Newcastle United Women are set to play their first league game at the Gateshead International Stadium this weekend (kick-off 2pm BST), targeting back-to-back league victories following a strong 2-1 away win against Nottingham Forest Women at the City Ground.
Langley admitted that Potts, who has been out injured since November 2024 following an injury against Southampton Women at St. James’ Park, is set for at least a spot on the United bench on Sunday.
The Newcastle boss, now into her sixth season as head coach, also spoke about the pitch at the GIS, as well as newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Hopkinson, who is set to be in attendance.
Here are some of the boss’ main talking points from her pre-match media briefing on Friday afternoon…
On the return of Elysia Boddy and Charlotte Potts…
"We’re excited to welcome some of them back to the squad. Charlotte Potts and Elysia Boddy will be back in the squad on Sunday, which gives us a huge boost."
On team news ahead of Sheffield United clash…
"Jordan [Nobbs] trained today pretty much fully (on Friday), but she’s still a little bit further off and hoping to get a full involvement over the next couple of weeks. Jemma Purfield is still a little further along, and she’s looking at a November timeframe."
On playing at the Gateshead International Stadium…
"We’re looking forward to playing at Gateshead. (The grass pitch) It’s arguably as good a standard as St. James’ Park, so we’re delighted.
"The grass pitch gives us that opportunity to play a style of football where we can be more ball-dominant and exploit the bigger pitches more, and it’s a carpet at Gateshead.
"We can look to play a front-footed and offensive style of football, which is what we want to do. The surface helps with the injury status for players and is better for the players in terms of training and playing."
On Molly Pike, who provided a goal and assist on her Magpies debut against Nottingham Forest last weekend…
"Molly is a proven number ten in this division and scored plenty of goals in WSL2 and has experience in the WSL as a young player.
"She’s great at running in behind, which I love as a coach, and she’s hungry for goals. I don’t think she’s even reached the heights in what she has to offer, and is an exciting player for here and the future."
On David Hopkinson following the Canadian's appointment as Newcastle United's new CEO…
"It means a lot that David is coming to our first home game and shows his intentions that he wants to support the women's and men’s teams.
"I’ve spoken to David, he’s super passionate and energetic, and he knows what it means to support big football clubs. He’s got that passion to ensure the women's team reaches the WSL as soon as possible."
