Newcastle Women's longest-serving player to leave

Grace Donnelly joined Newcastle United in 2017 and helped the team win promotion twice

Newcastle United Women's longest-serving player will leave the club at the end of the season.

Goalkeeper and club captain Grace Donnelly has made 140 appearances during her eight years with the Magpies.

"When I first joined Newcastle United Women, I wouldn't have believed you if you told me what I would go on to achieve," she said.

Announcing her departure, she gave a "massive thank you" to the club's fans as well as her teammates and family.

"Especially to my mam who supports me at every game and my dad, who I know will be really proud looking down on me," she said.

She left Sunderland's development squad in 2017 before joining Newcastle.

"It was beyond my wildest dreams, and I can say that I am happy to leave the shirt in a better place than I found it."

Donnelly has made 140 appearances for Newcastle United Women during her eight years at the club

During her time at Newcastle, 26-year-old Donnelly won the Players' Player and Manager's Player of the Year awards and received the Golden Glove award in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 season.

She helped the team win back-to-back promotions from the FA Women's National League Division One North and the Northern Premier Division.

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, she signed her first professional contract alongside her teammates.

Manager Becky Langley said when she first met Donnelly she could tell the young goalkeeper was "playing for just the love of the game".

"She has helped myself and the team on and off the pitch hugely. We wouldn't be in this position without all her commitment and contributions.

"She has played for the team she loves for two seasons as a full-time professional which most fans would only be able to dream of."

Newcastle United Women play their final home game of the 2024/25 campaign on Sunday, against Birmingham City Women at Kingston Park. Kick-off is at 14:00 BST.