It is hard to find anything positive around Sunderland right now.
Whether it is the prospect of a third season out of the top two divisions, their uncertain ownership situation or the impending salary cap and its implications, every day seems to bring more doom and gloom for their long-suffering supporters.
Today, it is the turn of Sunderland Ladies to disappoint the supporters. It is rare for an announcement about the women’s game to gain huge amounts of traction on a club’s official media channels, certainly outside of the big clubs, but news that a key player has departed has simply prompted waves of anger once again.
Bridget Galloway is a 20-year-old striker who progressed through the ranks with the Black Cats, making over 60 appearances and bagging more than 40 goals. She’s an England Under 19 international and a player with a big future ahead of her in the women’s game. She has also left the club for pastures new today.
A player of her quality leaving the men’s team would be a financial blow, the loss of possible future revenue. Big transfer fees are not common in the women’s game, so the loss here is all about quality. Galloway will join former Sunderland star Mollie Lambert at Durham Women FC, whilst a number of other stars have also moved on.
Katie Barker, Rachel Woolston and Georgia Gibson have all joined Newcastle Women, a side who play at a level lower than the Wearside outfit, whilst Charlotte Potts moves to Scottish Premier League side Hibernian Women after a decade with the club.
Much of the exodus can be put down to the FA’s decision to void the season, despite the Lasses being clear favourites for promotion. With that now snatched away, many are looking to the division above, in which Durham compete, for a better level of football.
Naturally, Sunderland fans are not happy at a further erosion of the club, not just the playing staff and backroom staff but also their once-successful women’s side, as you’ll see below.
https://twitter.com/Mardybum2000/status/1282726194207698946
https://twitter.com/yuenglinghunter/status/1282744142171459585
https://twitter.com/hulkcass10/status/1282740561947041798
https://twitter.com/LBarks72/status/1282741831952982016
https://twitter.com/deangt/status/1282728685964087297
https://twitter.com/Bigkev1346/status/1282743831516131329
https://twitter.com/mackemtweets/status/1282726779917148167
https://twitter.com/Hate_the_EU/status/1282734538385494019
