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Carly Telford shares pride at supporting Newcastle Women at St. James' Park
Written by Joseph Nelson
Former England goalkeeper Carly Telford says she's "very honoured and proud" to be attending Newcastle United Women's clash with Bradford City Women at St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2pm BST).
The Newcastle-born ex-Chelsea Women and San Diego Wave player, who retired last month, says that Newcastle's women's team is now getting the coverage "it deserves," as the visibility of Becky Langley's side continues to grow.
"The fact that they're here for the third time is unbelievable in the first place and there are paying fans coming to the game," Telford told nufc.co.uk. "It doesn't matter what game it is, people just love Newcastle for what it is and the badge.
"It doesn't matter what gender, football is thriving in the North East and I'm honoured to be here."
Sunday's FA Women's National League Division One North fixture is the first of Newcastle's three St. James' Park showcases that Telford has attended, and she's excited to be at the 'cathedral on the hill' cheering on Langley's team after being invited by the club.
"This is my first one," she said. "I've been away in America and as soon as I found out I was available for this - I would've paid the money to come (anyway).
"I'm buzzing to be here and very honoured and proud to be this close to the pitch, to be honest."
The impact of matches such as Sunday's for Newcastle's women's team is well-documented, with the Magpies attracting 22,134 and 28,565 supporters to the stadium respectively for the previous outings in May and November 2022.
"For young girls and young fans, it's exposing it to what it deserves," Telford continued. "Proper pitch, a proper stadium.
"That’s no offence to smaller stadiums, but Newcastle fans just want to come to St. James' Park and support the team.
"It's huge and it's just going to keep growing. It encourages people to come and watch and puts their names on the map."
Sales for the game are now in-person only at the Box Office, although ticket prices have risen to £6 for adults and £2 for concessions on the day of the game.
There are cash only turnstiles at Leazes West Corner levels 2 and 4 - turnstiles 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 and 16.
The Gallowgate Collection Office (above Shearer's bar) is open for all recent bookings held for collection.
"It doesn't matter what game it is, people just love Newcastle for what it is and the badge. It doesn't matter what gender, football is thriving in the North East and I'm honoured to be here."