England defender Demi Stokes says it “just made sense” to return home to play for Newcastle United in the Women’s Championship.
The 32-year-old is one of the highest-profile signings across England’s top two tiers this summer having joined newly-promoted Newcastle from Women’s Super League side Manchester City.
Stokes came through the academy at Newcastle’s rivals Sunderland, breaking into the first team aged 16, before embarking on an illustrious career.
She has 69 caps for England and was part of the squad that won Euro 2022. At City, Stokes won the Women’s Super League in 2016, three FA Cups and four League Cups, as well as making more than 200 appearances.
“I was so excited when I had my meeting with [Newcastle’s staff]. It just made sense,” said Stokes.
“The journey they have been on… I just wanted to be a part of it. I feel like I can really help, whether that’s on or off the pitch.”
‘Newcastle were an ambitious club’
Stokes was born in Dudley in the West Midlands and moved to the North East as a child.
She is one of several players from the region who have enjoyed success on the international stage, joining retired stars Jill Scott and Steph Houghton, as well as current Lioness Beth Mead.
There are now three North East clubs in England’s second tier with Newcastle – who were promoted only 12 months after the players went full-time – joining Sunderland and Durham.
“Newcastle were a very ambitious club. They wanted to push. They spoke about wanting to make the Champions League in time and to keep getting promoted,” said Stokes.
“That in itself is exciting and I wanted to be a part of that. When I first signed for City, they were very similar in terms of what Newcastle want to do now.
“I’ve almost been there, seen how it looks and know the things you maybe would change and contribute to. It’s just little things.
“Not everyone knows everything. I’m still learning and so is everyone else. It’s great that I can still contribute. We have a young squad as well. I wanted to help where I can.”
Stokes has already won some major prizes but says she will get a “buzz” from representing Newcastle next season.
“When you play football you are always looking for that next high, that next buzz. I just know I will get that with this team and the fans,” she added.
“What better way to share that in Newcastle than with my friends and family there.”
‘They were really understanding of my situation’
Newcastle have further bolstered their squad this summer by signing Northern Ireland’s all-time top scorer Rachel Furness and Jamaica international Shania Hayles, among others.
Alongside them, Stokes hopes to pass on her experience to the rest of the squad after nine years at City and England in full-time, professional environments.
But what perhaps excites her the most is the opportunity to play in front of friends and family on a weekly basis.
“It will be really nice for old school friends to come and watch games who haven’t been able to because Manchester is too far,” said Stokes.
“A lot of them have kids and they are Newcastle supporters as well. Everyone back home was really excited.”
In 2022, Stokes became Manchester City’s first player to juggle motherhood with professional football.
Being able to bring her son Harlen to the North East and to receive support from Newcastle was an important factor in her move.
“[Newcastle] give such a family feel and they were really understanding of my situation. I think that’s always nice,” said Stokes.
“My son is allowed to come into training on recovery days. Workplaces are going to become more like that as more and more people are seeing you can do both [roles].
“You can have kids with the right support. I don’t think it’s in the right place [in terms of the support in the women’s game yet] but it’s about pushing those boundaries and asking for help.
“It’s new for everyone. I always say the more we support women and each other, then it will only be for the best.”