Gordon Staniforth

Gordon Staniforth (born 23 March 1957) is an English football coach and former player. He played in the Football League for Hull City, York City (two separate spells), Carlisle United, Plymouth Argyle and Newport County. He also played for England at schoolboy international level. From November 2013 to October 2014 Staniforth was head coach of FA WSL 2 club Doncaster Rovers Belles.

Career Born in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire to Sidney Staniforth and Marian (Hardey), Staniforth attended Greatfield High School. He joined York City on a one-month loan in December 1976, making his debut in a 3–2 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on 27 December. In August 1985 he moved to Newport County in a player exchange with Steve Cooper plus £15,000.

He then worked as co-ordinator of York College's Football Development Centre, alongside former York City goalkeeper Andy Leaning. The centre was awarded FA Charter status in 2005.

On 6 November 2013 Staniforth was announced as FA WSL club Doncaster Rovers Belles's new head coach. He would work under director of football Julie Chipchase, who said the appointment was made only after "a rigorous interview and practical coaching assignment". Staniforth led the team to five straight wins in his first five league games in charge and the Belles lost only one league match all season but finished behind Sunderland. On 30 October 2014, he resigned as Head Coach at the club, disgruntled at scything cuts to the club's playing budget.

Personal life

Staniforth's son Tom (1980–2001) was also a footballer. He was a professional with Sheffield Wednesday, but never played a competitive first team game. He was however a first team substitute on six occasions, including games against Manchester United and Arsenal. He died in York on the night of 20 August 2001, aged 20, having collapsed in the street after complaining of headaches. On 31 January 2002, a local man—and former York City youth team goalkeeper—was charged with supplying ecstasy to Tom Staniforth. The man was later acquitted on this charge after the prosecution failed to offer any evidence against him. Since his son's death, Gordon Staniforth has been involved in anti-drug campaigning.

His daughter, Lucy Staniforth, plays in the FA WSL for Aston Villa and is also an England international who featured in the 2019 Women's World Cup in France. Lucy wears number 37—Tom's old Sheffield Wednesday squad number. After hitting the first goal in Lincoln Ladies' 3–0 WSL win at Doncaster Rovers Belles, Lucy revealed a T-shirt paying tribute to Tom on the tenth anniversary of his death.

Managerial statistics

ClubFromToRecordGWDLWin %Doncaster Rovers Belles6 November 201330 October 2014