Wolves women fc
Wolves Women Team lining up against Middlesbrough (Photo – Simon Faulkner/Wolves).
Like the Men’s team Wolves Women started the new season last weekend; with a home game on Sunday 15th against Middlesbrough watched by a large crowd of 350 fans at the CKW Stadium. For Wolves Women it was a special day as it was the start of the season in the “Northern Premier” (Tier 3) following promotion from the Midlands Division (Tier 4) at the “end” of last season.
Background
The last two seasons have ended early due to the pandemic –both times Wolves Women were at the top. In fact, over the two seasons, with a total of 28 league games played, there was just one loss and 27 wins!! Plus, an excellent FA Cup run last season seeing them knock out two teams from the league/tier above and only losing to Championship (Tier 2) side Blackburn, who had carried on playing throughout the 20/21 season (unlike Wolves Women).
Close Season activity
Looking forward to this season Dan McNamara (Macca) Wolves Women Manager has brought in 6 new players:
- Beth Merrick
- Maz Gauntlett
- Amber Hughes
- Helen Dermody
- Shan Turner
- and Laura Cooper
The first 4 signings have all dropped down from Coventry United in the Championship and Shan/Laura have joined from Boldmere St Michaels. These additions have all looked to strengthen the team, both in terms of greater depth in key positions as well as bringing experience of playing at and gaining promotion out of Tier 3.
The pre-season has been good, playing some challenging teams including Oxford and Ipswich and a behind closed door friendly with a Women’s Super League (Tier 1) team which Wolves drew. The win away against Oxford was impressive as Oxford are an established Tier 3 team in the Southern Premier Division looking towards promotion to the Championship. The very competitive draw at Ipswich was important as whilst, like us, they have been promoted to Tier 3 (Southern Premier Division), they have recently signed a couple of players on professional terms. This contrasts with all Wolves players, who have day jobs/are in education and train and play for the team in their free time e.g., Captain Anna Price is a PE Teacher and Macca is serving with the RAF.
Season 21/22
This season has the Club playing teams from a mixture of well-known names such as Middlesbrough, lesser-known teams such as Brighouse and local rivals such as Stoke and West Bromwich Albion. The League winner must play a playoff game with the winner of the Southern Premier Division for promotion to the Women’s Championship. While the 3 bottom teams will be relegated, due to re-aligning the league back to 12 teams for next season.
Although the target from the Club is to remain in the League this season (something never achieved by Wolves Women at this level before) and then build on that, personally I believe that we have the ability for a good mid-table finish.
As I write this, the next fixture is away (on Sunday 22nd August) versus Derby County (played at Mickleover), followed by a Black Country Derby at home [Due to the flipping of the fixture] at the CKW Stadium (Wednesday 25th August – 19:45 KO). On the opening weekend Wolves beat Middlesbrough (2-0) in a dominating performance – in comparison Derby struggled to beat Brighouse away (3-2) and them lot down the road got beat 4-0 away at Fylde!! So, all is set up for a good few days of football… including the first Black Country Derby with fans since before the pandemic (which coincidentally Wolves Women played & won)!
Whilst this season will undoubtably be more challenging than the last, one thing is for certain - this Wolves team is going places and the players are a credit to our Club!
Watching a game
If you have a chance to get to a game at the CKW Stadium, Castlecroft Road, then do give it a go. Games are normally on Sunday at 2pm – admission Adult/£4; U-16’s/Free and Season Ticket Holders get in for free on production of their smart card.
Also, why not give “The Wolves Women Podcast” (https://anchor.fm/wolves-women-podcast) a listen, as they discuss all things Wolves Women related.