The all-action defender returns to Maiden Castle after a year with Sunderland and adds some experience to the Wildcats’ squad ahead of the new campaign.

Holmes initially joined the Wildcats in 2018 after spending time in the Netherlands with PEC Zwolle, and went on to spend four years with the club – quickly impressing with her committed and passionate displays.

She netted six times in 78 appearances for the club – including a memorable brace against Blackburn Rovers in 2021 – and was part of the side that memorably faced-off against Manchester United and Chelsea in the 2018/19 campaign.

And now the full-back has put pen to paper on a contract at Durham ahead of the 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Championship season.

Speaking after agreeing her deal, Holmes said: “I’m absolutely buzzing and can’t wait to get started.

“I followed the team closely last season and now I can’t wait to get back in the dressing room. A lot of these players are my closest friends and hopefully that shows on the pitch.

“I’ve been in a part-time environment for the past few seasons so I’m looking forward to seeing where my game can get to.

“I can’t wait for all the noise from the Blue Army too. Hopefully they’ll be travelling home and away and that will get us a few wins this season.”

Abby will once again wear the number 24 shirt at Durham.

With thanks to Durham WFC

The 29-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract after spending the last two seasons with Lewes.

Saunders was brought up in New York – although has family in the Lake District – and began playing football at a young age, eventually earning a place at the prestigious Dartmouth University.

After four years with the ‘Big Green’, during which time she earned a number of individual accolades, the stopper took a brief break from professional football and worked in finance on New York’s Wall Street.

But Saunders’ passion to pursue a career in the game burned brightly and she decided to leave her job and make the move to Iceland with FH in 2018.

A spell in France followed where she represented Thonon Evian Grand Genève FC, before being signed by Lewes in 2020.

Saunders has been a near ever-present for the Rooks since, and kept six clean sheets in 16 appearances last season – while also scoring from her own half in the final day win over Liverpool.

And she now arrives at Maiden Castle ahead of the 2022/23 season, and will study for a postgraduate degree with Durham University alongside her playing commitments as part of our masters scholarship programme.

Commenting on her move to Durham, the ‘keeper said: “It’s amazing to be here and I’m so excited.

“I’ve played against Durham and they’ve always been a really strong squad. We’ve always hated to play them because we know they’ve been physical, tough and skilful.

“I know how much potential the club has and I’m excited to be part of it.

“It’s great to be part of a club that values academic prestige and athletic prestige.”

Lee Sanders added: “Tatiana comes in as part of our well-established and successful postgraduate scholarship scheme at Durham University and when we were approached about her availability, her passion for the area and the club itself quickly became apparent.

“She was a player that we wanted to sign and we’re delighted to welcome her to the area.

“Working under goalkeeping coach Steve, we’re looking forward to seeing her develop individually while also strengthening our defensive unit.”

With thanks to Durham WFC

Having operated using a hybrid model in recent years, the club will now take the next step in their progression as they prepare for the new campaign.

Durham are also currently recruiting a number of additional new full-time staffing roles to support the first-team playing squad and that of the new Barclays FA WSL Academy squad.

The club will continue to train at the state-of-the-art facilities at Maiden Castle and are scheduled to return to training in early July.

Commenting on the move to a full-time model, Lee Sanders said: “This is a hugely positive step and the natural one for the club to take as we look to build on the successes we have had in recent seasons.

“It’s the right thing to do for the players and our staff and gives the younger players at the club the knowledge that this is something they can pursue as a career at Durham.

“Naturally, there will be some player movement as a consequence of the decision – not everyone can train during the day – and we of course will thank those players for their time spent at the club.

“However, we are excited about new players who will come in and be announced in due course – as well as the promotion of young players from within the club pathway.”

Club captain Sarah Wilson added: “It’s incredible and so exciting for the club.

“There has been so much work gone into making this happen, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity. It’s something that I’ve dreamed of being able to do since I first started playing when I was eight years old.

“Personally I didn’t think I would ever get the chance so it’s an opportunity that I’m going to grab with both hands.

“Of course, the downside is that there will be some movement. This is the nature of the game and that’s football.

“But the direction this club is moving in is something to be very excited about, especially for our younger players coming though.”

A number of players have already committed to the club for the 2022/23 season, and details of these will be announced in due course.

With thanks to Durham Women FC

The midfielder, who joined the club from Sunderland last summer, made 23 appearances during her debut campaign.

Lambert also scored a vital goal in the away victory at Crystal Palace, and is now looking forward to another season with the Wildcats.

“I am really excited,” she said. “It’s a club going in the right direction and feel we can achieve even more than what we did last season.

“We have a team spirit that I’ve never seen as strong before. The team work for each other, It’s a great environment to be in and I’m just looking forward to getting back to it and progressing forwards.

“If we stick to it then nothing can stop us at all.

“We were so close last year but we now know what we’ve got to do to be even better.

“We have a very strong team, experience and youngsters, and hopefully it will be the season we are all wishing for.”

This season will also see Lambert experience the Durham support for the first time – and the midfielder is excited about the chance to play in front of the home support at Maiden Castle.

“I’m buzzing,” she admitted. “It feels like years since fans were watching us. They are the 12th player and we are all excited to see and meet them have them cheering us on.”

Commenting on Lambert’s extended stay, manager Lee Sanders said: “Mollie is quickly establishing herself as a top midfield player in the league.

“She’s athletic, quick, competitive and still relatively young.

“She has fitted in with everyone at the club since joining us and we are all delighted she’s committed for another few seasons “

Courtesy of Durham Women FC

The club’s captain will remain at Maiden Castle for the 2021/22 season and beyond as the club look to rebuild on a successful season.

A near ever-present in the side throughout Durham’s record-breaking 2020/21 season, Wilson was a key part of the defence that registered the joint-best defensive record in the second tier.

And on a personal note, the skipper became only the second player in the club’s history to hit the 150 appearance landmark – having racked-up a healthy number of games since joining the side in 2014.

With the new campaign now on the horizon, Wilson sees a bright future for the club.

“I can’t wait to get going again for the 2021/22 season,” she said. “I’m so proud to be part of the club and really grateful to have the opportunity to play here. I can’t wait to get started.

“We keep on getting stronger every season and I’m fully confident that we can go all the way. We had an incredible season, our best to date.

“I know we have more to give as a group and it’s really exciting to see what we can achieve together.”

The captain also once again paid tribute to the club’s loyal supporters, who are set to return to Maiden Castle in time for the 2021/22 campaign kicking-off.

“I can’t wait to be back playing in front of our fans,” added Wilson.

“We really missed them last season, and although we felt their support from a distance, nothing beats actually being able to see them in person.”

After seeing his skipper put pen to paper, manager Lee Sanders said: “Sarah is such an important player and leader within the team.

“She lives and breathes the culture of the club, is a role model to her peers in the team – and no doubt in the league itself – and we’re delighted she will be spending a few more years here.”

Courtesy of Durham Women FC

The 22-year-old joins the Wildcats after a spell at Blackburn Rovers and will add some versatility to Lee Sanders’ squad ahead of the final three games of the 2020/21 season and into the 2021/22 campaign.

Johnson, who can play on the left or right side of midfield or defence, started her career at Blackburn having progressed through the club’s Regional Talent Club.

Her potential was quickly noted and Liverpool made their move in 2016. Johnson went on to establish herself as a member of the Reds’ squad in the top tier of the game before joining another Women’s Super League side in Bristol City in 2018.

After a year with the Robins, Johnson moved on to Sheffield United and was a regular in the Blades’ side before re-joining Blackburn earlier this term.

Johnson also has international honours, having represented England at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2018 while racking-up a number of appearances at youth level for her country.

And her next chapter will come at Maiden Castle – with Johnson excited about what lies ahead.

“I’m absolutely delighted and buzzing to get this over the line,” she said.

“I can’t wait for the rest of the season and building for next season.

“Everyone has been very welcoming and it’s a very friendly environment to be in.

“I just want to help us push us and get the results we need and want in the last three games.”

Johnson will be able to make her Durham debut against Sheffield United on Sunday, March 28 if selected.

It’s been a big week for Durham as they have also agreed an exciting new partnership with Kepier Secondary School to launch a unique Youth Development Programme in Houghton-le-Spring.

The new Youth Development Programme will launch in time for the new academic year and will give both male and female pupils at the School a chance to pursue a career in football while ensuring their studies are not affected.

The programme is aimed at pupils who will be moving into Year 7 and Year 8 in September 2021 and wish to take up the opportunity to study at Kepier while forming part of the football programme.

Members of the Youth Development Programme will receive specialised coaching alongside a structured timetable of lessons with the aim of becoming a part of Durham Women FC’s dual-career pathway.

The timetable on offer to members of the programme will ensure they receive five sessions of coaching per week within school hours, with training sessions scheduled so as not to affect core subjects.

The programme is the latest move from Durham Women to ensure youngsters across the North East can pursue their dreams of a career in football – and Pathway and Development Manager Maddy Wood believes it will prove key moving forward.

“We are delighted to be working with Kepier moving forward,” she said.

“The club already has an established dual-career pathway with three Further Education partners (Durham Sixth Form Centre, Bede Sixth Form and Newcastle College) as well as a direct route into Higher Education with Durham University.

“After some consultation and the enthusiasm shown by Kepier to develop a similar programme for younger players, we see this as a crucial part of our pathway as it develops.

“Engaging with youth players in their educational setting and exposing them to the opportunities available to them both on and off the pitch is a key priority for the club, and we believe this partnership gives us a great opportunity to do that.”

“This is an exciting venture with Durham Women Football Club” said Mrs Ashton, Principal of Kepier.

The Wildcats will now be based at Maiden Castle, Durham University Sport and Wellbeing Centre.

Situated in picturesque surroundings, the move represents an exciting step for the Wildcats and will enable the club to continue to build upon its award-winning match day experience and continue to provide the best match day possible for our supporters.

The venue is based at the heart of the city of Durham, with superb public transport links and easy access for both pedestrians and drivers.

After significant investment over recent months, our new home ground will boast a number of eye-catching features which will enhance the match-day experience for supporters and players alike when complete. These include:

• A newly-built, 300-seat, fully covered stand
• Newly-installed, top of the range floodlights
• A vast amount of free car parking on site
• Improved public transport links and pedestrian access
• Enhanced media and press facilities, which will enable the live-streaming and broadcast of games
• A high-quality artificial pitch and new changing facilities

Further work is scheduled to take place across the coming months to ensure that our new home ground will be a first class venue for supporters, once fans are able to return to FA Women’s Championship fixtures.

Our first competitive game at our new home will come on Sunday, September 13th when Lewes visit the North East.

Commenting on the exciting move, manager Lee Sanders said: “Firstly, we would like to sincerely thank Austin Carney – the owner of New Ferens Park – for the warm welcome always shown to Dawn, the Players, match day staff and myself and his desire to work with the club.

“It’s a relationship we will strive to continue in the future within the wider club”

“However, there has been a plan to develop the Maiden Castle site at the university for a while and with the new changing facilities in place and the protocols surrounding COVID-19 it was felt by all parties (FA, Club, University) that now was the time to move to ensure maximum risk mitigation for players, officials and fans on match days.

“The backdrop to the new ground is wonderfully picturesque, it’s in the heart of Durham and when completed in full will be somewhere I’m certain our fans will enjoy visiting.

“As we already train out of the state-of-the-art facilities, I know first hand the players are getting the best out there to support them and this is the next step in that support that the university is delivering – the investment has been significant as everyone will see.

“Fans will still see all the familiar faces and receive that warm welcome they’ve always had at New Ferens Park, and on behalf of all the staff and players we can’t wait to see the supporters at the new ground soon.”

Durham University’s Head of Sport and Physical Activity Mark Brian added: “We are really excited to be able to welcome Durham Women FC to the Sports and Wellbeing Park.

“It is great that the partnership between the university and the club can become ever closer and hosting the team at our new £32m facility will ensure that we continue the support of players through access to our world class support structures.

“We are hoping that by having the team play out of the Park we will begin to generate a student following as well as continue to generate and build upon the already fantastic local support.”

The club will release details on season tickets and individual match tickets once there is a clearer picture as to when and how supporters will be able to return to sporting events.

The 22-year-old striker joins the Wildcats after a four-year stint at Barry University in Miami, where she netted 14 times and registered 13 assists during her senior year.

Sharpe has prior experience of the English game, having burst onto the scene at Bradford City while still a teenager.

Her goalscoring exploits in the FA Women’s National League didn’t go unnoticed – and manager Lee Sanders moved swiftly to snap-up the forward upon her return to England.

Now Sharpe, who will study a Masters Degree at Durham University alongside representing the Wildcats in the FA Women’s Championship, is eager to kick-on and challenge herself in the second tier.

“It’s really good to be here,” she said.

“I’m expecting a challenge and I’m really looking forward to the teams that we get to play, it’s an amazing level and there’s now easy games.

“I just can’t wait to get going and meet all the girls properly.”

Meanwhile, Sanders was pleased to capture the signature of a forward he has tracked for several years.

“I’ve known of Molly probably for about the last seven or eight years, from when she played as a junior and monitored her progress since,” he said.

“She did well for Bradford as a 16-year-old and scored some goals then went out to America and continued to do well.

“She’s getting a fantastic opportunity to get her postgraduate degree funded while playing football.

“I think she’s definitely got the qualities to have an impact on the first-team.”

Sharpe becomes the Wildcats’ third new recruit of the summer, joining Megan Bell and Iris Achterhof.

Durham Women FC have also confirmed their released and retained list ahead of the 2019/20 season.

The following players have agreed fresh terms with the club:

Hannah Reid

Kathryn Hill

Lisa Robertson

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Robson

Beth Hepple

Nicki Gears

Megan Borthwick

Becky Salicki

Ellie Christon

Emily Roberts

Lauren Briggs

Abby Holmes

Rachel Lee

The following players have left the football club following the 2018/19 season:

Abi Cottam

Chloe Knott

Zoe Ness

Courtesy of Durham Women FC

The Wildcats have agreed a statement sponsorship deal with the hotel which will see their logo displayed on the sleeves of the first team playing kit for the 2018/19 season.

The Durham Marriott Hotel logo displayed on the sleeve of Durham Women FC’s 2018/19 home shirt

In addition, players have access to the wide range of world class facilities available at their city centre hotel – including a swimming pool, cold plunge pool, spa and sauna and comprehensive gym facilities.

Such facilities will prove vital for player welfare and recovery as Durham look to continue pushing for promotion from the FA Women’s Championship.

Fans are also able to secure a reduced room rate at the hotel – something which will prove beneficial for travelling supporters coming to New Ferens Park.

The ground-breaking partnership will see Durham Women secure a first-ever shirt sleeve sponsor, while also aligning the progressive club with a high-profile brand.

Marriott Hotels will now join the Wildcats’ other valued club partners – Team Durham, Durham University, Durham Sixth Form Centre and Vision for Education.

Captain Sarah Wilson has already felt the benefits of the partnership and is delighted to see the club continue its commitment to providing players with the best resources possible.

“It’s brilliant and it makes a massive difference to our recovery now,” she said.

“Especially with the games getting tougher and the league getting tougher, it makes a huge difference to be able to come here.”

Roshann Thomas, Leisure Club Manager at the Durham Marriott Hotel, explained the benefits of the partnership to the Durham players.

“The girls are in on a Monday night and do a couple of hours with us,” she explained. “Our facilities are great for any rehabbing that they’ve got to do, and also allow them to relax after a game on a weekend.”

Sean Bent of Durham Marriott Hotel was also pleased to partner up the Wildcats.

He added: “It’s a great privilege for us.

“The girls can come down and use our facilities and are doing exceptionally well in the league this year.

“They’ve got a good set of players and are driving forward, so it’s good partnership for us to have on board.”

Fans wishing to secure a discounted rate on rooms at the hotel can do so by calling the Durham Marriott’s reservations team on 0191 386 6821 -option 4 – and quoting the code LBDA.

The discount comes off the hotel’s best available room rate and is subject to availability.

Lead photo shows Durham Women FC captain Sarah Wilson and goalkeeper Hannah Reid with Roshann Thomas, Leisure Club Manager at Durham Marriott Hotel

Courtesy of Durham Women FC

Dalgleish, 18, joins the Wildcats having spent several years at Celtic Women in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

She joined the Hoops in their Under 15 side but her potential was quickly noticed and the versatile player was quickly fast-tracked into the senior side, where she has spent the last three years.

During her time at Celtic, Dalgleish represented Scotland from Under 15 level up to the Under 19 squad, where she currently plays. Her fine recent form was rewarded with a call-up to the Scotland U19 squad for the European Championships in Northern Ireland next month.

A left-sided player, Dalgleish is comfortable playing either at full-back or on the wing and has impressed club staff during her time training with the club and in a friendly against the Wildcats while playing for the Scottish side earlier this year.

Speaking after making the move to New Ferens Park, Dalgleish said: “I’m very excited to sign for Durham. It’ll be a new challenge and a change of scenery to help develop my football further.

“Having previously played against Durham in a pre-season friendly with Celtic the club instantly made a very good impression on me. The club is always developing and the future looks strong and that’s something I want to be part of and something I can help the club with.

“I’ve been training with the team for a couple of weeks now and I have found that the atmosphere is very positive and everyone is willing to help and improve every time we train or play. The girls are very friendly and I think I’ve settled in well so far.

“As a player I believe that I’m a committed and versatile player and I love to have the ball at my feet. I will always give my very best for the team.”

Manager Lee Sanders was pleased to see the promising youngster sign for the club, adding: “Ellis has made an instant impression on the staff and some of the more senior players.

She’s moved down to England to study and has been training with us for a number of weeks now.

“She’s come in to the first team squad along with three or four of last year’s Development Team players and they’ve all looked comfortable which is great to see.

“There are some great players here for her to learn from and she’s settled in really well. We’ve got some fantastic young players coming through and I’m delighted Ellis will add to that.”

Report courtesy of Durham Women FC