Sunderland Ladies announce first four summer signings and say there are more on the way

Melanie Reay’s side have brought in Olivia Watt and Emily Scarr, both of whom most recently played at Middlesbrough.

Watt, a 21-year-old centre back, is rejoining the club while Scarr is a 20-year-old left winger.

Sunderland have also added 16-year-olds Libbi McInnes and Abby Towers from the regional talent centre.

The Black Cats have lost a number of key players from the side that were so dominant last season, with Mollie Lambert and Bridget Galloway joining Durham Women in the Championship.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Sunderland’s National League campaign will begin on September 20th, and Reay has promised that there ‘will be more to come’ in terms of summer signings.

We are delighted to bring in Olivia and Emily. They are two really strong players who have proven they can play at this level and beyond. Abby and Libbi are both England youth internationals who have come out of our regional talent centre, so we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do.

“We are very happy with the four additions to the squad and we look forward to watching their contributions to the side this season. There will definitely be more to come.”

Sunderland were sat 11 points clear at the top of the National League North when fixtures were postponed last season, and still had a game in hand on Derby County in second.

That denied the club the chance to apply for promotion, precipitating the high-profile departures from the squad.

Earlier this summer, the club stressed its commitment to the team in a meeting with supporters groups.

Meetings from the minutes said: “ NF [Executive Director Neil Fox] praised Mel Copeland and her success in retaining players when Sunderland Ladies when into National League North for an extra season with the aim of getting promoted, but players wish to play at a higher level so have moved on. Sunderland AFC remain committed to the Ladies team.”