Wolverhampton football club announces name change

AFC Wulfrunians have announced that this season will be their last under their present name, and will be known as Wolverhampton City from the start of the 2025/26 season.

The Midland Combination club said the new name would give them a stronger identity and greater recognition across the country.

The club was founded in 1922 as Old Wulfrunians, but was renamed AFC Wulfrunians in 2005.

The announcement comes the same week as Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss raised the financial challenges affecting the club in Parliament.

A statement from the club said: "The club is going to be renamed and rebranded to give us a stronger identity of our own and one that we feel will elevate the club to new heights.

"It will bring us closer to the local community and one that will be recognised across the country."

The statement added that it would help the club develop their junior section.

"It will give them a badge they can wear with pride, as we all will.

"The last two decades have been amazing, full of highs, and of course, a few lows.

"There have been memorable moments and incredible friends made throughout the years, and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the club during that time."

Currently sitting in 12th place in the Midlands Football League Premier Division, the club plays at Castlecroft Stadium. 

The announcement received mixed reactions from the community. One Twitter user shared concerns, stating: “As the closest team to the home I grew up in, going to Castlecroft and wearing the badge at school gave me a massive sense of pride. Not sure that will continue.”

However, others welcomed the change, with one user commenting: “Love that. Good move, I think, as it provides an identity fitting for a club with ambition and a pathway for talent.”