UPDATE: A tragic car accident this morning claimed the life of a beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers star.

Wolves have confirmed the departure of Kam Kandola, Ethan McLeod and Wales youth international Owen Hesketh. 

2021 academy player of the year Owen Hesketh departs the club after a loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers last year. The young Mancunian has been a part of the Wolves youth setup since joining from Man City in the 2019/20 season. Hesketh had been with the Man City academy from the age of 5; despite this long tenure with the reigning Premier League champions, he failed to ever feature for the senior team before he parted ways with Pep Guardiola’s side. Hesketh’s first season with Wolves was an uneventful one, making a total of 4 appearances in all competitions. However, the midfielder found a rich vein of form in the following season, grabbing 8 goal contributions in just 16 games in the PL2. He made his first appearance for the Wales U21s in March of 2023 before departing to join Kidderminster Harriers on loan for the remainder of last season in January 2024. Only 4 appearances for the Harriers made for an underwhelming spell and Hesketh leaves failing to ever make a senior appearance for the old gold.

Kam Kandola has gained a wealth of experience at youth level for wolves during his time at Molineux – playing over 70 games for various youth teams. Kandola has been described as a leader on and off the pitch by those working with him, and leaves following a trial with Cheltenham in the summer. The 20-year-old played in a friendly against Plymouth for the Robins. Being described by Sky Sports as “one of the most gifted British South Asian youngsters in British football” Kandola served as an inspiration to the British Asian community as he rose through all age groups for Wolves, however he also failed to ever make a senior appearance for the club. 

Ethan McLeod is the final member of the trio, as the young forward leaves following his recent loan spell at Alvechurch in the 7th tier. McLeod had come through the youth system since joining at age 7, first breaking into the U18 side in the 2021/22 season. The 20-year-old signed his first professional contract in January 2023. Injuries denied McLeod any real consistent football, but was described as an “exciting, dynamic player with lots of pace”. McLeod leaves the club without breaking into the first team, but his younger brother Conor will look to go one step further as he currently continues to shine for the under 18s.