Lottery Winners – against all odds

Gethin Thurlow looks at a much-changed Durham side, as they look to take one of three potential WSL spots up for grabs

Head Coach: Adam Furness was appointed permanently in the summer after taking the interim role in the second half of last year and leading them to a very respectable fourth-place finish. He will be looking to push on from that with a whole pre-season to work with the team and a full season in the job.

New Signings: Cat Sheppard, Angela Addison, Grace Ede, Amber Stobbs, Tyler Toland, Abbey Jones, Mariana Speckmaier

Outlook: It’s a very exciting season for Durham, being the full season under new ownership. Having been attached to Durham University since 2014, Dawn Hepple and Lee Sanders, who have run the club since its inception, bought the club themselves in February this year.

It was also announced that two EuroMillions winners had purchased a 25% stake in the club, showing that they are willing to compete financially with all the big names in the WSL 2 this year.

The transfer window showed that they were taking this seriously, bringing in internationals such as Mariana Speckmaier of Venezuela and Tyler Toland of Ireland. Having always been there or thereabout in the WSL 2/Championship, but never quite promoted, Durham have the resources to finally try and push for a spot in the WSL next year.

Although it was only pre-season, a 1-0 victory over Liverpool is a great sign that things are coming together for Adam Furness and the new look squad.

Will Finish: Third (in the playoff v 12th placed WSL side)