One of Newcastle’s more experienced new signings, Deanna Cooper, spoke to the media ahead of the 2024/25 Barclays Women’s Championship Season kicking of this Sunday the 8th of September

Cooper spoke about her hopes for the season, her fellow new signings at Newcastle, why she joined the club, and more.

Deanna Cooper joins Newcastle United in a move that shapes up to be a complete contrast from her previous employers, Reading FC. Reading recently dropped out of the Championship voluntarily, due to a failed takeover bid and financial difficulty under their current ownership.

Being snapped up by the Toon upon the expiration of her contract with Reading, Cooper lauds the experience of what drew her to Newcastle. and packs on the praise for the support that the owners have given the club.

She said,“Everyone wants to play for a club that wants to do well and that was a massive part of the draw to come here. The backing that the club has from the owners down is absolutely amazing.”

Cooper actually reveals that she was aware of the noise coming out of Newcastle under Becky Langley, even before signing with the side. She expressed,“There was a cup game for Newcastle last year that we watched on the tele and to be honest, I think people within the Women’s Game have clearly been aware of Newcastle’s progress.”

The Magpies squad that Cooper has joined is one of experience and youth all moulded together, with some players being on the journey with Newcastle from the tier four days, now knitted together with experienced newcomers such as Shania Hayles, Cooper herself, Demi Stokes and Rachel Furness.

“The girls that were here from last year, are some of the most fantastic humans. They know what the club is about. It’s almost like a two way street, we were bringing experience from the leagues above, but they were bringing the knowhow of what it’s like to play for Newcastle and we have all helped each other understand that during pre season.”

Cooper rounded off her conversation with the media by speaking about her experience of being born in Kent and playing for clubs in the South of England, going on to explainhow she has adjusted to life, ‘up north’.

“It’s very different for me, I am a southern girl and I have never really left the South to be honest. The players have been so welcoming, even the fans I’ve met have been. You get that feeling that everyone wants to do well and work hard.”

She continued, “If you ask any of the Geordie girls in our team, it’s something they pride themselves on, it’s good to be a part of.”

Newcastle United kick off their maiden Barclay’s Women’s Championship campaign away to London City Lionesses on Sunday 8th September. Proceedings head underway at 14:00 BST, and can be streamed on YouTube.