A New Chapter awaits Wolves with WSL2 Debut in Sight
After years of hard work, setbacks and rebuilding, Wolves enter the 2026/27 campaign ready to compete in the Women’s Super League 2 for the first time in their history.
The Old Gold secured promotion to the WSL2 by winning a dramatic post-season play-off final on Monday 4th May 2026. Wolves edged Plymouth Argyle 1-0, which saw Charlotte Greengrass 64th minute goal decide the game. This marks a huge moment for the club, with Wolves also transiting as a fully professional team for the first time.
Last Season
Wolves narrowly missed out on automatic promotion after finishing second in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. Despite that disappointment, Dan McNamara’s side were given another opportunity through the play-offs and made no mistake.
Greengrass’ second-half strike at Burton Albion’s Stadium was enough to beat Plymouth 1-0 and finally secure the promotion that Wolves have been chasing. The achievement brought an end to an eight-year journey under McNamara that had included promotions, relegations, League titles and previous play-off disappointments.
The Manger - Dan McNamara
McNamara remains at the helm as Wolves prepare for their first season in the WSL2. Having spent eight years in charge, he knows the club inside out and has played a major role in getting Wolves to this point.
The promotion victory was arguably the biggest achievement of his career at the club, but McNamara knows the work doesn’t stop there. Wolves have had to adapt quickly to the demands of professional football, including building a squad capable of competing at a higher level. His experience and knowledge of the group could prove crucial as Wolves enter unfamiliar territory.
A busy summer
Wolves have wasted little time strengthening their squad.
The club’s first signing of the professional era was Jasmine Matthew’s, an experienced defender who arrived from Burnley after previously playing for Liverpool and Bristol City. Matthews brings more than 150 WSL appearances and Champions League experience, providing valuable top-level experience to. A squad stepping into professional football for the first time.
Another major addition is Melissa Lawley.
The former England international returned to her childhood club after leaving Everton, bringing more than 300 senior appearances and experience of winning both the FA Cup and Championship. Lawley also helped Liverpool secure promotion back to the WSL in 2022.
Belgian international Yana Daniëks has also joined the club. The experienced forward has 45 international caps and eight years of WSL experience with Bristol City and Liverpool.
Young midfielder Layla Proctor has arrived from Plymouth Argyle, while winger Ellen Jones joined from Sunderland with valuable WSL2 experience under her belt.
Most recently, Wolves completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Tara O’Hanlon from Manchester City. The 21-year-old attacking full-back spent part of last season on loan with Sunderland and Celtic and adds another exciting option to McNamara’s squad.
Keeping the core
While recruitment has been important, Wolves have also worked hard to retain the players who helped secure promotion.
Abbi Jenner, Amber Hughes and Beth Roberts were among the first players to commit to professional contracts. Hughes was particularly influential last season, sharing the FAWNL Golden Boot after scoring 19 goals in 22 league appearances.
Keeping that core of players gives McNamara continuity while the new arrivals bring experience and quality.
The challenge ahead
The jump from the FA Women’s National League to WSL2 will be a significant one.
Wolves will face clubs with established experience of the second tier, including Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leicester City, Bristol City, Sheffield United, Durham and Southampton.
This season will also provide a reunion with former rivals Burnley and Nottingham Forest. There is no doubt that Wolves will face a different level of competition, but the club’s recruitment suggests they are determined not simply to make up the numbers. The blend of experienced WSL players, players with WSL2 experience and the core of last season’s promotion-winning squad could give McNamara the foundations to compete.
A historic opening day
Wolves’ first ever WSL2 fixture will take them to Newcastle United on Sunday 6 September. Their first home match comes one week later when Sheffield United visits the SEAH Stadium on Sunday 13 September.
Burnley then travel to Telford on 18 September before Wolves make the trip to Ipswich to round off their opening month. The final league game of the campaign will see Wolves welcome Ipswich Town to the SEAH Stadium in May.
What can Wolves achieve?
The priority for Wolves will be adapting to life in the professional game and establishing themselves in WSL2. However, after the summer recruitment campaign, there is plenty of reason for optimism.
The experience of Matthew’s, Lawley and Daniëles could be particularly valuable, while the likes of Hughes, Roberts, Jenner and Greengrass will be looking to show that last season’s success was no one-off.
For McNamara and his players, this season is about more than results. It is the beginning of a new era.
Wolves have finally reached the professional leagues. Now, they have the opportunity to build a team capable of staying there, and perhaps dreaming of even more. 2026/27 could be the season that Wolves announce themselves on the professional stage.