Fri 24 Apr - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County Women’s Head Coach Sam Griffiths recorded a significant personal and club milestone when the Ewes clashed with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday 12th April 2026.
The Derby boss was on the touchline to take charge of her 200th game with the Women’s First Team when her side recorded a crucial 2-0 win over the Baggies at the Hawthorns.
The victory secured Derby’s status in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division with one game to go in a competitive league season.
The Ewes will close out the 2025/26 season on Sunday 26th April in Mickleover against Liverpool Feds (2pm kick-off) - click here for tickets.
Griffiths has a long history with Derby County, starting when she began playing for the club in 2009.
Injury ended her playing career, and a move into coaching followed. Away from Derby County Women, she has worked for the Football Association since 2008 in a variety of roles, including FA Skills Team Leader, Regional Coaching Mentor Officer for the East Midlands, Women and Girls Coach Development Officer and Women’s Pathway Coach Development Lead.
Griffiths first took charge of the Ewes in the 2018/19 season. She was previously the Head Coach of Derby County Women's Centre of Excellence Under-17s and also took up the role of Director of Football in 2016, prior to taking over from John Bennett.
Her long and successful stint with the club began with a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough in 2018. The Ewes registered third, second, fourth and second place finishes in her first four seasons at the helm in Tier 3.
In 2023/24, Griffiths led the Ewes in a history-making season which saw them win the FA Women's National League Plate for the first time. Her side were 3-0 victors over Cambridge United in the Final in April 2024 at FC United of Manchester's home ground.
The division and women’s football have seen significant growth and change throughout Griffiths’ stint in charge, and this season saw the Ewes take to the field with one of the youngest squads in Tier 3.
Griffiths’ spell has also encompassed the introduction of Derby County Female Talent Pathway, giving girls from Derbyshire the opportunity to play, with multiple graduates coming into the First Team and showcasing the success of the programme.
Congratulations, Sam!
