Thursday March 27th, 2025

    Last update 23:59 GMT

      Your genial hosts: Niall and Biffa




  


Next Match

 

Brentford
Premier League
St. James' Park
Wednesday 2nd April
Kick-off 7.45pm
No live UK TV
Last Match

 

Liverpool 1
Newcastle 2
Carabao Cup Final
Wembley Stadium
Sunday 16th March
Match report

The Never-Ending Tour

  Number of Newcastle
  games attended by
  NUFC.com in 2024/25:

75

 

alt

 

Brentford (h) Member sale now
Leicester City (a)
SOLD OUT
Man United (h) Member sale now
Palace (h) Member sale 31.03, 10am
Villa (a) SOLD OUT
Ipswich (h) Member ballot 31.03, Noon

Update:

Parade latest

Programme of events on Saturday:

1.30pm Town Moor site opens
2.00pm Carabao Cup replay on big screens
4.00pm Town Moor entertainment starts
4.30pm Bus parade leaves SJP
5.00pm Former player Q&A Town Moor
6.35pm Squad on stage  at Town Moor
7.15pm "Sela Spectacular Surprise" 
7.30pm Town Moor event ends
8.15pm Town Moor closes 


Ilford Road and West Jesmond Metro stations will be exit only from 3pm.

Updated information on road closures and car parking alterations from Newcastle City Council is here

Sky Sports News will be providing live coverage.

Statement from NUFC, Monday: 

Newcastle United can confirm an open-top bus parade will form part of the club's Carabao Cup Winners Events at the Town Moor on Saturday.

Eddie Howe’s side will celebrate their recent cup win with a city centre open top bus on Saturday 29 March, which will start at St. James’ Park, before making its way to the Town Moor for the celebration event.

Extensive work and long-term planning behind the scenes have continued with Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police, Freemen of Newcastle, the North East Combined Authority, NE1, Nexus and the emergency services.

Newcastle United would like to thank all partners for the comprehensive planning and hard work throughout the process, as well as the meetings with the Safety Advisory Group. Further supporter information will be confirmed following additional meetings this week.

Ticketing: The club received unprecedented interest from supporters wishing to attend the event on the Town Moor. Every fan that registered an interest in the event will receive a ticket via email.

Route of Celebration & Timings: The bus route is open to the general public to attend. The open top bus will leave St. James’ Park with timings to be shared in advance. 

The bus will make its way down Gallowgate, turning onto Percy Street before heading onto the B1318 towards Gosforth. The bus will stop at the Town Moor where the players will make their way onto the stage. 

The full bus route will be shown live on large screens at the Town Moor event.

Transport & Travel: Supporters are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and are advised to use public transport where possible. A number of road closures will be in operation on Saturday 29 March, on the following roads: (timings of closures to follow)

Barrack Road (from St. James’ Park to Gallowgate)
Gallowgate
Percy Street
B1318 (to Great North Road)
Great North Road


Town Moor event FAQs are here

Premier League:
Sussex Sunday

The Premier League have belatedly confirmed which games will be rescheduled for UK live TV transmission during the early May Bank Holiday weekend.

That includes Newcastle's visit to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion, which will be a 2pm kick-off on Sunday May 4th, live on Sky Sports.

For once, there are no scheduled rail engineering works directly impacting travellers from the North East.

Sky Sports have also confirmed their live coverage of United's PL home game versus Crystal Palace, although the date and kick-off time of that - Wednesday April 16th at 7.30pm - remain unchanged.

PS: According to the PL's own press release, live TV selections for the weekend of May 10th are due to be announced by this Friday. Newcastle host Chelsea that weekend.

2024/25:

Brentford (h)

The Magpies return to Premier League action on Wednesday, when Thomas Frank brings his Bees to Gallowgate for a non-televised 7.45pm start.

This will be only the eighth time that the two clubs have met in top-flight competition, United winning five and drawing one of the first six before Brentford notched up their maiden success in West London last December. 

Results from PL games played while Newcastle were at Wembley left Eddie Howe's side sixth in the table on 47 points, with Brentford six points and five places behind that having played a game more.

Team: Anthony Gordon will serve the third and final game of his suspension, while Sven Botman and Lewis Hall remain sidelined following surgery.

Injury victim Jamaal Lascelles is nearing a return to the squad a year after his most recent appearance.

Coral rate this game as follows:

NUFC win 4/6
The draw 10/3
BFC win 12/5

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

BFC: Fabio Carvalho remains out but Michael Kayode, Mathias Jensen, Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva and Aaron Hickey could all return.

Since a 1-2 loss at Chelsea last December, Brentford are unbeaten on the road in the PL: a 0-0 draw at Brighton followed by wins at Southampton (5-0), Crystal Palace (2-1), West Ham (1-0), Leicester City (4-0) and Bournemouth (2-1).

Referee:
Peter Bankes - third Toon posting of the season for the Lancastrian official, afterr the 1-3 PL loss at Fulham and 0-1 PL home defeat by Brighton. 

Brentford have also lost both of the games Bankes has taken charge of this time round.

VAR:
Craig Pawson

Latest PL fixtures:

Tue 01.04.2025:
Arsenal v Fulham (7.45pm)
Wolves v West Ham (7.45pm)
Nottingham Forest v Manchester United (8pm) TNT

Wed 02.04.2025:
Bournemouth v Ipswich Town (7.45pm)
Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa (7.45pm)
Manchester City v Leicester City (7.45pm)
Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm)
Southampton v Crystal Palace (7.45pm)
Liverpool v Everton (8pm) Sky

Thu 03.04.2025:
Chelsea v Spurs (8pm) Sky

UK TV:
None

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Overseas TV: 
Arena Sport 6 Croatia HD
Astro Go (Malaysia)
beIN Connect MENA
beIN Connect Turkey
Canal+ Live 4/5 France/myCANAL HD
Canal+ Sport 5 Czech HD
DAZN Portuga/Spain
DStv Now
Disney+ Arg/Chi/Sur
Disney+ Caribbean
Disney+ Hotstar (India)
Fast Sports (Armenia)
FuboTV Canada
Fubo Sports USA
Go3 Extra Sports (Est/Lat/Lit)
Hub Premier 5 HD
iQiyi (China)
JioCinema (India)
MAX Spain
Maximo 360 (South Africa)
Migu (China)
M Plus Live (Hong Kong)
Now E (Hong Kong)
Okko Sport Russia
ON Plus (Vietnam)
Optus Sport (Australia)
Peacock (USA)
QQ Sports Live (China)
Showmax (South Africa)
Skylink (Slovakia)
Sky Sport NOW (New Zealand)
Sky Sport 2/Go/WOW (Germany) HD
Sky Sport 252 (Italy)
SPOTV NOW (South Korea)
StarHub TV+ (Singapore)
SuperSport GOtv Football (South Africa)
SuperSport Variety 3 (South Africa) HD
Síminn Sport 3 (Iceland) HD
TOD (Turkey)
U-NEXT (Japan)
Vidio (Indonesia)
V Sport Football HD
V Sport Premier League 2 HD
ViaPlay Den/Fin/Ned/Nor/Pol/Swe
ZhiBo8 (China)

UK Radio:
Live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Local Radio: Live on BBC Radio Newcastle

Hospital Radio: Radio Tyneside commentary is accessible free of charge in local hospitals via Spark Media.

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

Metro: 
No scheduled alterations.

Rail:
No scheduled alterations.

Roads: The Tyne Bridge refurbishment programme is underway, with one lane in each direction closed at all times until further notice. 

That will lead to congestion and delays, especially with the ongoing closure of the Gateshead Highway closure. More details here

Temporary road closures around SJP apply from an hour before kick-off until 30 minutes after the final whistle.

Food
Bank: The usual stall and bucket shakers will be on and around Strawberry Place, with NUFC Director Jamie Reuben again matching all matchday donations.

Stats:


Bees in Toon - all-time:

2023/24 won 1-0 Wilson (PL)
2022/23 won 5-1 Bruno 2, Murphy, Almiron, og (PL)
2021/22 drew 3-3 Lascelles, Joelinton, ASM (PL)
2016/17 won 3-1 Clark, Gayle 2 (Ch)
2001/02 won 4-1 Ameobi, Bellamy 3 (LC)
1992/93 won 5-1 Kelly, Bracewell, Clark 2, Lee (D1)
1954/55 won 3-2 Curry, Hannah, Mitchell (FA)
1947/48 won 1-0 Woodburn (D2)
1934/35 lost 2-5 Gallantree, Kelly (D2)


Internationals
:
National service

Country calls for current Magpies:

Isaac Hayden (Jamaica):
Wed 26.03.2025 St.Vincent (h) won 3-0 GCQ
The midfielder completed 87 minutes in Kingston, collecting a booking.

Fri 21.03.2025
St. Vincent (a) drew 1-1 GCQ
Hayden played the full game in Arnos Vale.

Alexander Isak (Sweden):

Tue 25.03.2025 Northern Ireland (h) won 5-1 FR
A memorable goal and an excellent assist for the Newcastle striker, as Michael O'Neill's side were dismantled by Jon Dahl Tomasson's Swedes in Stockholm.


Sat 22.03.2025 Luxembourg (a) lost 0-1 FR
Isak started in Luxembourg with the home side taking a surprise lead in the 24th minute. That was the only goal of the game and he was subbed on the hour.

Joelinton (Brazil):
Wed 26.03.2025 Argentina (a) lost 1-4 WCQ
A thumping for Brazil in Buenos Aires. Bruno was suspended after his booking versus Colombia but Joelinton started the game. He was substituted at half-time after Carabao Final opponent Alexis Mac Allister had made it 3-1 to the hosts.

Fri 21.03.2025
Colombia (h) won 2-1 WCQ
Victory in Brasilia came with Bruno Guimaraes in the starting line-up and playing 78 minutes. Joelinton arrived as a 28th minute substitute and lost possession outside his own area in the build-up to Colombia's goal.



Thanks to Alex Williams

Charlie McArthur (Scotland U21s):
Tue 25.03.2025 Iceland (n) lost 1-6 Pinatar FR
A painful first U21 start for Charlie (pictured) as the Scots lost in Pinatar. Forced off the field for a facial injury to be treated, Charlie returned but was then replaced at half time with his side trailing 0-3.

Fri 21.03.2025 Ireland (n) won 2-0 FR
Charlie made his U21 debut as a half time substitute in Pinatar with the Scots leading 1-0.

Lewis Miley (England U19s):
Tue 25.03.2025 Portugal (n) won 1-0 ECQ
A third 90 minute stint in seven days, as England secured victory in Connah's Quay.

Sat 22.03.2025
Turkey (n) drew 0-0 ECQ
Stalemate for the Young Lions at Connah's Quay, with Lewis captaining the side and playing the full match.

Wed 19.03.2025
Wales (a) won 2-0 ECQ
Lewis completed the entire game in Bangor, coming close with one first half shot when the tie was still 0-0.

Vakhtang Salia (Georgia U19s):

Tue 25.03.2025
Montenegro (h) lost 1-3 ECQ
The Newcastle youngster retained his place in the starting XI, playing the entire match in Tbilisi.


Sat 22.03.2025 Slovakia (h) won 2-0 ECQ
Vakhtang started the game in Tbilisi and was booked shortly before being subbed in the 82nd minute, when his side were leading 1-0.

Wed 19.03.2025
Poland (h) lost 0-3 ECQ
Defeat in Tbilisi with the on-loan Magpie omitted.

Leo Shahar (England U18s):
Tue 25.03.2025 Portugal (a) won 1-0 FR
An 89 minute shift for the young Magpie in Porto.


Sat 22.03.2025 France (n) drew 2-2 FR
Leo played the full game in Portugal.

Fri 21.03.2025
Czech Rep (n) drew 2-2 FR
The full back was an unused replacement in Portugal.

Rory Finneran (Ireland U17s):
Tue 25.03.2025
Iceland (n) won 5-0 ECQ
Victory in Gryfice with Rory keeping his place in the side. Three points confirmed qualification for the U17 World Cup in November, although defeat by Belgium saw them pipped to a European Championship Final place.

Sat 22.03.2025
Poland (a) won 2-0 ECQ
Rory played the full game in Koszalin. Benfica's Jaden Umeh scored both goals during the second half.

Wed 19.03.2025
Belgium (n) lost 0-1 ECQ
A narrow defeat for the Irish youngsters in the Polish town of Gryfice, with Rory playing the full match.

Dan Burn (England):

Mon 24.03.2025 Latvia (h) won 3-0 WCQ
Dan stayed unused on the bench after Gordon had returned to United due to injury and Livramento was omitted from the squad for this game.

Fri 21.03.2025
Albania (h) won 2-0 WCQ
A second Wembley start in just five days for Burn, who played the full game and hit the crossbar with a header following a corner kick late in the first half.

Gordon appeared as a 74th minute substitute and Livramento remained on the bench.


Travis Hernes (Norway U21s):

Mon 24.03.2025 Czech Republic (n) won 2-0 FR
The United midfielder didn't feature in Pinatar.

Alex Murphy (Ireland U21s):

Mon 24.03.2025 Hungary (n) won 3-1 FR
The on-loan Magpie was named among the substitutes at Pinatar. Alex came on in the 68th minute of the victory.

Fri 21.03.2025
Scotland (n) lost 0-2 FR
Defeat for the Irish in the Spanish location of Pinatar, with defender Alex completing the full game.

Sandro Tonali (Italy):
Sun 23.03.2025
Germany (a) drew 3-3 NLPO
Sandro completed 68 minutes in Dortmund, going off with his side trailing 1-3. An aggregate 4-5 loss ended Italy's hopes of a last four Nations League place. 

Thu 20.03.2025
Germany (h) lost 1-2 NLPO
Despite marking his return to the San Siro by firing the hosts ahead on nine minutes, the United midfielder ended up on the losing side after a 90 minute shift.

Martin Dubravka (Slovakia):

Sun 23.03.2025 Slovenia (a) lost 0-1 NLPO
The goalkeeper retained his starting place in Ljubljana,  crucially conceding in extra time as Slovakia failed to gain promotion in the Nations League.

Thu 20.03.2025
Slovenia (h) drew 0-0 NLPO
It finished scoreless in Bratislava, Dubravka posting a clean sheet after completing the game.

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Greece):

Sun 23.03.2025 Scotland (a) won 3-0 NLPO
Bench duty again for the goalkeeper at Hampden, as Greece overturned a 0-1 deficit from the first leg to condemn the Scots to Nations League relegation.

Thu 20.03.2025
Scotland (h) lost 0-1 NLPO
The Magpies custodian was an unused substitute in Piraeus as Greece lost to a penalty conversion.

Carabao Cup:
It's Wor Cup!

Liverpool  1  Newcastle  2

Match action

Match report

U21s:
Stiff switches

New details have been announced for Newcastle's closing two PL2 games of the season, with one venue change and one date alteration as follows: 

The final home game of the season against Reading will go ahead as planned on Monday April 7th (7pm), but will now be staged at St.James' Park.

It remains to be seen what level of interest there is from home fans, given that the first team are in action at Leicester City live on Sky the same night (8pm). 

However with the U21s exiting from the Northumberland Senior Cup exit at the semi-final stage, moving this game means they'll get to play at the main ground after all, following a season of home matches at Whitley Park. 

The U21s will now face Manchester City at the Joie Stadium on Monday April 14th (7pm) rather than Friday 11th as previously advertised.

With three games remaining, Diarmuid O'Carroll's side sit thirteenth in the table, having won their last two PL2 fixtures against Stoke City and Boro.

A top 16 finish ensures qualification for the knockout phase of the league and a place in next season's U21 Premier League International Cup competition*. 

* some sources claim that a top 12 finish would be required for next season's International Cup.

Loan lads:
Temps 

Magpie loan watch:

Joe White
(MK Dons)
The midfielder completed the opening 55 minutes on Tuesday as MK Dons shared four goals with Carlisle United at Brunton Park in League Two.

James Huntley
(Spennymoor Town)
Moors remain on the fringes of the National League North playoff places following a 3-2 home win over Radcliffe on Tuesday. Huntley wasn't in the matchday squad.

Travis Hernes
(AaB):
Viborg (h) Danish SuperLiga, Friday.

Vakhtang Salia
(Dinamo Tblisi):
Gareji (h) Georgian Erovnukli Liga, Friday.

Harrison Ashby
(QPR)
Stoke City (a) Championship, Saturday.

Alex Murphy
(Bolton Wanderers)
Blackpool (a) League one, Saturday.

Max Thompson (Chesterfield)
Barrow (a) League Two, Saturday.

Miodrag Pivas
(Willem II)
Almere City (h) Eredivisie, Saturday.

 




 

Record breakers:
Lasses in double 
derby delight

A club record home attendance of 38,502 for Newcastle United Women were at Gallowgate on Sunday, as they completed a seasonal double over the mackems.

A 78th minute strike from Shania Hayles divided the sides and left the Magpies sixth in the table, ten points behind leaders Birmingham but playing two games less.



Club CEO Darren Eales and ambassador Bob Moncur took to the field at half time with the Carabao Cup, won by the men's side at Wembley a week earlier.

NUFCW @ SJP - competitive games:

2024/25 mackems won 1-0 (38,502)
2024/25 Southampton drew 1-1 (11,620)
2023/24 Portsmouth won 2-1 (22,307)
2022/23 Bradford City won 6-1 (24,092)
2022/23 Barnsley won 2-1 (28,565)
2021/22 Alnwick Town won 4-0 (22,134)

2025/26
:
Pre-season rumours 

Following recent claims of a possible pre-season visit to Hong Kong by Newcastle United, the Straits Times has written that the Magpies are one of several clubs in talks to play games in Singapore this July.  

The newspaper also names Arsenal and AC Milan plus one further unidentified club as possible participants in kickabouts at the 55,000 capacity National Stadium.

Asian media reports earlier this year also linked Arsenal and AC Milan (plus Spurs) with pre-season games played in the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. 

Talk of a pre-season visit to Celtic on July 19th for Eddie Howe's side has done the rounds for some time now. 

NSC:
Senior Cup @ SJP 

This season's Northumberland Senior Cup Final between Heaton Stannington and Morpeth Town will take place at Gallowgate on Wednesday May 14th

The game will be a 7.30pm start.

Fans will be accommodated in the East Stand, with pay turnstiles open on the night: £8 adults, £4 concessions and £2 U18s.

U19s:
T
exas test for Toon

Newcastle begin their U19 Dallas Cup campaign against reigning Super Group champions Sao Paulo, facing the Brazilians in the Cotton Bowl on Sunday April 13th. 

The remainder of United's opponents in the week-long tournament are still to be confirmed, Real Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, Botafogo and Monterrey among other clubs competing in that age group.

The original Cotton Bowl Stadium opened in 1930 and had a maximum capacity of 75,000. It hosted six matches during the 1994 World Cup Finals.






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PRE SALE OPEN NOW

Tickets/Fixtures
Season 2024/25


NUFC ticketing website online here

NUFC Box Office: 0344 372 1892

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

2025/26 ST prices online
here

SJP seating plan online here  
(to read this, right click to save and zoom)

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 applies in 2024/25.

Away ticket FAQ is online here

Sat 29.03.2025 U18s v Everton (h) @ Little Benton, 12.30pm. U18 Premier League.

Mon 31.03.2025 U21s v Nottingham Forest (a) @ Loughborough University, 7pm. PL2. Note new date.

Wed 02.04.2025 Brentford (h) @ SJP, 7.45pm. Premier League. ST forwarding/ resale now.

Sat 05.04.2025 U18s v Stoke City (a) @ Clayton Wood, 1.30pm. U18 Premier League.

Mon 07.04.2025 U21s v Reading (h) @ SJP, 7pm. PL2. Note new venue.

Mon 07.04.2025 Leicester City (a) @ King Power Stadium, 8pm. Premier League. SOLD OUT. Allocation: tbc. Live on Sky Sports.

Sat 12.04.2025 U18s v Leeds United (h) @ Little Benton, Noon. U18 Premier League. 

Sun 13.04.2025 Manchester United (h) @ SJP, 4.30pm. Premier League. ST forwarding/resale now. Live on Sky Sports.

Sun 13.04.2025 U19s v Sao Paulo (Brazil) (n) @ Cotton Bowl Stadium, 8pm local time. U19s Dallas Cup Super Group.

Mon 14.04.2025 U21s v Manchester City (a) @ Joie Park, 7pm. PL2. Note new date.

Wed 16.04.2025 Crystal Palace (h)
@ SJP, 7.30pm. Premier League. Ballot winners seat selection closes Fri 28.03.2025, Noon. ST forwarding Fri 28.03.2025, 4pm. Member General Sale Mon 31.03.2025, 10am. Live on Sky Sports.


Sat 19.04.2025 Aston Villa (a) @ Villa Park, 5.30pm. Premier League. ST ballot ends 2pm Fri 28.03.2025. Emails sent Mon 31.03.2025. Allocation: tbc. Live on Sky Sports.

Sat 26.04.2025 U18s v mackems (a) @ Academy of plight, 11am. U18 Premier League.

Sat 26.04.2025 Ipswich Town (h) @ SJP, 3pm. Premier League. Member Ballot opens Mon 31.03.2025, Noon, closes Tue 01.04.2025, Noon. Ballot winners notified Wed 02.04.2025 by 11am. Winners seat selection opens Wed 02.04.2025, Noon, closes Fri 04.04.2025, Noon. ST forwarding Fri 04.04.2025, 4pm. Member General Sale Mon 07.04.2025, 10am.

Sat 03.05.2025 U18s v Manchester City (h) @ Little Benton, 11.30am. U18 Premier League.

Sun 04.05.2025 Brighton & Hove (a) @ Amex Stadium, 2pm. Premier League. Ticket details awaited. Allocation: tbc. Live on Sky Sports.


NUFC live on TV:
Mon 07.04.2025 Leicester City (a) 8pm Sky
Sun 13.04.2025 Man United (h) 4.30pm Sky
Wed 16.04.2025 Palace (h) 7.30pm Sky
Sat 19.04.2025 Aston Villa (a) 5.30pm Sky
Sun 04.05.2025 Brighton (a) 2pm Sky

(PL selections made to Mon 05.05.2025)

(PL season ends on Sun 25.05.2025)

Live TV release dates:

MW36: By 28.03.2025
MW37: Between 31.03.2025 & 04.04.2025
MW38: Following MW37

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Other events @ SJP:

Rugby League Magic Weekend XVIII: 

Sat 03.05.2025:
Leigh Leopards v Catalans Dragons
1.30pm
Hull KR v Salford Red Devils 4.15pm
St Helens v Leeds Rhinos 7pm

Sun 04.05.2025:
Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC Noon
Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors 2.45pm
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity 5.30pm

Thu 12.06.2025 with CMAT
Sat 14.06.2025 with CMAT & War on Drugs
Sun 15.06.2025 with CMAT & War on Drugs

Euro 2028 - date(s) awaited

2025/26 season dates:

Sat 16.08.2025
PL begins 
Sun 24.05.2026 PL ends 

Transfer window: 

Sun 01.06.2025
to Tue 10.06.2025 and 
Mon 16.06.2025 to Mon 01.09.2025.

(33 weekend, five midweek games. 
No games played on 24.12.2025).

Thu 21.08.2025 ECL playoff 1L
Thu 28.08.2025 ECL playoff 2L

International Magpies
National Service

2025/26
International breaks:

02.06-10.06.2025
14.06-06.07.2025 Concacaf Gold Cup
01.09-09.09.2025
06.10-14.10.2025
10.11-18.11.2025
23.03-31.03.2026

 
Coxy's Corner

Whoops, He did it Again...


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

On This Day in History
27th March


Born Or Died:

1920 Eric Garbutt born, Scarborough.
(1939-51)

Goalkeeper signed from Billingham Synthonia at a cost of £100 in January 1939 and who was yet to break into the first team when the outbreak of war halted League football in September of that year.

Serving in the RAF, Eric made a single appearance in wartime senior team games (in a 6-0 home win over Sheffield United in August 1945).

A belated competitive debut came in a 4-1 away success against Millwall a year later and Garbutt shared goalkeeping duties for United's promotion season of 1947/48, making seventeen appearances.

What proved to be Eric's final first team game saw him earn praise for restricting Middlesbrough to a single goal as they won at St.James' Park on Boxing Day 1949.

Having suffered leg and hand injuries during his career, Garbutt was unable to regain fitness and announced his retirement in the summer of 1951. He passed away in 1997.

 

1960 Death of Matt Kingsley, 84.
(1898-1904)

1990 José Luis Sanmartín Mato born, Stuttgart, Germany (2017-19) 

Commonly known as Joselu, this striker was signed on a three year deal from Stoke City for a bargain £5m fee in August 2017 - the sixth signing as they returned to the top flight and rather less of a big name or price tag than was anticipated by many fans.

German-born but raised in Spain, Joselu began his career with Celta Vigo before moving on to Real Madrid and appearing for their B team (although he did mark his sole senior appearance in 2011 with a goal). 

Joining German side Hoffenheim in 2012 and Eintracht Frankfurt on a subsequent loan, Hannover 96 became his third Bundesliga club in as many years during 2014.

After a season there though, a transfer to Stoke City was concluded and he managed four Premier League goals that season.

After just one year at the Potters though, Joselu joined Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna on a season-long loan and found the net six times in La Liga fixtures.

Debuting as a substitute at Huddersfield Town days after becoming a Magpie, he marked his first start by scoring in a 3-0 home win over West Ham. 

Further strikes came against Liverpool, Leicester City and Swansea City as forward duties were shared with him, Dwight Gayle and Ayoze Perez. 

Aleksandar Mitrovic's fall from grace and the continued unavailability of loan arrival Islam Slimani saw Joselu remain in the senior team picture, criticised by some but obeying the orders given to him with some success.

Responding to social media criticism of his cut-price striker, Rafa Benitez said:

"I think Joselu is doing a lot of things right. He is doing a great job for the team and he is making the rest of our team feel more comfortable.

"If you want to sign a striker who’ll score 20 goals, you must pay £40m. If you sign an average striker, it’s £15m, or £10m if they can kick it forward.

"We didn’t do it. That’s the situation we’re in".

The arrival of Salomon Rondon on loan from West Bromwich Albion saw Joselu providing cover from the bench for the majority of his second season in Toon.

Few tears were shed in July 2019 when he followed Benitez and Perez out of the door, joining Spaniards Deportivo Alaves for an undisclosed fee.

An improbable 11 goals kept his new club in La Liga that season and Joselu then matched that total in the 2020/21 campaign - by then joined at Alaves by former SJP colleague Florian Lejeune.

He'd netted 14 times in La Liga that season, although the club finished bottom of the table having managed only 31 goals in their 38 games.

A free agent at that point, Joselu stayed in La Liga when signing a three-year deal with Espanyol in June 2022 and maintained his prolific streak in front of goal.

That resulted in a first senior selection for Spain, some 13 years after his last U21 appearance for them - and he made an explosive start when coming off the bench against Norway in a Euro qualifier during March 2023 - two days before turning 33.

Arriving in the 81st minute, he netted in both the 84th and 85th minutes of a 3-0 win in Malaga.

Another startling development then saw Joselu return to former club Real Madrid on a season-long loan in June 2023 with an option to make the move permanent.

Whilst there he scored an incredible 18 goals in league and cup competitions and claimed Champions League and La Liga, Super Cup winner's medals.

Joselu's next destination was Al-Gharafa in the Qatar League, signing a lucrative two year deal in summer 2024 - days after watching Spain's Euro Final victory over England from the substitute's bench.

PS: 2016 saw Joselu selected for the Galicia national side, who aren't affiliated to either FIFA or UEFA and play exhibition matches. He played the second half of a 1-1 draw against Venezuela in A Coruna.

1992 Mark Gillespie born, Newcastle.
(2020-present)

Following the departure of Rob Elliot and the continued loan status of Freddie Woodman, Newcastle turned to a former Academy player as their third choice goalkeeper in July 2021.

Released by the Magpies aged 16, Mark joined Carlisle United and made his senior professional debut form them in May 2010.

Spending time on loan at Blyth Spartans the following season, Gillespie returned to Brunton Park and featured regularly before moving on to Walsall in 2017.

After a year at the Saddlers he made a free transfer switch to SPL side Motherwell and spent two years at Fir Park until his contract expired in 2020.

Signing a three year deal at SJP, Mark was on the bench for the season-opening Premier League victory at West Ham.

A senior Magpies debut then came in a 1-0 League Cup home win over Blackburn Rovers in September 2020.

Retained for the 7-0 victory at Morecambe in that competition, Mark was selected for the 1-1 draw at Newport County, saving a spot kick as his side won on penalties.

However, Karl Darlow was preferred for the Quarter Final loss at Brentford - and Mark has failed to appear in a senior fixture since. 

Restricted to bench duty, he then lost his place in the PL squad in August 2022 before regaining it the following January.

A variety of factors saw Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and Darlow all ineligible to appear in the Carabao Cup Final a month after, leading to speculation of an unlikely recall for Mark. 

However, he had to be content with a place on the bench at Wembley as Loris Karius got the nod to face Manchester United.

May 2024 saw two rare public outings for Gillespie - although he may not care to recall the latter - as United played two post-season kickabouts in Australia.

Getting on for the final moments against Spurs, a 1-1 draw saw the game settled on penalties, United winning 5-4 with the goalkeeper saving one spot kick.

48 hours later Mark was in a scratch XI against the A League All-Stars, conceding four goals in 63 minutes before giving way to Aidan Harris - who also let in four. 

Lge FAC LC Eur Tot
A S G A S G A S G A S G Ap Su Gl
            3           3

1992 Death of Colin Gibson, 68.
(1948-49)

1995 Aidan Grant born, South Shields.
(2011-13)

Goalkeeper who linked up with Newcastle as a schoolboy but didn't break through into the U18 side, despite acting as cover on the club's reserve tour of Holland in July 2011.

Joining Northern League side Seaham Red Star in the 2012/13 season, Grant impressed Aston Villa during a trial spell and signed a professional contract with the Villans before going on loan to Arlesey Town 

Moving to Peterborough United on a non-contract basis in September 2014, he got as far as the bench without debuting, before switching to Lincoln City in 2015.

Keeping a clean sheet on his senior debut in the Conference, Grant played just once more for the Imps before joining Corby Town.

By 2017 he was back the North East with Dunston UTS, later appearing for Hebburn Town and coaching at the Durham-based Evolution goalkeeping academy.

 

What Else?

1897 Burton Swifts (h)
2-1 
(1-1)
Division Two
P26, 31pts, 4th/16 
Lennox(5)
, Blyth(55)
Ashley(40)
4,000 
There was a goalscoring debut for Tosh Hope, who never made another senior appearance due to the form of Richard Smellie. Tosh later became a referee.

1901 Bolton Wanderers (h)
3-0 
(1-0)
Division One
P26, 30pts, 7th/18 
Heywood(44), A.Gardner(70), MacFarlane(90)
16,000

1909 Manchester United (n) 0-1 (0-0)
FA Cup Semi Final 
Halse(74)
40,118 
Newcastle's opponents in this tie staged at Bramall Lane went on to win the cup, beating Bristol City 1-0 in the final at Crystal Palace.

1915 Oldham Athletic (a)
0-1 
(0-0)
Division One
P29, 23pts, 17th/20 
Gee(59)
7,836
With nine games remaining this defeat left United deep in trouble. They were level on points with Notts County and Manchester United and a point above bottom side Chelsea.

Bolton and Spurs were also involved - both had 24 points but had played three more games.

1920 Notts County (a)
0-0 
(0-0)
Division One
P36, 39pts, 6th/22 
15,000

1937 Fulham (h)
1-1 
(0-1)
Division Two
P37, 39pts, 7th/22 
Smith(72) 
Smith(43)
10,000

1943 Leeds United (h)
4-5
(2-0)
Wartime
Diamond, og(Warren), Stubbins 2
Short, Powell 2, Williams, Rutherford
8,403
Newcastle went 4-0 up in this game before Leeds hit back with five goals in 23 minutes.

1
946 Bradford Park Ave (a)
3-5
(2-2)
Wartime
Stubbins(
1-1,2-2pen), Milburn(3-4)
Shackleton(0-1,0-2), Gibbons(47,3-5),
Smith(51)

9,397

1948 Nottingham Forest (a)
0-0 
(0-0)
Division Two
P35, 45pts, 2nd/22 
30,000
 
 
1954 Cardiff City (a)
1-2 
(1-0)
Division One
P37, 30pts, 17th/22 
Monkhouse(11) 
Nugent(69), Tiddy(77)
27,000

1959 West Ham United (a)
0-3 
(0-2)
Division One
P35, 33pts, 13th/22 
Dick(16), Musgrove(35), Obeney(52)
35,000 
Newcastle gave a debut to Terry Marshall in this Good Friday visit to the Boleyn Ground that had an 11am kickoff. 

1963 Grimsby Town (h)
0-0 
(0-0)
Division Two
P30, 33pts, 6th/22 
27,884 
The nearest anyone came to breaking the deadlock was Newcastle's Jimmy Fell, who missed a penalty against his former club.
 

 
1964 Leeds United (h) 0-1 
(0-1)
Division Two
P36, 41pts, 5th/22 
Giles(41)
55,039
 
 
 
1965 Swansea Town (h)
3-1 
(0-0)
Division Two
P36, 48pts, 1st/22 
Penman(50,70,88)
Pound(59)
28,634
This was reportedly the first game that Town hadn't had a Welshman in their forward line since becoming a league club.

Newcastle's Willie Penman saw the club doctor at half-time with suspected concussion but played on to net a second half treble.

That earned him a television chair - the prize offered by a local businessman to any Magpie scoring a hat-trick!

Manager Joe Harvey was absent, preferring to watch Newcastle's next opponents Derby County beat Boro 2-1 at Ayresome Park.
 
1967 Stoke City (a)
1-0 
(1-0)
Division One
P35, 26pts, 20th/22 
Robson(41) 
17,802
Goalkeeper Gordon Marshall made a vital save two minutes from time to take United two points above the relegation zone. However, West Bromwich Albion still had two games in hand.

1970 Sunderland (a)
1-1 
(0-0)
Division One
P38, 42pts, 6th/22 
Smith(51)
Park(75)
51,950 
Bobby Park saved a point for the mackems after Jinky Jimmy put United ahead at Roker Park.

1971 Derby County (h) 3-1 (2-0)
Division One
P34, 33pts, 12th/22 
Dyson(1), Foggon(21,55)
Hector(90)
26,502 
Debut for Irving Nattrass, as a substitute for John Craggs.

1974 Manchester City (a) 
1-2 
(0-2)
Division One
P33, 32pts, 14th/22 
Cassidy(46)
Lee(9,24)
21,590
In the final game before the FA Cup Semi-Final against Burnley, Joe Harvey rested Terry Hibbitt, Iam McFaul and Malcolm Macdonald at Maine Road.

1976 Coventry City (a)
1-1 
(1-1)
Division One
P34, 33pts, 13th/22 
Bird(42)
Murphy(44)
14,144
Defender John Bird supplied his first Magpie goal in what was a fourth meeting with the Sky Blues in as many months.

1982 Chelsea (h)
1-0 
(1-0)
Division Two
P31, 51pts, 6th/22 
Waddle(43)
26,994
Magpies 'keeper Kevin Carr kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet, as United made it one loss in nine games. With two games in hand over Blackburn, Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday, a late promotion push wasn't out of the question. 

1989 Sheffield Wednesday (h) 1-3 (0-2)
Division One
P30, 29pts, 19th/22 
Mirandinha(71pen)

Barrick(4), Pearson(13), Hirst(90+2)

31,010 
After two wins in a week, United's hopes of avoiding relegation were dealt a blow on Easter Monday by an Owls side who wore a distinctive green and white hooped away kit. 

19 year-old Dean Barrick scored with his first touch in senior football for the visitors while future Magpies coach and caretaker boss Nigel Pearson was also on the scoresheet.

The first half was to ended in bizarre fashion with United 'keeper Gary Kelly penalised for handball on the edge of the penalty area as he kicked the ball upfield.

Wednesday shaped to take the free-kick but just as the wall had been moved back the full ten yards the referee blew his whistle with a flourish, picked up the ball and signalled the end of the half, amid great crowd hilarity.

PS: John Carr from Lemington also got a half-time surprise when it was announced that the car alarm on his Nissan (B211 CPY) was chiming away merrily!
Youtube footage is online here

1996 Les Ferdinand scored the only goal as England defeated Bulgaria 1-0 at Wembley. Fellow Magpie Steve Howey was also in the starting XI, while Rob Lee appeared as a sub.

1997 Becoming Kenny Dalglish's first signing as Newcastle boss, 20 year-old Bradford City midfielder Des Hamilton arrived for a fee of £1.5m, back in the days when the transfer deadline day was in late March.

2001 The reserves took an early lead against Leeds at a rain-sodden Bootham Crescent, thanks to a James Coppinger effort.

However, things soon took a turn for the worse as Jamie McClen registered an own goal, Diego Gavilan was sent off and John Karelse limped off. It ended in a 1-4 loss.
NUFC.com match report

2003 The reserves drew 0-0 with Birmingham City at Kingston Park, fog making the last ten minutes farcical - and invisible - to those present.
NUFC.com match report

2007 Newcastle's Academy side beat Boro 2-0 at Hurworth, thanks to goals from James Marwood and Campbell Bell.

2008 Having been rained off on their first visit, the reserves lost 1-3 to Manchester United at Northwich Victoria. Jonny Godsmark scored for the Magpies.
NUFC.com match report

2019 Newcastle's Miguel Almiron was dismissed during Paraguay's 2-4 friendly loss to Mexico in Santa Clara, USA.

Miggy appeared from the bench on 56 minutes with his side 0-3 down, instantly providing an assist but spending just seven minutes on the field before a studs-up tackle from behind saw him shown a straight red card.

Over in Houston, club colleague DeAndre Yedlin captained the USA for the first time, as they drew 1-1 with Chile in a kickabout.

2021 Having previously played for Scotland at youth level, United's Elliot Anderson
pulled on an England shirt for the first time.

Selected for an U19 training camp at St. George's Park, Anderson featured in a 6-1 friendly win over an Arsenal XI.