Joel hits half-century for the Magpies: “Newcastle is the perfect fit for me”

Lois Joel has reached 50 appearances for Newcastle United Women, marking the milestone when she came on in the Magpies’ 3-0 win away to Durham.

The 27-year-old joined the Magpies in September 2024. Only Beth Lumsden and Jasmine McQuade, who is currently on loan at Hibernian Women, have made more appearances for the club.

Before moving to United, Joel had not played for a team outside London, so she had to adjust.

“Newcastle is the perfect fit for me,” she told newcastleunited.com. “It feels like a home away from home.”

“I extended my contract earlier this year because I really want to be here and continue being a part of this exciting project and what we’re building.”

“I like to think of myself as an adopted Geordie, and hopefully the fans have taken to me because I love it here, although I’m still not in love with the weather.”

The Welsh international has featured in every game this season, helping Tanya Oxtoby’s side make a perfect start in Barclays Women’s Super League 2 with five wins from five.

“Personally, it’s a great achievement to reach this milestone,” she said. “To do it while we’re on such a good run of form as well makes it a little bit better.”

“I love playing for Newcastle and in front of our fans, so to have done it 50 times is incredible, and the time has flown by since I made my debut against London City Lionesses.”

“It was a bit mad making my debut for Newcastle against the team I used to captain, but after getting my first taste of the Geordie fans at that match, I knew I’d made the right decision.”

Joel has already played in the WSL and represented her country at a major tournament, but she is still seeking her first career trophy.

“I always try to be a versatile player and will play anywhere Tanya asks me,” she added. “Although it has been nice getting a consistent run of games in midfield.”

“I’m enjoying it in midfield and think I’d like to stay in that lane for a while now, but you never know what might happen.”

“Hopefully I can just keep contributing on the pitch in any way I can and try to get that first trophy in my career here at Newcastle.”