Sunderland Ladies go part-time for new Super League season

Sunderland Ladies will revert to operating on a completely part-time basis from next season, the club have announced.

The Women's Super League side have had a mixture of full and part-time players over the last three seasons.

But they will be run once again as a part-time outfit when the women's top-flight returns in September as it moves from a summer to winter competition.

"After three years of operating a structure consisting of both full and part-time players, Sunderland AFC Ladies is to revert to its previously successful part-time model," read a statement on Sunderland Ladies' official website.

"Over recent months, and after significant reviewing and analysis, it has become apparent that having a mix of full-time and part-time players was not working as effectively as the club, and indeed the players, had envisaged.

"With a number of the current squad committed to careers or study, full-time football careers were not an option for them and Sunderland AFC Ladies is keen to retain the services of these long-standing players.

"It will also allow the coaching staff to have more structured training schedules and improved match preparation for the squad as a whole."

Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain also commented on the announcement.

"We are reviewing the operation of every aspect of the football club as we aim to improve, both on and off the field.

"Our support for women's football remains and we believe that at the present time this structure is a more effective way forward for all of us".

Sunderland finished fourth and seventh respectively in their previous two Super League campaigns.