Durham announce change of ownership | OneFootball

Barclays Women’s Championship club Durham have announced a change in ownership along with a new board of directors.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Wildcats this morning.

Club director Lee Sanders has overseen a change in ownership from Durham University to both himself and co-director Dawn Hepple and the pair have now been joined by Patrick and Frances Connolly who are investing in the club and have been appointed as shareholders. It is hoped that the changes at ownership and boardroom levels will help Durham further strengthen their position in the elite game in the short-to-medium term. The club remain committed to attracting further investment over the longer term as they look to continue their push for Barclays Women’s Super League football.

Additionally, the club have announced that a new six-member board of directors has been formed. The new board of directors is made up of Fred Grainger, Dr Peter Warburton OBE, Dawn Hepple, Frances Connolly, Patrick Connolly and Lee Sanders.

After the ownership and boardroom changes were announced, club director, Lee Sanders said “We are delighted to finalise this change in ownership, the first stage of which is welcoming Patrick and Frances. They have been unbelievable supporters of the football club and we will work closely with them on the next stage of investment.

“This move will also allow us to attract further significant investment into the squad, the staff, the infrastructure and a longer-term playing facility for the football club.

“As one of only two independent clubs in the women’s professional game, it’s exciting to think where this next stage of our journey will take us.”

Durham have been members of the Barclays Women’s Championship since 2014. The Wildcats are the only team that have featured in the league since the very beginning.