Under-23 Squad News

Wolves can today confirm the Under-23 players who have been offered new contracts and those who will be leaving the club.

Conor Levingston, Aaron Hayden and Aaron Simpson have all been offered new one year deals with a further one year option in Wolves’ favour.

Regan Upton, Ben O’Hanlon, Bradley Reid and Joe Delacoe will not be offered new contracts and will be leaving Molineux.

All the other players within the Under-23 ranks are either already under contract or have had their options exercised.

Scott Sellars’ team enjoyed a superb season, finishing second in Premier League 2 only to lose the play-off semi final in late and controversial circumstances, and also reaching the Birmingham Senior Cup final, where they lost on penalties to Leamington.

“As always, there has been plenty of discussion between myself, Gareth (Prosser), Scott, and all the football staff involved with the players’ development over the decisions made regarding the squad,” said
Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell.

“We know the importance of these decisions, and spend a long time looking at how the players have performed and the pathway in place for potentially moving through to the first team.

“This season has been fantastic with regards the number of young players who have made their first team breakthrough.

“Harry Burgoyne, Connor Ronan, Morgan Gibbs-White and Donovan Wilson have all been handed their senior debuts under Paul Lambert, and Bright Enobakhare has enjoyed his first taste of regular first team
football.

“And yet, despite so many players moving up, Scott and the coaching staff have still kept the standards remarkably high amongst those within the Under-23 group, to enjoy a really consistent season and come so close to promotion.

“We would all like to congratulate those players who have secured new contract offers, and those already signed up for next season, and look forward to them continuing their development and aiming to be amongst those breaking through in the 2017/18 campaign.

“For the players who have not been offered new deals, I would like to thank them for their efforts at Wolves and wish them all the very best for the future.

“They know we are always on hand to give them whatever help they require with regards to trying to stay in the game and find another club.”

Sellars added:  “It was a bit of a disappointing end with the results this week but that should in no way cloud the fantastic season which the lads have put together.

“As a staff we are really proud of the consistency they have shown and their outstanding efforts over the course of the season.

“We have seen four players make first team debuts, several others go out and feature on loan, many pick up further international experience, and then other younger players come through to enjoy their first
taste of Under-23 football.

“To have that pathway in place is vitally important for this football club, and hopefully those lads who return for pre-season will have that same enthusiasm and determination to be the next to make an impression at senior level.

“This time of year is also a sad one when players move on, and I want to thank Regan, Ben, Brad and Joe for their contributions to the Academy squads in recent years.

“I wish them all the very best for the next chapter in their lives, and they know that myself and the other coaching staff are always here for them with any help and advice.

“Congratulations to those lads who have the chance to extend their stay at Wolves, and I am looking forward to all the squad returning with the same hunger and desire to have another successful season next time around.”