JUST-IN: According to a report from Sky Sports this morning, the new Sunderland striker expressed gratitude for his time at Everton and the lessons he learned from it.

‘I’m grateful for my time at Everton and what I learnt from that’ reflects new Sunderland striker

Eleanor Dale became one of Sunderland AFC’s latest additions this summer, signing early on in the transfer window from Barclays Women’s Super League side Everton. The Halfway Line spoke to the youthful forward as she gears up for the 2024/25 season of the Barclays Women’s Championship.

Why Sunderland?

Dale was forthright in her response when questioned about the decision to swap Merseyside for the northeast. She said frankly, “Right now in my career it’s just really important for me to get regular game time and Sunderland have great aspirations. They came so close last season to getting promoted and I used to go to Sunderland games when I was younger. The club know where they belong, in the WSL, and I want to help them get back there.”

The bubbly youngster continued, “It was a great experience going into Everton, they’re a really experienced group with players from all over. It was really challenging, and I think it was good for me to work on my game both technically and tactically. It’s definitely helped me and put me in a better position now going into Sunderland. Yeah, I’m grateful for my time at Everton and what I learnt from that.”

“Watching from an outside perspective it was really exciting and I think everyone naturally always roots for the underdogs,” highlighted the smiley attacker as she looks forward to playing in the unpredictable league that is the Barclays Women’s Championship during her first season with the Lasses.

Clearly focused on her goals both on and off the pitch, Dale expressed “My ultimate goal is to play for England at senior level and this year is my last year to play in the 23s squad. I’ve kind of been on the verge of getting into that, so that’s the main goal – get regular game time, get my head down, get working and hopefully get back into that squad.”

Football thriving in the surrounding area

As northeastern clubs Sunderland AFC Ladies, Newcastle United, and Durham FC, all respectively prepare to take on the fast-approaching season, Dale touched on the building anticipation for the upcoming derby days.

“The derby is very exciting,” the player emphasised. “You’ve seen what a great job Newcastle have done and credit to them, I think they keep pushing the women’s game. It’s a great place to be and the women’s game is going in the right direction. I’m really excited to be a part of that.”

“Some of my family are Newcastle fans so they obviously had a joke with me saying ‘I’m not wearing any Sunderland kit’ but I think they’re happy for me and they support whatever decision I make which is nice.”

“Just thinking about the crowds they [Newcastle] got last season, I’m sure we’ll get big crowds too. Football’s all about the fans so thinking about playing in front of them, it will be absolutely amazing.”