Wythenshawe manager James Mulvihill has described the club’s allocation to the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands as a “kick in the teeth”, admitting he feels “gutted” for players, staff and supporters as the club prepares to appeal the decision.
The Women’s Football Pyramid allocations for the 2026/27 season were announced on Wednesday, confirming that Wythenshawe have been placed in Division One Midlands despite competing in the northern structure in recent years.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Mulvihill revealed the emotional impact the news had already had on the club.
“I had about two hours sleep last night,” he said. “Honestly, without getting too emotional, I feel like I could cry. It feels sad, it feels sombre, it feels like a bit of a loss.”
The manager believes the decision could have immediate consequences for members of his squad, with some players already questioning whether they will be able to commit to the increased travel demands.
“It does feel like a loss because there are people in this team that already know they’re probably not going to be able to do the travel, just for shift patterns, work commitments and family commitments,” he explained.
“Girls who’ve earned their right to play at this level might not be able to play at this level now because the decisions that have been made are out of their hands.”
Appeal Planned
The club has already confirmed its intention to appeal the allocation, and Mulvihill remains hopeful that the decision can be overturned.
“My feeling is there’s going to be two outcomes,” he said. “Common sense is going to prevail and the appeal is going to be upheld, or we’re going to be going to the Midlands.”
Mulvihill questioned the rationale behind the allocations, arguing that football clubs should be rewarded for success on the pitch.
“When you look at our last three seasons, we’ve gone from being on the edge of Tier Seven to winning Tier Six and Tier Five back-to-back. We were top at Christmas last year in Tier Four and finished fourth this season.
“We’ve been going in a really solid direction and it feels like clubs are being rewarded for poor behaviour while clubs that have worked hard and built sustainably are being penalised.”
What has further complicated the debate is the situation involving Cheadle Town Stingers. Before their withdrawal, they were the southernmost club in the Northern Division, located less than 100 meters south of Wythenshawe.
The subsequent announcement that Cheadle Town had disbanded the women’s team, followed shortly afterwards by news that Stockport County would be moving into their former home ground, has inevitably raised questions about the allocation process.
What remains unclear is the timeline of these developments. If the FA were already aware that the Stingers would not be competing next season when the allocations were being finalised, then the decision to move Wythenshawe into the Midlands becomes easier to understand from a geographical perspective.
Regardless of the circumstances, any lateral movement between divisions presents significant challenges for the clubs involved, particularly in terms of travel, finances and player recruitment.
Financial and Logistical Challenges
The move would significantly increase travel requirements for Wythenshawe, creating both financial and operational challenges.
The club had already completed much of its planning for next season before the allocations were announced.
“We had our budget meetings two weeks ago and we’d planned for the season,” Mulvihill said. “We’ve got shortlists of players, we’ve planned pre-season schedules and that’s all going to change now.
“Everything needs to go back to the drawing board.”
Beyond the financial implications, he fears the allocation could damage supporter engagement.
“Are we going to get fans travelling to Northampton Town? Is that going to happen? No,” he said.
“We’re a grassroots club from a deprived area. It feels like the duty of care has been absolutely obliterated here. There’s been no thought about how it feels for our girls, our team and our fans.”
A Wider Impact on the Club
Mulvihill believes the effects could stretch beyond the first team and impact the wider club, which currently fields around 70 teams and serves more than 1,000 young players.
“We’ve got girls throughout the club who come and watch our games and aspire to be part of this team one day,” he said.
“When we’ve played places like Chorley, Blackburn, Cheadle and Stockport, a lot of those girls have been able to come and be part of it. We’re potentially taking that away from them now as well.”
He added that the uncertainty surrounding allocations sends the wrong message to young players who are striving to progress through the club’s pathway.
Rallying the Community
Despite his frustration, Mulvihill stressed that Wythenshawe will continue moving forward regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
“If we have to go to the Midlands, we’re going to need help,” he admitted. “We’re going to have to dig in, shake this off and figure it out.
“If we go there, we’re going to be competitive and we’re going to go for it.”
The manager also used the opportunity to call on local businesses, sponsors and players to support the club’s ambitions.
“If there are players out there looking for a new home and wanting to be part of something real and sustainable, come and get involved with us,” he said.
“We’re not going anywhere.”
Waiting for a Decision
One of Mulvihill’s biggest frustrations is the uncertainty surrounding the appeals process, with clubs potentially waiting several weeks for a final decision.
“Even if the appeal is upheld, we’re losing valuable pre-season time,” he said.
“Loads of players are already signing for other teams. Even if they come to the correct decision now, you’ve just smashed us in pre-season.
“It’s tough. I barely slept last night. I feel mangled today.”
For now, Wythenshawe FC Women remain in limbo, waiting to discover whether their appeal will be successful. But while the disappointment remains raw, Mulvihill insists the club will continue fighting.
“We’re an honest football club, we’ve tried to do things the right way and we’ll keep building whatever happens.”
Should the appeal be successful, then presumably Stockport County would be moved into the Midlands, but would they then appeal? Who knows. Common sense would suggest that if it’s not too late then they are best placed to play in the Midlands division.
