It is a case of evolution rather than revolution as Sunderland Ladies embark on their new challenge – and manager Mick Mulhern is confident his team can compete from day one.
The Lady Black Cats’ trophy cabinet is already full to the brim, having stormed to three FA Premier League National Division titles in a row.
However, the stakes in the expanded Women’s Super League will be higher than they’ve ever faced as Mulhern’s side look to gain promotion to the league’s top tier at the first time of asking.
Mulhern won Premier League Manager of the Year last year.
Yet, according to Mulhern, success will come without pulling up the roots of his title-winning squad – but he is expecting fierce competition in their debut season nonetheless.
“We have had a look round to see who we can bring in,” he said. “Rebekah Bass is a good young player used to winning, she’s come in from Leeds and we’ve got her up to speed.
“We haven’t lost anybody, both Natalie Gutteridge and Lauren Briggs are recovering well from ACL injuries. Hopefully they will give us a big boost when fully fit.
“Apart from that we have a settled squad – but I think it’d be dangerous to make too many changes, the girls have proved what they can do and we trust them to do so again.
“We would like to be challenging and getting into WSL 1 and that is definitely our focus, we believe we are in a position to be up there come the end of the season.
“The girls have proved what they can do and we trust them to do so again. ”
Mick Mulhern Sunderland Ladies manager
“But we are heading into a completely new league and we know exactly what kind of quality the teams are going to have.
“That’s the challenge the girls need to make sure they’re ready for and I have no doubt they will be.”
One team in particular that Mulhern is sure will be threatening the Lady Black Cats’ designs on the league title is Doncaster Rovers Belles, who competed in WSL 1 last season.
“We’ve got a team coming into this league who have been at the top before in Doncaster Belles, and that will probably give them the edge over anyone else,” he added.
“They may have lost games last year but have gained massive experience and it will serve them well.
“I also know Millwall and Yeovil have recruited well but we ultimately won’t know until the results until a ball is kicked – it’s fascinating.”
