The 23-year-old will bring added experience to the Sunderland side which gets together again at the weekend to start their pre-season training.

The Wearsiders are looking forward to their campaign in the top flight after winning the Northern Division title, and promotion, last season.

Manager Mick Mulhern is looking to bring in more new faces to bolster his squad.

"Stacy will come in to compete for a place in the side," he said.

"She plays right-back but can also play in midfield. She was with us at the Centre of Excellence several years back and we are glad to have her back."

Sunderland have lost the services of right-back Lucy Bronze, from Alnwick, who is taking up a scholarship in the United States.

Striker Sarah Danby has also signed for Sheffield Wednesday after moving away from the North East, while midfielder Steph O'Brien has joined Newcastle to get more match action.

Mulhern is eager to build on last season's success, which included reaching the FA Cup final, where they were beaten 2-1 by all-conquering Arsenal Ladies.

Their run to the final, as well as the title success, earned Mulhern the Football Association's manager of the year award, which was presented by England Director of Football Sir Trevor Brooking.

"It was a marvellous day on a personal level, but also a real achievement for the club.

"I thought we would have got the Team of the Year award for what we achieved, but that went to Arsenal. The manager award, though, was a reward for everyone at the club."

Mulhern was also thrilled that the success also received recognition from SAFC.

"I received a personal letter from Niall Quinn, and that pleased me almost more than the award!" joked the Sunderland season-ticket holder.

"It just shows the calibre of the man to make that effort for me.

"The club was great to us last year, including letting us play the FA Cup semi-final at the Stadium of Light. That was a magnificent day – and we wbeat Chelsea 3-0to win through to the final.

"It would be great if we could play there again at some stage."