This month sees Mick Mulhern, celebrate 10 years as manager of Sunderland Women, and with the recent retirement of Vik Akers (Arsenal Ladies FC Manager), Mick is now currently the longest serving manager in the league

Mick began his time with Sunderland back in 1999 when Sunderland Women were formed after East Durham Houghall Kestrels and Sunderland Ladies combined to come under the umbrella of ‘Sunderland Women’. They have played four seasons in the Northern Division and three seasons in the Women’s Premier League. In 2004 – 2005 Sunderland secured promotion to the Premier League winning the Northern Division by 6 clear points and for the first time in their history they reached the quarter finals of the Women’s FA Cup, only losing to a strong Charlton team in the last few minutes of the game.  When Sunderland Women were relegated in 2007 they lost a number of international players,  but Mick has rebuilt the team and this culminated with last season being the most successful yet.

During his tenure, as well as overall team achievements, Mick has overseen the development of many players who have gone on to win international representative honours at a variety of levels.  Indeed Jill Scott, Carly Telford and Steph Houghton are currently on England’s Full International Central Contract programme

The time that Mick devotes to the club is done on a voluntary basis and he is rightly proud of the progress that has been achieved.  But even he would concede that last season (2008/09) was his best season in charge as his team produced fine flowing football on their way to the Premier League Northern Division title and the unforgettable appearance in the Women’s Cup Final, winning plaudits and many friends on the way.  This culminated in him winning  ‘FA Manager of the Year’ in recognition of a fantastic achievement.