Final Whistle

With the FAWNL season finished and the Championship now over and done with for 2024-25 following last weekend I believe this will be my last blog of the season. Before I get into it, YouTube really isn't an option for me so a big reason behind why I wanted to write a blog was a tribute to Colin and to try and in a small way continue his legacy. I know it's all gone down the pan in the second half of the season due to the amount of time I've spent visiting hospital but it seems everything is well now so I should be able to be more consistent next year. Hopefully Colin would've liked what I have written this season. You're very much missed mate. 

I know I've verged off quite a bit into FAWNL territory over the season but I'll keep this last entry to NUW.

What a season it's been, 3 consecutive promotions was always going to be an immensely difficult task but wor lasses have nothing at all to be ashamed of. A very credible 5th place finish, only 9 points off the top, yes there's been some draws that ideally would've been wins but there's a steep learning curve between tier 3 and the Championship and I think we've bridged the gap very well. Are there area's we can improve on, yes, but that is always going to be the case. Even all conquering Chelsea aren't perfect as the recent Champions League semi-final proved. Congratulations to the players, Becky and all the coaching / backroom staff on a memorable first season in the Championship. 

What follows is purely my thoughts on the season, I've no issue at all if people disagree. 

Young Player of the Season

If I try to keep it to players who were here all season, this is surprisingly difficult. Due to injuries and the way player ages are in the squad there's limited choice. Get to mid 20's and suddenly there's a lot more players to choose from but you're stretching the definition of "Young" in football terms. 

So, congratulations to Shania Hayles. Two hat tricks, the club's top scorer this season, one goal away from being joint top in the league's Golden Boot competition, a great first season in the black & white stripes for the Jamaican international. Could be argued that it took Hayles a little while to settle in the team but really came into her own following the January transfer window. 

A full season with Freya Gregory & Emily Murphy in the side next season, this could be much tougher to call. I also think Lois Joel has really hit her stride towards the end of the season and put in some outstanding performances. 

                                                            Photo courtesy of Gavan Mcnally

                

Player of the Season

Somewhat predictable. Yes, she's my favourite player but putting all favouritism to one side and looking at it from purely a football point of view I couldn't not go with Beth "the Mackem Slayer" Lumsden. As good as she was between joining the club in the January 2024 transfer window and the end of the tier 3 promotion season I think  Beth really stepped it up a level this season and proved she's more than capable of playing at this level. 

3 legue goal of the month nominations, two league player of the month nominations and the Sela Player of the Month for April, it's been a phenomenal first full NUW season for the winger. Women's Championship, WSL or the NUFC Men's team, I can't name another player who is as legitimately two-footed. And the power she generates from her, I believe, "weaker" left foot is ridiculous. 

Spectacular goals aside, I've found Lumsden to be as effective in creating chances with her movement off the ball as she is with the ball at her feet. Looking at the interactions of the players on the pitch, I would say Lumsden has noticably developed as one of the leaders of the team, especially to the newer players. 

Congratulations Beth. 

                                                         Photo courtesy of Gavan Mcnally

Goal of the Season

Surprisingly, maybe, I'm not going to go with Lumsden putting the ball in the Mackem's net. Either time. Goal of the season for me is Beth's rocket against Blackburn Rovers at Kingston Park. 

Demi Stokes, what a season she's had, with a ball into the box from the left wing, Furney with the flick on, again, a monumental season, and Lumsden somehow found acres of space in the box, a lovely first touch then an absolute rocket of a left footed shot giving the Blackburn keeper no chance at all. Left footed? Right footed? I really don't know.

Goal of the Season

Just before I move on, on a personal note, I just want to say thank you to Beth for being kind enough to sign my shirt after the final match of the season. 2025 has been a difficult year personally with far too much time spent in hospitals. As I said to Joe in one of our many phone calls on my way home from visiting one of the things that stopped me entirely falling apart was if I get through to the weekend I get to see Lumsden play. 

She reminds me very much, in terms of style of play, of Peter Beardsley. Which brings back many fond memories of standing on the Gallowgate End watching the Entertainers. 

So thank you very much, this really means a lot to me. And congratulations on the new contract.

So, to wrap things up for the season. 

Biggest disappointment for me has to be the Tyne & Wear derby at SJP. Had a feeling things weren’t right at home while I was at the Stack before kick off, barely managed kick off before I was on my way home, huge thank you for the lift Michael, then spent the rest of the day in the RVI. Still haven’t seen the match.

On the flip side of that, my favourite away day was definitely our trip to the Stadium of Light. I’ve done men’s derbies at SJP before but I’vr never been to an away Tyne & Wear derby. It didn’t disappoint.

Home match wise, Birmingham City stands out most. The South Stand was well and truly on fire for that one. Great day. Jamie, Dan, Steph, Michael, Gav, Richard, Neil it’s been a pleasure all season, already looking forward to what next season has in store. New flag perhaps? Applications are indeed open to come and join us next season.*

* please don’t look for an actual application form. Season ticket details will be announced via the club, likely late July / early August. 

I don’t know which players are being retained but thank you Grace Donnelly for everything you’ve done during your time at the club. I can’t really add anything more to what the fans have already said these past couple of weeks but best of luck with whatever the future holds for you and you will always be an NUW legend.

I think that about does it for me. Thanks to everybody thats read this blog over the course of the season, enjoy the Euros in the summer, then hopefully a 3rd promotion season in 4 next season and we are off to the Super League.