“It’s great to get these experiences” - Morgan on life on loan at Sunderland

Academy graduate Esther Morgan has been making the most of her loan spell at Sunderland this season, soaking up different experiences on the pitch and even getting to enjoy the seaside.

“I’m really enjoying it,” she told us. “It’s great to be playing minutes and getting different experiences with different styles of football. I’ve been doing a lot of learning while I’m up here as well.

“It’s not as much about having the ball, it’s a lot of out of possession stuff, which is great for me as a defender. Also, we’re really going on counter-attacks, so it’s a different style.

“It’s always positive when you can go out somewhere different with different coaches and learn how different people like to play. Ultimately, it puts you in the best place moving forward.”

Esther has made eight appearances for Sunderland in the Barclays Women's Championship, and played 90 minutes in the Vitality Women's FA Cup versus Manchester United, coming up against the likes of Ella Toone and Nikita Parris.

Sunderland are 10th in the Women’s Championship, 11 points ahead of bottom-placed Coventry United, whose relegation has been confirmed.

“For me personally, it’s about just getting minutes and coming back down, enjoying being back with the girls, the football we get to play and the facilities and having the support around me," Esther explained.

Many of Sunderland’s players have other jobs outside of football, and there is a diverse mix of industries, Esther told us.

“Some of the players are amazing. There are a lot of teachers, there are social workers, firefighters, a train driver! Most jobs are here! It’s been eye-opening in that sense because it’s not what I’m used to.

“I’m living up here and really enjoying it. I’ve explored a lot and pretty much done the whole coast from Sunderland all the way up past Tynemouth, which has been lovely. It’s nice being by the sea as well, so another experience I’m really enjoying! I’ve been a bit jealous because my sister’s been telling me that the best weather is down with you guys and I’m still in a coat, but it’s windy more than anything.

“I’m still quite young so it’s great to have these experiences. In normal jobs, not many people can go off to a new place for however many weeks, so it’s a great part of the job, to experience new places and new people. It’s been really fun.”