Harland hyped for the new season

The Lady Magpies narrowly missed out on the FA Women's National League (FAWNL) Division One North title last year, and Harland believes that new additions and a strong pre-season will help fire the Lady Magpies to glory in 2022/23.

"It's nice to be back with the girls and get back into the swing of things," Harland said of the return to training. "We've made some quality signings.

"Some of the girls we know quite well from playing university football last year. They're hard competitors and now it's good that they're on our side."

Unfortunately for the defender, injury has hampered her own preparations for the new season.

However, Langley insists that sidelined players continue to feature in and around the group during training sessions and match days and Harland believes that this approach is crucial to instilling a strong team spirit.

"So far, although I've been injured, it's been great to be involved," she said. "Our team morale, spirit and ethic are all about staying together.

"Even if we can do little things (to encourage) and help the team get three points, it's so important to be here and get the feel (for the team) going into the season."

The 2022/23 FAWNL season begins in just less than two weeks, with Langley's side travelling to face FAWNL Division One North newcomers Merseyrail Ladies on Sunday, 21st August.

Looking ahead to the curtain-raiser, Harland gave an insight into the feeling among the Newcastle Women camp.

She said: "The only thing that's changed (from last season) is that the desire's came on more. We are hungrier than we were last year. Everybody looks fitter, everybody is raring to go more than we were last year, which I never thought could even be beat!

"We are going forwards and you can see that by the football we're playing, the teams we are playing and how much we are giving on a matchday. Even in training, it's just improving all the time."

It's no secret that Langley's side are targeting league glory this season, and Harland revealed that the Lady Magpies are using the lessons of last year to spur them on.

She explained: "That (the league title) was our target last year, and unfortunately we just fell short - but it wasn't by lack of trying.

"Everything we committed last year, and even the signings we made throughout the season - Erin (Nelson) and other girls who came in had helped us and we only fell short by a tiny, tiny margin.

"This year, we are hoping that we can take it in our stride and learn from the mistakes we made last year - the very few we made - just to get us over the line this year."