FA WPL Club Check: Promoting the Promoted — Newcastle United WFC & Lewes LFC

A joint interview with the managers of two promoted clubs preparing for the FA Women’s Premier League: Michael Havelock of Newcastle United, returning to the Northern Division two years after relegation, and Jacquie Agnew of Lewes, making their debut in the Southern Division. Agnew explains that operating at the level above was a key objective last season so promotion would not feel like a big step, and reports a sports scientist added to the backroom team, strong sponsorship and access to cryotherapy. Havelock says the club has benefited from a season regrouping, has added to the squad and raised its profile to 5,000 Twitter followers, though captain Sarah Wilson will miss the opening games playing overseas and Molly Collinson is returning from a knee injury.