour and acted swiftly upon becoming aware of the initial allegations in November 2024.
"When we immediately became aware of this issue in November 2024, and the allegations (at that time) being made, we held a meeting with Ryan Hamilton and relieved him of his duties and barred him from the ground," the club stated. It explained that the matter was then referred directly to the Football Association, which has managed the investigation since that point.
The club acknowledged it had refrained from public comment until the FA's findings were known, citing a desire to protect the sensitive nature of the evidence and to minimise further adverse publicity for both the club and the affected players.
Support for Players and Commitment to Safeguarding
Sutton Coldfield Town FC expressed its obvious sorrow for the distress endured by the affected players and staff. It publicly thanked them for their bravery in coming forward with evidence, which was crucial in securing the guilty verdict and the subsequent ban.
The statement also addressed the club's internal procedures, asserting that its welfare and safeguarding protocols, along with the qualifications of supervisory staff, are thorough and align with FA guidelines. The club confirmed it has further reinforced these measures as new management and players have been recruited.
Concluding its remarks, the club stated its satisfaction with how the FA handled the case and declared this communication its final word on the matter. It expressed a desire to now focus on developing the women's game within the club, from junior levels through to the first team.
