Last week, the Wolves were part of a shortlist of 10 teams by Football Federation Australia, with two set be included in the A-League in 2018-19, announced on October 31.

However, the Mercury has learned there will be key announcements in coming days, including a high-profile group of backers for the Wolves.

It will also involved renewed public support from the Illawarra governing body, Football South Coast, who are also involved in a partnership with rival bid Southern Expansion. 

Papakosmas will finish up on August 10.

“Mr Papakosmas has played a major role in the successes the club have achieved on the field and off the field since November 2016,” the Wolves statement read.

“And was a strong contributor in ensuring the Wolves progressed through the initial Expression of Interest phase for the A League expansion, qualifying for the final short list of applicants

Read more: 'Are you going to look after my mum?' NRL comp breaking barriers

“The Wollongong Wolves would like to thank Mr Papakosmas for all his efforts and hard work on behalf of the club and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

The Mercury understands the Wolves will make a number of announcements in coming weeks, as they build towards a final push to A-League inclusion. 

Papakosmas declined to comment when approached by the Mercury on Friday night, other than to wish the Wolves well in their pursuit of inclusion in an expanded competition. 

Among the shortlist of 10 A-League expansion bids are four NSW bids.

The Mercury exclusively revealed the Wolves were among them, as well as Southern Expansion – which includes Sutherland, Kogarah and South Coast regions – South-Western Sydney and United for Macarthur.

Team 11, South Melbourne and Western Melbourne (Victoria), Brisbane City and Ipswich Pride (Queensland) and Canberra (ACT) are also on the shortlist.