Eleanor Dale leaves Sunderland Women as Jessica Brown signs one-year contract | OneFootball

Sunderland Women face a setback and a boost for 2026/27, as striker Eleanor Dale has left at the end of her contract and academy full-back Jessica Brown has agreed a new deal, in a lift for head coach Mel Reay.

Dale was offered fresh terms this summer but has moved on after two seasons on Wearside. The 24-year-old joined from Everton in summer 2024, making 37 appearances and scoring 17 goals.

She was prolific in her first campaign and a key figure in a strong mid-season run. Injury disrupted last term and she could not match that output, though the club had been keen to keep her.

Dale is among the few offered extensions to depart, with Katie Kitching, Brianna Westrup and Natasha Fenton among those to commit. Summer recruitment will be led by Rehanne Skinner, appointed Technical Director by new owners Bay Collective earlier this week.

Brown, an academy graduate, has signed a one-year contract. The full-back is viewed as a modern, attacking option who brings energy and quality down the flank.

Source: Sunderland Echo