Potts out, Watt’s in - with more changes to come for Cats Ladies
Understandable, then, the decision to bring defender Olivia Watt, who left in search of first-team football, back to the club.
The 21-year-old’s time with Middlesbrough Women came to an end last week after this paper reported Sunderland’s interest in Watt and her Teesside teammate Emily Scarr.
Indeed, the pair are all but certain to link up with Reay’s new-look squad, with the latter having changed her place ofworkto‘SunderlandAFC’on Facebook.
Scarr, 20, will replace the energetic and pacy winger KatieBarker,wholefttojoinrivals Newcastle United, her hometown club.
Talented, tricky and dangerous off the bench, Barker’s departure has been felt by the Sunderland Ladies faithful, who took to Twitter to wish the popular attacker well in the week.
Rachel Woolston - sister of former Newcastle United and current Manchester United stopper Paul - followed Barker toTyneside,afteraninjury-hit spell with Sunderland.
AndthefeelingonWearside isthattherecouldbemorebigname departures to come during the coming months, one of which could be star striker Bridget Galloway – who netted 25 goals in 24 games in all competitions,includingahat-trick againstMiddlesbrough,before curtailment.
The 20-year-old’s representatives are keen for the talented England youth internationaltoplayatahigherlevel as soon as possible.
Sunderland, however, are no stranger to adversity and will once again look to build a teambasedonyoungplayersto complement the core group of establishedregularssettostay on Wearside.
It is understood that two unnamed youngsters from the Regional Talent Club are due to make the step up to senior football, a welcome and exciting boost to a squad which has taken a numerical hit in recent weeks.