Oxtoby lauds Magpies fans ahead of final-day derby with Durham
Oxtoby lauds Magpies fans ahead of final-day derby with Durham The Lasses have experienced an up-and-down campaign, previously being on an eight-game unbeaten run before last weekend’s defeat at Bristol City which ended their hopes of promotion. However, Oxtoby, who was speaking ahead of Saturday's clash (kick-off 3pm BST), admits she’s seen enough positives both on and off the pitch to excite her for next season in the WSL2. Here are the key talking points from her pre-match interview ahead of the Durham clash: ON THE 2025/26 SEASON… "We've challenged the group a lot, and I think they've really embraced that challenge.
We've had ups and downs along the way, there is no doubt about that, but that's part of the journey and that's part of the growth. "We're never going to get it 100% right all the time, but I think the foundations are there for what's going to be a really promising off-season, (and) obviously an exciting start to next season. " ON NEXT SEASON… "I think we play nice football, I don't think anyone would deny that, but without the end product as often as we would like, so that's something we need to focus on and work on.
"I think we've got a lot of work to do in the summer in terms of making sure we're resilient, because we know next season is going to be tough again, and we want to make sure that the players are ready for that, so whatever is thrown at us, we're in a really good position. " ON THE DURHAM GAME… "Durham is always a difficult game. We want to make sure that we are aggressive and we expect that we are going to control the game with the ball, and that comes with every performance.
"We want to be clinical and make sure that when we get our opportunities, we put them on the back foot, and that's really important. " ON THE FANS… "Our fans have been amazing, and they were again last weekend, and our performance this weekend is for them. "They've been brilliant for us all season, and I've always said that since I started in this role, I've never met fans who are so passionate, and I love being a part of that.
"So I look forward to seeing them all this weekend and putting in a good performance and giving them something to cheer about. "