Skipper Lucy and keeper quit Ladies

Sunderland Ladies have seen two players depart the club ahead of the new campaign.

Mel Reay’s side enjoyed a productive 2017/18 season, which saw them claim a seventh place finish in the top flight.

But with the club’s future still up in the air, captain Lucy Staniforth and goalkeeper AnPreuss ke have quit the club.

Staniforth has teamedup with Birmingham City, signing a two-year deal with the Blues.

Staniforth, who was recently called-up to the England senior squad, is thought to have had several clubs interested in her services this summer.

After the move to the Midlands was confirmed, Staniforth took to Instagram and said: “After 2 and a half years back with @safcladies it’s now time for me to move on.

“It was an opportunity that allowed me to regain my confidence & get back to playing at a level I knew I could.

“There were difficult times along the way but the staff & my teammates made the experience one in which I will always look back on with happiness.

“I wish the club all the best in the future & I want to thank the fans for their support throughout.”

Meanwhile, German goalkeeper Preuss has joined Liverpool Ladies

She said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for me and one that I could not turn down.

“I really enjoyed my time with Sunderland Ladies but this now presents me with a new, exciting challenge which I’m really looking forward to.”

The Lady Black Cats saw their application for a place in the new-look FA Women’s Championship turned down, although the club have launched an appeal.

If the club were unsuccessful then they would play in the FA Women’s National League – the third tier of women’s football – next season.

However, there remains hope that Sunderland’s appeal will be successful with a decision still forthcoming.