WSL2 rivals 'shocked' by Blackburn withdrawal

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Rio Hardy started her career at Blackburn, making nine senior appearances Emma Smith BBC Sport journalist at St George's Park

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Former Blackburn Rovers players say they felt "shocked" and "gutted" by the club withdrawing from Women's Super League 2 before the 2025-26 season.

Blackburn dropped out of English football's second-tier WSL2 in May as owners Venky's were unwilling to meet league requirements on facilities, staffing and player welfare. Players say they were informed of the news just an hour before it was made public.

Bristol City striker Rio Hardy started her career at Blackburn in 2013 and said she was astonished by how far the club had fallen.

"It's a real disappointment. I owe a lot

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