A versatile signing, Bell was named in Becky Langley's squad for Newcastle's last match, at home to Durham Cestria. Despite not getting onto the pitch during that narrow FAWNL Cup defeat at Whitley Park, Bell is looking forward to getting back on the pitch for the first time after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, this time in new colours.
"I'm really happy to have signed for such a great club, a club which has so much history," she told nufc.co.uk. "I am firmly committed to Newcastle, and very thankful to Becky for giving me the opportunity as I return from nearly 14 months out of the game due to an ACL rupture.
"All the staff and players have welcomed me, and it's brilliant to have my boots on and a ball back at my feet after so long. I'm very excited - I am itching to get back on the pitch."
Bell is no stranger to the FA Women's National League Division One North, having won the league with Middlesbrough Women back in 2016, and the wide player believes this experience will stand her in good stead as Langley's side aim to emulate that success this season.
"Having previously won this league and been promoted with Middlesbrough women at the age of 18, I know exactly what it takes to be part of a successful team," Bell declared. "I hold myself to an extremely high standard on the pitch and also in my preparation off the pitch.
"I'm sure these same high standards are held by everyone at Newcastle Women.
"As a player, I feel I always bring that never-say-die attitude either as a winger or a full-back. I have shown I can be a versatile player that can adapt to a new position, having filled in everywhere on the pitch. I've even played in goal several times!".
Having signed for the Lady Magpies, Bell believes she and her team-mates are capable of achieving the goals Langley and her staff have set, and the new arrival believes this is only the beginning of something special.
"My ambition personally for this season is to get back on the pitch playing after recovering from my ACL injury," she said. "As a team, my ambition is to get promoted into tier three, after a successful season and winning the league.
"From this, I believe the team can move leaps and bounds to climb the tiers in women's football."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC
