Newns and Collis ready to take next step with Cheltenham
ISSY Newns is confident Cheltenham Town Ladies can make a big statement as they begin life in tier three football.
The attacking midfielder was close to joining the Robins last summer, but she has now committed herself to the newly-promoted The FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division for the 2022/23 campaign.
“I can’t wait to get the season going and show everyone all the hard work we’ve been putting in in training and make a statement,” Newns said.
“I did the start of pre-season with the team last season and didn’t end up signing, but I could see what Tom (Davies, manager), the coaching staff and the players were building.
“This is one of the main things that made me want to come back, having a brief conversation with Tom and his ambitions for the club just shows how much this club has got to come.”
Newns, 21, left Forest Green Rovers to join Oxford United Development halfway through the 2018/19 season, appearing on loan for Cheltenham.
She progressed to Oxford’s first team in 2018/19 and enjoyed some impressive performances, but her time there was curtailed by a badly broken foot.
Keynsham was the next stop after completing her rehabilitation, but Covid cut short her time there and she quickly moved on to Cardiff City Ladies.
“It was one of the most mentally developing seasons I’ve had but also one of the best seasons too,” she said of her time at Cardiff.
“It was hard for me to leave such a talented team, but I knew it was the best thing for me.”
“Cheltenham is like one big family because it’s such a close knit group and always has such good energy in and around the training ground so I can’t wait for everyone else to see that on the pitch.
“The club has got such big ambitions and as a young player, I can’t wait to be along the journey with everyone,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maisy Collis is hoping to rebuild her confidence with Cheltenham Town Ladies after returning from an injury absence.
The 20-year-old centre midfielder has joined from Bristol City, where she has been since the age of 11.
Since then, she has represented England Colleges and broken into City’s first team, signing her first contract last year.
“Tom (Davies, manager) contacted me showing his interest when the team got promoted and it went from there,” Collis said.
“There are some great players and staff here and everyone has been very welcoming. They definitely have the right ambitions for the season ahead too.
“I want to help the team as much as I can and build my experience playing in this league, hopefully finishing high up the table.”