Villa (a) ST purchases close Fri 01.08, 2pm
Liverpool (h) ST forwarding / resale now
Leeds (a) ST applications open Mon 04.08, 2pm
Wolves (h) Member ballot opens Mon 11.08, Noon
Bmouth (a) ST applications open Mon 25.08, 2pm
Arsenal (h) Member ballot opens Mon 18.08, Noon

Update:
Basque separatist

Reports in the Spanish media on Wednesday night claimed that Alexander Isak was in the Spanish city of San Sebastian, working with a personal trainer at the Zubieta training ground of his former club, Real Sociedad.

Were the Swedish striker to change clubs, then Sociedad would be in line for a cash windfall via a sell-on clause.

Meanwhile in West London on Thursday, Yoan Wissa arrived for training at Brentford but reportedly refused to join in with the rest of the first team squad and departed.

(we can't claim credit for headline - a reader suggestion)

Giveaway:
Pitch prediction

We've partnering up with Pitch Publishing, a sports book publisher with an already extensive range of NUFC related titles and several more due for release later in 2025.

We're kicking things off with a competition to win copies of "The Wilderness Years", Gary Sherrard's vivid account of the black and whites between 1978 and 1984.

For anyone of that era it's semi-autobiographical and for those missing out on the glory days of Bobby Shinton, it explains why calling out Premier League era Magpies as "the worst ever" prompts wry grins from stalwarts....  

To be in with a chance of winning one, simply predict the full time score at 90 minutes in Newcastle's kickabout against Spurs in Seoul this coming Sunday.

Email [email protected] with your answer by 10am BST on Sunday August 3rd, subject line of Pitch. 

No age limit, open to all but delivery only to a UK address. One entry each please. In the event of a tie, one winner will be randomly drawn from all correct entries received.

Check out the Pitch catalogue here and find offers on current and future NUFC titles on Amazon here

2025/26:
K-flops 

Team K League  1  Newcastle  0

Match report

2025/26:
Villa (a) ticket sales

Those who applied for Aston Villa away tickets should* now have received emails confirming their success or failure to be allocated one, with NUFC confirming that the loyalty point cut off point was 30 points.

The ballot for those with a smaller points total also looks to have taken place, meaning everyone now knows whether they've been successful or not, at least in theory.

HOWEVER, the text of the email received makes no mention of the fact that seat selection is still required in order to complete the purchase, selecting seats and purchasing via the NUFC ticket website.

This must be done by 2pm on Friday.

Multiple sections are available, click on the right hand direction button to see them all.

For this game, P section tickets are upstairs.

* we're hearing from increasing numbers of ST holders who applied but received no email from NUFC as to whether they had been successful.

We'd advise logging in to your NUFC ticket account if you haven't had an email and checking to see whether you're able to purchase a ticket. The email doesn't contain any bespoke link or other vital information.

One ST holder can log on and apply on behalf of seven STs listed in their friends and family - in other words, the maximum number of accounts in a transaction is eight.

NUFC say that all supporters who apply for tickets will receive an email whether they are successful or not.

A recap on the process:

Aston Villa (a) timetable:

Phase 1: Monday 28th July @ 2pm. Ticket application opens for all season ticket holders to apply for a ticket for this fixture.

Phase 2: Tuesday 29th July @ 2pm. Ticket application window closes. The club will process all submissions, allocating tickets in loyalty point order. We will also ballot a small number of tickets to those who do not meet the loyalty points threshold.

Phase 3: Wednesday 30th July @ 2pm. Supporters who are successful in the application process will now be emailed with a window to go online and purchase their ticket(s) for the fixture. Tickets will be sold using a ‘select your own seat’ model, giving fans the flexibility to choose where they sit and who they sit alongside - whether friends or family.

This system removes the need for travel groups as supporters can make seat selections directly during the purchase window.

Phase 4: Friday 1st August @ 2pm. Once the purchase window for successful applicants closes, any remaining tickets that haven’t been purchased will be offered to those who applied for the fixture and fall within the next tier of loyalty points below the point at which sales were previously fulfilled. For example, a fixture sells out at 10 loyalty points, tickets will then be offered to supporters who applied for tickets with 9 loyalty points.

2025/26:
Away ticket update

Monday saw NUFC introduce radical changes to the sales and distribution process for away tickets online here

Aside from "popular demand", NUFC's justification for the change the system was to: "Create a structured and transparent process, ensuring supporters know where they stand before committing to travel plans. Away tickets sold and allocated within approximately 7 working days."

The next two sales dates have been announced:

Leeds (a)
Applications open: Mon 04.08.2025 @ 2pm
Applications close: Tue 05.08.2025 @ 2pm
Sales open: Wed 06.08.2025 @ 2pm
Sales close: Fri 08.08.2025 @ 2pm

Bournemouth (a)
Applications open: Mon 25.08.2025 @ 2pm
Applications close: Tue 26.08.2025 @ 2pm
Sales open: Wed 27.08.2025 @ 2pm
Sales close: Fri 29.08.2025 @ 2pm

2025/26:
Barrack Road update

From NUFC, Thursday:

Newcastle United is working closely with Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police to trial new crowd safety measures this season, as part of an ongoing commitment to fan safety and enhancing the matchday experience at St. James' Park.

Starting on Friday, 8th August (Espanyol, kick-off 7:30pm BST) and Saturday, 9th August (Atlético Madrid, kick-off 4pm BST), Barrack Road will be temporarily closed to traffic post-match to create a safer environment for supporters leaving the stadium.

The short-term closure will cover Barrack Road between Stanhope Street and St. James' Boulevard, beginning at the final whistle or earlier if large numbers of fans leave prior to full-time.

The closure will be in place for up to 45 minutes after the final whistle, or until crowds disperse and Match Control officers from Northumbria Police deem it safe to reopen the road to traffic.

During the closure, no vehicles will be permitted on this section of Barrack Road and drivers will be required to follow signed diversions via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove and Stanhope Street.

Diversions & travel updates: Vehicles will be rerouted via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove, and Stanhope Street. 

Stagecoach buses normally stopping on Barrack Road will be diverted and passengers will be required to use alternative bus stops while the short closure is in place.

The X50 soccer bus which runs to the MetroCentre Park and Ride will pick up passengers from the top of St. James’ Boulevard, outside the Citygate building.

The measures will continue for all home games throughout the season and, if required, other events taking place at St. James' Park where large numbers of people are expected to leave at once. Measures are being introduced on a trial basis and will be monitored as the season progresses.

2025/26:
Spurs (n)

Eddie Howe's side conclude their three game tour of Asia on Sunday, facing fellow Premier League side Spurs at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea.

It's a Noon start (8pm local time) at the 65,000 capacity venue and will be shown live at WonderBar in the Gate.

It's expected that United will debut their green change kit.

Team: Sven Botman and Joe Willock are doubts after picking up knocks in the opening two Asia games, while Sandro Tonali reported some discomfort from his left leg after facing the K League XI on Wednesday.

Lewis Hall is yet to play on the tour as he returns from injury, it's unclear whether he'll face Spurs.

Reports that Martin Dubravka was set to join the squad in South Korea proved to be incorrect.

THFC: South Korean duo Son Heung-min and prospect Yang Min-hyuk are both in manager Thomas Frank's squad.

Ahead of Sunday, Spurs played a fake North London derby against Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday, winning 1-0 thanks to Pape Sarr's outrageous strike from distance.

Referee: tbc

Overseas TV: to follow

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TV: Pricing for the full NUFC 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 were emailed a promo code to access the above prices. Mags+ members not purchasing the full package should have received promo codes allowing them to watch the two South Korea games for free.

Streams are worldwide except Spurs (excludes South Korea) and Espanyol / Atletico Madrid (both exclude Spain).

(The full package also includes live coverage of the NUFC Women versus Atletico Madrid Femenino home friendly).

Stats: 

The most recent friendly meeting between these two sides was staged after the 2023/24 season, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. Following a 1-1 draw, United won a penalty shootout 5-4.

Newcastle then return to Tyneside for kickabouts against Spanish opposition on successive days:

Fri 08.08.2025 Espanyol (h) (Spain) (h) 7.30pm
Sat 09.08.2025 Atletico Madrid (Spain) (h) 4pm

Update:
Ramsdale reunion

Newcastle have reached agreement with Championship side Southampton on a season-long loan deal for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and he's now on Tyneside.

The Stoke-born 27 year-old flew for his medical on Wednesday before putting pen to paper on a loan with a subsequent purchase option. A £4m loan fee is claimed.

The move follows United's failure to sign long-term target James Trafford, who completed a permanent return from Burnley to previous club Manchester City on Tuesday.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, press reports credited Manchester United with a interest in Nick Pope - oddly enough they don't seem to want Martin Dubravka back... 

Ramsdale joined Bournemouth in 2017 during Eddie Howe's time in charge and was an unused substitute for the final Premier League game of their 2016/17 campaign.  

Following loans at Chesterfield and AFC Wimbledon, he was between the sticks as the Cherries began the 2019/20 season - playing all but one of the 38 games that led to their relegation from the top flight.

Following Howe out of Bournemouth but remaining in the Premier League at Sheffield United, he was an ever-present for the Blades but suffered a second successive demotion.

That was followed by claimed £24m sale to Arsenal, where Aaron was first-choice for the first two of his three seasons in N5 before losing his place to David Raya.

A permanent move to Southampton then followed at the conclusion of the summer 2024 transfer window, adding a third Premier League relegation to his CV last season.

Ramsdale is under contract at St.Mary's until 2028, but his contract is claimed to include a clause allowing him to exit during the current window for £25m - less than United's failed bid to sign Trafford earlier this month.

He featured for the Saints last Saturday in a 1-2 friendly defeat by Espanyol in Spain.

The last of Aaron's five senior England caps came in 2024.

2025/26:
Sand dancers on Sunday

The U21s return to pre-season action on Sunday when they make the short trip over the Tyne to South Shields for a 3pm kick-off at the First Cloud Arena.

They won't come up against former Magpie Kyle Crossley however, after he sustained ligament damage during a friendly match against Carlisle United.

Admission prices are £5 in advance online here

The same game 12 months ago ended 1-1 in front of 1,424 fans. Then as now, the U21s were between coaches.

2025/26:
Change kit confirmed

The Magpies confirm that their second kit will go on sale this coming Friday (August 1st) but wasn't worn as was advertised against the K League XI on Wednesday.

The accompanying press release from adidas neglects to mention the similarity to the green in the Saudi Arabian flag, but does confirm the source of the shirt design:

"We took the famous Tyne Bridge arch as inspiration and created the bold pattern to represent the iconic structure across the new shirt.”

The Tyne Bridge of course is currently working at reduced capacity due to prolonged lack of investment and issues in retaining suitably qualified personnel. Very fitting then.

2025/26:
Teenage kick 
costs Magpies

Arsenal  3  Newcastle  2

Match report

Meltdown:
Isak timeline

Sun 04.05 Isak scored his 54th Premier League goal (62nd in all competitions) for Newcastle - a penalty in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Sun 18.05 Isak missed the 0-1 Premier League loss at Arsenal, Howe told the media that he'd had a scan on a groin problem and rest rather than surgery was forecast.

Sun 25.05 Isak played the entirety of a 0-1 Premier loss at home to Everton, Newcastle's season-ending fixture.

Tue 27.05 Isak withdrew from Sweden's squad for two games in June due to a minor injury, presumably groin.

Mon 14.07 Isak was part of the Newcastle party that flew to Austria for a week-long training camp.

Sat 19.07 Isak was absent as Newcastle faced Celtic; Eddie Howe told the media that he'd allowed him to leave the squad as he needed "more training time" but that he expected him to join the club's upcoming tour of Asia.

Mon 21.07 Isak trained away from the rest of the squad at Darsley Park but reportedly cut short the session.

(some source claim this may have been on 22.07)

Tue 22.07 Newcastle reportedly switched targets to Brentford's Yoane Wissa, to augment (or replace) Isak.

Wed 23.07 Liverpool completed the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, a player Newcastle had attempted to sign to augment (or replace) Isak.

Thu 24.07 Isak wasn't on the plane to Singapore and multiple media outlets reported he'd "told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away from the club".

The Times wrote that Isak refused to accept improved terms and an extension to his current Newcastle contract, allegedly seeking £300k per week - an amount the club wouldn't be able to meet given their financial status.

Fri 25.07 The Guardian wrote that Isak had been offered a basic weekly wage of £600K by Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Sat 26.07 Howe met the media in Singapore and had no update on Isak's thigh injury but called it minimal and was still confident that he would remain a Newcastle player. 

Sun 27.07 Newcastle lost 2-3 to Arsenal, Howe telling reporters there was "no chance" Isak would be in Korea. 

Mon 28.07 Newcastle arrived in Korea without Isak.

Tue 29.07 Howe told the media that no bid had been received for Isak and he remained a Magpie.

Wed 30.07 Spanish media claims Isak is training alone in San Sebastian.

U21s:
International Cup draw

The draw for season's U21 International Cup has taken place, with Newcastle U21s returning to the competition and placed in Group C.

Along with Brighton, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, the Magpies are joined by Paris SG, Dinamo Zagreb, Real Sociedad and Benfica.

The arrangement of the 32 team competition means that none of the Premier League teams meet, but each of them host the four continental sides in England. 

Update:
Youngsters arrive 

Newcastle have officially confirmed the signing of two 16 year-olds from Glasgow Rangers, left back Oliver Goodbrand and right-sided attacker Alfie Hutchison.

Updates are awaited on United's claimed acquisition of Isaac Moran, following reports that the 16 year-old England youth international had rejected a contract offer from current club Liverpool. He's a central midfielder.

U18s:
Rovers for openers 

This season's U18 Premier League fixtures have been announced and can be read online here

Chris Moore's side will look to improve on last season's fifth-placed finish and begin with a home fixture against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday August 16th (12.30pm).

Update:
O's take Joe

League One side Leyton Orient have sealed a season-long loan for Joe White after the midfielder was omitted from the Asia tour party despite facing Celtic in pre-season.

With the Magpies since 2018, 22 year-old Joe's senior bow came from the bench at home to Bournemouth in February - one of four Premier League outings as a substitute.

Previous loan spells at EFL sides Exeter City, Hartlepool United, Crewe Alexandra and MK Dons, brought him nine goals in 92 league and cup outings.

Meanwhil, reports from Spain claim that recent Newcastle arrival Antonio Cordero is heading out on loan to Belgian Pro League side KVC Westerlo.

The 18 year-old Spanish youth international winger wasn't involved as Westerlo began their new season with a 2-5 loss at Anderlecht on Sunday. His prospective new side finished ninth last season in the 16 team top flight.

2025/26:
TV times

The Premier League have now confirmed their live TV picks for September, with one Newcastle game rescheduled:

Sat 13.09.2025 Wolves (h) 3pm no live UK TV
Sat 20.09.2025 Bournemouth (a) 3pm no live UK TV
Sun 28.09.2025 Arsenal (h) 4.30pm Sky

The Arsenal game falls between Newcastle's midweek Carabao Cup Third Round tie* and the second round of Champions League fixtures, spread across Tuesday September 30th and Wednesday October 1st.

With reference to the Bournemouth away game, just because it hasn't been selected for live TV, that doesn't confirm 100% that it will be a 3pm Saturday kick-off.

The first round of Champions League fixtures take place on the preceding Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: were Newcastle to be in action on the Thursday, that would result in the Bournemouth game moving to the Sunday. 

While the Spurs v Wolves game picked for Sky on Sunday 28th is liable to change if Spurs are playing a Champions League tie on the 30th, there's no similar advice regarding our game v Arsenal on the same day - reason unknown.

The situation mirrors for our game regardless of that: were ourselves or Arsenal to be playing in the Champions League on the 30th then we would not meet in the PL on the 28th.

So in real terms, only the Wolves game is now confirmed, with the other three liable to possible change in the days following the Champions League draw on August 28th.

* that is split over two successive midweeks, with teams involved in the Champions League assured of playing their Carabao Cup tie during second of the two weeks.

There are no scheduled rail works between London Kings Cross on the day of the Arsenal game. For once.

The Bournemouth game looks unaffected by rail engineering work on the Saturday. Were it to be played on the Sunday, trains would still run direct to and from London but with average journey times extended by 45 minutes and trains not calling at either Basingstoke or Winchester.

Update:
New faces

Following confirmation of the appointment of Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as Newcastle United Technical Director, the vacant roles of Chief Executive Officer and Sporting Director are anticipated to be filled in the near future.

Several names have appeared in connection with both posts, but David Hopkinson is poised to become CEO in succession to Darren Eales, with Ross Wilson tipped to replace the now-departed Paul Mitchell as SD.

The 54 year-old Canadian Hopkinson had been in charge of the US-based Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation and was Global Head of Partnerships for Real Madrid between 2018 and 2020. 

He also had an earlier involvement with sports teams in Toronto, which included MLS side Toronto FC.   

41 year-old Scotsman Wilson meanwhile remains in post at Nottingham Forest, having held a similar position at Rangers until tempted across the border in 2023. 

2025/26:
Home ticket dates

Wolves (h):

Ballot opens Mon 11.08.2025 Noon, closes Tue 12.08.2025 Noon. Winners notified Wed 13.08.2025 by 11am, seat selection opens Wed 13.08.2025 Noon, closes Fri 15.08.2025 Noon. ST ticket fwding/resale Friday 15.08.2025 4pm. Member Sale Mon 18.08.2025 10am.

Arsenal (h):

Ballot opens Mon 18.08.2025 Noon, closes Tue 19.08.2025 Noon. Winners notified Wed 20.08.2025 by 11am, seat selection opens Wed 20.08.2025 Noon, closes Fri 22.08.2025 Noon. ST ticket fwding/resale Friday 22.08.2025 4pm. Member Sale Mon 25.08.2025 10am.

Old boys:
Comings & goings 

SJP old boys with new clubs/jobs include:

Tom Allan Darlington
Kieran Aplin Whitley Bay
Alun Armstrong Gateshead M
Matty Bondswell South Shields (trial)
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
Lucas De Bolle Portimonense
Nicky Deverdics Newton Aycliffe
Amadou Diallo Oliveirense
Josh Donaldson Hartlepool United
Stuart Findlay Hearts
Stan Flaherty Hampton & Richmond
Massadio Haidara Kocealispor
Mackenzie Heaney Spennymoor Town
Sean Longstaff Leeds United
Oisin McEntee Hearts
Joe Oliver Hebburn Town
Greg Olley York City
Harry Powell Ashington
Rory Powell Ashington
John Robertson Ross County AM
Salomon Rondon Real Oviedo (loan)
Josh Scott Darlington
Kyle Scott Crawley Town
Mo Sedibeh UB Conquense
Jonjo Shelvey training with Hull City tbc
Nolberto Solano Pakistan C
Ki Sung-yeung Pohang Steelers
Freddie Woodman Liverpool
Mike Williamson Rangers C
Callum Williams FC Hartlepool
Josef Yarney Macclesfield Town