Sunderland West End confirm surprise Wearside League return
Sunderland West End will compete in the Wearside League during the new season just months after resigning from the Northern League.
Sunderland West End have confirmed their men’s first team will return to Wearside League action this season just two months after they resigned from the Northern League.
It has been a difficult period for non-league football on Wearside with the likes of Ryhope CW, Farringdon Detached and Silksworth CW all resigning from their leagues in recent months and years. However, the latter of that trio has presented West End with an opportunity to make a quickfire return to competitive action and they have seized their chance following talks with the Wearside League, Durham FA and Silksworth themselves.
West End will take their place in the Wearside League’s top tier and will kick off their new season with a home game against Durham FC Corinthians at Ford Hub on Wednesday night. For now, they are working hard to piece together a management team and playing squad ready for the season after revealing the reasons behind their decision to make an earlier-than-expected return to senior football.
A club statement read: “We are delighted to announce the return of Sunderland West End FC men’s first team. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in making this possible, particularly Silksworth CW, the Wearside League and Durham FA for their support throughout the process.
“While we are saddened by the recent folding of fellow non-league side Silksworth, subsequent discussions have enabled us to take our place in the Wearside League. Over the coming days, we will be sharing details regarding our next steps, including updates on the management and the playing squad.
“Following our departure from the Northern League last season, the intention was always to return to senior football at the appropriate time. While this has come soon than anticipated, the continued growth of the club - now boasting over 30 youth teams - made the reintroduction of a men’s side a natural and necessary progression for our players.”
Wearside League fixtures
Friday: Willington v Esh Winning and Deerness Valley Saturday: Annfield Plain v Washington, South Moor v Gateshead Leam Rangers, Richmond Town v Hartlepool Pools Youth