I listened to Bay Collective outline their plans for Sunderland Women - this is what I learned

Bay Collective's takeover of Sunderland Women was confirmed on Thursday afternoon.

The US multi-club ownership group, who are backed by investment firm Sixth Street, will now assume day-to-day control of the club but will work in close partnership with Sunderland AFC who retain a minority shareholding.

Phil Smith spoke to Sunderland interim CEO Tom Burwell and Bay Collective CEO Kay Cossington to hear more about the deal and the plans for the future - here's what he learned...

New owners bring pedigree and local knowledge

All takeovers bring uncertainty and with any new ownership, there will always be the fear that change can be attempted too quickly and without sufficient knowledge of the local environment. Sunderland Women's supporters can take reassurance and encouragement from Kay Cossington's role as CEO of Bay Collective, then.

Cossington has an extensive knowledge of the English game, having worked with the FA for over 20 years before moving across to join the US investment group. Crucially, she has also coached many of the players whose names are synonymous with the club's proud history and so Sunderland's DNA will be something that she should instinctively understand. Cossington's presence also tells us much about where the club will be heading in future years. With a background in player development and having for many years been focused on developing the infrastructure of the women's game, we can assume that this is where Bay Collective's priorities lie.

They want to build the next great Sunderland Women team and put local players at its heart, very much a long-term project.

Bay Collective are hugely ambitious

While keen to stress that this project would be about sustainability, it is clear that Bay Collective are not here to make up the numbers: Cossington had no reservations in stating that this acquisition is about restoring the club back to its former glory. And it goes without saying that in order to make the financials work in terms of what Bay Collective and Sixth Street will be investing in the long run, Sunderland need a seat back at the Super League table.

There were no promises or bold statements about how quickly making that happen is realistic, but a pledge to supporters that brighter days lie ahead. While Sunderland have done well to stabilise at WSL 2 level and at times punched above their weight in terms of their budget, there's no doubt that over the past couple of seasons they have dropped behind the pace in terms of competing for promotion. Now there is a plan and a genuine ambition to make up that gap.

Fans can expect exciting signings - but this will be about evolution

Some high-profile takeovers in recent years, with Newcastle United and London City Lionesses the two most obvious examples, have led to an immediate spike in the playing budget. Both clubs have signed big names and made big strides in a short space of a time as a result. Bay Collective will not be going down that route as a result, with a core of last season's squad already retained and a raft of professional contracts handed out to some of the club's most talented youngsters.

Make no mistake, Sunderland's budget is going up this season and some sources believe that has been important in being able to retain players who had interest from elsewhere. Cossington made clear that fans can expect to see progress 'within the next season' but this isn't a takeover that will transform the squad overnight. Much of the investment in the short run will be in infrastructure and in strengthening the support staff around the team - Bay Collective believe they bring a knowledge of how to build elite sport environments for female athletes and will invest in the Academy of Light as a result.

Matchday experience is a major focus

Sunderland's growth has been slowed in recent years by their struggle to find a real home. Though games against Newcastle United have produced good attendances and memorable atmospheres, less high-profile fixtures have not brought the same numbers to the ground. While Eppleton produces a better atmosphere that suits the team, issues around accessibility and facilities mean many feel it is not a viable long-term destination if the club wants to attract new fans.

Cossington told The Echo that the long-term aim was to play in front of a packed Stadium of Light, but there is a realisation that this will be a long journey. Sunderland will continue to play the majority of their games at Eppleton but it is clear that the experience will change and quickly. Bay Collective are eager to capitalise on the opportunity to bring in a new audience and believe their expertise in this area is one of the key benefits of the takeover.

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Sunderland will see a cash benefit - but this isn't about SCR

Burwell confirmed that with the loophole closing, this deal has no benefit to Sunderland AFC in terms of the Premier League's financial rules. What it undoubtedly means is a short-term boost for the club's ownership, putting funds into the club.

However, Burwell said that this wasn't about money but a recognition from the club's ownership that dedicated expertise was needed if the team was to compete at the highest level. He said Sunderland's belief was that because of its minority share, the club will ultimately see a greater benefit financially and from a sporting perspective if Bay Collective are able to achieve success and grow its revenues. He made clear that the two will work together very closely on commercial matters.

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