“Long eight years” - Dan McNamara’s joy after Wolves Women promotion

Wolves Women boss Dan McNamara recalled training on a tiny section of astroturf with just seven footballs - and now his side has reached professional status.

There has been plenty of agony and heartbreak for McNamara and his players in recent years. The team finished second in the league four times in five seasons, narrowly missing out on promotion.

But now they have done it. Wolves Women will compete in the Women’s Super League 2 next season, a milestone their boss of more than eight years could barely contain his emotion at achieving.

“It’s incredible, I can’t put into words what it means, it has been a long eight years,” McNamara said.

“When I first came in, we weren’t part of the club, we were on a quarter of an astroturf with about seven footballs.

“We were welcomed into the club, and the things we are getting, the access we are getting, has allowed this to happen. I am delighted for the girls, it is just really special.”

Wolves secured their promotion with play-off success over Plymouth Argyle, after narrowly missing out on the National League Northern Premier Division title, dropping just five points all season.

Thanks to the WSL’s expansion next season, Wolves - who play their home games in Telford - were given a one-off play-off opportunity to reach professional status for the first time ever.

Wolves chairman Nathan Shi watched on and congratulated players and staff on the pitch after their success.

“Matt Jackson's (technical director) got a lot to take credit for,” McNamara said.

“It was a difficult summer - we didn't have any players at one point. He came in and steadied the ship and really gave us some confidence that the club did believe in a women's programme. I am delighted for him to be here and witness it.

“But it's fantastic to see the chairman here supporting it and the wider club as well.”

McNamara stressed the significance of their historic promotion for growing the women’s game in Wolverhampton.

He added: “There's now young girls that will be able to see a pathway, see that you can be a professional footballer in Wolverhampton.

“There's some big names now coming to Wolverhampton. You've got Newcastle and Sunderland, and we really look forward to that.”

McNamara and his staff know there’s plenty of hard work ahead to prepare for their new challenge - but first, a holiday in Benidorm.

“We deserve it,” he said. “It's been a long, old season so we'll go out there and enjoy that.

“The staff have grafted for me, they've been absolutely tremendous. Then I'm sure we'll have some meetings and we'll start putting some plans in place.”