WSL 2016 PREVIEW
Team: Sunderland AFC Ladies
Manager: Carlton Fairweather (2nd Season)
Last Season: 4th
Continental Cup: 4th in Group Two
Key transfers in: Kylla Sjoman (Celtic LFC), Lucy Staniforth (Liverpool Ladies), Krystle Johnston (Manchester City Ladies)
Key transfers out: Sarah McFadden (Durham WFC)
Preview
After an impressive debut season in the WSL finishing 4th, under respected Head Coach Carlton Fairweather, Sunderland Ladies will be hoping to press on in hope of reaching the top two in WSL 1. Being the newly promoted side did not phase the lady black cats putting in gutsy performances against champions Chelsea and runners up Manchester City respectively. A steady and consistent campaign is a must for a side who won the same amount of games as they lost. However, with noticeable signings such as experienced Canadian defender Kylla Sjoman from Celtic LFC, the foundations are being put into place for another impressive season. Picking up the WSL1 Club of the Year award at the FA Women’s Football Awards in 2015, it is no surprise that Sunderland Ladies are attracting talent such as Sjoman back to the WSL after the 28-year-old played in it’s inaugural season for Doncaster Rovers Belles.
“the change in the league since then has been massive.”
Sjoman on the rise of the WSL since playing for Doncaster.
An exciting season opener against WSL2 champions Reading Women FC awaits Sunderland, and having been in their position just a year ago, it’s a game Fairweather will know not to underestimate. With Reading looking to make the same statement his side did on their opening day as the away side, facing reigning champions Liverpool Ladies, triumphantly winning 2-1.
Player to watch:
Beth Mead (right) seen here netting against Chelsea last year.
Beth Mead is arguably one of England Women’s brightest prospects and she will lead the line again for Sunderland, just as she did last year in devastating fashion. One of the most prolific strikers in English domestic women’s football over the last three years, Mead enjoyed a standout season last campaign netting 12 goals in 14 league games, which is outstanding form for a player so young but already with a multitude of experience and skill to stand her in good stead for the future. The 20-year-old from Whitby in North Yorkshire has enjoyed time at youth international level but has also been a part of Mark Sampson’s senior squad. Described as “every defender’s worst nightmare” Mead’s lightening pace, quick feet and her prolific eye for goal definitely make her one to watch.
Prediction
As much of a fairytale story that it would be for Sunderland Ladies to finish in the top two of the WSL1 and clinch a spot in European limelight within the Women’s Champions League, stability will be key. Having only drawn two of their 14 games last season it shows a lack of momentum, but with last campaign arguably their trial year it is possible that the lady Black Cats can make inroads towards the top three of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal. All of which have made world class signings, most noticeable of which Swedish international Kosovare Asllani from french giants Paris Saint-Germain. Showing the gulf between the top three clubs in women’s English football and the chasing pack. However with eye catching performances and with additions such as Sjoman and Johnston, the latter from title chasing Manchester City, it is possible with a slice of luck and a run of results Sunderland Ladies could very easily bridge the gap of only ten points that separated them and a spot in Europe last season. Consistency needed to succeed – 3rd.
