Emma Kelly has signed a new contract with Newcastle United Women, keeping one of Tanya Oxtoby’s midfield leaders on Tyneside after a strong end to the campaign.
The club confirmed the deal on its official website, with the 29-year-old extending her stay after returning from injury and starting the final seven matches of the season.
Kelly joined Newcastle from Sunderland Women in the summer of 2023 and has now made 44 appearances in black and white. Her return to form was underlined by the club’s Player of the Month award for March, making the contract a timely piece of squad stability before the new season.
The midfielder said she was “over the moon” to remain at the club, adding that Newcastle had brought her love back for football, according to Newcastle United’s official announcement.
Kelly deal gives Oxtoby a trusted Newcastle core
Oxtoby’s reaction showed why Newcastle have moved to secure Kelly rather than let the issue drift deeper into the summer.
The Newcastle manager described Kelly as one of the club’s longest-serving players and praised both her quality on the pitch and her influence away from it. For a women’s side still building momentum and identity, retaining a senior midfielder with local edge, dressing-room standing and recent form is an important piece of business.
Kelly’s new contract also sends a clear message that Newcastle want continuity around Oxtoby’s squad. After an injury-hit spell, the final weeks of the season offered evidence that she can still be central to the next step.
