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ON THIS MONTH: FOOTBALL Captain Kelly The Rookettes’ long-serving skipper In the pre-season friendly against Chelsea’s U23 team, <strong>Lewes</strong> Ladies were cruising at 3-0 early in the second half, and it was time for manager John Donoghue to give a few subs a chance. Off came captain Kelly Newton, who’d been anchoring the midfield in the assured manner that regulars have become used to over the last 14 years she’s been playing for <strong>Lewes</strong>. “Before long,” she tells me, a couple of days later, sitting on the steps of the Philcox Stand before Tuesday-night training, “it was three-all!” She’s got a glint in her eye to show she’s not bigging herself up, but I was there and <strong>Lewes</strong> certainly lost shape without her positional sense, ball-winning skills and passing ability. Thankfully, for the third year running, she’s put off her long-planned retirement, and we’ll see her for at least another season at the Pan. “I wouldn’t miss this season for the world,” she says. “And I’m not talking about the money.” This term, of course, <strong>Lewes</strong> FC are giving the same budget to the women’s team as to the men’s – an unprecedented move in global football – and this suggests that the Rookettes, who won a national trophy last season and more than held their own in the (third tier) Womens’ Premier League, will step up their game a couple of notches. “There are five new players, all of whom have strengthened the squad,” she says. “For the first time since I’ve been here I’m looking over my shoulder, worried about my place in the team.” Kelly’s long spell at <strong>Lewes</strong> FC has included eight trophies and four promotions, and promotion this year – to the Women’s Super League – would be the icing on a very rich cake. Though Kelly thinks it’s too soon to think about such a possibility. “What’s happened is historical and has struck a blow for gender equality in football and beyond,” she says. “But it’d be wrong to expect automatic promotion as a given. I’d say a top three finish would be a massive achievement.” Kelly is now 37, she tells me (I’ve been too polite to ask) and if retirement doesn’t come at the end of the season, it will surely come soon after. Whatever happens, she won’t be hanging up her boots entirely. “Both John and Jacquie [Agnew, Director of Women’s Football] have asked me if I’ll stay on in a coaching capacity after I stop playing,” she says… “I’m already studying for my FA coaching qualifications.” In the meantime, let’s be thankful we’ve got her on the pitch. Rolling subs were allowed in the friendly against Chelsea, and at 3-3 she came back on to play for the last few minutes. Out of the blue, against the run of play, the Rookettes scored a dramatic winner. “The goal was absolutely nothing to do with me,” she admits. But she’s not taking into account her talismanic presence in the centre of the pitch. Interview by Alex Leith For <strong>Lewes</strong> FC Women’s and Men’s team fixtures check out lewesfc.com Photo by James Boyes 37