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Gibson: 'A competitive squad only makes us better'
Written by Joseph Nelson
"There are 25 of us fighting for 16 positions within the matchday squad."
That is the reality for Georgia Gibson and the rest of Newcastle United Women team as they gear up for their FA Women's National League Cup clash with Burnley Women on Sunday (kick-off 2pm BST).
Kicking off the season at Kingston Park after last weekend's season opener against Halifax Women was postponed, the Magpies have seen an influx of talent this summer, with eight new arrivals on the pitch and one in the dugout - first-team coach Andy Cook - giving Becky Langley's side a fresh look ahead of their upcoming campaign in the third tier.
While the introduction of new players is something that excites Gibson, she believes that the added competition for starting places will only serve to benefit Newcastle Women and boost their chances of success this term.
"It is going to be really competitive, especially when players come back from the minor injuries and niggles we've got," she said.
"It's a good thing; it keeps people on their toes - especially in the environment we are in now where we are in most days and around each other.
"We've got to make sure that people are keeping their heads switched on and working hard."
Gibson also applauded the impact Newcastle's fresh faces have had off the pitch, as Langley's side look to build on last season when they won the FAWNL Division One North title.
"They are great," United's number ten said of the signings. "They are hard-working and professional.
"They have all come from backgrounds where they've worked part-time or full-time already so they bring that level of experience and professionalism into the group. That will allow us as a team to grow and learn from them.
"They are all fantastic off the pitch as well, so hopefully we are in the right direction to grow in all areas."
Having missed a lot of pre-season due to teaching commitments, Gibson announced her return with a brace in the Magpies' final preparatory match, an emphatic 9-0 win over Chester-le-Street Town Ladies at Kingston Park.
Ahead of Sunday's opener, she says the Magpies are focused on further progress on all fronts in 2023/24.
"We are definitely out there to try and (have an impact), she said. "That is ultimately why we have gone full-time and we are putting the hours in.
"We have got to be looking at (further development) as a group with what we have set in stone this summer."
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Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock
"It is going to be really competitive, especially when players come back from the minor injuries and niggles we've got. It's a good thing; it keeps people on their toes."