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Players from Wolves Women have expressed their disappointment regarding an unfulfilled dream of promotion, noting that their efforts were ultimately in vain as the club had already decided against applying for a spot in the Women’s Championship.
In their final match of the Women’s Premier Division North season, Wolves secured a 6-0 victory against Liverpool Feds. However, they finished three points shy of champions Nottingham Forest.
Despite having a chance to earn promotion on the last day of the season, players learned that the club had opted not to submit the required application, even if they had succeeded in clinching it.
Midfielder Beth Merrick voiced the team’s frustrations in a statement on X, stating, “Imagine fighting for promotion all season to find out our Championship bid was never submitted.” She described the team’s devastation at concluding the season under such circumstances, highlighting the implications for the club’s ambitions regarding the women’s team.
The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) and Wolves have been approached for comment on the matter.
The requirements to participate in the Women’s Championship focus on encouraging investment and establishing a professional framework, yet currently, no Wolves players hold full-time contracts.
Defender Lily Simkin, a former player for Birmingham City in the Women’s Super League, expressed feelings of being “let down.” She also emphasized in a separate post on X that the staff and players had put forth tremendous efforts throughout the season, only to discover that it had all amounted to nothing.
Sources have indicated that a meeting was held with players and staff following their final match, where head of women’s football Jenna Burke-Martin and manager Dan McNamara revealed that the club never intended to pursue a bid for the Championship. Some players reportedly left the meeting in tears, feeling that their hard work had not been respected.
Players believed they had proven their capability to compete effectively on a limited budget but expressed feelings of betrayal for not being informed about the club’s true intentions.
Despite some initial positive developments last summer—when full-time roles were established for the manager, physio, and performance coach—many players remain uncertain about their positions. Additionally, the under-21 women’s squad was disbanded, with reports indicating several players receive only expense reimbursements rather than full salaries.
While players are scheduled to meet at the club on Tuesday, they have yet to receive any communication regarding the future direction.
Wolves have previously applied to compete in the Women’s Championship, including a playoff final loss to Southampton in 2022.
Nick Andrews-Gauvain, a supporter and host of The Wolves Women Podcast, remarked on the situation, stating, “After a fantastic day on Sunday—marked by great atmosphere, quality football, and a win for Wolves—it was disheartening to learn the club had not supported the players and staff.” He further articulated concern that the club’s motto of “One Pack” seems more of a slogan than a commitment, arguing that Wolves risks falling behind as women’s football continues to grow, ultimately incurring greater costs to catch up.
Source
www.bbc.com