Durham Women have wasted little time showing their ambition ahead of the new Barclays Women's Super League 2 season, completing the signing of experienced forward Jade Pennock.
The 33-year-old becomes the club's first signing of the summer and arrives with an impressive goalscoring record, having netted more than 50 goals in England's second tier across spells with Doncaster Belles, Sheffield United and Birmingham City.
For Durham, it is more than just adding experience. It is an early statement that the club intends to build on the stability secured through recent investment and continue moving forward.
Jade Pennock's Journey Back To English Football
Pennock returns to English football after spending the last year with Sporting JAX in the USL Super League in the United States, where she made history by scoring the club's first-ever goal.
Her career has taken her across England, Australia and America, but it is in the Women's Championship where she has enjoyed some of her greatest success.
After beginning her senior career with Leeds United and developing her game in the United States at the University of Montevallo and the University of North Georgia, Pennock returned to England to join Doncaster Belles in 2017.
She played a key role in their title-winning campaign, scoring the goal that secured the league championship before moving to Sheffield United, where she scored 40 goals in three seasons.
That form earned her a move to Birmingham City, where she became an important player over five seasons and scored twice in the Women's Super League.
Along the way, Pennock was also named the Championship's Player of the Season for 2022-23, underlining her quality at this level.
Why Jade Pennock Is A Perfect Fit For Durham
While goals have followed Pennock throughout her career, her experience could prove just as valuable for Durham's squad.
Having competed across multiple leagues and experienced promotion battles, title races and top-flight football, she brings leadership alongside attacking quality.
Speaking after completing the move, Pennock said she was excited to begin the next chapter of her career.
"I was ready to come back and play in England again and I've played against Durham lots – it's a difficult place to come.
"I like that it's a tight-knit squad and it's definitely somewhere I'll fit in."
She also outlined her ambitions for the season ahead: "I want to fit in with the team, play well, bring what I can bring to the team and contribute."
A New Era For Durham Women
Pennock's arrival comes just weeks after Durham secured the club's long-term future through new investment.
The recent majority takeover has provided stability after a period of uncertainty, allowing the club to focus on strengthening both on and off the pitch.
Recruiting an experienced player with Pennock's pedigree suggests Durham are looking to build on that platform rather than simply maintain their position.
It also reflects the growing ambition surrounding the club as they prepare for another Barclays Women's Super League 2 campaign.
What Comes Next For Durham And Pennock
Durham supporters will hope Pennock's goalscoring instincts translate quickly into points when the new season begins.
With experience across England, Australia and the United States, she arrives as one of the division's most accomplished forwards.
If she can rediscover the form that made her one of the Championship's most feared attackers, Durham may have secured one of the standout signings of the summer.
