Wolves are set to join the FA Premier Reserve League next season as they return to competitive second string football.

The club opted out of organised reserve competition a year ago, instead choosing to play a development team in friendlies at Compton.

But next season they are likely to be rubbing shoulders with teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool if they are in the north section, or Villa, Chelsea and Arsenal if they enter the southern group.

Development manager Steve Weaver said: “There is every indication that we’re going to enter the Premier Reserve League next season.

“That means there will be the opportunity for our development players to come up against their counterparts from other top flight clubs.

“We’ve played over 20 development games this season including some against Premier League opposition right through the leagues.

“Things have gone pretty well, as we have only lost three of them. It’s imperative to push on the younger lads. ”

It’s not clear where Wolves would play their reserve games, with Molineux’s pitch but the second string have played mostly at Telford and briefly, Hednesford.