Cclay

As last season, we're open to quick / accurate passing teams. It's something we'll have to work on, as there are a lot more at this level. We also need to work on the accuracy of our own passing / shooting. Still 1-1, in a new league against strong opposition.

Probably very similar, with Barker and Hayles getting forward, as well as defending when necessary.

Guardian 'review' of all sides - they have us as 6th

Interview with with Becky Langley

Winger or defender ... depending on the source,

Tyne–Wear derby

https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/magpies-to-face-everton-liverpool-and-manchester-united-in-womens-league-cup Ha ha - Group B Durham, Sheffield United, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers

4th, 5th and 8th in the WSL last year.

I agree with Stiffler's comment. Also, we do have a smattering of young, potential tallent. The development squad is large and smashed their way to league champions. It seems to have good local links in terms of spotting potential. Of course, very few make it from 'development' squads to the first team (especially at Newcastle - men's team I am thinking of) so it depends on the quality of the 'academy'. McQuade is an example of when it can work, though. Her running, when she came on, clearly unsettled the oposition and she nicked a good number of balls off unaware players (including for the second). What we really lack, that a lot of the WSL teams have, is foreign players that have, often, been bought at their peak (rather than developed). In my opinion, we will buy those type of players when we are in a position that they will want to come / when we get into the WSL.

Best comment was about Pope 'losing his place'. Didn't seem to know he was injured.

That's definitely true but there was a noticeable change, more so in Trafford. I also lived in Moss Side. That was more like you are talking about.

When I first started teaching (early 1980s) in Salford, there was not a Manchecter City fan, who would admit it in class. Move to Trafford. Again, same thing. Even the odd Bolton fan would pipe up before them. Wall to wall Manchecter United tops on dress as you please day. Cue take-over: hundreds of City fans crawl out of the woodwork. Dads wear City tops to parents evening. Claim to have supported them forever. Same people have Barcelona tops as well. Don't get me wrong, City fans always existed and came from many of the more deprived parts of the city. They just tended to get on with it and make little fuss about it. To answer the question: hate Manchester United (fans) (because they have no perspective) and toterate City fans (because they cause little drama).

respect

There are now, at least, two (or more) in every position. The exception being right wing (with only Beth Lumsden, as far as I know), assuming Haywood is not a winger ('forward' is a bit amorphous and her Twitter page isn't much help). Maybe Almirón could play there .

from here

Heavy but great article: Amber-Keegan Stobbs: 'I've always had that little storm inside'