South Shields FC chairman Geoff Thompson agrees rescue deal with WSL2 club Durham Women
There was some big breaking news from WSL2 club Durham Women on Tuesday afternoon.
South Shields FC chairman Geoff Thompson has secured the long-term future of Durham Women FC - with the help of Mariners partner, Jason Ye.
The deal comes just weeks after the WSL2 club launched an appeal to find a new investor or buyer and warned they could go out of business if they were unable to do so. The Maiden Castle-based club have enjoyed a rapid rise up the pyramid in recent seasons and have racked up some notable achievements over the last decade including reaching the quarter-final of the FA Cup on two occasions during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons before falling to defeats against WSL clubs Everton and Chelsea.
Moving into a hybrid model of part-time and full-time training, there were aspirations of pushing towards the top level of the women’s football pyramid - but financial struggles placed the club’s existence at risk and led to a plea for support earlier this month. Mariners chairman Thompson and Ye, who fronted the ORY Investment consortium that became majority shareholders in South Shields last month, have stepped in to agree a deal that will see club founders Lee Sanders and Dawn Hepple remain as shareholders.
A club statement confirmed the club’s management team will ‘continue to lead the club’s day-to-day operations’ and revealed the agreement has secured the Wildcats’ future ‘for the 2026/27 season and beyond’.
Co-founder Hepple said: “We’re delighted to have Geoff and his team stepping up and securing an exciting future for the club. The support we’ve received from our staff, players and supporters throughout this process has been incredible, and we’re truly grateful for it. We would also like to thank Patrick and Frances Connolly for their invaluable support over the past three years, which has helped the club reach this stage. We’re now looking ahead with confidence and excitement to the 2026/27 season and to working with Geoff and his team as we continue to build and grow Durham Women FC.”
‘Exciting journey’
Thompson said: “With a decision required within a matter of days, the overriding priority was to safeguard Durham Women FC 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. The women’s game continues to grow at an exceptional pace, and we are confident that Durham Women FC is well positioned to be part of this exciting journey. Working alongside Lee and Dawn, the club’s supporters, and our local partners, we are committed to unlocking the club’s full potential while ensuring it remains deeply connected to the culture, values, and identity that make the North East so special.”
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