Durham Women's future saved by local investor

Durham Women's future has been saved by South Shields co-owner Geoff Thompson following an agreement to acquire a majority shareholding in the club.

Local businessman Thompson's investment, with financial support from South Shields co-investor Jason Ye, means Durham will remain in the Women's Super League 2 next season.

The club put out a desperate call for a takeover on 8 June after potential investors had fallen through, leaving them in danger of losing their professional status.

In a statement, Durham said they had 21 days to find a buyer and told players and staff the club would have to "cease operations at all levels" if not.

Although the value of the investment has not been revealed, this latest news comes as a significant boost to Durham.

Thompson has played a key role in the growth of South Shields FC and football in the north east area - first as chairman of the club where he oversaw three successive promotions, before becoming a co-investor in 2017.

He said: "With a decision required within a matter of days, the overriding priority was to safeguard Durham Women and protect its long-term future.

"We firmly believe the club plays a crucial role within the local community and deserves every opportunity to grow, progress, and succeed.

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr Jason Ye, my newest partner at South Shields FC, for the trust and confidence he has placed in me, in this club, and in the north east region as a whole.

"Together, we share a strong belief in the future of women's football. We are confident that Durham Women is well positioned to be part of this exciting journey."

As part of the new acquisition plan, Durham club founders Lee Sanders and Dawn Hepple will remain as shareholders.

Durham were founded in 2007 as an under-10 girls football team and were accepted into the WSL structure in 2014 as a senior women's team.

They have spent 12 years competing in the WSL 2 as an independent women's team without any affiliation to a men's club.

Last season, Durham finished 10th in the second tier and have previously reached the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals on two occasions.