Roker Roundup: Sunderland owner gives important update on the uncertain future of SAFC Ladies

Sunderland Ladies hit by blow

Sunderland Ladies were dealt a huge blow yesterday when the Football Association’s restructure of the Women’s Super League meant there was no place for them in the top two divisions.

The newly revamped FAWSL 1 will only have 11 teams, with Sunderland missing out and being replaced by West Ham United. The club weren’t even able to secure a spot in WSL2, so unless an appeal is successful (decisions are subject to appeal - to be made within 14 days of clubs receiving the decision in writing), the team face an uncertain future.

Sunderland made an official comment saying “they will take some time to fully consider the options available to us in relation to SAFC Ladies.”

The ladies lost £424,000 last year, but speaking on Twitter Stewart Donald said the plight of the SAFC Ladies is one that he will be looking into. The previous regime had removed the Ladies from the Academy of Light and had stopped the club playing at the Eppleton CW ground - instead forced to play at Mariners Park in South Shields.

International Roundup

Lynden Gooch featured for the United States in their comfortable 3-0 win over Bolivia, with Walker Zimmerman, Joshua Sargent and Timothy Weah scoring for the States. Gooch came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute and had a chance to score, but after his first shot was blocked, he hit his rebound wide.

Wahbi Khazri wasn’t risked for Tunisia’s 2-2 draw with Portugal after suffering with injury towards the end of the season, and John O’Shea sat out Ireland’s 2-0 defeat against France.

Joel Asoro has pulled out of the Sweden U21 squad to face Malta on June 7. Asoro had been expected to start the European Qualifier in Malta but has had to withdraw due to illness. IFK Norrköping striker Jordan Larsson has been called up to replace the 19-year-old Sunderland striker, instead.

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Borini in demand

Fabio Borini will complete his move to AC Milan on July 1st, but may not be there for long as both Napoli and West Ham United are showing interest in the striker.

Napoli are due to be taken over by Carlo Ancelotti, and according to calciomercato, the Italian manager has included Borini in his transfer shortlist, with West Ham’s new boss Manuel Pellegrini also interested in signing the 27-year-old.

Milan may have to sell due to Financial Fair Play, with their troubles meaning they may not be allowed to compete in this season’s Europa League.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Robson features

Josh Robson came off the bench during Notodden’s 0-0 home draw with Aasane.

Robson entered the field with 21 minutes to go, replacing Even Johansen at right back for the home side as Notodden held on for a draw against the team one point and one position above them in the OBOS-ligaen.

You can see highlights of the game below.