Karen Hills asked about Thomas Sandgaard’s plans to rename Charlton Athletic Women

Charlton Women manager Karen Hills says she wants to concentrate on footballing matters when she was asked by the South London Press about the club’s controversial proposed name change.

Owner Thomas Sandgaard is set to rebrand the club as Charlton Ladies – despite resistance from inside the club.

US-based Sandgaard has turned the Addicks into a professional outfit in the summer and is said to see the change as a refresh of the brand and a nod to the club’s previous guise as Croydon Ladies.

The Telegraph claimed last month that members of the squad described the switch as “insulting” and “derogatory”, with Hills reported to be “staunchly opposed” to the move.

WSL giants Chelsea and Arsenal are among a growing number of sides to have made the opposite switch from ladies to women in recent years – with the Blues describing the change at the time as “representative of a modern view on language and equality, and in keeping with the way our governing bodies, supporters, squad and management regard the women’s game.”

Former Charlton and England captain Casey Stoney had also expressed her opposition to the move on social media.

Former Tottenham boss Hills, appointed by the Addicks in March, was asked for her views on the shift after Sunday’s 1-0 win over Lewes in the FA Women’s Championship at The Oakwood.

She said: “I just want to focus really on what we’re doing on the pitch and keeping the group together in every aspect.

“My job is to develop this football team. My job here is to work with these players on a daily basis to help them grow and develop as individuals. We’re doing that.

“All the other razzmatazz that goes on around it – I’m staying firmly focused on what my role and responsibility is. That’s obviously to climb the table with this bunch of pro football players.”

Elise Hughes’ first-half strike was enough to see Charlton past Lewes. It extended their unbeaten run to six games. They have kept five consecutive clean sheets.

“The girls executed the game plan really well,” said Hills. “They deserved it, especially the way they started the game. They looked good going forward. Really pleased for them and thoroughly deserved.

“We’re looking good at the moment at the back. We seem to have found a rhythm and a little bit of consistency. The players are enjoying keeping that momentum going of trying to keep clean sheets.”

Charlton, sixth in the table, head to Bristol City on Sunday.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD