At half-time Carly Telford walked on to the pitch, smiled approvingly at the 24,000 fans in the stands and reiterated how “honoured and proud” she was to be there. The recently retired former England, Sunderland, Chelsea and San Diego Wave goalkeeper was born in Newcastle, has always supported the club and was delighted to be Sunday’s guest of honour at St James’ Park.
Telford has watched Newcastle men live countless times but she particularly relished chatting to the club’s co-owner Amanda Staveley as Becky Langley’s women’s side thrashed Bradford 6-1.