The Week For Newcastle united 3

The Transfer window is done, and I have never been so glad to see an international break. In the grand scheme of things I do think we had a successful window (See my transfer Grades article) and despite the chaos and uncertainty that the first part of the window brought we have ended it strong and strengthened all areas of the squad and will go into this season with a far better squad depth than the last time we in the Champions League.

As I have said before, the international break has come at a good time for us. On the pitch it will give Eddie a chance to work with the non-international players, particularly Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes as the wingers have had a slow start to the season and any extra work that can help will make a difference as we head into a big run of games.

Off the pitch it gives the fans a chance to re-charge, ramp up the excitement for the champions league (See my Champions League article), get the transfer discussions out of the way and put the “Former transfer record player” chants in the locker until late January.

The Lasses Season Kicks Off

Finally, the WSL2 season is here!!!! It has been a long summer and although I have managed to see the lasses against Athletico Madrid and Bristol City preseason the real business is starting, and I am buzzing.

Incoming Signings

– Jemma Purfield (DEF) from Southampton

– Molly Pike (MID) from Southampton

– Jordan Nobbs (MID) from Aston Villa

– Aoife Mannion (DEF) from Manchester United

– Małgorzata Grec (DEF) from Dijon

– Morgan Gautrat (MID) from Orlando Pride

– Oona Sevenius (FWD) from FC Rosengård

ON LOAN:

– Femke Liefting (GK) from Chelsea

– Jorja Fox (DEF) from Chelsea

We have strengthened in all areas of the pitch and the top division experience in our team has gone up a notch. At the Bristol City game, I felt there was still a bit of squad cohesion missing, especially in the midfield areas but with the start of the season that we have there isn’t the time to wait for that to be perfect. Based solely on my league table prediction we play 4 of the top 6 in in our 1^st six games so the start of the season is going to be critical for our expectations this season.

The goal has been clear that we want to be in the WSL and this season particularly for achieving our ambition of reaching the top division. We must take advantage of those extra promotion opportunities, but it is not a forgone conclusion as there have been some very ambitious signings across the league, and nothing can be taken for granted.

This is just a mini prediction for the season. Predictions are not my strong point (Been awful on fantasy football the last two seasons) but I wanted to have a proper go for this and all just comes from my own opinion and knowledge (Or Lack of) so I wouldn’t be surprised to see me get this all wrong.

Team	Standout Signing	Potential Standout for the season	My League Prediction
Bristol City	Camila Saez	Rio Hardy	4th
Birmingham City	Oceane Hurtre	Shannon Cooke	1st
Charlton Athletic	Lucy Fitzgerald	Sophie Whitehouse	7th
Durham	Amber Stobbs	Poppy Pritchard	8th
Newcastle United	Morgan Gautrat	Beth Lumsden/Emily Murphy	3rd
Southampton	Ellie Brazil	Abbie Ferguson	5th
Crystal Palace	Jamie Lee Napier	My Cato	2nd
Portsmouth	Jasmine Bull	Annie Wilding	10th
Sunderland	Hannah Greenwood	Tara O’Handlon	9th
Ipswich Town	Grace Neville	Sophie Baigent	12th
Nottingham Forest	Aimee Claypole	Tove Almqvist	6th
Sheffield Utd	Charlie Devlin	Amy Andrews	11th

The Lasses under 21s had a brutal away day on Wednesday losing 9-0 to Man city. As much as I am invested in the results of all our Newcastle teams for the Lasses academy, I am making sure I remember that that to have a new academy for the lasses is a massive positive to create that clear pathway to the 1^st team. It was confirmed this week that Rachel Furness has been appointed as Under 16s head coach which is brilliant news, and I am very happy that Furney will be staying at the club. She is going to be a fantastic coach in my opinion, and this will be a great opportunity to start her development in that aspect of football.

New CEO Confirmed

David Hopkinson has appointed as the new chief executive officer for Newcastle United. He has been involved with some massive franchises in his career including being the Global head of Partnerships at Real Madrid and with his appointment we may well start to see some movement off the pitch with regards to stadium planning and improving the training facilities.

David said: "I am incredibly honoured to join Newcastle United at such an exciting time in the club's history. This club represents something truly special. It has extraordinary history and heritage, incredibly passionate supporters, and ownership, players and staff who are committed to excellence. Having worked with iconic teams across different countries, I understand what it takes to build sustainable success at the highest levels of global sport. I greatly admire what has been achieved by the club so far, and I am excited and motivated by what is ahead as we strive to position Newcastle United among the world's elite clubs."

Hopkinson replaces Darren Eales as the CEO who will be leaving the club for health reasons. I think his time as CEO can be viewed as a success with increased revenue, 2 champions League qualifications and a trophy win in his time.

Darren said: "On behalf of my family and I, I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone connected to this special football club for welcoming us into the Newcastle United family. To all supporters, staff, players, coaches and ownership, you have made my three years here so incredible and I'm immensely proud of what we have achieved together. I have made memories that will stay with me forever, and I'm also excited about what the future holds and the successes the club can go on to achieve. I want to warmly welcome David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO. Newcastle United is in great hands, and I’d like to wish David and the executive team every success as the club continues on the next part of its exciting journey."

The Academy

Like the men’s 1^st team, I think a break has come at the right time for the U21s. On Tuesday night they were beaten 6-2 by Huddersfield in a performance that was littered with defensive errors. Granted we were against a full men’s team so I don’t want to be too harsh but the period following half time was all over the place from a mentality point of view and I think that will be something Adam Lawrence will address.  Sean Neave continues to be a bright point and will be relied on a lot

The Under 21s will play 6 of the same 8 Champions League opponents in the UFEA youth League with only PSV missing from that list and from November will also compete in the Premier League International cup playing against Real Sociedad, Benfica, Dinamo Zagreb and PSG in this competition rather than the Youth League.

The Under 18s couldn’t keep their winning league run up despite leading 3-1 but still came away from Leeds with a 3-3 draw. 3 wins from 4 and undefeated in all competitions is still an impressive start and needed to be as the next two games are away to Liverpool in two weeks’ time followed by Man City away the week after.

This international break will be a positive one, can celebrate the end of the transfer circus at least for a few months and the Lasses are back in league action in what will be a great atmosphere at the city ground.

HOWAY THE LASSES

Matt

Fixtures

Newcastle United Women Away against Nottingham Forest Sunday 7^th September

Newcastle United Women Under 21^st Home against Durham Wednesday 10^th September.