Newcastle United Women set for 2026/27 challenge after transformative summer
Newcastle United Women completed their pre-season schedule at Gateshead International Stadium last Sunday afternoon with a 3 – 1 win over fellow WSL 2 side Burnley. It has been a very solid and productive effort from a vastly different squad to that which ended the 2025/26 season.
No fewer than 11 new players have come through the doors as Head Coach/Manager Tanya Oxtoby has put her own stamp on what is effectively very much her choice of player for the forthcoming campaign.
Oxtoby made no bones about feeling that whilst she inherited a solid squad from outgoing manager Becky Langley, it was not an expansive enough collection of players to get Newcastle where they want to be, and that's the WSL 1.
There were high hopes with two teams being promoted automatically and a further one that could have gone up through the play-offs that United could and perhaps should have got promotion last season.
In the end, only 32 goals scored, meaning not being able to turn a league high nine draws into wins cost them that chance. It’s fair to say it was a disappointing campaign in 2025/26; finishing sixth was never in the equation when last season opened.
A new challenge in 2026/27
This season, only the Champions of WSL2 are guaranteed automatic promotion. Second place will get you a play-off place, but that’s not a guarantee of anything. So, it has to be win or bust for United this season.
With that comes additional pressure and expectations especially as the three sides that finished above The Lasses all made the WSL1. Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace will not stand in Newcastle’s way this season.
Pundits are saying Leicester City, who were relegated from the WSL1 last season, and Bristol City, who finished fourth in WSL2 last season, will be United’s main challengers. But Southampton also finished above Newcastle and will fancy their chances.
The new investment at Sunderland could well make a big difference to the Wearside outfit and turn them into challengers. Nottingham Forest, entering their second season of WSL2 after a very solid first campaign, will also be looking to kick on.
Of the newly promoted sides, Watford and Wolves, United’s first league opponents at Gateshead next Sunday, are certainly not looking to come to the WSL2 just to make up the numbers. In truth, the 12-team League will be tough with all sides going into the season full of hope and expectation.
Tania Oxtoby acknowledges that there is pressure on her and her squad. But believes it’s the kind of pressure you want and should thrive upon. She’s been very pleased with her squad’s pre-season work and the way her new players are integrating into the Club.
Who has signed this summer?
Oxtoby seems delighted with the business that has been done this summer, particularly from an incoming point of view. There’s been real quality brought in, with perhaps the most eye-catching being striker Kathleen McGovern, United’s newest wearer of the legendary NUFC number 9 shirt.
McGovern has certainly hit the ground running, netting five goals in pre-season, including a superb hat-trick on Sunday against Burnley. The Scottish international striker who has signed from Hibernian is the type of player that will get fans off their sets with excitement that’s for sure.
Along with McGovern, United have signed a further five full internationals. Defenders Gemma Evans from WSL1 Liverpool is a Welsh international. Rachel McLauchlan, a Scottish international from WSL 1 side Brighton and Hungarian Hannah Nemeth from Werder Bremen.
In midfield Icelandic international Hildur Antonsdottir has arrived from Madrid CFF, whilst Leanne Kiernan has represented the Republic of Ireland and comes in after five years with WSL1 side Liverpool completing the new internationals in the United squad.
Striker Martha Thomas has signed from Tottenham Hotspur, from where she will again bring WSL1 experience. Two great captures from WSL2 clubs have also come to Newcastle to bolster the midfield areas.
Mollie Lambert was widely considered by many as Durham’s best player and has on occasion been the scourge of Newcastle, netting goals against them to take Durham to derby victories, whilst Katie Bradley decided to switch to United after helping Charlton to WSL 1 promotion
The final two players coming in at the moment is Arsenal and England Under-20 striker Jessie Gale, who is currently playing in the Under-20 World Cup, and goalkeeper Kayla Rendell from Manchester United. Both WSL 1 players are on season-long loan deals with United.
All eleven will have significant roles to play alongside those retained from last season and are expected to help Newcastle convert that promise and expectation into the reality of promotion. It is and will not be a forgone conclusion.
A big challenge awaits Oxtoby
The WSL 2 is a tough uncompromising league with all sides able to put in top performances on the day and able to beat each other. Success has to be earned, and Oxtoby is well aware of that as she drives her message and philosophy into her players.
The United gaffer has also made big changes behind the scenes to her coaching staff. Her number two and Assistant Manager this season will be Stuart McLaren who was also Oxtoby’s right-hand man when she was the Northern Ireland boss.
Charlie Cave has arrived from Charlton as Assistant Head Coach and stepping up from United’s under-16 women’s Head Coach is former Magpie Rachel Furness as an Assistant Coach. Barry Richardson comes in as Head of Goalkeeping from senior Men’s football with Nottingham Forest.
The only survivor from last season’s coaching staff being goalkeeping coach Stephen Brass who will be in his third season with the Club.
Massive changes that bring massive expectations. Will this be United’s season? Well perhaps the situation may be a little clearer after next Sunday's opening League game at home against Wolves at Gateshead International Stadium. Anticipation is high for an exciting season ahead."
