STEPHANIE ROCHE HAS joined Sunderland Ladies.
The 26-year-old Ireland international, who hit the headlines after her goal for Peamount United finished runner-up in last year’s Fifa Puskas Award, makes the move to the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) club after recently leaving US side Houston Dash.
Having arrived in the States from French outfit ASPTT Albi back in February, the striker’s stay was short-lived as the club opted to end her contract in May.
“It’s great to be at Sunderland Ladies and I can’t wait to get started,” said Roche.
I know there is a high standard in WSL 1 and it’s something I’m looking forward to being a part of. The team have done really well this season and hopefully I can play my part too.”
The Black Cats were crowned champions in the WSL 2 last season and earned promotion to the top flight, where they are currently fourth in the table after six matches played.
Sunderland AFC Ladies head coach, Carlton Fairweather, added: “Stephanie is going to be a very good addition to the side. The fact she was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award at the 2014 Ballon d’Or ceremony shows her ability, but it isn’t just about that and she will bring added value to the side.
“From her point of view it is a great opportunity to establish herself in the FAWSL 1 and then push on from there, so her main objective will be to cement her place in the first-team and continue to represent Republic of Ireland at international level.”
“We have had a good start to the season and as we enter the next phase we want to push on and improve.”
The two most exciting teams inbthe Pro14 lost against the odds heading into a European semi final. Should be a cracker on Saturday as both will be looking for improvements!! C’mon Leinster, from a a Munster fan!!!
Great battle for the No. 1 jumper in prospect between young guns Joey Cadbury and Jordan Lamour.
Don’t rate Ross Burn off the tee. He gets underneath the football and can send it careening wildly wide to either side. A young place-kicker like him, who’s finding his feet in the pro ranks, really needs to focus on the mechanics and structure of his run-up, rather than trying to force things. Doesn’t matter if his range is limited to 30 metres or so. It’s better for the fundamentals to be right of dominating the football, telling it who’s boss by the command and authority of one’s stance, and the conviction of connection followed by a smooth and powerful follow-through. As young Burn fills out, adds muscle and grows further, his range should increase little by little. I would have some concerns about the standards of kicking coaching at Leinster Rugby Union though.
If Lamour gets handed the No. 1 jumper for the weekend’s clash with Llanelli, I think it probably would be wise to have young Cadbury on the interchange bench. The young chap has a lot in his game that is reminiscent of Greg Inglis, from the way he runs and steps to the passes he throws. Unfortunately, I do think full-back will be his strongest position so one of he and Lamour will probably have to go somewhere else if they want to became the champion player they wish to be.
@Henry Suva: do you ever get bored of your own waffle?
@Henry Suva: By No.1 you surely mean No.10?
@Rudiger McMonihan: couldn’t have said it better! :-)
Don’t think Larmour has the size to be a prop
@Johnny Bellew:
Sorry, Johnny, yes. I was thinking in terms of rugby league numbering. My mistake.
@Henry Suva: what the hell are you talking about
@Henry Suva:
“Sorry, Johnny, yes. I was *pretending to* think in terms of rugby league numbering. My mistake.”
There Henry, fixed it for ya.
@Henry Suva: would you ever fcuk off
Or doesn’t the No. 1 wear 15 in the rugby union code? I’m not quite sure…
No one is sure of what you’re saying Henry, so you’re not alone