Opposition in Focus: Newcastle United

3rd September 2026

Ahead of Wolves Women's WSL 2 debut this weekend, we take a closer look at their first opponents. Wolves make the tough trip to a Newcastle United side who are hot favourites to top the table at the end of the season. 

Last Season

Achieving back-to-back promotions in 2023 and 2023 to reach WSL 2, Newcastle United Women became recognised as one of the fastest growing women teams in England. Their second season in the WSL2 was under similar circumstances to their first. Comfortably, they finished sixth, avoiding relegation, including wins over Birmingham City and arch rivals Sunderland. Despite just five defeats, draws in almost half their matches in the league cost the Lasses a higher league placing but they have made their aspirations clear that only a top-of-the-table finish will do in 2026/27. 

Pre-Season

United have had a strong pre-season, which culminated in a 3-1 win over fellow WSL 2 side Burnley at Gateshead on Sunday. During a pre-season tour of Spain, Newcastle were 1-0 winners over Manchester United and also beat Valencia on penalties of 2-2. They were also narrowly beaten 1-0 by Everton. 

Where do they play?

Just south of Newcastle upon Tyne, with a capacity of 11,800, Newcastle currently play their home matches at Gateshead International Stadium, where the average attendance has topped 1,500. The Lasses have also committed to six WSL 2 matches at their spiritual St James Park home, where over 37,000 turned out for their Tyne Wear Derby against Sunderland last year, which they won 3-1.

Star Players

After a summer of impressive recruitment, Newcastle have added proven WSL goalscorer Martha Thomas to their attacking ranks - with the forward having previously found the net for Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. Former Lioness Jordan Nobbs, who has represented her country over 70 times, joined Newcastle last summer in what was a coup for the side. One of the best central midfielders in the women's game in England, Nobbs is expected to play a vital role in their hunt for promotion.

Manager

Tanya Oxtoby was named manager in November 2025 on a four year deal, having previously been head coach of the Northern Ireland national team. With WSL coaching  experience with Bristol City and Chelsea, as well as internationally with Scotland, Oxtoby's impressive CV is why she is the woman tasked with leading Newcastle to the top tier for the very first time. 

History with Wolves

Wolves and Newcastle last met in the third tier in 2024, the year that United topped the table to reach WSL 2. Following a 3-0 defeat away from home, Newcastle then completed the league double with a late 3-2 win at Telford. The previous season saw the two sides meet in the third round of the FA Cup, where Beth Merrick's brace and a double penalty save from Bec Thomas contributed to a 5-1 win at Kingston Park.