Ditchburn joins from fellow Women's Championship club Durham where she had served as head coach last season.

Prior to her spell with Durham, Ditchburn held an interim head coach role with Everton in the Women's Super League towards the end of the 2022/23 season.

She also had a spell with Manchester City as women's under-21 coach between 2018 and 2020.

On her appointment, Ditchburn said: "I'm delighted to be joining Newcastle United Women at such an exciting time for the club.

"The squad that has been put together is a strong one and hopefully will be very competitive. I am really looking forward to helping the team continue the great progress that has been made in recent years as we move into the Women's Championship next season."

Manager Becky Langley added: "Claire brings a wealth of experience to the group from her time with Durham, Everton and Manchester City. She is a confident and knowledgeable coach who impressed me immediately with her presence on the pitch.

"She is supportive but challenging. She will help players improve and provide clarity to our process. I am very much looking forward to working with Claire."