Demi Stokes says move to Newcastle from Manchester City ‘just made sense’

Newcastle have further bolstered their squad this summer by signing Northern Ireland’s all-time top scorer Rachel Furness and Jamaica international Shania Hayles, among others.

Alongside them, Stokes hopes to pass on her experience to the rest of the squad after nine years at City and England in full-time, professional environments.

But what perhaps excites her the most is the opportunity to play in front of friends and family on a weekly basis.

“It will be really nice for old school friends to come and watch games who haven’t been able to because Manchester is too far,” said Stokes.

“A lot of them have kids and they are Newcastle supporters as well. Everyone back home was really excited.”

In 2022, Stokes became Manchester City’s first player to juggle motherhood with professional football.

Being able to bring her son Harlen to the North East and to receive support from Newcastle was an important factor in her move.

“[Newcastle] give such a family feel and they were really understanding of my situation. I think that’s always nice,” said Stokes.

“My son is allowed to come into training on recovery days. Workplaces are going to become more like that as more and more people are seeing you can do both [roles].

“You can have kids with the right support. I don’t think it’s in the right place [in terms of the support in the women’s game yet] but it’s about pushing those boundaries and asking for help.

“It’s new for everyone. I always say the more we support women and each other, then it will only be for the best.”