Newcastle Women’s dream of Women’s Super League promotion has been boosted by the signing of Lioness icon Demi Stokes.
The Magpies have secured the services of the 32-year-old – who was part of England’s Euro 2022 winning squad – on a free transfer.
Left-back Stokes had spent the last nine years at Manchester City, where she chipped in with six goals in 190 matches.
Having won seven major honours with the Citizens – including the WSL in 2016 – she will be now be hoping to help inspire Newcastle to get out of the Women’s Championship.
Stokes’ arrival at St James’ Park marks her return to the North East having been raised in South Shields – where she came through Sunderland’s academy.
Speaking of her delight to Newcastle’s website, the 69-cap England international said: “I am thrilled to be joining Newcastle United and returning home to the North East.
“I still have so much to give on the pitch and I’m excited to bring my experience to a club with such big ambitions.
“From the moment I spoke to the club, I felt valued and knew this was the right place for me to contribute to an exciting, new project.
“I can’t wait to get going and meet the team.”
Boss Becky Langley added: “Demi is one of the best defenders in the country and we are delighted that she is joining Newcastle United.
“She’s an incredibly humble girl as well as being an ambitious, driven northerner. We can’t wait to welcome her to the club.”
Stokes’ signing is one of five the club have made this summer as they look to continue their rise up the English pyramid.
It was only in 2022 that the women’s side turned professional following their promotion to the English third-tier having come first in the National League Division One North:.
And they earned promotion to the second division last season after winning the 2023/24 National League Premier Division North title.
Along with Stokes, Newcastle have prised last campaign’s Championship Player of the Season – goalkeeper Claudia Moan – away from rivals Sunderland.
That is in addition to bringing in ex-Chelsea defender Deanna Cooper, Jamaica international Shania Hayles and forward Amy Andrews.
Newcastle have made it their mission to make the Women’s team one of England’s best, with co-owner Amana Staveley, who is set to leave the club, previously insisting she wants the Magpies to be playing in the Champions League by the 2027/28 season.