While will be taking place in one of England's amateur divisions and will last but one day, 27-year-old turnstile operator Donna Powell is set to become one of the first - if not the first - female coach of a men's soccer team when Conference South club Fischer Athletic hosts Eastleigh on Wednesday.

"I am confident I can do well. I already run a boys' football team," said Powell, who was given the opportunity after her fund-raising efforts netted the club some $625. "I am no shrinking violet and do not suffer fools lightly. I'll be picking the team and they'll be playing my way, none of this long ball nonsense - we'll be passing the ball on the floor, playing the game the right way."

As expected, not everyone is as happy about the occasion, with Eastleigh Director of Football David Malone decrying the decision as "unprofessional" and belittling the league. Read the original story...