4 days ago
Wanderers Women confirm retained list with five players departing
Wanderers Women have confirmed their retained list following the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign.
It was an impressive first season for Myles Smith's side under club operations, securing the title without losing a single league game.
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The Whites also lifted the Challenge Cup following victory against Accrington Stanley – their closest league rivals – in the final at the County Ground.
Eboni Bradshaw and Flo Rigby are both leaving to take up scholarship opportunities in the United States. Chloe Ardin, Eve Ebanks and Eva Williams are also departing this summer.
Jess Lightfoot, Annabelle White and Olivia Ball return to their parent clubs following dual-registration deals at Wanderers.
Lightfoot finished the campaign as Bolton's top scorer, while White's clean sheets proved vital at the other end of the pitch.
'Firstly, I would like to thank every single player for their contribution last season in helping us to become double winners and create unbelievable memories,' Smith told the club site.
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'We could not have achieved any of it without the collective pulling together in the same direction – with that I have no doubt.
'But as is the case with all successful teams we cannot afford to stand still, and we must be proactive and evolve in order to continue what we have built over the previous 12 months.'
Nine players have accepted offers to join the newly-named B Team squad. It was revealed earlier this summer that Carl Halliwell would be leaving his role as assistant manager to oversee the pathway below first team level.
'With an exciting core group of players continuing in the first team environment next season, we have a base to build from as we look to have another successful campaign in Tier 5. The work is already well underway to add to that group,' Smith continued.
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'The B Team is also an exciting indicator of our development in such a short space of time.
'Working closely with Carl Halliwell and the coaching staff in our pathway, we can track the continued progress of all players whilst allowing them to grow in a team competing in the sixth tier of Women's football – the level we were playing at last season.
'The door absolutely remains open for all those starting with the B Team next season. We need the pathway to be as strong as possible, allowing us to build links and create a conveyor belt of talent to come through our system for years to come.
'For Eboni and Flo, whilst it's disappointing to be losing both ahead of the new season, we wish them all the best in taking up an exciting opportunities in America. The same with Chloe, who leaves with our best wishes to go and study at University.
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'We also want to wish both Eve and Eva the very best with their future careers, whilst thanking them for their contributions during their time with us.'
Wanderers Women 2025/26 retained list
Remaining with the first team squad:
Hannah Baldwin
Caitlin Clarke
Ocean Flanagan
Neishai Gordon
Madison Hardman
Katie Holt
Faye Knox
Eleanor Seals
Millie Smith
Charlotte Tyers
Starting with the B Team squad:
Lily Barnes
Emily Culshaw
Grace Grundy
Milla Hodson
Maisy Mitchell
Emme Shone
Erin Smith
Lacey Taylor
Alexsis Williams
Returning to parent clubs:
Olivia Ball
Jess Lightfoot
Annabelle White
Departing the club:
Chloe Ardin
Eboni Bradshaw
Eve Ebanks
Flo Rigby
Eva Williams
