Celtic (a) SOLD OUT
Atletico Madrid (h) Public sale now  

Update:
Trafford talk resurfaces

Almost a year to the day that reports of interest from Newcastle in James Trafford appeared, identical claims about the Burnley goalkeeper circulated on Tuesday.

Speculation over transfer talks grew as the 22 year-old 6 foot 6 inch tall native of Cockermouth was on the bench for England in their defeat by Senegal, joining Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon in Thomas Tuchel's squad.

Those reports spoke of Trafford moving to Gallowgate to compete with Nick Pope as first-choice custodian, but whether that's a realistic goal remains to be seen.

With Manchester City as a youngster, Trafford's senior competitive debut came while on loan to Accrington Stanley in August 2021; a further temporary switch then taking him to Bolton Wanderers for an 18 month period.

A £19m move from City to Burnley followed in July 2023 ahead of their Premier League return, playing 28 times in the top flight for the Clarets that season.

Tipped to leave Turf Moor as Burnley returned to the Championship, United failed to complete a deal as PSR obligations blighted their summer 2024 transfer activity. 

Last season saw James keep 29 clean sheets in 45 league outings as Scott Parker's side mounted a successful promotion bid and finished second to Leeds United.

That included a memorable double penalty save against the mackems; Trafford successfully employing mind games to deny Wilson Isidor twice from 12 yards. 

Internationals:
Call-ups

Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil):
Wed 11.06.2025 Paraguay (h) won 1-0 WCQ
Success for Brazil in Sao Paulo confirmed qualification for next year's World Cup Final tournament. Bruno completed the entire game at the cost of a booking while former Magpie colleague Miggy Almiron started for Paraguay.

Fri 06.06.2025 Ecuador (a) drew 0-0 WCQ
The Magpie midfielder was named in the first starting line-up named by incoming coach Carlo Ancelloti.

Bruno was withdrawn in second half added time as a safety-first display in Guayaquil harvested a point.

Dan Burn/Anthony Gordon (England):
Tue 10.06.2025 Senegal (h) lost 1-3 FR
A disappointing defeat at the City Ground saw Gordon complete 58 minutes and Burn remain on the bench.

Sat 07.06.2025 Andorra (n) won 1-0 WCQ
Burn won his second cap for England as they recorded an unimpressive victory in Barcelona. Club colleague Gordon was introduced from the bench in the 80th minute.

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Greece):
Tue 10.06.2025 Bulgaria (h) Crete FR
Another night, another sub n/u stat for Vlad.

Sat 07.06.2025 Slovakia (h) won 4-1 FR
United's forgotten 'keeper remained benched in Crete.

Martin Dubravka (Slovakia):
Tue 10.06.2025 Israel (n) lost 0-1 FR
The Newcastle custodian played no part in this friendly reverse, played behind closed doors in the Hungarian city of Debrecen.

Sat 07.06.2025 Greece (a) lost 1-4 FR
Not the best of nights for Martin in Crete, beaten by three opposition players and one of his own colleagues.

Alex Murphy (Ireland U21s):
Tue 10.06.2025 Qatar (n) drew 0-0 FR
Stalemate in Vrbovec, with the Toon defender introduced or the closing 16 minutes.

Fri 06.06.2025 Croatia (a) lost 0-1 FR
The Newcastle defender completed the full game in Zagreb.

Garang Kuol (Australia U23s):
Mon 09.06.2025 South Korea U23s (a) won 2-0 FR
The Newcastle player got his side off the mark in Yongin, beating the home goalkeeper from fully 40 yards out.

See Garang's goal online here

Thu 05.06.2025 South Korea U23s (a) drew 0-0 FR
Team line-ups awaited in Yongin.

Sandro Tonali (Italy):
Mon 09.06.2025 Moldova (h) won 2-0 WCQ
Sandro kept his place in the side selected by outgoing national team coach Luciano Spalletti and completed the entire game in Reggio Emilia.

Fri 06.06.2025 Norway (a) lost 0-3 WCQ
A full 90 minute shift for the midfielder in Oslo.

Travis Hernes (Norway U20s):
Mon 09.06.2025 Saudi Arabia (n) drew 0-0 FR
Scoreless at half time in Cairo, the intervention of Travis failed to inspire either side into finding the net.

Fri 06.06.2025 USA (n) won 1-0 FR 
The Magpie midfielder played 60 minutes in Cairo.

Rory Finneran (Ireland U17s):
Mon 09.06.2025 Croatia U18s (a) won 3-0 FR
The young Magpie set his side on the road to victory in Kotoriba with a low left footed shot from distance in the 40h minute. Rory was replaced in the 83rd minute.

Sat 07.06.2025 Turkey U18s (a) lost 0-2 FR
A 58 minute shift for the United midfielder in Kotoriba.  

Wed 04.06.2025 Norway U18s (a) lost 1-4 FR
Finneran wore the captain's armband in Kotoriba. 

Isaac Hayden (Jamaica):
Wed 11.06.2025 Guatemala (h) Kingston WCQ

Sat 07.06.2025 British Virgin Islands (a) won 1-0 WCQ
Success for the Reggae Boyz in Road Town, but Hayden wasn't named in the matchday squad.

Tue 17.06.2025 Guatemala (n) Carson, USA GC
Sat 21.06.2025 Guadeloupe (n) San Jose, USA GC
Wed 25.06.2025 Panama (n) Austin, USA GC

William Osula (Denmark U21s):
Thu 12.06.2025 Ukraine (n) Presov ECF
Sun 15.06.2025 Netherlands (n) Presov ECF
Wed 18.06.2025 Finland (n) Kosice ECF

Tino Livramento (England U21s):
Thu 12.06.2025 Czechia (n) Dunajska Streda ECF
Sun 15.06.2025 Slovenia (n) Nitra ECF
Wed 18.06.2025 Germany (n) Nitra ECF

Antonio Cordero (Spain U19s):
Fri 13.06.2025 Denmark (n)  ECF
Mon 16.06.2025 Romania (a)  ECF
Thu 19.06.2025 Montenegro (n)  ECF

Sat 07.06.2025 USA (h) drew 1-1 FR
The newly-acquired Magpie netted during his 45 minute outing in Benidorm as Spain warmed up for next week's European Championship Finals in Romania.

Competition:
Theatre giveaway

Returning to Newcastle's Theatre Royal later this month for three performances is "Carrying David", Ed Waugh's stage adaptation of boxer Glenn McCrory's autobiography.

The play recounts Durham-born McCrory's rise to fame in the ring and the inspiration he took from caring for his terminally ill brother, David.

"Carrying David" is on Saturday June 21st at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Sunday June 22nd at 4pm. Tickets are available now online here

Update:
FAB minutes

Minutes from the most recent FAB (Fan Advisory Board) meeting at SJP are now available online here

Amongst the usual range of topics covered was the following update regarding 2025/26 kit releases:

"Third kit to launch in early July and Away shirt launch planned to be on pre-season tour in Asia during July or August."

RGR:
£20K, Mark reached 

NUFC.com reader Mark Allison aka Run Geordie Run continues his charitable trek across the USA, Tuesday seeing donations exceed £20,000 - or one third of the amount he is hoping to raise on this run.  

That came as he continued his progress towards the Missouri/Kansas state line, some 2,125 miles shy of his ultimate destination of Huntington Beach in California. 

Mark continues to support the vital work of St.Benedicts Hospice If you can help, please do so online here  

Links to the various RGR online outlets appear here  

Update:
Bill McKinney RIP 

The death of former Magpie Bill McKinney has been announced, at the age of 88.

Wallsend-born Bill served his apprenticeship as a plater at Swan Hunter Shipyard, playing junior football for both Wallsend Rising Sun and Wallsend St. Lukes.

Completing his national service in the army, Bill was selected for their national XI and joined United during May 1956, playing for their "A" team initially.

Losing out to fellow new arrival Dick Keith in his first season at Gallowgate, Bill had to wait until December 1957 for a first team chance, stepping up from the reserves to play in a 3-3 draw away to Spurs.

Finally becoming a first team regular at right back in the 1960/61 relegation campaign, Bill played in both full back positions and at centre half as unsuccessful promotion challenges were mounted over the next three seasons.

Replaced by David Craig late in the 1963/64 season, Bill featured just twice more ahead of a £2,750 switch to Bournemouth in August 1965 - leaving Gallowgate with eight goals in 95 league and cup games. 

Reunited with Dick Keith at Dean Court 1966 saw him join Third Division side Mansfield Town and he played on at Field Mill for another two seasons. 

A move to Southern Premier League side Wellington Town (who later renamed themselves Telford United) followed, McKinney settling in the Shropshire town of Dawley and remained there after his retirement. 

Concerts:
Sam @ SJP 

Stage times for this week's trio of SJP gigs are as follows: 

Thu 12.06.2025:
6pm The Pale White
7.30pm CMAT
9pm Sam Fender

Sat 14.06.2025:
5pm Ernie
6pm CMAT
7.30pm Olivia Dean
9pm Sam Fender

Sun 15.06.2025:
5pm Hector Gannet
6pm CMAT
7.30pm Olivia Dean
9pm Sam Fender

(Doors open 4pm and curfew 11pm on all three nights)

Metro travel information for gig nights is online here

Released/retained:
Callum comeback 
still a possibility 

Friday saw Newcastle confirm their retained and released player lists, Jamal Lewis and Lloyd Kelly the only two confirmed departures - the former becoming a free agent and the latter completing a permanent move to Juventus. 

Callum Wilson and John Ruddy remain under contract at Gallowgate until the end of June, United revealing that they "have opened discussions with both players about their futures and new contracts could still be agreed."

Following announcements regarding contract extensions for Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar, the club confirm that an option has been exercised for back-up goalkeeper Mark Gillespie to remain at SJP for a further 12 months.

Six members of the club's Development squad are also exiting: midfield pair Ellis Stanton and James Huntley, attacking duo Jay Turner-Cooke and Josh Donaldson and the Powell twins Harry and Rory - both defenders.

Incoming:
Oliver's (Toon) Army

The Mail report that Newcastle are set to complete a deal for Rangers left back Oliver Goodbrand, with the 16 year-old heading to Tyneside soon for his medical.

The Scottish U16 international debuted for the Rangers B team in a Glasgow Cup game aged 15 and as an academy scholar would be available upon payment of compensation.

PS: reports north of the border have also credited United with interest in a second Ibrox starlet, in the shape of winger Alfie Hutchinson.

The 16 year-old joined Rangers from Hearts in 2024 and like Goodbrand, has played at B team level in the Glasgow Cup.

Competition:
Badge winner

The latest designs from Magpin extend his Carabao Cup winner special editions to include Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton posing with the silverware.

The badges are sold in a double pack, in stock now online here and we had a pair to give away, asking which drink became the League Cup's very first sponsor in 1982.  

It was of course Milk (referenced in a TV advert about Ian Rush and Accrington Stanley) and rising like cream to the top and bagging the badges was Chris Gunning.

Incoming:
Toon Tone confirmed

Newcastle announced on Thursday that they had reached agreement to sign Spaniard Antonio Cordero when his contract with Spanish side Malaga expires on July 1st.

The 18 year-old right-footed winger made the first of 60 senior appearances for his previous side in September 2023, ending last season with six goals from 39 games as Malaga narrowly avoided relegation from the second tier.

Travelling to Tyneside in recent days to complete the formalities of his transfer, Cordero is now preparing to feature at the U19 European Championship finals.

Defending champions Spain are paired in Group A with Denmark, Romania and Montenegro in the eight team tournament staged in Romania.

Quotes from outgoing Sporting Director Paul Mitchell that Cordero was sought by other clubs in Spain and across Europe back up media claims of interest from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Ajax and Spurs.

A five year contract is claimed in the Spanish press for the player known as Antonito, United confirming that they plan to loan him out next season. 

Ajax have been mooted as one possible destination; United successfully placing Yankuba Minteh with Eredivisie rivals Feyenoord following his arrival in July 2023.

Update:
The Spanish
acquisition(s)

Confirmation of Cordero's capture comes 11 years to the day that United unveiled Ayoze Perez at SJP, following his purchase from Spanish second tier side Tenerife.

The 20 year-old forward reportedly rejected offers from both Barcelona and Real Madrid and was immediately integrated with United's first team squad.

Newcastle's next two attempts at bringing Spanish-born prospects to Tyneside proved less successful however, starting with Jesus Nunez Cumbreras in late 2016.

The 17 year-old forward known as Juanito initially came on trial from Spanish Third Division side Recreativo De Huelva but hadn't made a competitive reserve debut when loaned to Deportivo La Coruna in January 2018.

That failed to give him any significant pitch time and Juanito remained a peripheral figure for Newcastle's U23 side the following season before exiting in 2019.

Subsequently playing for several minor league sides in Spain, we lost track of him back in 2023. 

Faring slightly better in black and white was winger Victor Fernandez, arriving as an 18 year-old from Cornella on a long-term contract in February 2017.

Some decent displays for the club's U23 side saw him earn a senior call-up for a kickabout against Royal Antwerp staged in Spain during March 2018.

However a hip injury then affected his progress at United and he was eventually released in 2020, playing for clubs in Romania, Greece and Cyprus as well as Cornella again.

Aside from their country of birth, our Spanish quartet all have the common trait of becoming Magpies whilst Steve Nickson was in either a scouting or recruitment role.   

Update:
Boot winners

Thanks to everyone who supported the recent Wor Flags fundraising raffle with player-autographed football boots up for grabs.

The winning tickets were purchased by:

Andrew Abrahams 
Dale Carlisle
Shaun Parker

2025/26:
Moving on up

The 2025/26 season Magpie Mover is now on sale via NUFC, with the price fixed at £25 (no concessions).

The ticket covers competitive men's first team games at SJP, allowing one direct return trip via specified public transport within Tyne and wear up to three hours before kick-off to the end of daily service post-match.  

NUFC's launch announcement reveals that Magpie Movers now come as a digital mobile download, although lacking the capability to open ticket barriers. There's no mention of continued availability in an alternative card format. 

For the first time, Magpie Movers can be purchased by Mags+ members in addition to season ticket holders.

Press release here

2025/26:
£30's still plenty

The Premier League confirm that the £30 adult away ticket price cap will continue into the 2025/26 season - the tenth successive season this limit has applied.

UEFA announced last year that away ticket prices for 2025/26 Champions League games would be pegged at €50.

2025/26:
Sela Cup (h) update

Spanish side Atletico Madrid are confirmed as United's pre-season friendly opponents at SJP, contesting the Sela Cup over a single match as was the case in 2024. 

Finishing third in La Liga last season, Diego Simeone's side visit Gallowgate on Saturday August 9th with a 4pm start, following a game between the respective women's teams that will kick off there at 1pm.

Tickets are now on public sale and cover both games. 

2025/26:
Celtic (a) update

Tickets for Newcastle's visit to Parkhead next month are now on public sale to home fans, Celtic season ticket holders having largely voted with their feet during the dedicated sales period for them.

That apathetic response has been explained by Celtic's decision to charge season ticket holders to attend, having previously included a friendly game in their renewals.

United's last visit to the east end of Glasgow in 2004 saw the same situation unfold, resulting in a crowd of 20,000 - almost 40,000 less than were present for our 1999 game.

Initially at least, only the areas opened up to home season ticket holders appear on the seating plan for public sale - the Main Stand and lower tier of opposite North Stand.

The Magpies were allocated and sold 7,200 tickets. 

Update:
Box office hours

NUFC have announced a reduction in box office opening hours, in recognition that the majority of purchases and supporter queries are now processed online or by phone.

The Milburn Stand box office will now only be open on Wednesdays, between 10am and 5pm.

Home matchday opening is from 10am until half time. 

Telephone lines will be open as follows: