MIDDLESBROUGH have announced an official affiliation with Middlesbrough FC Women.

Middlesbrough Women will now operate under the club's umbrella, will wear the crest, train at Rockliffe Park and play selected home games at the Riverside Stadium.

As part of the affiliation, Middlesbrough Women have confirmed the appointment of the experienced and highly-rated Mick Mulhern as manager.

Mulhern previously led Sunderland to the top flight and has worked with players such as Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze and Beth Mead and his appointment has been described as a "real coup" by Ben Fisher, who was chairman of Middlesbrough Women in its previous guise and will now continue his work as general manager.

Middlesbrough FC Women currently play in the National League Division One North, the fourth tier of the women’s game, and finished 10th last season.

This integration will now see the playing squad train at Rockliffe Park, while the Riverside Stadium will stage selected home games alongside regular venue Stockton Town.

Chief executive Neil Bausor said: “It’s no secret that the affiliation of an MFC women’s team has been under discussion for a period of time, and we now believe the infrastructure is in place to move forward.

“The club is wholly committed in its backing of MFC Women and we are excited about the future.

“I’d also like to place on record our thanks to Ben and Susannah Fisher for all their hard work and dedication.”

General manager Ben Fisher said: “This is an historic day for us all. We’re delighted to have the support of the club and be very much a part of things.

“This gives us a real opportunity to move forward, and we are highly ambitious.

“This now means that every young person who comes through the doors at the Riverside will have that opportunity to represent MFC and wear the badge.

“The appointment of Mick as manager is a real coup for us because of the knowledge and experience he brings, and we’re looking forward to working closely together.”