Ascot United Women have appointed a new First Team manager following Andy Cox’s decision to step down last month.
Cox steered the Yellas to promotion from the Southern Region Women’s Football League to Tier 4 football for the first time, with the team finishing a creditable seventh last season in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West.
Aym’e Melham – most recently first team coach at Southampton Women – is the new boss at the Racecourse Ground and comes with a wealth of coaching experience across the men’s and women’s game.
Prior to a spell with Southamptom, Aym’e is credited with ‘being a driving factor in the re-formation of Aldershot Town’s women’s section’.
A statement on her departure from the Shots in November 2025 said: “Aym’e has been a huge driving factor in the re-formation of the The Shots women’s section, working tirelessly with Academy Manager, Richard Anderson, for over a year to lay the foundations of the team before a ball was even kicked. Her tenure comes to an end having guided the team to seven league wins from seven in their first season, including a memorable 10-0 victory at the EBB Stadium in front of over 300 spectators.”
Speaking on Melham’s appointment, Ascot United’s Director of Women’s & Girls Football, Donna Wilson said: “Bringing experience from the men’s senior game and a strong background in developing pathways within the women’s and girls’ game, Aym’e’s passion for player development, high standards, and creating a positive environment makes her a fantastic addition to the club.
“We are excited to her have on board and look forward to the impact she will make both on and off the pitch”.
Melham brings playing experience to the Racecourse having played semi-professionally in Australia for Apia Leichhardt and St George Saints.
According to the Southampton Women’s website, Aym’e has completed her Level 1 coaching qualification before progressing through the coaching pathway, earning her UEFA C Licence and completing part of her UEFA B.
She has spent time coaching in men’s football with Basingstoke Town, Hungerford Town and Hartley Wintney.
Melham described ‘something special happening’ at Ascot as the reason for taking on the top job at Ascot United. She said: “Sometimes in football you look at a club from the outside and you can feel that something special is happening there. That’s how I felt about Ascot.
“What attracted me wasn’t a job title. It was the people, the culture and the ambition to keep growing. When you find a club with good people who genuinely care about what they’re building, that’s something you want to be part of.
“Football is always about people first. My job now is to work hard every day for the players, help them improve, create an environment where they can thrive and build a team that supporters can be proud of while having fun doing that.
“I can’t wait to get started!”
