Sunderland ring the changes as expansion looms

SUNDERLAND Women have signed up five players to new contracts ahead of the 2025-26 season but released seven as they announced their retained list.

- By ROSS GREGORY

Eleanor Dale, Katie Kitching, Libbi McInnes, Katy Watson and Ellen Jones have all penned new deals on Wearside as the club gears up for a promotion push.

However, Grace Ede, Megan Borthwick, Jenna Dear, Mary McAteer and Amy Goddard have been let go, while Jessie Stapleton and Keira Flannery will both return to their parent club West Ham.

The move comes after the announcement that the structure of the WSL is changing, offering Sunderland and their north east neighbours Newcastle United and Durham Women a better chance at promotion.