Monday July 14th, 2025

    Last update 15:51 BST

      Your genial hosts: Niall and Biffa




Next Match

 

Celtic
Friendly
Celtic Park
Saturday 19th July
Kick off 3pm
Live on NUFC TV
Last Match

 

Newcastle 4
Carlisle United 0
Friendly
Saturday 12th July
Match report to follow

The Never-Ending Tour

  Number of Newcastle
  games attended by
  NUFC.com in 2025/26:

0

 

alt

 

Celtic (a) SOLD OUT
Espanyol (h) Public sale now
Atletico Madrid (h)
SOLD OUT
Aston Villa (a) details awaited

2025/26:
Liverpool (h) ballots etc. 

Ticket information for United's opening Premier League home game against Liverpool has now appeared online as follows:

Member Ballot opens: Mon 21.07.2025 @ Noon
Member Ballot closes: Tue 22.07.2025 @ Noon
Member Ballot winners notified Wed 23.07.2025 by 11am
Member seat selection opens: Wed 23.07.2025 @ Noon
Member seat selection closes: Fri 25.07.2025 @ Noon
ST ticket fwding/resale open: Friday 25.07.2025 @ Noon
Member Sale open: Mon 28.07.2025 @ 10am

2025/26:
Austria again 

Following Saturday's training ground kickabout against Carlisle United, Monday saw Eddie Howe and his squad fly to Austria for a five day training camp. 

Destination for what is Newcastle's third pre-season visit to Austria is the Tyrol village of Seefeld, following similar trips to Stegersbach during 2007 and Saalfelden in 2022.

Among those added to the squad for the continental jaunt were Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali.

The Magpies will remain Austria all week before travelling to Glasgow for Saturday's friendly against Celtic at Parkhead.

RGR:
End of the road 

After 73 days of torture, Mark Allison aka Run Geordie Run has taken the tough decision to spare his shredded feet from any further damage and curtail his USA charity run.

Since leaving Coney Island on May 1st, Toon fan Mark has ticked off 10 states and racked up over 1,800 miles, while enduring almost constant physical pain in addition to a catalogue of other misfortunes en route.  

Mark did complete one final mile on Sunday (his birthday) in a memorable location, explaining more about that here  

This latest fundraiser has collected over £26,000 for St. Benedicts Hospice, meaning that various causes Mark has supported over the years are over £370,000 better off.

If you can help to boost that, please do so online here 

2025/26:
Cumbrians beaten 

Newcastle  4  Carlisle United  0

Match report

Update:
At last, Elanga 

The elongated acquisition by Newcastle United of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga was finally confirmed by both clubs on Friday night.

The 23 year-old Swedish international had flown into Tyneside on Tuesday for his medical before signing a long-term contract of undisclosed duration for a claimed £55m fee (£52m plus £3m add-ons).

Elanga is yet to be issued with a squad number and joins fellow countrymen Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth in Eddie Howe's squad.

His signing marks the end of a protracted chase by United, with a failed bid first reported a year ago, firm interest during the January 2024 window and a player who was on the radar of club staff as far back as September 2018.

That came when scoring for Manchester United U18s against their Magpie counterparts - Elanga then repeating the feat on Tyneside six months later; both goals coming before his 17th birthday. 

Fast forward to August 2019 and the winger came off the bench for the closing stages of a 4-0 U21 away win at SJP for his side. 

Back in the region with Manchester United U18s a month later, the Swede netted twice in as many minutes for the Red Devils at Little Benton - prompting us to describe him at that time as "unplayable". 

Handed a Premier League debut in a 1-2 defeat to Leicester City at Old Trafford in May 2021, the first of Anthony's 14 goals in that competition came a week later at Wolves.

A senior international bow arrived during March 2022, replacing Isak late on against the Czechs in Stockholm - Elanga's first Sweden goal following against Norway three months later, again after coming on for Isak.

The 2023/24 season began with Anthony making a £15m switch to Nottingham Forest, starting in their 3-1 win at Gallowgate on Boxing Day and teeing up the first two goals of Chris Wood's hat-trick.

Firing an equaliser past Martin Dubravka as Newcastle won 3-2 in the return at the City Ground, Elanga played no part in last season's Carabao Cup penalty shootout at the same venue but did chip in with an assist as United won the PL meeting 3-1 there last November.

Most recently, Elanga left Tyneside empty-handed despite playing a part in two of his side's three goals during a 4-3 PL success for the Magpies back in February.

He ended the season with six goals and another 11 assists for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, also playing 45 minutes of an FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City at Wembley.

Swapping a place in the Europa League with Forest for a Champions League spot with Newcastle, Elanga does have experience in both competitions from his Manchester United days - netting at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

NUFC under Howe - major incoming deals: 

Jan 2022 Kieran Trippier Atletico Madrid (£12m)
Jan 2022 Chris Wood Burnley (£25m)
Jan 2022 Bruno Guimaraes Olympique Lyonnais (£35m)
Jan 2022 Dan Burn Brighton and Hove Albion (£13m)
Jun 2022 Matt Targett Aston Villa (£12m)
Jun 2022 Nick Pope Burnley (£10m)
Jul 2022 Sven Botman Lille (£35m)
Aug 2022 Alexander Isak Real Sociedad (£60m)
Jan 2023 Anthony Gordon Everton (£45m)
Jul 2023 Sandro Tonali AC Milan (£55m)
Jul 2023 Harvey Barnes Leicester City (£38m)
Aug 2023 Valentino Livramento Southampton (£31m)
Jun 2024 Lloyd Kelly unattached (Free)
Jul 2024 Odysseas Vlachodimos Nottingham Forest (£20m)
Jul 2024 Lewis Hall Chelsea (£28m)
Aug 2024 William Osula Sheffield United (£15m)

Jul 2025 Anthony Elanga Nottingham Forest (£55m)

Ex-Mag:
Daggers take old boy 


Former Magpie Andy Carroll has a new club after returning to England in order to be closer to his family, signing for National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 36 year-old left England in 2023 to play in France for Amiens and then Bordeaux.


Update:
Coach arrival 

Friday saw NUFC confirm that they had added Martin Mark to the Gallowgate backroom staff, arriving as a specialist set-piece coach.

The 31 year-old was previously with FC Midtjylland in his native Denmark, helping them to Superliga title success.

2025/26:
TV changes

Wednesday saw the Premier League adhere to their own timetable for once, publishing live TV alterations for the second and third weekends of the season. 

Both Newcastle games move as follows:

Mon 25.08.2025 Liverpool (h) 8pm Sky
Sat 30.08.2025 Leeds United (a) 5.30pm Sky

News of the overdue September TV changes is awaited, with the scheduling of those games influenced by when European club fixtures are played.

Those PL amendments should appear soon, although it's predicted that some or all of the following will come with either/or caveats:

Sat 13.09.2025 tbc Wolves (h)
Sat 20.09.2025 tbc Bournemouth (a)
Sat 27.09.2025 tbc Arsenal (h)

Update:
Longstaff
bid rejected

The Times reported on Wednesday that the anticipated transfer of Sean Longstaff to Leeds United was off, after they refused to increase their latest £12m bid.

The Premier League newcomers had seen two previous offers for the 27 year-old rejected and are now said to be assessing other transfer options. It's unclear what price Newcastle are willing to accept. 

Longstaff is now into the final 12 months of his contract, having made 214 league and cup appearances since 2018, scoring 16 times.

25 Premier League outings last season included just eight starts, the last of which came at Brentford in December.

2025/26:
Pre-season TV coverage

NUFC have made all six public pre-season games available to watch via the club's official website and app.

Pricing for the full package is as follows:

Mags+: £9.99
Mags/Junior Mags: £19.99
Non-members: £29.99
Match Pass: £4.99 or £6.99 per game (varies)

Purchase online here

Mags+ and Mags members will be emailed a promo code to access the above price Mags+ members not purchasing the full package will receive promo codes allowing them to watch the two South Korea games for free.

All streams are worldwide except Arsenal excludes Singapore, K-League and Spurs excludes South Korea, Espanyol and Atletico Madrid excludes Spain.

(The full package includes all six first team games in addition to live coverage of the NUFC Women versus Atletico Madrid Femenino home friendly).

2025/26:
Here are the young men 

NUFC have confirmed 11 first year scholars will join the club's academy on a full-time basis this coming season:

Sam Alabi, Jack Callaghan, Luke Gilligan, Oliver Holland, Mason Miley, Michael Mills, Noah Morgan, Ethan Ndiweni, Thomas Old, Jack Patterson and Sam Pinnington.

Eight of those players appeared for the club's U18 side last season including Mason Miley (younger brother of Lewis and Jamie) and Ethan Ndiweni (younger brother of Michael).

2025/26:
Take five 

Several readers have contacted us regarding the 2025/26 Newcastle United season ticket terms and conditions and the clause regarding occupancy that is now included.

We're happy to share this for anyone who is unaware:

4.6 Further, your Season Ticket shall not be eligible for renewal and shall be terminated for the subsequent season if your Season Ticket has been unused for 5 (five) individual Matches in the Season (these need not be consecutive). 

Your Season Ticket shall be determined as having been used for the Season if you have met any of the following criteria: (i) you have attended the individual Match in person by successfully scanning in at the turnstiles at the Ground; (ii) you have successfully transferred your ticket for the Match in accordance with clause 4.4; and/or (iii) you have requested a re-sale of your Season Ticket for the individual Match in accordance with clause 4.2 of these Terms and Conditions (regardless of whether your ticket was then sold by the Club as a result).

Find the full season ticket terms and conditions
here

PS: The existing sale/transfer limit of 10 Premier League home games per season continues to apply.

Update:
Teen trio: one in 

Sky Sports report that Newcastle have completed a move for Alfie Hutchinson from Rangers, the first of three signings set to boost the club's Academy squad.

The 16 year-old right-sided attacker was spotted on Tyneside earlier in the week and official confirmation of his arrival is now expected in the coming days. 

Also tipped for a switch from Ibrox to Gallowgate is fellow 16 year-old Scottish youth international
Oliver Goodbrand, whose favoured position is at left full back.

Updates are also awaited on United's proposed acquisition of Isaac Moran, following news that the England youth international had rejected a contract offer from current club Liverpool. The central midfielder is also 16.


Old boys:
Comings & goings 

SJP old boys with new clubs/jobs include:

Tom Allan Darlington
Kieran Aplin
Whitley Bay
Alun Armstrong
Gateshead M
Jean-Alain Boumsong
Auxerre C
Mark Boyd Carlisle City AM
Kyle Cameron Bromley
Nathan Carlyon
Blyth Town
Andy Carroll
Dagenham & Redbridge
Lewis Cass
Harrogate Town
Stephen Clemence Blackpool C
Stuart Findlay
Hearts
Stan Flaherty
Hampton & Richmond
Massadio Haidara Kocealispor
Lloyd Kelly Juventus
Oisin McEntee Hearts
Joe Oliver Hebburn Town
John Robertson Ross County AM
Salomon Rondon Real Oviedo (loan)
Josh Scott
Darlington
Jonjo Shelvey training with Hull City tbc
Freddie Woodman Liverpool
Mike Williamson Rangers C
Callum Williams FC Hartlepool
Josef Yarney Macclesfield Town

Free agents leaving SJP:

Josh Donaldson
James Huntley
Jamal Lewis
Lloyd Kelly
Harry Powell
Rory Powell
Ellis Stanton
Jay Turner-Cooke

Callum Wilson

Former Magpies leaving their clubs include:

Graeme Carrick Boro C
Andy Carroll
Bordeaux
Luuk De Jong
PSV Eindhoven (tbc)
Nicky Deverdics
Blyth Spartans
Damien Duff
Shelbourne M
Paul Dummett
Carlisle United
Fraser Forster Spurs
Dwight Gayle
Hibernian (retired) 
Grant Hanley Birmingham City
Jeff Hendrick Derby County
JJ Hooper Blyth Spartans
Tim Krul Luton Town
Greg Olley
Gateshead
Jonjo Shelvey Burnley
Steven Taylor Al Qabila
Ben Tozer Forest Green Rovers (retired)
Jonathan Woodgate
Boro C
Jack Young Wycombe Wanderers

 







Privacy policy

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Tickets/Fixtures
Season 2025/26


NUFC ticketing website online here

NUFC Box Office opening times: 

0344 372 1892 line manned:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm
Home games: 10am to 30 minutes from KO
Away games: Three hours from KO to KO


Milburn Stand Box Office manned:
Wednesdays only: 10am to 5pm
Home games: 10am to half time


Future STs:
No additional sale, none planned, no waiting list in operation.

2025/26 ST prices online here

2025/26 ST home cup scheme: 
closed on Fri 27.06.2025 @ 5pm

Cup Scheme FAQs online here

Cup Scheme Ts & Cs online here


ST home cup pricing: 
CL: £60 & £70
FA
: £30 & £35
CC:
£20 & £25

CL Cup Scheme payments taken on: 
(Tue 01.07.2025)
Fri 01.08.2025
Mon 01.09.2025
Wed 01.10.2025

2025/26 Memberships
£20 Junior
, £37 Adult, £47 Adult+

SJP seating plan
online here  

Away ticket transfers are possible between 72 hours and five hours before kick-off (times can occasionally vary).

Home ticket transfers are possible between three weeks and one hour before kick-off. 

More info online here

Away tickets:
The PL-wide £30 away ticket price cap for adults will apply in 2025/26.

All
2025/26 Champions League away ticket prices will be pegged at €50.

Away ticket FAQ is online here

2025/26 season Magpie Movers are now on sale via NUFC for £25 (no concessions).

For the first time, they are open to Mags+ members in addition to ST holders. NUFC press release is online
here


Sat 19.07.2025 Celtic (Scotland) (a) @ Parkhead, 3pm. Friendly. SOLD OUT, Allocation: 10,000. Live on NUFC TV.

Sat 26.07.2025 U21s v Hull City (h) @ venue tbc, 1pm. Friendly. Behind Closed Doors.

Sun 27.07.2025 Arsenal (n) @ National Stadium, Singapore, 7.30pm local time (12.30pm BST). Friendly.
£64 adults. Tickets available online here  

Wed 30.07.2025 Team K League (South Korea) (a) @ Suwon World Cup Stadium, South Korea, 8pm local time (Noon BST). Friendly. Ticket sale via NUFC now ended.
Live on NUFC TV. 

Sun 03.08.2025 Spurs (n) @ Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea. 8pm local time (Noon BST). Friendly. Ticket sale via NUFC now ended. 
Live on NUFC TV.

Sun 03.08.2025 U21s v South Shields (a) @ First Cloud Arena, 3pm. Friendly.

Fri 08.08.2025 RCD Espanyol (Spain) (h) @ SJP, 7.30pm. Friendly. Public sale now.
Live on NUFC TV.

Sat 09.08.2025 Atletico Madrid (Spain) (h)
@ SJP, 4pm. Friendly. SOLD OUT.
Live on NUFC TV.

Sat 16.08.2025
Aston Villa (a) @ Villa Park, 12.30pm. Premier League. Live on TNT Sports. Ticket sale details tbc.

Mon 25.08.2025 Liverpool (h) @ SJP, 8pm. Premier League. Live on Sky Sports. Ticket sale details tbc. 

Sat
30.08.2025
Leeds United (a) @ Elland Road, 5.30pm. Premier League. Live on Sky Sports. Ticket sale details tbc. 

Thu 28.08.2025 CL League stage draw.

Mon 01.09.2025 Transfer window closes.

Sun 24.05.2026 PL ends. 

NUFC live on TV:
Sat 16.08.2025 Villa (a) 12.30pm TNT
Mon 25.08.2025 Liverpool (h) 8pm Sky
Sat 30.08.2025 Leeds Utd (a) 5.30pm Sky


(PL Selections made to Sun 31.08.2025)

CL League stage match dates:


1: Tue 16.09/Wed 17.09/Thu 18.09.2025
2: Tue 30.09/Wed 01.10.2025
3: Tue 21.10/Wed 22.10.2025
4: Tue 04.11/Wed 05.11.2025
5: Tue 25.11/Wed 26.11.2025
6: Tue 09.12/Wed 10.12.2025
7: Tue 20.01/Wed 21.01.2026
8: Wed 28.01.2026

Live TV release dates:  

Sep
by Wed 09.07.2025
Oct by Wed 20.08.2025
Nov by Wed 17.09.2025
Dec by Wed 15.10.2025
Jan by Wed 15.10.2025
Feb by Wed 17.12.2025
Mar by Wed 21.01.2026
Apr by Wed 04.03.2026
MW35 by Wed 25.03.2026
MW36 by Wed 01.04.2026
MW37 by Wed 08.04.2026
MW38 after Sun 17.05.2026

(The only PL games not televised live in the UK during 2025/26 will be 3pm Saturday KOs. All games rescheduled to Sunday due to European commitments will be shown). 

Carabao Cup:
(NUFC enter in Round 3: draw takes place on or around Wed 27.08.2025). 

R3:
w/c Mon 15.09.2025 / 22.09.2025*
R4: w/c Mon 27.10.2025
QF: w/c Mon 15.12.2025
SF1: w/c Mon 12.01.2026
SF2: w/c Mon 02.02.2026
F: Sun 22.03.2026

* NUFC tie will be played in w/c 22.09

FA Cup: 

(NUFC enter in Round 3: draw takes place on or around Sun 07.12.2025).

R3: Sat 10.01.2026
R4: Sat 14.02.2026
R5: Sat 07.03.2026
QF: Sat 04.04.2026
SF: Sat 25.04.2026
F: Sat 16.05.2026

Vertu (EFL) Trophy Northern Group F:
Round dates and order tbc

Date tbc Harrogate Town (a)
Date tbc Huddersfield Town (a)
Date tbc Mansfield Town (a)

Premier League International Cup:
Details tbc

National League Cup:
G1: Wed 13.08.2025
G2: Wed 17.09.2025
G3: Wed 22.10.2025
G4: Wed 26.11.2025

U19 Youth League:
League fixtures replicate the first six in the CL (not eight). The competition then moves to a knockout phase from the last 32. 

FA Youth Cup:
NUFC U18s enter in Round 3, ties be played on or before Sat 13.12.2025.

Other events @ SJP:

Sat 09.08.2025 NUWFC v Atletico Madrid Femenino (Spain), 1pm. Friendly.

Euro 2028 - date(s) awaited.

Winter transfer window:

Thu 01.01.2026-Mon 02.02.2026 @ tbc

International Magpies
National Service

2025/26
International breaks:

01.09-09.09.2025
06.10-14.10.2025
10.11-18.11.2025
21.12-18.01.2026 AFCON
23.03-31.03.2026

11.06.2026-19.07.2026 World Cup

 
Coxy's Corner

Whoops, He did it Again...


BBC Sport coverage of Anthony Elanga's arrival compares his stats last season 
with that of Newcastle's Josh Murphy....

(Graeme Card, William Maughan and sa)

What's this all about then? Click here  
for a rambling explanation of sorts....
 

On This Day in History
14th July


Born Or Died:

1899 George Martin born, Bothwell, Scotland. (Manager 1947-50)

As a player, the high point of Martin's career was an FA Cup winner's medal for Everton in the 1928 final, also playing for Hamilton Accies, Hull City and the smoggies before ending his playing days at Luton Town.

Beginning his coaching career at Kenilworth Road in 1939, Martin became the Hatters boss in 1944 and saw his side beaten 7-2 on Tyneside by United in April 1947.

However, it was his side's 4-3 victory over United earlier in the season that impressed the SJP board, who voted to give him the manager's post ahead of the other possible choice, Don Welsh of Charlton Athletic.

Succeeding Stan Seymour (who had been in honorary charge since the outbreak of war)  Martin guided United back to Division One in 1948, dealing with dressing room discontent by shipping out the likes of Roy Bentley, Charlie Wayman and Len Shackleton.

However, he himself left the club in 1950 to manage Aston Villa, as Seymour's influence on the first team remained decisive.

Martin later returned for a second spell at Luton Town, initially as scout and then later resuming as manager - although that was to be both brief and undistinguished.

He passed away in 1972.

1944 Colin Clish born, Hetton-le-Hole. (1961-63)

Left back who was a part of the 1962 FA Youth Cup winning side, by which time he'd already made a senior debut in a League Cup tie at Sheffield United in October 1961.

Colin's league bow then came in a home game against Derby County the following April and he and George Dalton shared the number 3 shirt the following season.  

Having made just a single appearance the following campaign however, Clish was persuaded to join Rotherham United in a £5,000 move during December 1963.

As an aside, Dalton broke his leg four months later and his place was taken by promising reserve full back Frank Clark, who had just recovered from a similar injury. 

Colin completed a century of games for the Millers before a switch to Doncaster Rovers in February 1968 saw him collect a Fourth Division Championship medal at Belle Vue the following season.

However, a broken leg in August 1969 put Clish out of action for several months and he struggled to regain form thereafter.

Completing a century of games for Rovers during 1972 he was then released and signed for non-league Gainsborough Trinity.

Joining the British Transport Police, Colin was based at Doncaster station during his time in the force, retiring in 2003. 

1995 Esteban Cardona Lopez born, Virginia, Risaralda, Colombia. (2011-13)

Academy winger who moved to England from Colombia at the age of nine, living in London before relocating to the North East. 

Appeared for Wallsend Boys Club before joining United, Esty featured in the club's successful Nike Cup campaign of 2010.

Debuting from the bench for the U18s at home to Sheffield Wednesday in 2011, he enjoyed a brief run in the side the following season and netted in a 1-7 defeat away to Manchester United.

Failing to feature for the rest of the season, his name then appeared on a list of players released by the academy in June 2013.

Lopez later moved into local non-league circles with Birtley Town, Whitley Bay, Killingworth and Red House Farm.

 

What Else?

1975 Newcastle announced they had signed full back Peter Kelly as a professional, having joined as an Apprentice in the previous season and played well for the reserves. 

1982
United boss Arthur Cox took central defender Jeff Clarke on a free from the mackems - an astute signing whilst media attention was centred on the arriving Kevin Keegan. 

Injury prevented Jeff playing a greater role in the club returning to the First Division, but he gave valuable service once the club were back in the top flight.

After retiring from playing, Clarke returned to both Newcastle and the mackems in coaching roles. He later held a joint coaching/physio role at Dundee United.

2001 Sporting Lokeren (Belgium) (a)
4-0
(3-0)
Intertoto Cup Third Round 1st Leg
Quinn(14), Ameobi(24,40), LuaLua(86)
3,000
Despite having finished the previous season in 11th, the failure of the Italians to take up their allotted place in the Intertoto Cup saw United offered the chance to appear in the competition.

Their first opponents were Belgians Lokeren, who had already won through the opening two rounds of the competition by beating B68 Toftir (Faroes) and Zaglebie Lubin (Poland).

Around 600 Toon fans made the journey to the Daknam Stadium, enduring tight security from the local police who clearly expected a rerun of the riotous scenes involving England fans in Charleroi the previous summer.

The Saturday night fixture passed off without incident; Wayne Quinn scoring his first Toon goal and recent acquisition Craig Bellamy making his Magpies debut. 

Lomana LuaLua's first for the club was the pick of the goals however - a spectacular bicycle kick and somersault celebration.
NUFC.com match report

2002 A 1-1 draw with Brazil at Oxford's Kassam Stadium was enough to hand England's U17 side victory in The Nationwide Tournament. 

Magpies defender Steven Taylor (pictured) lifted the trophy in front of almost 10,000 fans.

His future SJP team mate James Milner had given England an early lead.

2003 Big Brother TV company, Endemol, announced their intention to produce a documentary series about the goings-on at Newcastle United. 

Thankfully, plans were scrapped before any filming took place preventing us becoming a laughing stock, as the mackems had been after Premier Passions.

2004 Thailand (a)
1-1
(0-1)
(lost 2-4 on penalties)
Friendly
Bowyer(67)
Chaikamdee(20)
30,000

A depleted Newcastle side began their two game tour of South East Asia with defeat in Bangkok.

Tied after 90 minutes, the game went to a penalty shootout; custodian Tony Caig conceding four times and seeing one other spot kick attempt whacked over his bar.

Debutant James Milner meanwhile saw his penalty saved by the Thai goalkeeper.
NUFC.com match report

2004 Omitted from the touring party, Hugo Viana was quoted in the Portuguese press about his unhappiness on Tyneside:

"I don't like being here. I don't feel well at Newcastle. I want to leave, but always with the agreement of those in charge at Newcastle. 

"I am willing to go to any team in the world. Since last season I have shown my desire not to stay at the club. I just want to play."

2005 It was confirmed that the Emre deal had been completed, our second summer signing joining on a five year deal and taking the vacant squad number 5.

2007 A story possibly invented by bored headline writers, but Sam Allardyce was supposedly interested in French defender Rod Fanni. He was playing for Nice at the time which meant combining player and club names proved simply irresistible....

2009 An interesting selection of quotes from squad members:

Sebastien Bassong:
"I think in this situation, a lot of players will want to leave - they cannot stay in this situation. 

"I'm not the only one. It would be different if a manager was in charge particularly Alan Shearer, as he knows the club and the team.

"I would like to play in the Premier League with Newcastle but that's not possible. I want to leave for my career."

Habib Beye:  "I'd like nothing more than to stay and help the team get back to where it belongs but there is no chance of us being promoted the way things are going.

"This cannot go on it really can't. I feel for the good of my career I have to get away because it is dragging me down." 

Jose Enrique: “My opinion is that everything seems difficult at this club. 

"We haven’t signed any players this season so far and we don’t have a manager. Chris Hughton is a very good person, but he is not a manager. We need a manager. The things going on inside are not good - that can’t be good for the supporters either."

Steve Harper: "What happened last season was desperately disappointing but just when you think there’s an opportunity for this club to put itself right, build and get straight back up, the opposite happens.

"A lot of fans have said '‘In two or three years, it might be a blessing that relegation happened'. Obviously everyone is very disappointed that it happened but if something good comes out of it and the club rebuilds then maybe I can see that point."

Kevin Nolan: "The fans need to know what the conclusion of this is. For them to be hearing the ins and outs of the sale of the club is driving them crazy. They'll go potty. We've got fantastic fans, so I hope they will stay as patient as they can with it.

"It's a tough situation for everybody. Chris and Colin have come in and done a fantastic job – it's a weird situation for them.

"We would prefer to know whether Mike Ashley is going to keep it next season or not or whether somebody is coming in. Then, we start getting ready for the Championship."


Steven Taylor: 
"We need a manager in as soon as possible. We need things sorted out.

"Newcastle United in the Championship just doesn’t seem right. It was probably the worst day of my career when we went down but now we’ve got a job to do – we’ve got to get the club back in the Premier League. 

"We’ve got some difficult games at the start of the season, we’ve got to be strong and stick together through these difficult times. At the minute we need stability, we need a manager and we need to know who the owner is going to be."

2010
A young Reserve XI lost 1-2 at Darsley Park to a touring Faroe Islands side, despite leading at half time through Phil Airey.

After the visitors levelled, United spurned a chance to regain the lead when their Faroe Islander, Jóan Símun Edmundsson, won and then promptly missed a penalty.

The visitors then won it late on with a close range header from an 88th minute corner.

2013 The Mirror reported that Papiss Cisse had been made to train on his own after refusing to wear the new kit sponsored by payday loan company Wonga.

The objection was supposedly on religious and ethical grounds due to Cisse's Muslim faith and an interpretation of Sharia law.

2015 Club Atlas (Mexico) (n)
1-2
(1-2)
Friendly
Sissoko(45)
Bergessio(10pen,16)
21,256

Newcastle's three game USA tour began with defeat to a Mexican side in the unfamiliar surroundings of Miller Park, home to MLB side Milwaukee Brewers.

A fairly bizarre evening included Atlas fans clad in wrestling masks, the airing of three different national anthems and a player with squad number 100. 
NUFC.com match report


2017 Heart of Midlothian (Scotland) (a) 2-1 (2-1)
Friendly
Gayle(3,26)
Walker(24)
10,001
United began their pre-season programme at Tynecastle against a Jambos side managed by ex-Magpie coach Ian Cathro.

Dwight Gayle netted either side of a Jamie Walker strike, Hearts missing a penalty when Esmael Goncalves blazed over
.

Defender Florian Lejeune made his debut for Newcastle following the completion of a transfer from Spanish side Eibar.
NUFC.com match report


2019 United's squad for the Asian Cup arrived in the Chinese city of Nanjing without a manager, as the pursuit of Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce threatened to get very messy.

2024
The Euros ended with no current Magpies on the field in the final, as Spain ran out 2-1 winners in Berlin.

Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon remained unused on the bench for England while old boy Ivan Toney was an 89th minute arrival for Gareth Southgate's side.

Spain brought on former Magpie Mikel Merino late on to protect their lead, while Joselu was an unused substitute and Ayoze Perez didn't make the final squad.