Melanie Reay has been appointed as head coach of the Sunderland Ladies team.
Reay has a wealth of experience of the women’s game, both as a player and in a coaching capacity and has been associated with Sunderland Ladies for the last two decades.
Speaking about her appointment, Reay said: "It is a great honour for me to manage this special club, which has been close to my heart for almost 20 years as a player, coach and now manager.
“We have some great young players coming through and hopefully they can make their mark on the team which already has a host of good, experienced players. We will be looking to consolidate and improve together."
Former head coach Carlton Fairweather left his position with Sunderland AFC Ladies by mutual agreement and the club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Carlton, wishing him well for the future.