Sunderland Women sign Tara Bourne as second addition under Bay Collective | OneFootball

Sunderland Women have signed defender Tara Bourne, their second summer addition under new owners Bay Collective, after her departure from Southampton.

According to Sunderland Echo, the move follows last week’s capture of 2023/24 Championship Golden Boot winner Elise Hughes.

Bourne, an England youth international aged 22, started all but one of Southampton’s fixtures last season and produced six goal contributions from centre-back.

Head coach Mel Reay described it as a crucial signing as preparations intensify for 2026/27. She said Bourne fits the profile, a composed, ball-playing centre-back who defends aggressively and can dictate play from the back, and added the staff are confident she can make a significant impact.

Bourne said she is excited to get started after speaking with Reay and visiting the Academy of Light, and that she wants to win, challenge for promotion and continue her development. She pledged to give 100% for the badge every week.

Bay Collective are leading the club’s build-up to the new season, having appointed former Spurs and West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner as Technical Director.

Source: Sunderland Echo