Moors Ladies have moved to re-sign last season’s Players’ Player of the Year, Caitlin Bates, after the attacker agreed a return from Hartlepool United.
Having originally left The Brewery Field to move back to her hometown club at the end of last term, Bates has now had a change of heart and will once again represent Moors in 2024/25.
The talented 27-year-old was one of the stars of Moors’ debut season in the NERWFL Premier Division, boasting some 17 goals and 13 assists in all competitions during a thrilling campaign.
“After exploring elsewhere, I felt that the environment at Spennymoor Town was perfect for me,” Bates explained.
“We had a real togetherness as a group last season, and I felt that again coming back into train. I feel that last year we were really successful and that was something I wanted to build on.
“The Club has one of the best set-ups in the local area and the backing of the entire Football Club, as well as the backing of the fans which is huge for me.”
Bates will now return to the fold as Moors prepare for their second season in the top flight having finished runners-up last term following promotion in 2022/23.
“I was gutted to lose Caitlin at the end of the season, but she had her reasons for leaving the Club,” added Moors Ladies boss Billy Shackleton.
“We know what Caitlin can bring to our team and we knew that it would be hard to replace her, so I jumped at the chance to bring her back in when it came up.
“The fans will already know what they can expect from her and I’m confident she can build on what she did last year and have another great season.
“We’ve also brought in Jess Dawson this summer so I know those two will be looking forward to linking-up in attack again having previously played together at Hartlepool.”
