Long-term contract and two new signings as NUFC Women head into Sunday on a high

It’s been a busy few days in the NUFC Women’s side of the house as they prepare for their opening Barclay’s Women Championship game at London City Lionesses on Sunday afternoon.

Headlining the news is the announcement of Head Coach Becky Langley’s new long-term contract although curiously the actual length of the contract doesn’t seem to have been announced.

Being in the luck position of being able to interview Becky Langley I know first-hand of the passion she has for NUFC Women and her commitment to making the best they can be.

She always speaks so well and positively after a game and it’s clear when talking to her and firing the questions at her that she has an outstanding knowledge of the Women’s game and what is needed to win.

Since her first arrival in 2019 she has always striven to make NUFC Women better. Remember too that her revolution started before the takeover but it was nice to see the new ownership back her all the way from their arrival.

It’s meant back-to-back promotions and a landing in The Championship now only a league away from the dream everyone holds of Newcastle becoming a WSL side. Langley richly deserves that chance to bring the dream to a reality.

Commenting on signing her deal Becky said: "I am delighted to sign a new contract and to keep pursuing my goals at Newcastle United Football Club.”

"After speaking with Paul Mitchell (Sporting Director, NUFC) and Su Cumming (Head of Women's Football, NUFC) about the ambitions for the team and club, it just made my enthusiasm even greater for this exciting project.”

"I will give everything to achieve our aims together and I am unapologetically ambitious for Newcastle United Women. Here's to an exciting future."

Mitchell and CEO Darren Eales were clearly thrilled to be able to tie Langley up to a long-term deal with Mitchell commenting: "Becky's new contract is fully deserved. I've been in constant contact with her since arriving at the club in the summer and I've been hugely impressed.

"It's clear to see Becky's talent and the potential she has in her coaching career. I'm looking forward to working together and supporting Becky, the players and staff as we build towards our ambitious objectives."

Darren Eales also added his thoughts: "A huge congratulations to Becky. We have been delighted by the progress and success that has been achieved by Newcastle United Women, and Becky has done a fantastic job in leading the team.

"We are delighted to acknowledge and reward her contribution in this way and we are excited about what is to come as we embark on an historic first season in the Women's Championship."

The Lasses preparations continue at pace and just this week they’ve added two further names and players to an already strong looking squad that will be a contender for sure in a very tough division.

Proving that certain areas of Crystal Palace are actually a lot easier to deal with than others, the backroom staff at United have been able to secure a season long loan for Isabella Sibley.

The 24-year-old winger has been with Palace since January 2022, joining from American University side West Virginia before going on to make ten appearances in the Women's Championship in the remainder of that season.

The following campaign saw Sibley largely absent after an ACL injury but, after recovering from that, she signed a new deal before being part of the squad last season that saw her club win the second-tier title and promotion to the Women's Super League.

On signing for the club, Sibley said: "I'm delighted to have got this signed, sealed and delivered before the season starts.”

"The Championship is a tough league, but with the ambitions of the club and the fans' backing, I think it's going to be a great season for everybody.”

Then in a surprising move or at least one that took most of United’s fanbase by surprise Langley added another new face to her 2024/25 Championship squad with the signing of Lois Joel.

The 25-year-old defender’s contract with ironically Sunday’s opponents London City in the summer and Newcastle have moved to bring the experienced international to Newcastle.

Joel signed for her former club in the summer of 2022 and was named captain the following year. Prior to her spell with the Lionesses she spent two seasons with West Ham United after returning to the UK following three years in the American college football system.

Internationally, Joel has represented England at under-17 and under-19 level before, earlier this year, starting her senior international career with Wales.

On signing for the club, Joel said: "It's a really exciting time to join this club. I met Becky and the girls who were all so lovely and I felt like I could fit in here straight away.”

"I can play in a couple of different positions as well, so it's good to be able to give Becky some options - and hopefully I can bring some good vibes, too!"

Langley is excited about her two new recruits as concluded, for now, her pre-season recruitment regarding Sibley she commented.

"Issy is a creative player who we have been interested in since last season. She's fast, she's technical and her personality and drive match our ambitions at Newcastle United.”

"Her loan move will be good for her development and again, will further strengthen our positive relationship with Crystal Palace. We are very excited with Issy's potential."

On Joel's arrival, Becky added: “It's great having Lois on board. She's a really talented, versatile player and having captained London City Lionesses, will bring great experience to the team.”

"Lois is a determined, intelligent player and person and we're delighted she's joined us."

So, full steam ahead and with a large contingent of travelling fans booked to go down to London City it’s going to be intriguing to see Langley’s line-up for their first Championship challenge.