Newcastle United coach 'overjoyed' as Amanda Staveley's ambitious vision takes shape

Becky Langley was left overjoyed after guiding Newcastle United to promotion from FA Women’s National League Division One North.

The Lady Magpies’ title battle with Durham Cestria went down to the final day but a 2-0 win at Barnsley Women clinched a return to the third-tier on goal difference.

Promotion for Langley caps off an emotional four-year journey. Her side narrowly missed out last season - but the wait was worth it when the full-time whistle blew on Sunday.

“It’s such a relief,” said the Ladies boss. “I’m so proud and so happy because we’ve worked so hard for four years and nobody sees the hard yards that go in behind the scenes. So for it all to pay off today, I’m just so happy.”

Durham once led Newcastle by seven points but an incredible unbeaten run - beginning in December - saw Langley’s side pip their North East counterparts to top spot.

Promotion expectations had never been higher after Newcastle Women officially became part of Newcastle United last summer. That required a huge buy-in from Langley and her part-time players, who based their work commitment around the team.

“it’s a constant effort,” Langley added. “It’s a constant anxiousness and I’m just so happy to enjoy it now.”

The Lady Magpies return to the third-tier for the first time since their relegation in 2016-17, and know they lie two promotions away from fulfilling Amanda Staveley’s ambitions of becoming a Women’s Super League club.

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