Blackburn Rovers Women: WSL2 rivals ‘shocked’ and ‘gutted’ by withdrawal

Portsmouth defender Hannah Coan also started her career at Blackburn, winning their young player of the year award for the 2023-24 season before moving to the south coast.

She knew many of the playing squad, and said those who had injuries were now fearful for their future in the game.

“The league is trying to grow, and seeing things like that, I’m gutted for the club,” she told BBC Sport.

Coan also said it stood as a stark warning of how fragile the women’s game can still be, despite England winning a second successive European title this summer.

“You look at the summer the Lionesses had. That does build women’s football, but you have to look at these other clubs and bring them up to the level,” Coan said.

Players are hopeful that the growing professionalisation of women’s football will help to prevent a repeat. This season, for the first time, all 12 sides at WSL2 level are fully professional.

All clubs in the top two divisions must meet licence criteria to create a professional environment. This includes elite facilities, a requisite number of full-time staff and wellbeing support for players.

Southampton goalkeeper Fran Stenson, who had a loan spell at Blackburn earlier in her career, said: “Hopefully this never happens to a team again. You see all the investment in the league so hopefully it doesn’t happen.

“I was surprised. My time at Blackburn was good – they set me up and gave me playing time, I’m very grateful. I don’t wish what happened on anyone.”