The wolf female players say that the fight that ultimately failed in the fight for promotion was “everything” as the club had already decided not to apply to compete in the women’s championship.
The Wolves won the final match of the Women’s Premier Division North season against the Liverpool federal government 6-0, but scored three points from champion Nottingham Forest.
They could still get promotions on the final day, but the players said they chose not to submit the necessary applications to compete in England’s second tier, even if the club achieved the feat.
In a statement posted to X, external midfielder Beth Merrick said:
“As a group, we are absolutely devastated to end the season like this, and I believe it speaks volumes about the club’s ambitions for the women’s team.”
Women’s Professional League Only (WPLL) and wolves are approached for reaction.
The licensing standards competing in the women’s championships are expected to encourage further investment and build clubs towards professional models, but there are currently no wolves on full-time contracts.
Defender Lily Simkin, who previously played for women’s Super League club Birmingham City, said she was “disappointed.”
She added to X:
“We took it to the last day and found out that it wasn’t all anyway. We deserve better.”
A club source told BBC Sports that players and staff were called to the meeting after the final match between women’s footballers Jenna Bark Martin and manager Dunmac Namara.
The players were reportedly saying “nothing,” and one source who claimed that the “club” had “no ambition to bid to play in the women’s championship,” some were shedding tears.
The players felt they were able to compete on a low budget, but they “lied” and “lied” by not realizing the club’s intentions.
There were positive signs last summer as managers McNamara, Physiochrist Scristofides and physical performance coach Nathan Maxfield were given full-time roles.
Three players were also given contracts, but not on a full-time basis.
However, female under-21 teams are discarded in the summer, and it is argued that many players are still argued that it is just an expense, not a salary.
Some staff are unsure about their future with the club, as they have questions about their long-term ambitions.
The players are scheduled to meet at the club on Tuesday, as originally planned, but have not received communication about what the next step is.
The Wolves submitted their women’s championship application last season and lost in the playoff final to Southampton in 2022.
Supporters and hosts of Wolves Women’s Podcast Nick Andrews Govan told BBC Sports:
“The clubs do a big thing about being a ‘one pack’, but this doesn’t really mean something they buy and it feels like it’s all the spins.
“As the game grows, wolves risk being left behind and it’s more expensive to catch up in the long run.”
