Gears has previously represented Durham Women and Sunderland Women and arrives as the Magpies strive to gain promotion from the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division at the first time of asking.

"They have all been so welcoming, especially with the little one," said Gears, who gave birth to a son this year.

"To say I haven't known them for very long, they have all been so nice and bringing him to the games, I can't wait to be on the pitch and him be there watching me play."

Gears has not played competitively since February and, with her eye on getting back to the level that saw her feature in the Championship regularly, she believes she is in the right place to do that.

"I definitely back myself but I am under no illusion that it is going to take time to get back to full fitness and being at the standard that I was beforehand," she said.

"With the support that Newcastle have given me, I don't have any doubt in my mind that I will get there. I am just excited to get back into it and hopefully keep pushing.

"It is a great club and the professionalism we have got in the third tier is only going to improve as we go into the Championship and hopefully the WSL (Women's Super League).

"I would love to be a part of that and help them get there."

The attacker adds further experience to Langley's squad, with the eight additions she made in the summer boasting experience in the third tier or higher.

Gears appreciates the support she has received in raising a child while she works to regain match fitness and hopes she can repay that faith by having an impact in the dressing room and on the pitch.

"People (sometimes) don't really understand and don't know how to deal with situations and with Becky and the staff, they have been so welcoming but understanding about certain situations," she added.

"I think experience goes a long way when you are playing, hopefully, in the Championship next season and I think the experience we have in the team already, I can add to that.

"I have such a good support network with my family and with the staff at Newcastle, I have no doubt I can add to that.

"I definitely want to see Newcastle be promoted this year and then reach the WSL over the next few years. Hopefully, I am a part of that."