Sunderland Women complete the re-signing of centurion Grace McCatty

Grace McCatty announced her retirement in April but has now made the decision to rejoin Sunderland Women for the remainder of the 24/25 season.

The talented defender made 111 appearances on Wearside before announcing she was hanging up her boots.

But her return provides a welcome boost to Mel Reay, who has seen her defensive options reduced with injury.

In the statement on the club website (31 October), McCatty said: "I’m really excited to be coming back to Sunderland to play again this year.

"This is my Club, and I’ve always said I’ll do whatever I can to help the team progress, so I am looking forward to the opportunity to come back in and support the girls until the end of the season.”

Grace McCatty can be a huge boost for Sunderland Women

Reay's side have had a tough start to their campaign, winning just two of their opening six. Although their recent win against Durham Women provided a huge boost in morale and a platform for the Black Cats to build from.

Star player Mary McAteer was on the scoresheet again for Sunderland Women that day prior to jetting off for international duty.

Reay led her side to an incredible campaign last season, with the Black Cats just narrowly missing out on promotion but failed to take that momentum into the new campaign.

McCatty joins an already very talented group of players on Wearside and adds to a group that is capable of far more than has been demonstrated so far.

Her experience in the game will be crucial both on and off the pitch as Sunderland look to rise up the league in the coming weeks with Bristol City next on the agenda on Sunday, 3 November.

In other Sunderland news, Regis Le Bris could rest Chris Rigg when his side travel to face QPR on Saturday, 2 November.

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