Women. Potts: Our fans help us grow

charlotte-potts-interview
Published
15 Apr 23
Team
Women

Newcastle United Women defender Charlotte Potts is calling on the support of the Geordie faithful to roar the Magpies on at St. James' Park on Sunday

Becky Langley's side take to the 'cathedral on the hill' in an FA Women's National League Division One North clash with Bradford City Women, and Potts says the cheers from the supporters in the stands will only aid Newcastle in their push for success in this match, and for the remainder of the season.

"Support is invaluable in life," she began, speaking to nufc.co.uk. "We will raise motivation levels, while remaining balanced, to ride this wave and make this title race even more entertaining for you all.

"The amount of support and opportunity the club gives us as female athletes who have had to break so many barriers is overwhelming and we have never taken it for granted. It helps us grow, equips us to face these pressures and be the inspiring women our city and our next generation need.

"We ensure we perform with strong Geordie values and in return appreciate you all bringing your voice, pride and passion to ramp up the atmosphere with us at St. James' Park."

As one of the more experienced members of Langley's squad, Potts says she feels a responsibility to help her team-mates remain level-headed as the end of the campaign comes into view.

"Pressured situations can draw out all sorts of emotions," she said. "Some players raise the bar to deal with pressure, some need a bit of support to be uplifted.

"I think one of my key strengths is observing how people mentally and emotionally respond to waves.

"Getting to know the person, before the player, has been important with this and helps some understand (their emotions) too. It's absolutely key that we all stay in the moment and focus on each task at hand to ensure we ride the same wave, together.

"From many of our performances, we have shown that togetherness is one of our biggest strengths, especially the last time at St. James' Park. The resilience to come back from 1-0 down just shows that trust and respect is there."

Potts was understandably emotional at the end of the previous St. James' Park match - the 2-1 victory over Barnsley Women in the Vitality Women's FA Cup - due to the obstacles she had to overcome both physically and mentally throughout her career to reach that moment.

"I was coming back from an injury and playing through a lot of pain," she said of her last outing at the iconic arena. "Focusing on managing that pain meant I didn't take in the atmosphere too much, which may have also been a good thing, although this meant emotions came flooding out at the end.

"This time round, I don't just have family coming to support me, I also have some key people who have helped me get through very difficult times where I had to face pressures I never believed I'd overcome.

"I'd like them to see how much of an impact this has had on me and how my leadership skills have developed, using what I have been taught to help this club."

LAST CHANCE TO BUY ADVANCE TICKETS

Newcastle Women return to St. James' Park on Sunday, 16th April, taking on Bradford City Women in a 2pm (BST) kick-off.

Advance tickets are now available, priced at just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions at book.nufc.co.uk. To minimise large queues at cash turnstiles and avoid delays to kick-off, ticket prices will rise on matchday to £6 for adults and £2 for concessions.

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