SAFC Ladies are delighted to confirm Abby Holmes has returned to Sunderland for the 2022-23 season.
The 31-year-old is back with the Lasses having departed the club in 2017, spending four years with Durham Women after a season in the Netherlands with PEC Zwolle.
Making the move alongside Nicki Gears, Holmes becomes Mel Reay’s second recruit of the summer.
Fondly remembered by the Wearside support, Holmes enjoyed success in her last spell at Sunderland after helping the club to the FA WSL 2 title in 2014.
Moving abroad to the Dutch top flight, Holmes spent a year with Zwolle before settling back in the North East at Maiden Castle.
Having completed the deal, the defender expressed her excitement: “It’s great to be back here – it feels like my career has gone full-circle – and to be back in red and white is exciting.
“I went through all the different stages and played here for 10 years before leaving, so it’s a club and a region I love. Having spent the last four years in the Championship, I feel I can bring a lot of knowledge on what the league is about.
“Sunderland have a young squad and hopefully I can help bring some experience and leadership to the team. I’m excited to be working with Mel and Steph again having worked with them both separately before.”
Head Coach Reay added: “Abby was with us in the WSL, and we’re delighted to bring her back.
“She has a lot of experience which will only help this young team develop going forward, she’s very versatile across a number of different positions.
“Abby is a great player to have both for me and for the rest of the squad. It’s vital that we brought experience here which I feel we’ve definitely done with both Abby and Nicki.”
Holmes will wear the number 24 shirt for the Lasses. The deal is subject to all regulatory processes.