Sunderland Women's new ownership make major behind-scenes hire in statement of intent

Sunderland Women have announced the appointment of Rehanne Skinner as the club's new Technical Director.

The appointment marks a major statement of intent from the club's new owners Bay Collective, who assumed a majority shareholding in the club earlier this month. Formerly a WSL head coach with both Spurs and West Ham United, Skinner will 'lead all sporting and football operations' at the club. Sunderland say Skinner will be responsible for overseeing recruitment, aligning the first-team and academy pathway and delivering the club's footballing vision.

"Her appointment reflects the club’s ambition to build sustainable foundations for long-term success both on and off the pitch," a statement said.

Skinner said she believed strongly in the vision of the new owners and that the club now had the foundations in place to 'get back where it belongs'.

“I’m incredibly excited to play a part in the next phase of this remarkable football club," Skinner said. "Sunderland AFC Women is an institution with a proud history, passionate supporters, and enormous potential. I believe strongly in the project and the vision for the future and am thrilled to work alongside Kay and the Bay Collective team to build the structures, foundations and environment that will enable the club to get back to where it belongs and create sustained success for years to come.

“The North East has consistently produced some of the very best talent in women’s football. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with many players who have come from this region, and the talent pool here has historically been unrivalled. There is a huge opportunity to harness that talent and help bring back the glory days for Sunderland AFC Women.

“This appointment is also personally meaningful. My mum comes from the North East, so there is a strong connection to the region that makes this opportunity even more special.”

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Kay Cossington, CEO of Bay Collective, said the move reflected the club's ambition but also it's plan to build success sustainably over the coming years.

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Rehanne to Sunderland AFC Women. She brings over 25 years of expertise from the very highest levels of the women's game across professional and international environments, a deep understanding of what it takes to build performance environments that last, and a full alignment with how we believe this club should be built: sustainably, with the right foundations, and with real ambition for the future.

“To have someone of her calibre not only sharing that vision but ready to lead it on the ground is incredibly exciting, and I cannot wait to see what we build together here at Sunderland.”

A club statement added: "Skinner’s appointment reinforces Sunderland AFC Women’s commitment to establishing the structures, leadership and long-term vision required to compete at the highest level and build a sustainable future for the club."

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