Amanda Staveley sends message as Newcastle United Women kick-off new season in style

Newcastle United Women got their 2023-24 FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division campaign off to a winning start with a 4-0 victory at AFC Fylde on Sunday afternoon.

Head coach Becky Langley handed league debuts to a number of her summer signings and two of those got on the scoresheet. Former Sunderland forward Bridget Galloway netted a brace, while Amber-Keegan Stobbs and last season’s top scorer Georgia Gibson also scored to cap off a resounding victory.

Reacting to the result on social media, Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley said: “So proud of these amazing women! Well done to the whole team #whorunstheworldgirls 🖤🤍”

Although this is the Lady Magpies’ first season back in the third-tier after piping Durham Cestria to promotion on goal difference last season, Langley has not hidden the side’s ambitions to challenge the top again.

“I think our ambitions are back-to-back promotions,” said Langley after NUFC Women beat West Brom at St James’ Park last month. “I think others listening in might think we’re quite naive but the players and staff we’ve brought in has given us a massive boost.

“There’s absolutely no reason why we can’t win the league this season. That’s our ambition, we’ll go for it every single game to get those three points.”

That ambition also comes from the top with Staveley a key driving force behind the scenes. Earlier this summer, it was revealed Newcastle Women had turned full-time for the first time in their history with the hope of reaching the Women’s Super League as soon as possible.

“The success of Newcastle United Women is an integral part of our sporting objectives and we are delighted to support the team’s progress by building a professional model around them,” said sporting director Dan Ashworth.

“Becky and the players have shown incredible dedication, and turning full-time will enable them to fully concentrate on their careers and the next chapter of Newcastle United Women as fully supported professionals.”