Blackburn Rovers denied place in FA Women's Championship at the expense of Manchester United

Blackburn Rovers have failed in their appeal to be granted an FA Women's Super League place at the expense of Manchester United.

The Lancashire club applied for a position in the newly-renamed Championship after securing a second successive Northern Division title in 2018.

The Bamber Bridge side played Charlton Athletic in a play-off for automatic entry to the Championship but were defeated 2-1 at Bramall Lane in May.

The club chose to appeal the decision to award the 11^th place for the 2018-19 season to the newly-created Manchester United but their efforts have been rebuffed.

Manchester United signalled their intention to enter the league earlier this year after and were granted a place in the second tier of the Women's Super League in May.

"Obviously we're bitterly disappointed that we've been turned down as I feel we had a really strong case," said Rovers manager Gemma Donnelly.

"I still stand by the fact that the application was strong enough and now I think we have just got to accept we won't be part of the newly founded Championship.

"We'll go on to fight another season in the same leaue, the newly rebranded league and look to kick on again and I'd like to give my sincere thanks to Blackburn Rovers Football Club for supporting our appeal process.

"It was a lengthy process and consumed a number of senior management's time and it was a very costly process as well.

“It further reiterates the club's support for us and we all at the Ladies are very appreciative of the efforts made by the club."