Spurs (h) SOLD OUT - limited public sale 06.04
Manchester United (h) SOLD OUT
Brentford (a) SOLD OUT
Aston Villa (a) SOLD OUT
Everton (a) ST holder sale now, 80 points
Southampton (h) SOLD OUT - limited public sale 13.04
NUWFC v Bradford (h) @ SJP Public sale now

Giveaway:
Northern soul
 

Newly-published in hardback from Northumbrian author Alex Niven is "The North Will Rise Again", examining the social, cultural and political characteristics that shape the region and what the future holds for it.

Thanks to publishers Bloomsbury, we have two copies to give away and to be in with a chance of winning one, email your answer to the following question to [email protected] with the subject line of North

"The North...." includes a mention of a serving US President visiting Newcastle in 1977. Name him.

Closing date is 8pm on Wednesday April 5th. No age limit, open to anyone on the planet but delivery must be to a UK address. One entry each please per person.

Order copies of the book direct from the publisher online here with a discount code NUFC15.
 
Wood finish:
Chris miss time
 
Newcastle's decision to loan Chris Wood out to Nottingham Forest with the proviso of signing him permanently looks an increasingly wise one, with news that the striker will miss the rest of the season.

The 31 year-old New Zealand international forward has a thigh injury that will sideline him for Forest's final 11 Premier League games - at which point he will formally become their player on a 12 month contract.

It's disputed what the exact terms of the clause were, but his seven appearances for Forest (five starts) and one goal have officially triggered the purchase option and net the Magpies a fee in excess of £13m. 

Academy:
U18/U21 update
 
Newcastle's U18s are back in home action this coming Saturday when they play host to Nottingham Forest at Little Benton in the U18 Premier League.

Originally advertised as a 1.30pm kick-off, the Premier League website now indicates that this has been brought forward to 11am (confirmation awaited).  

Turning to the U21 side, Monday sees them playing a game at SJP when Boro are the visitors in PL2.

It's a 7pm start with the East Stand open to the public. Admission is free to season ticket holders and members or else £3 adults and £1 concessions in cash at the turnstiles.

Premier League:
Manchester United (h)
 
Looking for their third successive victory, Eddie Howe's side return to Premier League action at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

It's a 4.30pm kick-off live on Sky Sports and all tickets are long since sold out.

Pre-match: Former Magpie Malcolm Macdonald is holding pre and post-match talk-ins at The Dog and Parrot from 1.45pm, returning at 7pm. 

All welcome, no entry charge. Find it opposite Times Square on Clayton Street West/Neville Street.

Since Matty Longstaff's match-winning strike at SJP in October 2019, the Magpies have lost five times and drawn twice in seven league and cup meetings with the Red Devils. The most recent of those came at Wembley in the Carabao Cup Final.

 

Thanks to everyone who entered our score prediction competition for this match, with a Wor Beer gift pack from Anarchy Brew Co up for grabs. The winner will be announced here after full time on Sunday (obviously).

Made in Newcastle, sales of Wor Beer help the fund displays mounted at SJP by Wor Flags. If you aren't feeling lucky then the latest batch of the beer in cans is available to order online here

NUFC: Joelinton returns from a two game suspension as a consequence of amassing ten yellow cards in 22 Premier League games this season. A further five cautions in the remaining 12 games of the season would see the Brazilian banned for three games.

It was thought that Miguel Almiron would miss out due to a thigh injury, although he has been seen cycling and running at Darsley Park in recent days. 

Nick Pope, Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin have all been seen training, along with Sven Botman. News on availability of Fabian Schar is awaited, after he was excused a Swiss call-up to rest.

Speaking of Gordon, it's almost exactly a year since he netted for Everton in a 1-0 PL home victory over Manchester United.

Coral rate this game as follows:

NUFC win 11/8
Any draw 12/5
No score draw 10/1
MUFC win 19/10
NUFC to win 1-0 8/1
HT draw, FT NUFC 9/2

New customers receive a £20 bet when staking £5 (T's & C's apply). Find Coral's markets online here

MUFC: Casemiro is suspended, Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen and Tom Heaton miss out through injury and there are doubts over Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Marcel Sabitzer. Raphael Varane is expected to return.  

Marcus Rashford withdrew from the England squad after picking up a knock in the Fulham FA Cup game, but it's assumed that he will miraculously recover and be at Gallowgate.

Away from Old Trafford this season, Manchester United have won six, drawn two and lost five. However they have taken maximum points from just one of their last four PL road trips - conceding seven goals without reply at Anfield in the most recent of those.

Referee: Stuart Attwell. A fourth outing of the season involving us for the Warwickshire whistler but a first away from the South coast, following league and cup victories at Southampton and a draw at Bournemouth.

VAR: Andy Madley.

Metro: No scheduled issues as yet. Whitley Bay Metro station has now reopened following the completion of emergency roof work.

Trains: No scheduled issues.

Rail disruption updates: online here

Buses: The X50 football service from the Metro Centre will be in operation. Details here

Road closures: Temporary road closures around the ground will be in place from an hour before kick-off until 30 minutes after the final whistle.

Foodbank: The usual stall and bucket shakers will be on Strawberry Place. NUFC Director Jamie Reuben doubles all cash donations made on home match days.

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports

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Located on platform 12 at Central Station, CentrAle stock a bewildering variety of local, domestic and international beers plus selected wines and spirits.

CentrAle proprietor Bruce Renwick is cycling around Loch Ness later this month in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance and closing in on his £1,000 target.

If you can help him then please donate online here

Trophy test looms:
D-Day for Tynesiders

Tickets for Gateshead's FA Trophy semi final against Barnet at the International Stadium on Saturday are on sale online here with over 1,600 already bought.

Tickets are also available from the stadium box office between 3-6pm for the rest of the week. They will also be available on the day to purchase by cash or card.

Prices: £18 adults, £12 concessions, £8 17-21s, £4 U16s.

Both league meetings with the Bees this season ended in draws; 2-2 on Tyneside and 1-1 in North London.

Mike Williamson's side come into the tie on the back of successive National League victories that have given them a fighting chance of avoiding relegation.

The other semi-final sees Altrincham host FC Halifax Town, with the winners of the two ties facing each other in the Final at Wembley on Sunday May 21st.

Internationals:
Call-ups:
 
Magpies on international duty:

Garang Kuol (Australia):
Tue 28.03.2023 Ecuador (h) lost 1-2 FR
Another substitute appearance for Kuol, this time in Melbourne. He was introduced on 69 minutes with the scoring complete.

Fri 24.03.2023 Ecuador (h) won 3-1 FR
Garang was on the bench for this friendly in Sydney, arriving in the 78th minute at 2-1 and adding a third for the Socceroos - his first senior international goal.

Alexander Isak (Sweden):
Mon 27.03.2023 Azerbaijan (h) won 5-0 ECQ
The Newcastle man kept his place in the starting XI in Stockholm and completed 71 minutes, going off with the score at 2-0.

Denied a goal by an offside flag, Isak did record an assist for Sweden's second goal when a visiting player turned a low centre past his own goalkeeper. 

Fri 24.03.2023 Belgium (h) lost 0-3 ECQ
Isak started the game in Stockholm and made way for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 73rd minute when it was 0-2.

Sven Botman (Holland):
Mon 27.03.2023 Gibraltar (h) won 3-0 ECQ
Fri 24.03.2023 France (a) lost 0-4 ECQ
Along with several other players, Sven was sent away from the Dutch training camp due to illness, with food poisoning reported in some quarters as the cause.

He failed to recover in time to make his anticipated senior bow in either Paris or Rotterdam.

Jeff Hendrick (Ireland):
Mon 27.03.2023 France (h) lost 0-1 ECQ
Midfielder Jeff began the game on the bench in Dublin and that's where he remained.

Wed 22.03.2023 Latvia (h) won 3-2 FR
Hendrick was on the bench for the victory in Dublin, joining the action in the 82nd minute.

Kieran Trippier (England):
Sun 26.03.2023 Ukraine (h) won 2-0 ECQ
A night on the bench for Kieran at Wembley as England were victorious. Former Magpie Ivan Toney was a late substitute for his first England cap at any level.

Thu 23.03.2023 Italy (a) won 2-1 ECQ
Tripps came on in the 81st minute following Luke Shaw's dismissal, helping see out the remaining minutes to claim a memorable victory in Naples.

Jamal Lewis (Northern Ireland):
Sun 26.03.2023 Finland (h) lost 0-1 ECQ
Jamal played the full 90 minutes as Michael O'Neill and assistant Aaron Hughes were beaten after taking charge of the side on home soil for the first time.

Thu 23.03.2023 San Marino (a) won 2-0 ECQ
Lewis started the game in Serravalle and was replaced in the 73rd minute by ex-Magpie Shane Ferguson when it was already 2-0 having set up the second goal.

Martin Dubravka (Slovakia):
Sun 26.03.2023 Bosnia-Herzegovina (h) won 2-0 ECQ
Martin started and played the full game in Bratislava. 

Thu 23.03.2023 Luxembourg (h) drew 0-0  ECQ
No goals in Trnava where Dubravka played the full 90.

Alex Murphy (Ireland U19s)
Tue 28.03.2023 Greece (h) lost 0-1 ECQ 
Alex missed this defeat in Wexford - reason unknown.

Sat 25.03.2023 Estonia (h) won 1-0 ECQ
Another 90 minute appearance for the defender in Wexford and a booking.

Wed 22.03.2023 Slovakia (h) lost 1-2 ECQ
Alex played the full game in Wexford.

Johnny Emerson (Scotland U18s):
Sun 26.03.2023 Wales (a) drew 2-2 FR
Johnny was named in the starting lineup - confirmation of the Scotland goalscorers is still awaited.

Thu 23.03.2023 Wales (a) lost 1-2 FR
The young Magpie was named among the substitutes - his participation (if any) is tbc but he wasn't the Scotland goalscorer.
 
Lewis Miley (England U17s):
Tue 28.03.2023 Holland (a) lost 0-1 ECQ
Miley remained unused on the bench in Katwijk as his side confirmed their place at the Championship finals despite losing. They take place in Hungary this coming May/June and the final draw is next Monday.

Sat 25.03.2023 Northern Ireland (n) won 2-0 ECQ
There was a further 90 minute runout for Lewis, this time in Noordwijk.

Wed 22.03.2023 Denmark (n) won 3-1 ECQ
Lewis started and played the full game, picking up a yellow card in Katwijk.

2023/24:
Stand in the Corner
 
Monday saw NUFC announce that 1,800 safe standing places in the South East Corner (Strawberry Corner) of St. James' Park, will be installed for next season.

Five of the six sections in that area including all four of the upper ones will be altered but there will be no alteration to the overall capacity as a consequence.

Full press release:

Newcastle United can announce that licensed standing - commonly known as 'safe standing' - will be introduced at St. James' Park as part of an initial trial period at the start of the 2023/24 season.

A designated licensed standing section with space for approximately 1,800 home supporters will be installed in the South East Corner of the stadium and will include the lower section of block B and the upper sections of blocks C, D, E and F.

A similar provision will also be installed for visiting supporters on Level 7 of the Leazes End.

The trial follows a supporter consultation process, during which more than 4,000 fans responded to an online survey - with 70 fans attending a subsequent working group session at St. James' Park to provide more detailed feedback.

Of those surveyed online, 75 per cent were in favour of licensed standing being introduced at St. James' Park - with the South East Corner and Gallowgate End identified as the preferred location by more than 70 per cent of respondents.

The club has also continued to monitor existing trials at other stadiums in England, with licensed standing areas successfully installed and safely managed at Wembley and a number of Premier League grounds with the support of the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA).

For further information on licensed standing, please visit the Football Supporters Association website.

What happens next:

The club has now contacted all affected supporters via email, giving them the opportunity to remain as part of the trial or opt out.

Newcastle United is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and ensuring access for all. Season ticket holders who have informed us they have a disability will receive a call directly from the Supporter Services team over the coming days as we look to ensure your matchday experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Fans wishing to move into the licensed standing area:

Should seats become available for other season ticket holders to move into the licensed standing area, the club will communicate this in due course.

In the meantime, we kindly ask supporters not to contact the Box Office to register their interest in moving seats from other areas of the stadium.

SJP:
The last stand...
 
The announcement of a partial return to standing at SJP prompted various claims as to when terracing was last used by Newcastle supporters at home games.

Following redevelopment of the Leazes and Gallowgate Ends, the final part of the ground accommodating standing fans were the 6,400 capacity paddocks in front of the Milburn Stand. 

These were scheduled for closure at the end of the 1993/94 season to meet recommendations of the Taylor Report, which was commissioned following the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium disaster.

However an appeal to the Department of Heritage by United saw them gain a 12 month exemption; those areas remaining in use until a season-closing 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace during May 1995.

Seats were immediately added to those areas along with other Milburn Stand upgrades required to meet the criteria for hosting Euro '96 games the following year.

And with no home pre-season friendlies staged, the first all-seater crowd at SJP then gathered for a 3-0 demolition of Coventry City in August 1995.

NSC:
Senior Cup Final
date announced

This season’s Northumberland Senior Cup Final will take place at Gallowgate on Tuesday April 25th. Kick-off will be at 7.30pm.

2022 victors Blyth Spartans will face Morpeth Town, who lifted the trophy in 2019 (due to the pandemic, there was no final in 2020 and 2021).

Admission details are tbc.

Premier League:
Arsenal & Spurs (h)
fixtures confirmed
 
Newcastle's home game against Arsenal will take place on Sunday 7th May at 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports.

And confirmation of Newcastle's home meeting with Spurs has also now arrived, with the Cockerels visiting SJP for a 2pm start on Sunday 23rd April. That is also live on Sky Sports.

PS: A new date is still awaited for Newcastle's PL home meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion, postponed due to our Carabao Cup Final involvement in February.

Albion still also have a PL fixture against Manchester City to schedule, but will play their outstanding game against Manchester United on Thursday May 4th. That means the Newcastle game cannot be that midweek.

Loan lads:
Borrowers

Current movements of our loan players:

Kelland Watts (Peterborough United):
The defender is now back in training having recovered from a hamstring problem and may be involved when Oxford United visit London Road in League One this Saturday.

Joe White (Exeter City):
The Grecians maintained their excellent home form with a 3-1 defeat of Barnsley in League One on Tuesday. An 82nd minute arrival from the bench, Joe was fouled in the box to earn a penalty in the 89th minute - although he didn't get to take it.

Niall Brookwell (Darlington):
The Quakers drew 0-0 at Banbury in the National League North on Tuesday - their second successive nowts apiece. Niall remained unused on the bench.

Dan Langley (Spennymoor Town):
Tuesday brought a 2-3 loss for Spenny at Alfreton Town in the National League North but Dan was once again out following a recent injury.

Jay Turner-Cooke (Tranmere Rovers):
Harrogate Town (h) League Two, Friday.

Ciaran Clark (Sheffield United):
Norwich City (a) Championship, Saturday.

Jeff Hendrick (Reading):
Bristol City (a) Championship, Saturday.

Karl Darlow (Hull City):
Rotherham United (h) Championship, Saturday.

Garang Kuol (Hearts):
Kilmarnock (a) Scottish Premiership, Saturday.

Lucas De Bolle, Dylan Stephenson (Hamilton Academical):
Dundee (a) Scottish Championship, Saturday.

Isaac Hayden (Norwich City):
(unavailable - knee)

Premier League:
Ice cold is Alex!
 
Nottingham Forest  1  Newcastle  2
 
Youtube footage is online here

Match report

Howay the lasses:
NUWFC back at SJP

Newcastle United Women confirm that their final home game of the season will be staged at SJP.

They will host Bradford City Women in a 2pm kick-off on Sunday April 16th, as they aim to secure promotion from National League Division One North. 

This will be the third time that the women have played at Gallowgate and they have a 100% record to date:

01.05.2022 Alnwick Town Ladies won 4-0 (22,134)
27.11.2022 Barnsley won 2-1 (28,565)

Looking to set a new club attendance record, the club have set advance ticket prices at £3 adults and £1 concession (£6 and £2 respectively on matchday). These can be bought online from NUFC now. 

Premier League:
West Ham (a)

Wednesday (5th) sees the Magpies back in action, when they play a rearranged Premier League fixture against West Ham at the London Stadium (8pm).

It's live on Sky Sports and all 3,000 away tickets were sold ahead of the original match date last September before the death of Elizabeth II saw it postponed.

Eddie Howe's side are unbeaten in all four PL visits to the capital so far this season; winning at Fulham and Spurs and drawing at Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

NUFC: To follow

WHUFC: To follow

Transport: TfL updates are online here

Metro: No scheduled issues

Referee: tbc

VAR: tbc

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports

Overseas TV: To follow

UK Radio: tbc

Local Radio: Live on BBC Radio Newcastle

Stats: To follow

Upcoming PL fixtures: to follow

Premier League:
Brentford (a)

Newcastle remain in the capital on Saturday week (April 8th) when they face the Bees at what is now the Gtech Stadium in an old-fashioned 3pm kick-off.

All 1,730 away section places are sold out.

NUFC: To follow

BFC: To follow

Transport: TfL updates are online here

Metro: No scheduled issues

Referee: tbc

VAR: tbc

UK TV: None

Overseas TV: To follow

UK Radio: tbc

Local Radio: Live on BBC Radio Newcastle

Stats: To follow

Upcoming PL fixtures: to follow

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