Donnelly's message for 2024

The Magpies enter 2024 on the back of an unbeaten calendar year, with the women's side achieving their ambitions of becoming FA Women's National League (FAWNL) Division One North Champions at the end of last term before officially turning professional in June.

In a recent interview with UNITED, Newcastle United's official matchday programme, long-serving goalkeeper Donnelly reviewed key landmarks from the last 12 months, reflecting on the transformation that has happened for Langley's team throughout 2023.

"That moment (when the team went full-time) was massive," she said.

"(It was) pivotal for me personally. I joined the club as a 19-year-old and we either had to find a sponsorship or set up a direct debit to play so it was an amazing opportunity to go from that place in women's football to a professional environment.

"The transition to move away from the Foundation, who looked after us so well for so many years, was also unbelievable to show the support we had from the club and the owners. It was great.

"It's been such a big shift but it's an exciting time at the club as well. I think the recruitment has been spot on. We have got a brilliant mix of girls added to the group. They have settled in so well and added so much to the team as well. We get on like a house on fire.

"It is such a great environment to be in and I think that's what helps us. We are such a team, we are so together and that gives us an extra edge against our opponents."

Looking ahead to the New Year, the Magpies sit atop the FAWNL Northern Premier Division with a five-point gap between themselves and second-placed Burnley Women.

After facing Halifax Women at Kingston Park on Sunday, 7th January, Becky Langley's team travel to Leigh Sports Village seven days later to face Women's Super League giants Manchester United Women in the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup.

"It is absolutely fantastic," said the goalkeeper. "We were all watching the draw together as a squad and when we got Manchester United we were buzzing.

"It is a great challenge for us to take on one of the best teams in the country. We are ready to face it head-on.

"We can't get carried away, as we have a game to play before then, but it is a case of staying grounded and just taking every game as it comes. We don't want to look too far ahead, and that's very much our process."

After a transformative 12 months, Donnelly is optimistic about what 2024 could hold for Newcastle Women.

Ahead of the New Year, she has a message for the fans: "Keep up the support."

She added: "The drive you give us is incredible and that travelling support is something we all love and comment on when we see that sea of black and white shirts and scarves and banners. It's great.

"To be an inspiration to young girls is fantastic. A lot of us didn't have that growing up so thank you so much for your support and we hope to see you again in the new year."