Sunderland Women Secure Tara Bourne on a Two-Year Deal

Sunderland Women have signed defender Tara Bourne on a two-year deal after her contract with Southampton came to an end.

Bourne played in every WSL 2 match for Southampton last season, contributing two goals and four assists.

She made 48 appearances in total for the Saints, and the centre-half also brings additional experience from playing in the second tier with Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, and Birmingham City.

Internationally, she has been capped up to the U-23 level by England.

Bourne told safc.com: “I’m really excited to get started. Having had a conversation with Mel [Reay], knowing some of the players and walking around the Academy of Light has me really excited to get going now.

“I want to win, challenge for promotion and develop as a player. I will give 100% every week and give everything for the badge.”

Head Coach Mel Reay added: “We’re delighted Tara has signed for Sunderland. She’s exactly the profile of player we wanted to add to the squad – a composed, ball-playing centre-back who defends aggressively and has the quality to dictate play from the back. She has all the attributes to help us control games with and without the ball, and we’re confident she’ll make a significant contribution to what we’re building here.”