Newcastle United: Can they win promotion to the WSL this season?

The face of Newcastle’s takeover in its early days, Staveley had lofty ambitions for the Magpies’ men’s and women’s teams.

She would regularly attend matches and after the women’s team won the fourth-division title in 2023, she FaceTimed the team as they celebrated on the coach back from Barnsley.

“She was absolutely fantastic,” said former Magpies midfielder Georgia Gibson, who left the club at the end of last season.

“Some of us who have left still engage with her and I don’t think that happens everywhere.

“That’s what made the start of the journey so successful. They were not just investing money, they were investing time and showing us how much they wanted us to be successful.

“Hopefully the girls will continue to have that journey, and it will be nice to see a conclusion to what we started.”

Despite Staveley’s departure last year, Nobbs – who arrived in the summer – says the backing from the club is still “incredible”.

She adds: “Naturally promotion is the goal. Nothing happens in a day, but the club wants to push into the WSL and I want to help with that.”

Newcastle are now on the cusp of realising their ambitions, with the expansion of the WSL in 2026-27 meaning three clubs could win promotion this season.

They started the campaign with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest but, after a disappointing draw with Sheffield United, they face the first big test of their credentials on Sunday against promotion-chasing Birmingham.

“We are breaking records all the time,” says Lawler. “Just look at the attendance for the derby last season.”

Some 38,502 fans turned out for their match against Sunderland at St James’ Park in March – a record for women’s football in England’s second tier.

“Realistically, because of the way the league format is now, we have a much better chance of getting promoted. Becky will want promotion and that has to be the aim.”