Sunderland Ladies are embarking on their first season in the Women’s Super League with a new-look coaching team.
Head coach Claire Robinson and assistant coach Mel Reay have joined manager Mick Mulhern ahead of the big kick-off in April.
Lifelong Sunderland supporter Mulhern has been with the ladies team for 15 years and in that time has been named FA Manager of the Year three times.
He said: “The highlight for me has been winning six league titles with the club, the last three of which were won consecutively in the National Premier League. We are all looking forward to moving up into the WSL and the challenges that will bring.”
Sunderland Ladies are now part of the Sunderland AFC family and receive full backing from the club. In the light of the team’s promotion to the WSL, the coaching staff has been boosted by the arrival of Robinson and Reay – two of the region’s most experienced and talented female coaches.
UEFA A-licence coach Robinson (pictured right) will be combining her new role with the team alongside her job as a teacher at Gateshead College, Technical Director of Sunderland & Gateshead’s Girls Centre of Excellence and Sports Scientist for the England Women’s Deaf Squad!
Claire’s life revolves around football and she is relishing the opportunity of working with the Lady Black Cats.
“Attaining my A Licence was my proudest moment in football so far,” she said. “It took a great deal of time and travelling in order to get the experience and support at the best possible level.
“It was worth it as I have now been given the opportunity to work within the club and be a part of a very strong team who are looking to move forward and achieve success both on and off the field.”
Completing the trio is former Sunderland striker and goalscoring machine Reay (pictured below), who won three Golden Boot awards whilst playing for the Lady Black Cats.
“I love being a coach and seeing players develop,” explained Mel, who is now full-time head coach at Gateshead College Women’s Football Academy.
“Seeing my college win trophies over the years and get to experience playing in Premier League stadiums and at St George’s Park are all memories that the players will keep with them – it’s great that we have been able to give them that kind of life experience.
This is my first season with the team as a coach and I’m certainly looking forward to the challenge WSL 2 will bring. I’m sure the league will throw a lot of surprises at us but we will be fully focused to ensure we are prepared in the best possible way.”
Sunderland Ladies will begin their WSL 2 season with an away trip to local rivals Durham Wildcats on Thursday 17th April before their first home game on Sunday 20th April against Reading at the Hetton Centre (Eppleton CW), Hetton-le-Hole, DH5 9NE.
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