The House of Clauds: Moan on the move

07/01/2024 07:14 AM

Sunderland AFC Women's number one Claudia Moan is leaving the club on a free transfer — should there be cause for concern?

"Alexa, please play Summertime Sadness..."

It was announced first thing this morning that Sunderland AFC Women's standout goalkeeper, Claudia Moan, would be leaving the club following the expiration of her contract.

The news was met with shock, disbelief, and disappointment as Moan had firmly solidified herself as a fan favorite after numerous seasons with the club and being a product of the academy system.

Moan's performances last season were pivotal in keeping Sunderland's promotion dreams alive. With catlike reflexes, the 'Grangetown Grobbelaar' clawed away numerous attempts on goal. Sunderland conceded only 18 goals in 22 matches across the league season.

Her heroics were enough to see the 25-year-old win not only the Golden Glove for her 10 clean sheets in the 23/24 season but also the Barclays Women's Championship Player of the Season.

But the accolades didn't stop there, as at the Sunderland AFC End of Season Awards night, Claudia was also awarded Players' Player of the Season.

Many fans have commented this season on just how integral and pivotal Moan has been. Moan has been in the senior setup for a few seasons now, showing some real promise and capability over those years. However, the improvement in form, consistency, and shot-stopping has been exceptional to witness.

No doubt the introduction of a full-time goalkeeping coach in Jonathan Craig and competition from fellow keeper Megan Borthwick has helped aid her development and confidence. Having a fairly consistent back four in front of her also played a crucial role. Claudia has humbly mentioned in interviews with the club just how beneficial and supportive her defenders and teammates were last season, stating they are as much to thank for her receiving the Golden Glove for her ten clean sheets.

And yet, here we are.

On the back of a positive and seemingly unprecedented season, Sunderland have arguably lost one of their best players.

So that begs the question: how did we get to this point and where does she go from here?

The latter may be answered quicker than we think.

Understandably, her prowess between the sticks, fine form, and capabilities will have garnered interest from other teams. Judging from most comments, fans can accept losing Moan to a WSL side, given the higher standard of football, further opportunities for growth, potential silverware, access to better facilities, training, and support. And of course, the financial incentive.

However, the rumors seem to suggest that Moan may only be making a small move — one to new Championship team and rivals, Newcastle United.

Given the injection of money from their owners, we have seen those finances reach the women's team and help them compete at a higher level. Winning back-to-back promotions from Division One North (Tier 4) and National League North (Tier 3) to now compete at the highest level they've ever played in the Women's Championship.

While it would be potentially remiss of us to solely state the cash flow injection in the women's team has led to their rise, it is hard to ignore the huge full-time contracts and wages they offered to players last year. It is quite likely, given that they are looking to obtain promotion again and compete at this level, that Newcastle will want to bring in a plethora of experienced players who have played in this league. And where better to start strengthening than at the back with the goalkeeper?

Despite Newcastle's free-flowing and expansive attacking football, critics and those who followed them in the third division have stated that they were certainly lacking quality in the goalkeeping department. Moan would certainly fit the mold for the kind of shot-stopper and player they need in that area.

Regardless of where Moan ends up, it is a big loss for the Lasses, and some questions have to be asked around why the club isn't offering long contracts, particularly to homegrown players, and allowing the contract to end. That said, in this day and age, it is undoubtedly going to be hard for Sunderland to offer the same financial incentive as other full-time Championship clubs. Irrespective of what you think ethically of the money, many would jump at the chance to earn more playing the sport they love.

Without knowing the details of what conversations have or haven't been had, it may be easy for us to feel the club is at fault here. However, they may well have offered a contract that has unfortunately been rejected for a better offer. Sunderland simply cannot compete with an offer from a WSL side or a Championship side that can offer more money and/or look more viable to obtain promotion.

The only thing keeping me somewhat sane at the moment is that I was really apprehensive this time last year when it was announced that Neve Herron, Emma Kelly, and Danielle Brown were leaving Sunderland. I thought we would struggle without them, given their importance and positions. Yet, we managed to replace them and arguably brought in a better calibre of players in those areas, such as Natasha Fenton, Jenna Dear, and Katie Kitching.

The club was very shrewd and astute in their transfer business and who we brought in last season. So while Moan is undoubtedly a huge, huge miss, hopefully (and I'm trying to remain positive), we might see the club once again pull off some magic during this preseason and attract perhaps a lesser-known but equally competent goalkeeper.

That said, Megan Borthwick, Sunderland's backup goalkeeper, didn't really put a foot wrong in the few games she played last season. Borthwick was largely picked as the keeper to play in all of Sunderland's cup matches, and while one might question her abilities following the Lasses' 7-0 defeat to Aston Villa, those in attendance would've seen just how many pivotal and impressive saves Borthwick made.

There are certainly a lot of reason for Lasses fans to worry and panic, as well as feel aggrieved and disappointed. However, I have certainly learned my lesson from last season and will wait to see just what Sunderland have lined up in terms of a replacement and plan for this upcoming 24/25 campaign before making a judgment.

The club are yet to announce a retained list, and supporters will be keeping their fingers firmly crossed for the likes of Katie Kitching, Amy Goddard, and Jenna Dear to remain on Wearside for another year. Meanwhile, new contracts have been offered to Louise Griffiths, Emily Scarr, Megan Beer, and Megan Borthwick. Simultaneously, we have said goodbye to Liz Ejupi, Faye Mullen, Mollie Rouse, and now, Claudia Moan.