Sunderland to adopt new hybrid playing model for the 2023/2024 season | OneFootball

Sunderland have announced the news that they will adopt a hybrid playing model for the 2023/2024 season.

The Lady Black Cats revealed the positive change via an update on their official club website this evening.

It is understood that the new model will allow several members of the team to switch to full-time professional status while others will have the opportunity to remain part-time and continue their respective careers away from the game. The move follows manager Melanie Reay and her assistant Steph Libbey’s decision to go full-time last summer.

Speaking following today’s announcement, Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said “We have fully integrated the women’s team within our football operation throughout the past two seasons and following promotion in 2021, the Club has made an assured transition to the second tier. We remain committed to playing our part in the development of the women’s game and believe our continued investment will allow the team to take further strides forward during the 2023/2024 season.”

Sunderland will end the 2022/2023 season in either 10th or 11th place while they have collected less points this year than they did  in 2021/2022. The move to a hybrid playing model will give the Wearside club a much-needed platform to kick on in the Barclays Women’s Championship next season.

The Lady Black Cats end the current season with a home fixture against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday afternoon.