Mead guns for trophies after quitting SAFC Ladies
Beth Mead says she has signed for Arsenal Ladies “to win trophies.”
The sharp-shooter left Sunderland yesterday for an undisclosed fee after six sensational years on Wearside, where she fired the Lady Black Cats into the top flight and then took WSL1 by storm with 14 goals in her debut season in the top division.
But her exit was inevitable after it was announced the female team would become a “part-time model” as the club drastically reduced their funding for the women’s squad and, as a result, their ambitions.
Mead, who struck an amazing 77 goals in 78 appearances in red and white stripes to be knocking on the door of the England squad, had numerous options for the coming season.
However, she has plumped for the Gunners, who finished third in WSL1 behind Manchester City and Chelsea last season.
“I am so excited to have signed for Arsenal Ladies and I can’t wait to get started,” the 21-year-old said.
“I want to win trophies with this team, and I want to learn and grow further from the top players that I will be playing with here.
“It’s an honour to be a part of this special club.”
Mead was one of the Lady Black Cats’ full-time professionals, having signed a threeseason contract last summer.
Sunderland Ladies head coach, Carlton Fairweather, told the club’s website: “Naturally we are disappointed that Beth has chosen to move on, but we wish her all the best with her new challenge.”
The Echo understands almost all of the WSL1 clubs, bar promoted duo Bristol and Yeovil, and Notts County, had expressed an interest in Yokshire-born Mead.
She is the second-high profile departure after midfielder Rachel Furness joined WSL1 rivals Reading.
More undoubtedly will follow in the coming weeks ahead of the start of the WSL Spring Series
The new one-off competition has been created to bridge the gap between seasons, while the WSL transitions from a summer league to a winter calendar.
Fairweather, assistant Mel Reay and general manager Sonia Kulkarni would appear to be facing a tough battle to get a squad in place for the Spring Series opener at Birmingham City on April 23.