Lightning welcomes midfielder Molly Sutherland from Derby County Women

Loughborough Lightning Team on the pitch together

Image source: Andy Smith

Loughborough Lightning is thrilled to announce the signing of central midfielder Molly Sutherland from Tier 3 Northern Premier Division side Derby County Women.

Headshot of Lightning player Molly Sutherland
Headshot of Molly Sutherland

Throughout the 2023/24 season so far, Sutherland has showcased her skills in the heart of the pitch, making a significant impact with 15 appearances for Derby County Women.

Before joining DCFC last season, Molly’s path to Loughborough involved a stint at Ipswich Town's youth system before gaining valuable international experience at the University of Texas at El Paso in America. Her diverse background has contributed to her dynamic playing style and versatility on the field.

Sutherland commented on joining the side, “I’m really excited to have joined Loughborough. After only one week, I can already tell it’s a great group of people, from players to staff, all working hard to achieve promotion. I hope by coming in, I can help the team continue to win games and eventually achieve the promotion we’re after.”

Last season, Sutherland significantly impacted the Ewes, playing 24 matches and scoring twice. Her standout performances earned her the Young Player of the Season award, highlighting her future potential.

Head Lightning Coach Charlie Baxter added, “I’m excited to have Molly join us at Loughborough. I believe she has all the attributes that make her a powerful midfielder for us in this league - she's good on the ball, she's comfortable with both her right and left foot, she breaks up play so well, but she’s also capable of developing play from deep. 

She is mature beyond her years; she reads the game well, senses danger early, and recognises opportunities to progress forward with the ball. As always, when you’re joining a new team, there will be a period of adaptation, but I think she has settled in very well so far.”

The Lightning family are delighted to secure Sutherland as she continues to captivate and promises to be a thrilling chapter for both the player and the club for the rest of the 2023/24 season and beyond.

Welcome to the Lightning Family, Molly!