Sunderland handed major contract boost as homegrown star signs two-year deal after Women's Championship ends

Sunderland have been handed a major contract boost with homegrown star Jessica Brown committing her long-term future to the club.

Brown, who came through the youth system at Sunderland from a young age, signed her first professional deal at the club earlier this week in a major boost to head coach Mel Reay’s promotion aspirations next season.

Brown, 20, joined Sunderland at age 11 and scored on her home debut at just 16 years old at the Stadium of Light against North East rivals Newcastle United four years ago. The defender has since made 103 appearances for Sunderland largely as a right-back.

“I feel like this is definitely the place for me, I’ve developed so much already. It’s something I’ve been working towards for quite a while, and for Mel and Steph to offer me that, it was really nice,” Brown said after signing the deal.

Sunderland Women’s head coach Mel Reay added: “I’m delighted that Jess has signed a new contract. It comes off the back of a great season in what was a new position for her, but one which she made her own. The consistency Jess has shown belies her young age and together with her undoubted quality, she has the proven ingredients for a fruitful career in both the Women’s game and with Sunderland AFC.”

Sunderland finished third in the Women’s Championship last season and narrowly missed out on promotion to the Women's Super League after a tightly fought promotion race with Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace.