Half The World Away

Last Oasis reference I promise but time really has flown, it doesn't feel like a year has passed since I posted my first entry on this blog. So much has changed in these past 12 months, which I'll come to in a moment, in some ways it feels like no time at all has passed since that first post in other ways it seems like I've noticeably aged and that year is closer to a decade. But here we go, we are only a matter of weeks away now from the start of Newcastle United Women's second season in what is now WSL 2 and hopefully this is the big one, the third promotion in 4 seasons and the promotion that takes us to the top tier of women's football in England, the Barclay's Women's Super League or WSL 1 if you prefer. 

Congratulations to Lois Joel. The Welsh midfielder is the only member of the current NUW squad to feature at this summer's Euro's. Wales may not have made it out of the group stage but it was a huge accomplishment reaching their first major tournament and congratulations on scoring their first goal at a major tournament, even if it was against England. No doubt the time in Switzerland was a highly productive experience for Lois. 

Successful start to pre-season with a 1-3 win away to Bayern Munich. It may not have been a full strength home side but much like last summer's penalty shoot out victory over AC Milan in the Sela Cup it's still a notable result for the team. A second half brace for last season's Players Player of the Season Beth Lumsden and a goal from last season's top scorer Shania Hayles securing the win. Happy birthday for yesterday Beth and best of luck for the season ahead. 

Great to see Emma Kelly and Elysia Boddy back on the pitch during the Bayern match after 2024/25 season's that were cut drastically short by injury, hopefully better season's ahead. And welcome to our new signings: Jemma Purfield & Molly Pike from Southampton, WSL 1 appearance record holder Jordan Nobbs from Aston Villa and Aoife Mannion from Manchester United. 

Thank you to Amy Andrews, Katie Barker, Jodie Bartle, Daisy Burt, Grace Donnelly, Becky Ferguson, Rachel Furness, Georgia Gibson, Hannah Greenwood, Sophie Haywood, Amber Keegan Stobbs and Olivia Watt who departed the club at the end of last season. Good luck in whatever is next and I will try to follow those who are continuing in football.

Colin Lock Charity Walk

OK, my first post mentioned above was a tribute to the much missed NUW photographer Colin Lock. Last weekend I had the honour of being involved in a sponsored walk from the Stadium of Light to St. James' Park on the first anniversary of Colin's passing. Full credit to Lee from Newcastle Fans TV for organising the walk and bringing together football fans from across the Northeast. Over £1,600 has been raised so far for Macmillan Cancer Support here , a significant amount and a charity that was meaningful to Colin. Hat off to Colin's daughter Courtney, staying composed throughout what I can only imagine was a very emotional day. Well done to everybody who took part and thank you to those who have generously donated.

I finished that first post with "I hope, even in just a small way, I can do your memory justice with this blog and help contribute to the growth of the women's game". When Mam spent 3 months in hospital at the start of this year I feel I lost sight of that aim but hopefully I can get back on track this season. 

I only really knew Colin for a year if that but he left a lasting impression on me. How I wish he'd still been with us to talk to whilst Mam had pneumonia. Someone who knew Colin a lot longer is Michael "Causy" Cauwood and he kindly provided the following:

"Sunday 20th July 2025. What a wonderful day organised by Lee from NFTV. The sun was shining (That was the continuous flash from Colins' Lens beaming down - cheers Colin) and 50-60 friends, family, ex players & fans made the 12.5 mile walk from the Stadium of Light in Sunderland to St. James' Park in Newcastle. It was a day of mixed emotions; it marked one year since the sad passing of the legend Colin Lock, but it also gave everyone on the walk the opportunity to share stories and memories of Colin as well as do what Colin loved to do - talk football.

It was an honour to have Colin's daughter Courtney walk with us, and for his wife Lynn to join us at the end. They were incredibly grateful and moved by the turnout and just how much Colin meant to so many people. Everyone on that Walk shed tears, smiled, laughed, reminisced and remembered Colin in the best way they could, and it was incredibly humbling & touching to be able to bring his flag to the finish line. It never gets any easier with each game that goes by knowing you aren't there to snap everyone's photo, but you will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you forever and a day. We love you Colin, we do!"

A newer entry to the world of YouTube, Matt Lewis never met Colin but understood his significance amongst the fan base.

"A massive well done to everyone who was involved with planning, completing and donating for the Colin walk.I sadly never met him but his Legacy and how much me meant to people was there in abundance on my 1st game at KP and will never be forgotten. The videos on NFTV and all the other comments etc I see on the group (Newcastle United Womens Fan Group on Facebook) are so heartwarming remembering him."

2025/26 Fixtures

It's largely been overshadowed by news that came out later in the day but next season's fixtures were released at 10:00 on Friday 25th June 2025. The lasses get the new campaign underway on Sunday 7th September 2025 with a trip to the City Ground to face newly promoted Nottingham Forest. The last time we visited the City Ground is notable for being the first "Causy Coach" away day. Fan favourite winger Kacie Elson scored the only goal of the game in the 59th minute to secure NUW an important 3 points in the tier 3 title race. Of the 11 players that started the match, only Emma Kelly and Charlotte Potts are still at the club. 

Two months later, 21st January 2024 goals from Alice Keitley in the 10th minute and Niamh Reynolds in the 90th minute saw Forest cancel out a 4th minute Georgia Gibson opener to inflict NUW's only home loss of the season. Unfortunate result aside, a notable match due to it being the NUW debut of future Mackem Slayer Beth Lumsden, coming on for Katie Barker in the 69th minute. 

Forest had an exceptional 2024/25 season, a 1-0 loss to NUW in the FA Cup being their only loss out of 32 matches in all competitions going on to secure the tier 3 title with 58 points and lifting the FAWNL Cup. Forest have brought in Scottish internationals Amy Rodgers & Kirsty Smith and Republic of Ireland international Chloe Mustaki so it will be a good test but I'm confident we can pick up 3 points. 

Sheffield United once again our first home match of the season. Lumsden again in the history books in this fixture last season scoring our first home goal in WSL 2. It hasn't been a straightforward summer for the Blades, relegated from WSL 2 then reinstated following Blackburn Rovers withdrawal from the league. Again I'm confident of 3 points. 

Birmingham City (A), Charlton Athletic (H) and Crystal Palace (A) round out our first 5 matches. If we can pick up 9 to 12 points or better from those opening five I feel that will send us well on our way to WSL 1. As last season proved, there are no easy games at this level but I suspect we learned a lot last season in regards to the physicality and "dark arts" of this league. 

Tyne Wear derbies on 16th November 2025 (H) and 29th March 2026 (A). Both matches fall on men's international breaks so likely at the respective men's grounds but TBC. Durham (H) on the final day of the season has the potential to be an unmissable match. 

Causy again: "As expected we're away from home for the opening fixture, with the GNR taking place that weekend. A lovely trip to Nottingham Forest,the location of the first Causy Coach. Watch out for more details coming soon.

It's brilliant to see us finally end the season with a home fixture for the first time since we thumped Barnsley at Coach Lane in the 21/22 curtain closer, this coming just a week after narrowly missing out on the FAWNL Division 1 North (Tier 4) title to Liverpool Feds. And what a tasty fixture it will be this time around against Durham. Could it be a potential promotion party for one or even both teams? After finishing 4th & 5th last season, both teams will want to kick on, especially with a potential THREE promotion places up for grabs this time around!"

On that note, it appears the WSL 1 / WSL 2 play-off is going to be a home / away two leg arrangement rather than a one off match at a neutral venue.

Gateshead International Stadium

The elephant in the room. Shortly after the release of the fixtures on Friday the club dropped the huge bombshell that home matches are no longer going to take place at Kingston Park instead, next season and seemingly for the foreseeable future, home matches will take place across the River Tyne at Gateshead International Stadium.This news came entirely out of the blue and caught virtually the whole of the fan base off guard. 

I readily admit I perhaps haven't given the new ground a fair go. The news broke when I had other things going on and the beginnings of a migraine. I understand the need to play on a real grass pitch, both to comply with league regulations certainly if promotion is achieved, possibly to remain in WSL 2 that's a little unclear, and to attract the level of player required to achieve that promotion. I'd rather the men's team didn't leave St. James' Park more for sentimental reasons than anything, I've grown up at SJP from standing on the Gallowgate End first in "the scoreboard" before moving to "the corner" then coming full circle 30 years later via the Entertainers, the Ashley years and into the PIF era back to safe standing in "the corner". Similarly, I've grown familiar with Kingston Park, it always seemed to portrayed as the permanent home of NUW.

Without wishing to be unduly critical of the club, I feel the reason I've been as unsure about the move as I have is the way it was announced. No fan consultation, no forewarning and perhaps more questions than answers. Even though we can't stand anymore I do hope the South Stand can be kept together. Michael, Jamie, Dan, Steph, Gav, Richard, Neil it's been an absolute pleasure folks. 

Paula, a newer follower of the Women's team:

"I was shocked at the suddenness and the timing of the announcement, especially considering we had so recently renewed season tickets, however it has always been at the back of my mind that this was where we would end up if promoted. I don't think the club has handled this well at all, what I would like to know is why open up season ticket renewals if staying at Kingston Park wasn't certain, doubt they will tell us though (that is if they knew). My immediate concern is how are they going to redistribute our season tickets? We chose our seats because we have made alliances over the last 12 months with the people we sit near, they are part of our match day experience a big part !! Also what does this all mean for standing fans? Will it be pot luck for them? What about their alliances? All this aside whatever happens it won't stop me coming to matches. HTL !!"

The acceptance of the change and positivity for  the future is shared by Michael, a fan who has followed the team since the tier 3 promotion season:

"I completely understand the frustration from the fans around the way this has been communicated, after season ticket holders have renewed for the new season, which they expected to be at Kingston Park. However, I love the ambition from the club, to be future proofing for promotion to the top tier, by securing us a home stadium with a grass pitch. It's now up to us, as th loudest and most loyal fan base in WSL 2 to get behind the team and work hard to recreate the amazing atmosphere that was built at Kingston Park."

Kev, a regular contributor to the fans Facebook group, shares similar sentiments to Paula and Michael:

"I think as a first point - I understand the need for a long term solution which involves playing on grass, and that there’s not a lot of grass options locally, and that I will still be attending this season. While I’m sure issues on seating etc may well be sorted quickly I’m not looking forward to the initial niggles and confusion. However the way it was communicated was an utter shambles. The day before people were picking their seats at Kingston Park. Whilst there’d been some eyebrow raisers (St, James’ Park mentioned regarding Drinking In The Bowl Pilot but not Kingston Park, new signings not mentioning Kingston Park etc) that there’d been nothing to even suggest options were being investigated meant it came as a shock.

It feels the decision was possibly made through necessity rather than choice because of all the “We’re still working that out” answers on the FAQ but then that leaves the question why was it suddenly necessary to move immediately with no prior warning or comms for the fans?"

 Finally, the thoughts of a long time supporter who rightly argues change is the only constant in football:

"... and never was it more relevant than last Friday when on the day the WSL 2 fixtures came out, and NUFC announced that the Women's home fixtures would be switching from Kingston Park to Gateshead International Stadium for the forthcoming season.


To say it wasn't great timing was an understatement, the vast majority of football supporters in our region would struggle to get excited about watching their team in an athletics stadium.


I absolutely get where they are coming from when it comes to replicating the fantastic atmosphere that was cultivated by the hardcore supporters over the past two seasons at KP.


In order to match the clubs ambitions of getting into tier 1 sooner rather than later some tough decisions have to be made. Firstly getting access to top quality training and playing surfaces meant it had to be on grass and not 3G plastic. I believe if you want to attract the top female players there has to be the professional infrastructure put in place. By who, when, or why the decisions were made so quickly no one knows and we can speculate as much as we like but the fact of the matter is there will never be a better opportunity to secure one of the three promotion places on offer next season. Having coached / managed at elite level in both the male and female game I fully understand that when it comes to improving performance and results you must give your players the best tools to carry out the job.


I think the club now owe the 4,000 regular supporters to show their intentions on creating a welcoming atmosphere at a ground that is fit for purpose by improving the parts of the stadium that need it most. Personally I would hope the grass pitch gets furnished with hoardings similar to those we have witnessed at the Euro's in Switzerland.


I hope the main body of supporters stay with the lasses and the new players for the coming seasom and once promotion is won we get to see more games played on SJP over the coming seasons."

Apologies, due to size limitations I've not been able to fully include all off the above but happy to put that as a separate post if people would like to read it? Some interesting history of the development of women's football in Newcastle. 

I think, to summarise,  whilst the news may have come as a shock to many and possibly wasn't delivered in an ideal way the passionate support the fans are known for will follow the team to the new ground. 

Lionesses

A positive note to finish on. We are now only a matter of hours away from the Euro's Final, defending Champions England taking on world champions Spain. 

Opta has Spain narrow favourites with a 51.49% chance of winning compared to England's 48.51%, a poll of She's A Baller's Instagram followers came out with 79% predicting an England win. Will Lauren James feature, can Chloe Kelly produce something magical once again, please not penalties. Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. 

YouTuber Matt:

"Amazing achievement from the Lionesses to reach a 3rd major final in a row. I still don't think we will have enough to beat Spain but the grit we have showed to get through so far and as Arsenal showed in the Champions League final when everything aligns you never know."