Like the proverbial London Buses signings seem to come in bunches. Just a few days after announcing the arrival of Shania Hayles from Bristol City, United’s Lady Mags have swooped again and announced two more new recruits including one from nearby.
Joining from fellow FA Championship rivals Durham is Amy Andrews and its testament to the work Newcastle are putting in behind the scene’s when they can stay local and pinch a player from a local rival.
The Birmingham-born pacy attacker who can play anywhere across the front line has been with Durham since July 2023 and joined our fellow Women’s Championship side following a prolific spell in the USA with Western Illinois University and Tormenta FC.
Throughout 2022, her final season with the latter, Andrews was named the first USL W League Golden Boot winner with 16 goals scored in 10 games played during the 2022 regular season. That form came after scoring 34 goals across her time with Western Illinois University.
Last season for Durham Andrews netted 8 times in competitive games for the established Championship side. On joining Newcastle United Women, Andrews said:
“I am extremely excited to be joining such an ambitious club whose goals align with mine. The professional setup is something a footballer always dreams of being part of. I’m ready to give my all for the team, the staff and the fans.”
“I can’t wait to get started and meet all of the fans as I’ve heard only amazing things about them!”
Manager Becky Langley said: “Amy is an exciting, raw talent who impressed over in the USA before moving to Durham. She is a motivated, driven girl and a goalscorer as well. We are all excited to work with her.”
Also coming in is centre back Deanna Cooper bringing a wealth of experience to United after leaving Reading. The former Chelsea defender – who also played cricket for Kent between 2008 and 2016.The defender was Reading since the start of the 2020 season
Following Reading withdrawing from the Championship and the expiration of her contract Cooper was looking for a fresh challenge and United were only too pleased to offer her exactly that.
During her time with Reading, Cooper made 68 league appearances. Prior to her four seasons there, she was at Chelsea being part of the team that won the Women’s Super League in 2017/18 and 19/20.
The talented sporting lady who also played cricket for Kent from 2016 to 2018, she also lifting the Women’s League Cup in the second of those years at Chelsea. On joining Newcastle United Women, Cooper said:
“I’m delighted to sign for Newcastle United Women. The ambition of the club is something I’ve admired for a while and speaking with Becky Langley only confirmed this as a place I want to be.”
“The support and professionalism behind the women’s team is incredible and I can’t wait to work with the players and staff alike.”
Manager Becky Langley said: “Deanna is an experienced and intelligent defender. Her technical ability and defending attributes are fantastic and was hugely successful at Chelsea when she played under Emma Hayes. She’s a great girl who will bring experience and knowledge to the team.”
These are exciting times for Newcastle’s Women Team for players, back room staff and supporters as the squad to launch an attempt at a third successive promotion campaign is assembled.
