All Eyes on Promotion for Newcastle United with New Look for 2026/27 WSL2 Campaign

After two seasons of midtable WSL2 finishes following their promotion from the Women’s National League in 2024, Newcastle come into the new season with hopes of being more competitive. With an experienced manager and talented additions to the squad, the Magpies will want to finish in the top four.

Last Season in Review

In their second WSL2 season, Newcastle finished sixth securing 32 points, making it their second consecutive midtable finish. Their season started with a 2-1 away win over Nottingham Forest, laying down promising foundations for the season to come. However, they soon hit a wall when The Magpies only picked up three points from their next five games, out of a potential 15. They got back to winning ways with statement victories against Ipswich Town (4-1) and rivals Sunderland (3-1) soon after. Despite this, inconsistency remained in the final games, with only three points from their last five of the season. This concluded a season of ups and downs for Newcastle, with their lack of consistent football making it hard for them to challenge the top sides. 

Incoming Summer Transfers

Newcastle have signed a variety of new players this transfer window to help build a more competitive squad. The signings include Leanne Kiernan, Katie Bradley, Kayla Rendall, Mollie Lambert and Jessie Gale.

Leanne Kiernan is one of Newcastle’s biggest summer arrivals, who joins the club after five years at Liverpool. While a Red, Kiernan scored 23 goals in 76 appearances, and has made 38 appearances for the Republic of Ireland since her debut in 2016. She brings top flight quality as well as a goal scoring threat to the team. Kiernan is known for her pace and will add some flair to the attacking line. 

Katie Bradley joined The Magpies this summer after leaving newly promoted Charlton Athletic. Having made 53 appearances for Charlton and scoring 13 goals, whilst also being a part of the WSL promotion team, Bradley brings WSL2 experience as well as grit and energy. This signing will add energy and precision to the squad. When speaking about the signing, manager, Tanya Oxtoby, stated that Bradley brings “strong technical qualities to the midfield”, which she hopes will fit in with Newcastle’s style of play. 

In the goalkeeper department, Kayla Rendall joins The Magpies on loan from Manchester United. This season-long signing will bring a lot of experience (after previously spending eight years at WSL2 side Southampton), as well as WSL wisdom to the goalkeeping squad at Newcastle. Due to her experience, as well as her first senior England call up in April 2024, Rendall will spark competition between the goalkeepers, which will raise the standards and provide greater depth in the position. 

After playing for Durham for six years, Mollie Lambert returns to Newcastle, following 157 appearances for the fellow WSL2 side. Earlier on in her career, Lambert was Captain of Newcastle in the 2016/17 season, so understands their values and ambitions. She comes to the club wanting to win things, and her return gives Newcastle another leader in the dressing room.

Arsenal academy and young Lionesses’ striker Jessie Gale also joins the club on a season-long loan with a big ambition. A promising youngster who looks to make her mark and believes in the Magpies’ promotion goal.

The Manager and her Tactical Identity

Tanya Oxtoby is the manager of The Magpies and joined in late 2025. Oxtoby was previously the manager of Northern Ireland Women, assistant coach for Emma Hayes at Chelsea and manager of Bristol City. Oxtoby brings top level experience to the club as well as fresh ideas, and her coaching is strengthened by Stuart McLaren as assistant manager, and Charlie Cave as assistant head coach. By having them in her coaching staff, Oxtoby has a very experienced and knowledgeable team around her. 

She likes to play a balanced 4-4-2 formation, allowing her team to be attacking, but also defensively solid in transitions. Through using this formation, Newcastle can dominate possession and patiently build attacks from the back. Due to the four in midfield, Oxtoby’s full backs are encouraged to help in attack, with the wingers drifting into dangerous, wide areas. This tactic and set up can also be seen in Oxtoby’s previous teams. 

Players to Watch

Newcastle have many important players that could prove to be crucial in the coming season if Newcastle want to be fighting for at least a top four finish. These players are Oona Sevenius, Jordan Nobbs and Demi Stokes. 

Oona Sevenius is a versatile 22 year-old forward who can play as a striker or winger, making her a key asset to the team. She represented Finland at the 2025 Euros and has previously played for AC Milan, making her an experienced attacker for The Magpies. Last season, Sevenius registered four league goals and three assists in 11 games. With her experience and pace, Sevenius is seen as one of Finland’s brightest attacking players due to her ability to stretch defences, making her a key player in Newcastle’s squad going into next season. 

Jordan Nobbs is one of the most decorated midfielders in England after winning three WSL titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal. When she joined Newcastle in the summer of 2025, she brought her leadership and creativity with her. In the season just gone, Nobbs provided six league assists, the most out of any Newcastle player, alongside six goals. Nobbs is the heart of creativity in the team, and her experience with title races could make her one of the most important players as the squad go for more in the new season.  

As Captain, Demi Stokes is another vital player for Newcastle. She resides in the left back position, but can also play centre back, making her a reliable and versatile player in their backline. She is also one of their most experienced players, and was part of the Euro 2022 winning squad, giving her experience in the games with high stakes, which could prove to be important in the last few games of the season for Newcastle. 

What would a successful season look like for Newcastle?

Considering their first two seasons in the WSL2, for Newcastle, a successful finish would realistically look like a place in the top four, which would show clear progress for The Magpies. However, if the team can be more consistent and Newcastle’s summer signings settle in quickly, an outside push for a promotion play-off place in second can’t be ruled out, and with six games at St James Park, they will certainly have their fanbase behind them to help achieve it.