BREAKING NEWS: manager experience already helping Sunderland excellent new signing

The Black Cats forward swapped Coventry for Sunderland in the summer and has impressed so far

Sunderland Women forward Mary McAteer is aiming to learn as much as she can from boss Mel Reay after an impressive start to her Black Cats career.

The 19-year-old made the switch from Coventry to Wearside on a one-year professional contract, and has one goal and one assist in her first three outings, helping her side to second in the table after taking seven points from nine on offer.

The former Wales youth international has given a promising account of herself so far in red-and-white, proving to be a useful signing for Reay’s side as they have built a solid foundation to start the season, and look to continue their run of good form when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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On the move from Coventry, now known as Rugby Borough, the young forward told ChronicleLive: “I’ve really enjoyed coming up here, I feel like I have settled quickly. Obviously we’ve had pre-season where I have got to know everyone, and gel, try new things and learn how to play with each other.

“I think it is really coming to fruition now with the start of the season, we’re seeing the results coming in and the real team effort behind it all with three clean sheets and two 1-0 wins.”

The Black Cats have made an excellent start to the season, beating both Sheffield United and Southampton on the road 1-0, and holding last season’s Women’s Championship third-place finishers London City to a goalless stalemate at Eppleton in the opening fixture. McAteer opened her account with a sumptuous volley to seal all three points at Bramall Lane earlier in the month, and the youngster was delighted at getting among the goals early doors for her side.

“My goal coming here was to provide goals and assists, and to add to the attack because we’ve got some very talented players in forward areas,” she added.