It did update automatically in the end. I did try to add a post here stating that but it didn't seem to have arrived.
When i first tried to run the game after it was updated it proceeded to the battle preparation team screen then crashed to desktop without any indication why. This happened twice and i was penalised twice for leaving a battle early when the issue was with the game ending / crashing prematurely.
The issue highlighted here is the misleading message saying I should update the client when it is done automatically, or indicating (as you have said) that there is an option in the Wargaming.net main screen. It would also be of use if there was an entry in FAQ or pinned in this forum.
Thanks for your input.