Sunderland have sold a majority shareholding in the women’s team to as US group

Mel Reay says she is 'really excited' about the future of Sunderland Women after the club was purchased by US ownership group Bay Collective.

Backed by investment firm Sixth Street, Bay Collective have agreed a deal to assume majority ownership of the club. Sunderland will retain a minority stake in the team, who will continue to operate out of the Academy of Light and under the club banner.

The deal is still to be ratified by the league, but head coach Reay says she believes the future is bright if it goes through.

"I think it's a really positive development," Reay said.

"It's a really exciting time for the women's team and the future of the women's team. But it hasn't officially been ratified by the league and until that does officially become official I can't really say anything more about it, to be honest. All I can say is I'm really excited, they've been in and around the building. We've had some really good conversations with key personnel.

"I think there's been a lot of hard work by people at the club and the background for this to be able to happen. We're really excited to see what the future holds."

Reay said keeping the Sunderland identity was a key part of Bay Collective's plans for the club.

"That's a big positive and very important for them as well," Reay said.

"We don't want to lose our identity as a Sunderland football club, I think that's been really clear from the offset and that's really important. We keep that one club mentality at the forefront. I'm really excited for the future of this team."

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Mel Reay on Sunderland's final two games of the campaign

Sunderland are back in WSL 2 action at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon when they face Crystal Palace (2pm kick off).

The Black Cats have two games left this season and Reay says the team are determined to finish on a high, particularly with the club's new ownership watching on. Bay Collective representatives are expected to be at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

"Absolutely, I think that's really important," Reay said.

"I think when you have new ownership in, you want to show them what you're about as an individual and what you can contribute to the team going forward. That's one of the reasons why we can't sit back and relax too much.

"We have to try and finish strong and we have to hold high standards of each other and make sure that we're performing to the right levels for the two games that are left this season.

"I hope we can play with freedom and play without that pressure and really go and express ourselves. We've got a really good record since the turn of the year at home, we're undefeated. Those little wins are what we're trying to go after."

Sunderland close their campaign away at Ipswich Town next weekend.

Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland make major hummel announcement that fans will love