Women's football: SAFC sign four of the best
Sunderland Women manager Mick Mulhern has signed four of the best young players in the region.
Local girls Keira Ramshaw and Rebecca Hunt are joined by Teessiders Jess Round and Ellie Christon in joining Sunderland's squad.
All four players were due to leave their respective Centres of Excellence in May, but all are now 16 and eligible to play senior football.
Mulhern moved quickly to seal their signatures and expects all four to make their mark.
Ramshaw and Hunt have been at the Sunderland Centre of Excellence from the age of nine. Both have caught the eye of England scouts over the last year at England talent camps and are part of the international strength and conditioning programme.
Teesside girls Jess Round and Ellie Christon have been involved with Middlesbrough's Centre of Excellence and both were on standby for a recent England U17 training camp.
"I am delighted that the four of them see their future at Sunderland," said Mulhern.
"I've coached both Rebecca and Keira at the Centre of Excellence from an early age. I think their progression into the women's team was never in doubt.
"Jess and Ellie are both in the international set-up, and both have the potential to play at the highest level.
"Jess has already represented England at U15 and U17 level and both of them were on standby for a recent England U17s training camp.
"My aim is that they will progress from standby players and cement a
place in the U17 squad, now they have signed for Sunderland"
Mulhern is keen to move on from the disappointment of his club failing in their bid for a place in the new Super League.
The Lady Black Cats were rejected by the Football Association from the new eight-team league – the successful teams have yet to be named – and will now play at a second tier level.
"Our aim is to be the best we can be, in whatever league we are in," said Mulhern.
"I'm looking to the future now and the signing of Jess, Ellie, Keira and Rebecca is a statement of intent.
"Hopefully all four can push for international places. They are exactly the type of player I am looking for. They are technically sound, hungry for success and eager to learn.
"They will be given every opportunity to achieve at this club and I'm sure they will do very well.
"Our record of producing and developing players is second to none and I have no doubt they follow the pathway of those before them and
ultimately take this club forward."
Sunderland are still top of the National Premier League, four points ahead of favourites Arsenal who have six games in hand.
Sunderland's next game is away to third-top Doncaster Belles a week on Saturday.
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
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