The 2025/26 WSL2 season is almost upon us, with Sunderland, Newcastle and Durham all preparing for the new campaign. Sunderland have completed their investment from Bay FC, Newcastle have reshaped their squad and backroom staff, and Durham avoided folding thanks to a late rescue.
Sunderland's summer of investment
Sunderland's investment from Bay FC in America has been completed, leading to significant transfer movement on Wearside. Mel Reay secured contract extensions for many of her first-team squad and brought in eight new players to replace the same number departing, including club products and favourites Louise Griffiths and Libby McInnes.
Their latest acquisition, Kassandra Missipo, has more than 60 caps for Belgium and experience in the Belgian, Swiss and Italian Leagues. She joins other signings such as Atlanta Primus and Fran Stenson, who are well-versed in WSL2. With Reanne Skinner, former Lionesses' Assistant with more WSL experience, as technical director alongside Reay, Sunderland are expected to perform well.
Newcastle's new-look squad and staff
Newcastle have had changes in their backroom staff and squad. Eleven players have arrived, replacing the 10 that departed, retired or returned to their parent club after the campaign when Tanya Oxtoby's team finished seventh. Oxtoby has brought in Charlie Cave, who worked under her for Northern Ireland, and promoted former player and Under-16 coach Rachel Furness as her assistants.
Newcastle start with a home game in Gateshead against newly-promoted Wolves. Before that, fans can see new signings such as Scotland's Martha Thomas, Irish international Leanne Kiernan and returning Mollie Lambert from Durham at St James' Park against Inter Milan as part of the 'Visit Malta Weekender'. They complete their public preparations in a fortnight facing Burnley at the GIS, with a Spanish camp before that.
Durham's rescue and rebuild
Durham Women had the most traumatic post-season. After finishing on a high, investors pulled out and, with changes in WSL requirements, a large-scale investment was needed or the club would fold. A nervous couple of weeks ended with Geoff Thompson, chairman of South Shields FC, stepping in with the funds.
The Shields' link has brought further opportunities, with Durham set to play their cup games in Jarrow. With Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle visiting in the League Cup (or "Players' Cup"), there will be large crowds. Five experienced players have arrived at Maiden Castle, replacing seven who departed, and Willie Kirk, with experience in both WSL and WSL2, has taken over as head coach.
There were positive signs against Celtic last week, but Durham will look for a couple more additions before their final friendly against Liverpool at St Helens at the end of the month. Like their local rivals, Durham are at home on the opening day, welcoming Southampton.
