Kathleen McGovern Ready For First Season With The Magpies
VAVEL.com · Harry Day; VAVEL com · 2026-09-06T11:24:27+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Newcastle are preparing for another season in the Women's Super League 2, having finished in 6th place last time out, eleven points shy of champions Birmingham City.
The Magpies are one of many teams who will be trying to push themselves up the league table this year in what looks to be an enthralling season ahead for supporters.
Newcastle have brought in reinforcements to help them do so, one of whom is Scotland international Kathleen McGovern. The 24-year-old made the move from Hibernian over the summer, where she impressed throughout her time there.
McGovern spoke to the media at the WSL 2 media day ahead of her first campaign in Newcastle colours.
On a new team and settling in:
Having made the move south of the border, McGovern explained why Newcastle was such an attractive prospect for her, crediting the ambition of the club as a real driving force in her move over the summer.
"Yeah, I think, just the ambition of the club, since I first joined and since speaking over the summer when I was making this decision to come down, I think just the ambition, the plans of the club, the people as well.
"Yeah, I think that's exciting, and that's what I kind of want to be a part of, and I'm really looking forward to getting going."
The striker also highlighted that she was pleased about still being close to home, but went on to explain that England had always been her ambition to play in, and that she was happy to join 'such a big club'.
"I think, just that being close to home was quite important for me. I think that over the years, I've kind of realised that. I've had stints abroad, and came back, and I think that when I came back, it was all about getting fit, and England was always my ambition since I've been young, no matter where that would be.
"And joining such a big club in Newcastle, like everyone knows who Newcastle are, so I think that as soon as I heard [of] their interest, it was kind of a no-brainer. I spoke to other clubs, but this just felt like the right fit for me, uh, at this moment, and this is where I feel like I can provide something, um, for this club.
"So, I think that close to being home, but also pushing myself in that different level now."
On the upcoming season:
McGovern is, of course, settling into new surroundings, but with an eye on the season ahead, she highlighted her relationships with teammates and knowing what the team want from her as her key focuses in pre-season.
"I think, just gaining minutes, building relationships with my teammates. I think it's very important for that right now at this stage, uh, kind of knowing what they want and what they want from me, uh, so I can provide kind of the best for Newcastle this season.
"So, I think just getting to know people on a personal level and understanding them on the pitch as well, and that'll come with playing minutes. So, it's all been a bit of fitness at the moment as well on the pitch, so I kind of just have to get through that as well at the same time."
This will be the longest WSL 2 season in the league's history, with some very tough teams involved, many of which will be looking at promotion as a realistic goal. McGovern agreed that togetherness would be an important factor in whatever the Magpies go on to achieve this year.
"Yeah, of course, but I think since I came already, there's already a togetherness there that has already been built up over the years. So I think that bringing good personalities into the team, um, will only strengthen that as well, and I think that that's already there in Newcastle, and I hope I can add to that as well."
On a strong start and what supporters should expect:
Whilst McGovern acknowledged that getting off to a good start would be great in a division as competitive as the WSL 2, she also highlighted that the season is a long one and the first game will not define their entire campaign regardless of the result.
"Yeah, of course, but it's a long season so nothing's won or lost in the first game, and I think that that's the end of it, to be honest. And yeah, I think that the league is exciting. Everyone can beat everyone, like you say, and you never know who is going to win."
Fans of Newcastle look in for an entertaining season, and McGovern hopes that come the end of the season, supporters can remember the team as winners and herself personally as a reliable goal scorer.
"Probably as a team, just winners. Uh, I think that we're not shy about saying that we want to get promoted, so I would say that winners.
"Individually, uh, I think that I kind of want to be known as a goal scorer in the team. Helping the team is my biggest aim this season, and I think that's kind of what I want to be known as, is a person that can score goals in this league."
Newcastle kick off their WSL 2 campaign on Sunday 6th September as they host newcomers Wolves.