Newcastle United: Promoted and on the come up? | OneFootball

On 14 April 2024, a dominant 10-0 win over Huddersfield Town saw Newcastle United crowned winners of the 2023/24 National League. That victory promoted them to the second tier of the English women’s football pyramid: the Barclays Women’s Championship.

Now, five months into the 2024/25 season, how are newly promoted Newcastle United performing in the Championship? Let’s break down their progress so far.

The impact of investment

As of 2 February, Newcastle United are twelve games into the 2024/25 Women’s Championship season. Their match results have been mixed but overall positive, with five wins, four draws and three losses.

What is responsible for Newcastle’s success both this season and last? One key factor is the club’s financial investments.

Newcastle was the only fully professional Tier 3 side last season, a distinction Portsmouth achieved only after its promotion at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The team’s increased investment is most evident in its recent signings between the end of last season and now.

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Key signings boost Newcastle’s Championship campaign

One notable signing is goalkeeper Claudia Moan, who joined from local rivals Sunderland. Winning the 2023/24 Player of the Season and Golden Glove awards, Moan has been a vital addition to Newcastle’s lineup so far. She has played fifteen games and 1,350 minutes across all competitions for the Magpies. With four clean sheets and 43 saves, she is key to the team’s success this season.

Another major addition to the club is Demi Stokes, who arrived on a free transfer after the expiration of her contract with Manchester United. The former United defender has proven her talent on the international stage, receiving 69 caps for England. Now, she is a strong and reliable addition to the Newcastle defence, having made the team sheet for 18 games so far.

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Newcastle’s progress signals a promising future

While Newcastle may not be on track for a Championship victory this season, they currently sit in seventh place and have a clear foothold in the league. Their continued success after a victorious 2023/24 campaign clearly points towards the benefit of financial investment in lower leagues.

If other teams were to follow suit, could Newcastle United’s recent success spell a new era for fully professional clubs in lower tiers?

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