Sunderland Ladies suffer another transfer blow as star striker steps up to the Championship

Sunderland Ladies confirmed on Monday that prolific goalscorer Galloway would be leaving the club, in another blow to their hopes of claiming the National League title this season.

Galloway scored 21 times in 23 league appearances last season, and has been an exceptional goalscorer throughout her time on Wearside.

Melanie Reay's side were 11 points clear of second-placed Derby County with a game in hand when last season was brought to a halt due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The FA then opted to declare the division null and void, despite settling the top tiers on a points-per-game basis.

Sunderland have subsequently seen a raft of departures from their squad, with a strong core of the side so dominant moving on.

As well as the departures of Galloway and Lambert, centre-back Charlotte Potts has ended a ten-year association with the club to sign for Scottish Premier League side Hibernian Women.

Katie Barker, Rachel Woolston and Georgia Gibson have all joined Newcastle Women, who play in the division below the Black Cats.

Galloway said she was hoping to play a 'vital role' for Durham, who are back in training ahead of the new campaign.

Lee Sanders' side finished third in the Championship table last season.

"I'm excited to get started and hit the ground running," Galloway said.

"After hearing what Durham's ambitions were in terms of wanting to go on and succeed, I thought I could play a part in that and could play a vital role.

"I've had a little bit of experience in the WSL, but that was obviously coming on off the bench. I managed to get six goals though, and that gives me a bit of confidence. I'm just ready to step-up my game."

Sanders said the move underlined Durham's commitment to securing the best players in the area.

"I'd like to welcome Bridget to the club and I'm delighted she's signed for us," he said.

"We've not hidden the fact that we need to build our squad and acquire the best young talent we can in the local area - including what we already have within the club and inevitably some players from outside the club as well - as we look to move forward.

"She'll add real competition for places in the first-team squad and comes with a great track record in the National League.

"She's a striker, she scores goals - that's what we've brought her in to do. We're really excited to see what she can bring to our forward line and if she can contribute to our goal tally then I'm sure we'll have another really successful season."

Sunderland Ladies are expected to strengthen their squad with the additions of Olivia Watt and Emily Scarr, both of whom recently left Middlesbrough.

Galloway's departure nevertheless underlines the work to be done ahead of a new campaign if the Black Cats are to replicate their outstanding form from last season.