TMG Financial Services Welcomes New Era for Rotherham United Women

TMG Financial Services is proud to congratulate local business leaders Phil Smith and Scott Thorpe on the successful acquisition of Rotherham United Women Football Club, securing the future of one of South Yorkshire's longest-standing women's football clubs and laying the foundations for an ambitious new chapter.

The club, originally founded in 1969 as Kilnhurst Shooting Stars, was just days away from closure following a period of financial uncertainty. Thanks to the intervention of local owners Phil Smith and Scott Thorpe, the club has been saved and will now move forward with a bold vision to achieve back to back promotions and reach the Barclays Women's Super League within five years.

As a financial services business committed to supporting growth, sustainability and community investment, TMG Financial Services recognises the importance of strong financial planning in helping organisations achieve long-term success.

Phil Smith said:

"The club was on the brink of disappearing, and that simply could not be allowed to happen. Rotherham United Women has history, heart and people who have fought to keep it alive. Scott and I saw a club with huge potential and felt we had a responsibility to step in.

"This is a new era built around ambition – back-to-back promotions, a five-year Women's Super League ambition and a club the whole town can get behind."

Scott Thorpe added:

"The club was days away from going out of business. Now it has local backing, a proper structure, a football plan, a business plan and serious ambition. We want sponsors, supporters, schools, families and grassroots clubs to look at Rotherham United Women and think, 'This is going somewhere, and I need to be part of it.'"

The new ownership group has appointed Francesca Ross as Chair to lead the club into its next phase of development.

Ross said:

"This is a new beginning. The club has come through a really uncertain period, but now it has energy, investment and a clear plan behind it."

The new owners also paid tribute to Valerie Hoyle, whose remarkable 57 years of service to the club helped preserve women's football in Rotherham through generations of change.

The acquisition marks more than the survival of a football club. It represents renewed confidence in the future of women's sport, community investment and local leadership.

A spokesperson for TMG Financial Services said:

"We're delighted to see Rotherham United Women begin this exciting new chapter under the leadership of Phil Smith and Scott Thorpe. Their commitment demonstrates the power of local businesses investing in local communities, and we look forward to seeing the club flourish both on and off the pitch.

"At TMG Financial Services, we believe sustainable success is built on strong planning, clear vision and responsible investment. This is a fantastic example of those principles in action, and we wish everyone connected with the club every success in achieving their ambitious goals."