Newcastle United Women: Becky Langley sacked as Newcastle manager, why now?

Newcastle United have confirmed that Becky Langley has been relieved of her duties on Tyneside, after a difficult start to the season as the lasses sit in 9th.

Newcastle United released a statement, thanking Becky for all her work throughout her time on Tyneside:

“Becky has played a significant role in the club’s rise since being appointed in 2019, achieving back-to-back promotions to take the team from the fourth tier to Women’s Super League 2.

Everyone at Newcastle United thanks Becky sincerely for her service to the club and wishes her the very best in her future career. An interim coaching structure will be put in place while a successor is appointed.”

Langley was at the helm as Newcastle United Women turned fully professional in 2023, becoming the first third-tier side to do so, and led the team during its first ever matches at St. James’ Park.

After ending their first season in WSL2 with a fifth-place finish, Newcastle United Women currently sit ninth in the table after six matches of the current campaign.

But the move to sack Becky Langley after all her success at the club has raised a lot of questions by the Newcastle United fanbase as to why the club have made such a huge decision in what is still early in the season. Many fans have speculated that Ross Wilson, who was confirmed as the clubs sporting director this month, could be one of the major reasons on the club pulling the plug. The summer has been one of large change and many argue she should have been given more time, with ten incomings and twelve outgoings.

Her final game was a thrilling league cup game against WSL title chasers, Manchester City, where the game finished 3-3, where the magpies narrowly miss out on points after losing on penalties. However, league form has vaguely improved in the last two games, where they drew with Crystal Palace and Bristol City.

Newcastle United fans have been left divided with the sacking, some argue that this is the right move however other fans argue the former boss should have been given more time.

Newcastle United have made it clear time and time again that they want to be in the Women’s Super League as soon as possible and with the club sat in 9th, the hierarchy would not want to risk missing out this season. The club will no doubt look for a manager who they believe will take the club up to the WSL.

The side face Ipswich Town away in the WSL2 after the international break and the Newcastle United chiefs will hope to implement a replacement for Becky Langley before the game.