Wolves to apply for WSL2 licence after squad anger

Wolves would not have been granted promotion had they won the 2024-25 National League Premier Division North

Wolves Women say they will apply for a licence to play in the Women's second tier on an annual basis after players said their ultimately unsuccessful battle for promotion was "all for nothing".

Last month Wolves went into the final day of the season with a chance of promotion to the Championship, only for players to find out post-match that the club had decided against applying for a licence to play in the second division, to be renamed Women's Super League 2 from next season.

Had they beaten eventual champions Nottingham Forest to the title, they would have been denied promotion.

"Moving forward, we will apply for the Tier 2 licence on an annual basis in line with our sporting achievements, and ensure that every on-pitch achievement is supported by the right procedures and documentation," Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said in a statement published on Monday.

"We believe Wolves Women can continue to progress - and that belief will be backed by improved structure, support, communication and leadership. That's what we are committing to putting in place."

Shi admitted that the women's set-up "requires strengthening", and he is committed to implementing "improved structure, support, communication and leadership."

Wolves said that senior club figures will meet regularly with the squad's leadership group to "maintain transparency, provide updates and work together on the future direction of the programme."

The club confirmed that plans are underway to establish an independent board specifically for the women's team, and that a full-time commercial lead will be appointed to support the growth of independent revenue streams that will "reduce reliance on club funding over time."