Can Durham Fight Back the Threat of Relegation after a Turbulent Summer?
Although Durham have typically been a strong force in the second tier, their 2026/27 season looks to be a long road ahead in the WSL2 after finishing 10th last season, and narrowly avoiding the danger of complete club closure earlier this summer. As the club now looks to focus on pre-season preparations, the question arises, how hard will Durham have to fight to make sure they can secure their place in the WSL2 going forward?
Coming Back After a Near Closure
In June, Durham Women Football Club announced via a statement that they were “seeking offers for investment into or the complete purchase of the football club”, and “without this additional investment the club does not have sufficient funds to operate in a fully compliant way in the Barclays Women's Super League 2 for the 2026-27 season”. The future of the club was under immediate and serious peril, with staff and players being informed that “unless a buyer or investor comes forward within the next 21 days, the club will have to cease operations at all levels”
Fortunately their future was saved, as local investor and South Shields co-owner Geoff Thompson reached an agreement to become a majority shareholder in the club. This agreement means that Durham club founders Lee Sanders and Dawn Hepple will remain shareholders, but that Durham can move forward with sufficient investment to continue their journey in professional football.
Although this news came as a huge relief, it certainly raises questions over the next season, as an independent women’s team with no men’s team affiliation, their financial viability has now been put under question.
There is certainly hope that Thompson’s investment will be enough to keep the team performing at this high level in women’s football, but the shadow of this summers’ events will surely remain on the mind of staff, players, and fans.
New Manager - Help or Hindrance?
Durham announced later in June the signing of Willie Kirk, former Leicester city manager, after a poor finish last season meant that former manager Adam Furness was moved to a different position in the club.
Kirk was sacked from Leicester two years ago after it emerged following an investigation that he had been involved in a relationship with a player, which broke the club’s code of conduct. His signing as manager has caused much controversy for a club which is in desperate need of stability.
However, Kirk has had success in his career besides recent scandal, having overturned a record points deficit to help Leicester avoid relegation in 2022-23, most recently working at Swedish top side Djurgardens. He comes to the club with both valuable experience and worrying debate surrounding his appointment, and it remains to be seen to what extent he can lead the team to success in their next WSL2 season.
New Faces and Departures
Seven players have departed the club so far in the window ahead of the 26/27 season, with Sarah Robson also being announced to be stepping back from full time football after 10 years with the club. These players include midfielder Mollie Lambert, one of the WSL2’s strongest talents, who was sold to fellow North East side Newcastle United after six years in Durham.
Nevertheless, Durham have made three new and exciting signings so far this summer, including Jade Pennock. Pennock arrives from USL Super League club Sporting Jax, and was previously named WSL2 player of the Year in the 22/23 season during her time with Birmingham City, after her goals helped them win the title. Furthermore, Australian international Rachel Lowe has joined from Melbourne Victory, and previous U23 Lioness Olivia Fergusson has joined from La Liga side Espanyol, having also previously played for Aston Villa and Birmingham City.
The club’s development pathway is also a crucial source for the club, and U21 player Grace Collinson has just signed her first ever professional contract after making her first team debut in December, as the club looks to capitalise on their home-grown talent.
Looking Onwards and Upwards
In the 26/27 season, Durham will host WSL clubs Manchester United, Birmingham City, as well as competitors for the WSL2 title Newcastle United, at their ground for their home Players Cup fixtures. These matches provide a real opportunity to push both the players, and test their abilities against some of the toughest sides, and also to raise the profile of the club for new audiences.
Durham lost 0-1 to Scotland Women’s Premier League side Celtic Women in a pre-season friendly, and faced Liverpool, giving them another valuable opportunity to strengthen the side before the start of the season. However, a tough 7-1 defeat to the Reds brought plenty of talking points into play.
Although this season looks to be one that will really test the club, Durham should look ahead with hope, as new signings, a more sustainable development pathway and new investment lead the club towards a future they weren’t even sure they would have.