Wednesday February 18th, 2026

    Last update 14:45 GMT

      Your genial hosts: Niall and Biffa


 

Next Match

 

Qarabag FK (Azerbaijan)
Champions League
Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium
Wednesday 18th February
Kick-off 5.45pm GMT/9.45pm local
Live on TNT Sports
Last Match

 

Aston Villa 1
Newcastle 3
FA Cup Fourth Round
Villa Park
Saturday 14th February
Match report

The Never-Ending Tour

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

80

alt  

 

Qarabag (h) Member sale now
Man C (a)
SOLD OUT
Everton (h) ST forwarding / resale now
Man U (h)
ST forwarding / resale now
Man C FA (h) Ticket sale details tbc
Chelsea (a) Seat selection closed
mackems (h) Seat selection closes Fri 20.02, Noon

Champions League:
Qarabag FK (a)

This evening sees United play their ninth Champions League fixture of the season, facing Azerbaijan League champions Qarabag FK in the first leg of their last 16 play-off tie.

Kick-off
at the 31,000 capacity Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku is 9.45pm local time, 5.45pm GMT.

United were allocated 1,998 tickets 

NUFC fan guidance online here


The ground is named in honour of the "Russian linesman" from the 1966 World Cup Final. Four League Phase games there this season saw Qarabag defeat Copenhagen and Bayer Leverkusen, draw with Chelsea and lose to Ajax.

On the road in the League Phase, they won 3-2 at Benfica, lost 1-3 at Bilbao, 0-2 at Napoli and 0-6 at Liverpool.

United's seeded status ensures home advantage in the second leg, at SJP on Tuesday 24th February.

Team: Joelinton has travelled with the squad and could return after missing the last six games due to injury.

Fellow countryman Bruno Guimaraes is back in Brazil for treatment on his hamstring problem and not anticipated to play again until after the March international break.

Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar
, Sven Botman, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Miley remain unavailable, with confirmation that Emil Krafth has undergone surgery for a knee problem.

Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn and Joelinton are all one booking away from suspension in this competition.

Coral rate this tie as follows:

NUFC win 4/9
The draw 19/5
QFK win 6/1

New customers receive a £30 bet when staking £5 on sports (T's & C's apply). Find those markets online here   


QFK: Ahead of our visit, Qarabag beat Imisli 1-0 on Saturday.

Qarabag have sold striker Nariman Akhundzada to MLS side Columbus Crew. The 21 year-old found the net twice in Champions League qualifying rounds this season.

Referee:
Espen Eskas (Norway)

VAR: Rob Dieperink (Netherlands)

UK TV: Live on TNT Sports

NORD VPN products protect and secure
your online activity.
Click here for fast
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City centre bars with live TV coverage include:

The Dog & Parrot on Clayton Street West.

The tie will be on live at WonderBar in The Gate
.

Overseas TV:
5 SPORT Israel HD
Arena Premium 1 HD (Serbia)
Arena Premium 2 HD (Bosnia)
Arena Sport 3 HD (Croatia)
ART Motion Sport 1 HD
beIN Sports 1 Thailand
beIN Sports 3 Hong Kong
Blue Sport (Switzerland)
Bluu (Panama)
bTV Action (Bulgaria)
Canal+/Extra 2 (Poland)
Canal+ Foot HD/Live 2/myCANAL (France)
Claro TV+ (Brazil)
Cosmote Sport 3 HD (Greece)
Cytavision Sports 3/on the Go (Cyprus)
DAZN Canada
DAZN/1 Bar Germany HD
DAZN New Zealand
DAZN Portugal
Digi Sport 1/online Romania
Disney+ Premium Arg/Chi/Sur
DStv App
ELTA Sports 1 (Taiwan)
ESPN Chi/Col/Nor
FAST TV (Armenia)
FOX ONE (Mexico)
Fox Sports Argentina
fuboTV Canada
Go Extra Sports Est/Lat/Lit
inter (Venezuela)
iQiyi (China)
M+ Liga de Campeones 2 HD (Spain)
Max Brazil
MAXtv To Go (Croatia)
Megogo Futbol 2 (Ukraine)
Moja TV (Bosnia)
Movistar+ (Spain)
MTV Finland
NAICOM (Puerto Rica)
Nexgen (Belize)
New World Sport2 (Senegal)
Nova Sport 4 (Czech/Slov)
Okko Sports (Russia)
OnePlay (Czech)
Orange TV Go (Romania)
Paramount+ USA
Pickx+ Sports 2 (Luxembourg)
Play Sports 3 Belgium
Prima Sport 1/Prima Play (Romania)
Proximus Pickx/Sports 2 (Belgium)
Q League (Arm/Bel)
RTL+ (Hungary)
Rush Sports 2
Setanta Sports Georgia
Silk Sport HD1 (Georgia)
Sky+ (Brazil)
Sky Sport 251/Calcio/Go HD (Italy)
SONY LIV (India)
sooka (Malaysia)
Sportklub 3 Slovenia
Sport TV Azerbaijan
Sport 2 (Hungary)
SPOTV NOW/Prime (South Korea)
Stan Sport (Australia)
StarHub TV+ (Singapore)
Sunrise TV (Switzerland)
SuperSport MaXimo 1 (South Africa)
SuperSport Variety 3 (South Africa)
SYN Sport 3 (Iceland)
Tabii Spor (Turkey)
tapmad (Bangladesh/Pakistan)
TNT Brazil/Go
TOD (Saudi Arabia)
Tring/Sport 2 HD (Albania)
TSN5 Malta/GO TV Anywhere (Malta)
TUDN (USA)
TV2 Play/Sport (Norway)
TV3 Sport Denmark
UniMas/Univision NOW (USA)
ViaPlay Den/Swe
Vivo Play (Brazil)
ViX TV
Voyo (Slovakia)
WOWOW (Japan)
Zapping (Brazil)
ZhiBo8 (China)
Ziggo Sport (Netherlands)

UK Radio:
Live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport

Stats:

Geordies in the Champions League - away from SJP:

1997/98 Croatia Zagreb (a) Drew 2-2
1997/98 Dynamo Kiev (a) Drew 2-2
1997/98 PSV Eindhoven (a) Lost 0-1
1997/98 Barcelona (a) Lost 0-1
2002/03 Zeljeznicar (a) Won 1-0 (qualifier)
2002/03 Dynamo Kiev (a) Lost 0-2
2002/03 Juventus (a) Lost 0-2
2002/03 Feyenoord (a) Won 3-2
2002/03 Barcelona (a) Lost 1-3
2002/03 Bayer Leverkusen (a) Won 3-1
2002/03 Inter Milan (a) Drew 2-2
2003/04 Partizan Belgrade (a) Won 1-0 (qualifier)
2023/24
AC Milan (a) Drew 0-0
2023/24 Borussia Dortmund (a) Lost 0-2
2023/24 PSG (a) Drew 1-1
2025/26 USG (a) Won 4-0
2025/26 Marseille (a) Lost 1-2
2025/26 Bayer Leverkusen (a) Drew 2-2

2025/26 PSG (a) Drew 1-1

FA Cup:
Familiar foes

Monday night's FA Cup Fifth Round draw paired Newcastle once again with Manchester City, with the tie to be played at St. James' Park over the weekend of March 7th.

A result must be reached on the day, with 30 minutes extra time played if the score is level at 90 minutes. The tie will then be settled via a penalty shootout if required. VAR will be in operation for Fifth Round ties.

The draw means that United and City are set to play each other five times this season and will meet in both domestic cup competitions for the second time in three seasons.

The only real shock is that we're not heading back to the bloody Etihad for the third time in barely a month....

This takes the total number of meetings between Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola in the last three seasons to 11 - something that is unprecedented in the modern era.

A home tie means that Newcastle will play four times in succession at SJP for the second time in 2026. Victory over Qarabag would then make that five in a row, with the Magpies knowing they'll be at home first should they progress to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Upcoming fixtures:

Wed 18.02.2026 Qarabag FK (a) (CL)
Sat 21.02.2026 Manchester City (a) (PL)
Tue 24.02.2026 Qarabag FK (h) (CL)
Sat 28.02.2026 Everton (h) (PL)
Wed 04.03.2026 Manchester United (h) (PL)
??? ??.03.2026 Manchester City (h) (FA)
Sat 14.03.2026 Chelsea (a) (PL)

Magpies v Citizens - last 3 seasons:

2025/26 to play (h) (FA)
2025/26 to play (a) (PL)
2025/26 lost 1-3 (a) (LC)
2025/26 lost 0-2 (h) (LC)
2025/26 won 2-1 (h) (PL)
2024/25 lost 0-4 (a) (PL)
2024/25 drew 1-1 (h) (PL)
2023/24 lost 0-2 (a) (FA)
2023/24 lost 2-3 (h) (PL)
2023/24 won 1-0 (h) (LC)
2023/24 lost 0-1 (a) (PL)

Magpies v Citizens - FAC all-time:

1923/24 won 2-0 SF (n)
1954/55 won 3-1 F (n)
1956/57 drew 1-1 3rd (h)
1956/57 won 5-4 3rd R (a)
1968/69 drew 0-0 4th (a)
1968/69 lost 0-2 4th R (h)
1974/75 won 2-0 3rd (a)
1976/77 lost 1-3 4th (h)
1994/95 won 3-1 5th (h)
2001/02 won 1-0 5th (h)
2019/20 lost 0-2 QF (h)
2023/24 lost 0-2 QF (a)

Fifth Round draw:


Fulham v Southampton
Port Vale or Bristol City v mackems
Newcastle United v Manchester City
Leeds United v Norwich City
Mansfield Town v Arsenal
Wolves v  Liverpool
Wrexham v Chelsea
West Ham v Brentford

Update:
Max at the double
 
Max Thompson (Ayr United):
The Magpies goalkeeper was the hero on Tuesday, saving two penalties as the Honest Men beat St.Johnstone at Falkirk in the Quarter-finals of the Scottish Challenge Cup.

Ayr had looked likely to progress when holding a 3-2 lead going into the fourth minute of time added on, only for the Saints to level after Max saved a penalty but couldn't prevent an opponent converting the follow-up.

That sent the tie to a shootout, during which Max denied Stevie Mallan and Matty Foulds, helping his side to a 5-4 success and a Semi-final against Inverness Caley.

Harrison Ashby/Joe White (Bradford City):
A 1-0 home win over Stockport County in League One on
Tuesday was achieved with Harrison an unused substitute and Joe not in the squad.

Matt Targett (Middlesbrough):
Victory for Coventry City on home territory left them top of the Championship on Monday night. Targett started and was replaced in second half added time as Boro lost 1-3.


Charlie McArthur (Airdrieonians):
90 minutes came at the cost of a yellow card for the defender on Friday night in a 0-1 home defeat by St. Johnstone in the Scottish Championship.

Tyler Jones (Dunston UTS)
A frozen pitch caused the postponement of Saturday's Northern Premier League home game with Brighouse Town.

Joe Brayson (Morpeth Town):
The young forward's initial loan has been extended, but he could do nothing to prevent the Highwaymen losing 0-4 at home to Warrington Rylands in the Northern Premier League on Saturday. Joe played for the opening 66 minutes.

Antonio Cordero (Cadiz)
Saturday saw Antonio feature in the first half of a 1-1 draw at Burgos in La Liga 2, a game that our man in the stand summarised in one word, "shocking".

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):
It finished 1-1 at home to Alaves in La Liga on Saturday, with Vlachodimos between the posts and his side claiming a point despite playing with ten men for well over an hour.

Travis Hernes (Groningen):
The midfielder appeared as an 85th minute substitute at home to Utrecht in the Eredivisie on Saturday when the score stood at 1-1. The visitors won it in time added on.

Trevan Sanusi (Lorient):
Injury meant that the winger was unavailable for Sunday's Ligue 1 home meeting with Angers.

Premier League:
Kavanagh QC*

* quickly cancelled

From the BBC, Monday:

Referee Chris Kavanagh and his assistant Nick Greenhalgh have not been selected for a Premier League game this weekend.

The pair were heavily criticised for their decisions in the fourth round FA Cup tie between Aston Villa and Newcastle United on Saturday, in which there was no video assistant referee.

Referees' body Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) bases its selections on factors including post-match performance assessments conducted by an independent Key Match Incidents panel, ensuring accountability for officials.

However, despite the criticism Kavanagh is highly regarded and in December was promoted to Uefa's elite list of referees to join Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor.

The other assistant at Villa Park, Gary Beswick, has been appointed to Nottingham Forest versus Liverpool on Sunday.

Basically, a slight slap on the wrists for the pair although Beswick escapes censure despite also missing the Jacob Murphy assault by Lucas Digne which happened just feet (literally) away from him.

Meanwhile, the root of all officiating evil, PGMO boss Howard Webb, remains unanswerable to anyone. One of his advocates, ex-referee Chris Foy, speaking on TalkSport claimed Webb is the hardest working person he knows. That just makes his ineptitude all the worse....

Meanwhile, Kavanagh joins his own group of elite referees; he, Uriah Rennie, Steve Bennett, Brian Coddington and Trelford Mills as the worst ever seen by Newcastle fans.

Update:
Magpin giveaway

New from Magpin and available here is his Anthony Elanga badge. Five variants are on sale, four of which were in strictly limited quantities and sold out very quickly.

We have two standard versions to give away and to stand a chance of winning one, email your answer to the following question to [email protected] by 10am on Friday February 20th, subject line of Magpin


Elanga is the fourth Swedish international to represent Newcastle in the Premier League, following Emil Krafth and Al*x*nd*r Is*k. Who was the first?

No age limit, open to anyone anywhere in the world but delivery only to UK addresses. One entry per person.

FA Cup:
Sandro ole, ole!

Aston Villa  1  Newcastle  3

Match report

Update:
Five day Metro closure

A significant part of the Metro network is closed this month, with no services between St James and Shiremoor between Monday 16th and Friday 20th February.

Replacement bus service number 900 is in operation.

More details online here


 


PL2:
Saturday for Sammy

Stoke City U18s  1  Newcastle U18s  2

Goals from Kacey Wooster and Sammy Pinnington were enough to gave the young Magpies their first win in three games on Saturday.

Ahead through Wooster's 32nd minute effort at Stoke's Clayton Wood training facility, the scorer led a Newcastle charge upfield eight minutes after the interval that ended with Pinnington claiming a third league goal this season. 

The Potters pulled one back through Pedro Nzau in the 65th minute but United held on for victory; visiting goalkeeper George Mair denying Finley Nixon deep into added time.

Team: Mair, Tika-Lemba, Morgan, Durrant, Epia (Bloomer 46), Taylor, Patterson (Koussou 69), Lucas (Callaghan 90+3), Hutchinson (Ndiweni 80), Pinnington, Wooster.
Sub n/u:
Dowell.

Booked: Durrant

PL2:
Reserves denied

Arsenal U21s  1  Newcastle U21s  0

Match report

Internationals:
You take the no road...

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Scotland head coach Steve Clarke confirmed that Newcastle's Harvey Barnes has asked not to be considered by him for a call-up:

"This time I can say for sure, Harvey’s going to concentrate on trying to play for England, he’s not going to come to Scotland.

"You can put that one out there. Nobody needs to ask me or Harvey about it any more.

"Am I disappointed? No, listen, Harvey can make up his own mind. We move on.”

28 year-old Barnes has one senior England cap, coming off the bench against Wales in a friendly at Wembley during October 2020.

Premier League:
Gordon, Ramsey:
Cockerel nightmares


Spurs  1  Newcastle  2

Match report

Old boys:
Unlikely lads

Former Magpie Michael O'Neill has made a partial return to club management, combining his current coaching role with Northern Ireland with taking charge of Championship strugglers Blackburn Rovers for the rest of the season.

Elsewhere in the Football League, Wigan Athletic have appointed Gary Caldwell for the second time, tempting the SJP old boy away from his current post at Exeter City.

Extending his playing career by dropping into non-league football is Jack Colback, who has signed for Northern Premier League Anstey Nomads.

Habib Beye has been relieved of his managerial responsibilities at French side Rennes and Rolando Aarons departed from National League Morecambe.

SJP old boy Yasin Ben El-Mhanni signed for Iraq Stars League outfit Duhok SC. The 30 year-old who featured briefly for United in the 2016/17 Championship season had most recently played in the Baller League.

Premier League:
Manchester City (a)

Once more unto the Etihad, dear friends, once more;

It's an 8pm kick-off on Saturday live on TNT Sports.

Team: To follow

Coral rate this game as follows:

NUFC win 5/1
The draw 19/5
MCFC win 10/21

New customers receive a £30 bet when staking £5 on sports (T's & C's apply). Find those markets online here   


MCFC: To follow

While Eddie Howe and his players have a 5,000 mile return journey to Azerbaijan in midweek, Pep Guardiola's side have a free week to prepare for our visit.

Referee: Thomas Bramall - the Sheffield whistler returns for his third Toon game of the season, following the 2-2 PL home draw with Spurs and penalty FA Cup shootout triumph against Bournemouth that followed a 3-3 draw.

VAR:
James Bell

UK TV: Live on TNT Sports

City centre bars with live TV coverage include:

The Dog & Parrot on Clayton Street West.

The game will be on live at WonderBar in The Gate
.

NORD VPN products protect and secure
your online activity.
Click here for fast
and secure sport streaming guidance.

Overseas TV: to follow

UK Radio: Live on talkSPORT

Metro: No scheduled disruptions.

Rail: Scheduled disruptions are online here

All but two of the platforms at Manchester Piccadilly station are closed on Saturday, as a nine day engineer's possession ends. Buses replace trains between there and Stockport.

Stats:

Magpies @ Citizens PL era:

2025/26 Lost 1-3 Elanga (S) (LC)
2024/25 Lost 0-4
2023/24
Lost 0-2 (FAC)
2023/24 Lost 0-1
2022/23 Lost 0-2
2021/22 Lost 0-5
2020/21 Lost 0-2
2019/20 Lost 0-5
2018/19 Lost 1-2 Yedlin (N)
2017/18 Lost 1-3 Murphy (S)
2015/16 Lost 1-6 Mitrovic (N)
2014/15 Lost 0-5
2014/15 Won 2-0 Aarons (N), Sissoko (S) (LC)
2013/14 Lost 0-4
2012/13 Lost 0-4
2011/12 Lost 1-3 Gosling (N)
2010/11 Lost 1-2 Gutierrez (N)
2008/09 Lost 1-2 Carroll (S)
2007/08 Lost 1-3 Martins (N)
2006/07 Drew 0-0
2005/06 Lost 0-3
2004/05 Drew 1-1 Shearer (N)
2003/04 Lost 0-1
2002/03 Lost 0-1
2000/01 Won 1-0 Shearer
1995/96 Drew 3-3 Albert 2, Asprilla
1994/95 Drew 0-0
1994/95 Drew 1-1 Jeffrey (LC)
1993/94 Lost 1-2 Sellars

(Etihad since 2003/04, Maine Road before that)

Latest PL fixtures:

Wed 18.02.2026:
Wolves v Arsenal (8pm)

Sat 21.02.2026:
Aston Villa v Leeds United (3pm)
Brentford v Brighton & Hove Albion (3pm)
Chelsea v Burnley (3pm
West Ham v Bournemouth (5.30pm) Sky
Manchester City v Newcastle (8pm) TNT

Sun 22.02.2026:
Crystal Palace v Wolves (2pm)
Nottingham Forest v Liverpool (2pm)
mackems v Fulham (2pm) Sky
Spurs v Arsenal (4.30pm) Sky

Mon 23.02.2026:
Everton v Manchester United (8pm) Sky

2025/26:
Senior Cup latest
 
Northumberland Senior Cup Second Round:

Newcastle Benfield 0-0 Morpeth Town (4-2 pens)
Heaton Stannington 1-1 Blyth Town (3-2 pens)
Alnwick Town 0-2 Newcastle University
??.??.2026 Whitley Bay v North Shields

The NFA allowed Newcastle U21s to withdraw from the competition this season due to other commitments.

Regular participants since East End/West End days, the Magpies withdrew from the competition back in 1933 and belatedly returned in 1983.

The Senior Cup Final will be played at SJP once again.

 






Privacy policy

 
alt


Elanga badge on sale NOW



Tickets/Fixtures
Season 2025/26

NUFC ticketing website online here

NUFC Box Office: 

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


STs:
NUFC said on 12.01.2026 they had over 35,000 season ticket holders and a season ticket waiting list scheme is planned, but without providing any timescale.

2025/26 ST prices here
2025/26 ST T&Cs here

PL home ST limits:
ST left unused, limit is 5
ST sold/transferred limit is 10

2025/26 Cup Scheme FAQs here
2025/26 Cup Scheme T&Cs here


2025/26 home cup scheme pricing: 
CL: £65 & £75
FA
: £30 & £35
CC:
£20 & £25

FA/CC Cup Scheme payments taken 7 days after home cup fixture date confirmed.

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 may vary). A maximum of two are permitted per season (PL only).

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

More info online here

Away ticket info online here

ST holders have 24 hours to apply, 24 hours to determine success, 48 hours to buy.


Success is based on the loyalty point total calculated from applications received. Any applications from ST holders with less points are entered into a ballot, which will have taken place before tickets go on sale.

The purchase window is divided into two sections determined by a loyalty point division that alters for each game - those successful applicants above that point division get a couple of hours head start.

Note that emails from NUFC confirming success may arrive after the purchase window opens - if you think you qualify because of your points total, just log on and complete your purchase regardless. 

Tickets not bought by successful applicants within 48 hours are offered to unsuccessful applicants with the next highest loyalty points total. NUFC contact them directly.

Friends and family groups remain, travel groups and away season tickets are gone.

2025/26 PL away tickets remain at £30.
2025/26 CL away tickets are €50 or less.

Fixtures:

Wed 18.02.2026 Qarabag FK (Azerbaijan) (a) @ Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, 5.45pm GMT. Champions League Knockout phase play-off First Leg. Allocation 1,998 (paper tickets). Live on TNT Sports.

Fri 20.02.2026 U21s v Fulham (h) @
Whitley Park, 7pm. PL2.

Sat 21.02.2026 U18s v Manchester City (h) @ Little Benton, 11am. U18 Premier League.

Sat 21.02.2026 Manchester City (a) @ Etihad Stadium, 8pm. Premier League.  SOLD OUT. Allocation 3,065 (digital tickets). Note new KO time. Live on TNT Sports.

Tue 24.02.2026 Qarabag FK (Azerbaijan) (h) @ SJP, 8pm. Champions League Knockout phase play-off Second Leg. ST fwding/resale now. Member sale now. Live on TNT Sports.

Fri 27.02.2026 U21s v Brighton (h) @ Whitley Park, 7pm. PL2.

Sat 28.02.2026 U18s v Blackburn Rovers (a) @ Brockhall, 12.30pm. U18 Premier League
.

Sat 28.02.2026 Everton (h)
@ SJP, 3pm. Premier League. ST fwding/resale now.

Wed 04.03.2026 Manchester United (h)
@ SJP, 8.15pm. Premier League. ST fwding/ resale now. Live on TNT Sports.

Sat 07.03.2026 U18s v mackems (h) @ Little Benton, 11am. U18 Premier League.

??? ??.03.2026 Manchester City (h)
@ SJP, KO tbc. FA Cup Fifth Round. Ticket details awaited. Live on channel tbc.

Mon 09.03.2026 U21s v Leicester City (a)
@ Seagrave Training Ground, 7pm. PL2.

Fri 13.03.2026 U21s v Blackburn Rovers (h)
@ Whitley Park, 7pm. PL2.

Sat 14.03.2026 U18s v Nottingham Forest (a) @ Nigel Doughty Academy, 1pm. U18 Premier League.

Sat 14.03.2026 Chelsea (a) @ Stamford Bridge, 5.30pm. Premier League. Revised points total of 2-4 points now applies. Allocation 3,000 tbc (digital tickets). Live on Sky Sports.

Fri 20.03.2026 U21s v Nottingham Forest (a) @ Loughborough University Stadium, 7pm. PL2.

Sat 21.03.2026 U18s v Everton (a) @ Finch Farm, 12.30pm. U18 Premier League.

Sun 22.03.2026 mackems (h) @ SJP, Noon. Premier League. Ballot winner seat selection closes Fri 20.02.2026, Noon.  ST fwding/resale Fri 20.02.2026, 4pm. Member Sale Mon 23.02.2026, 10am. Live on Sky Sports.

Sun 24.05.2026 PL ends. 

NUFC live on TV (all UK times):

Wed 18.02.2026 Qarabag (a) 5.45pm TNT
Sat 21.02.2026 Man C (a) 8pm TNT
Tue 24.02.2026 Qarabag (h) 8pm TNT
Wed 04.03.2026 Man U (h) 8.15pm TNT
??? ??.03.2026 Man C (h) ko tbc tbc
Sat 14.03.2026
Chelsea (a) 5.30pm Sky
Sun 22.03.2026 mackems (h) Noon Sky 

(PL Selections made to Sun 22.03.2026)

Live PL TV release dates:  

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 shown live in the UK during 2025/26 are 3pm Saturday KOs. All games rescheduled to Sunday due to UEFA commitments are televised live).

Champions League:

PO1: Wed 18.02.2026 Qarabag (a)
PO2: Tue 24.02.2026 Qarabag (h)^
R16(1): Tue 10.03.2026 / Wed 11.03.2026
R16(2): Tue 17.03.2026 / Wed 18.03.2026
QF1: Tue 07.04.2026 / Wed 08.04.2026
QF2: Tue 14.04.2026 / Wed 15.04.2026
SF1: Tue 28.04.2026 / Wed 29.04.2026
SF2: Tue 05.05.2026 / Wed 06.05.2026
F: Sat 30.05.2026 (Budapest)

^ The winner will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the round of 16 and be at home first, then away.

FA Cup: 


R5: ??? ??.03.2026 Manchester City (h)
QF: Sat 04.04.2026
SF: Sat 25.04.2026
F: Sat 16.05.2026 (Wembley)

Other events @ SJP:

Euro 2028:

Four group stage games and one last 16 tie will be played at SJP on the following dates:

Mon 12.06.2028
Thu 15.06.2028
Sat 17.06.2028
Tue 20.06.2028
Sun 25.06.2028

(Kick-off times will be advised in 2027)


2026/27 PL season:

Sat 22.08.2026
Match Week 1
Sun 30.05.2027
Match Week 38

International Magpies
National Service

2025/26
International breaks:

23.03-31.03.2026
11.06-19.07.2026 World Cup Finals

World Cup Playoffs:

SFs: Thu 26.03.2026
F: Tue 31.03.2026.

Confederations play offs:

SFs: Thu 26.03.2026
Fs: Tue 31.03.2026.

2026/27:
21.09-09.10.2026*
09.11-17.11.2026
22.03-30.03.2026

* the early September break is replaced by an extended late September/early October one running to 19 days, during which four internationals will be staged.
 
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
18th February


Born Or Died:

1933 Robert Robson born Sacriston.
(Mgr 1999-2004)  

As a footballer, Bobby appeared for Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and England before ending his career with Vancouver Royals.

His managerial career then began back at Craven Cottage before a successful stint at Ipswich Town which led to his appointment as England boss.

Returning to club management, Bobby then enjoyed success in the Netherlands (PSV), Portugal (Sporting Lisbon and Porto) and Spain (Barcelona).

Having failed to convince him to break his contract at Barcelona and become United boss in 1997, the Magpies had rather more success two years later, by which time Bobby had returned to Eindhoven.

Installed in succession to Ruud Gullit, Bobby's home debut saw Newcastle beat Sheffield Wednesday 8-0, with Alan Shearer netting five of those.

After successive eleventh place finishes, Robson then steered United to fourth, third and fifth.

In 188 Premier League games, his side registered 83 wins, 51 draws and 54 losses and in the cups, Sir Bobby oversaw both FA Cup and UEFA Cup semi-finals.

However, his most memorable cup campaign was in the Champions League during 2002/03, United playing a marathon fourteen games.

A qualifier in Sarajevo, success in Rotterdam and Leverkusen, a fighting draw in Milan and an emotional return to the Nou Camp were all epic trips. And at home, beating Juventus and Dynamo Kiev were also highlights. 

In truth, 2003/04 ended on a low note with UEFA Cup elimination to Marseilles in the semi-final and then a home draw with Wolves that saw most of the SJP crowd leave before the post-match parade - a vote of no confidence in the manager that many folk failed to recall in later years.

And although draws at Southampton and Liverpool saw the club scrape back into Europe, the damage was done.

Robson took his side to Thailand and Hong Kong in pre-season, but after two draws and two losses in the Premier League he was relieved of his duties and exited from the training ground, golf putter in hand.

After losing 2-4 at Aston Villa in what was to be his final game, we wrote that:

The ninety minutes had encapsulated the previous five years of Sir Bobby's reign: initial difficulties overcome, the promise of something magical but ultimately heartache and disappointment with the fates always seeming to conspire against us.

A subsequent advisory role with Irewould be Sir Bobby's final job and he became a regular at both SJP, the stadium of plight and Durham County cricket club.

Failing health and a recurrence of the cancer that he'd successfully fought previously began to take their toll, but he devoted the final years of his life to charitable works - notably the foundation established in his name to raise funds for cancer research.

Sir Bobby passed away on Friday July 31st 2009, just days after he'd made his final SJP appearance at a charity match.

In the days following his death, the Leazes End became a shrine to his life.

1934 Death of Robert Bradley, 27. 
(1927-29)
Died in his sleep following an appearance at Chester the previous evening for his club Carlisle.

1962 John Ryan born, Ashton-under-Lyne. (1983-84)

One half of our dream team full back pairing, England U21 international left back Ryan came from Oldham Athletic for £225K in August 1983 - a month after Malcolm Brown arrived from Huddersfield Town for £100K to occupy the opposite flank.

Debuting in a 1-0 win at Leeds United, a pre-season injury to Brown would mean that the duo didn't appear together for another twelve months, during which Ryan was a regular until Kenny Wharton took over for the final three months of the season.

Ryan played in the opening six games of the following season as United returned to the top flight and Jack Charlton took over from Arthur Cox as manager.

However, Charlton's desire to revamp his squad saw a deal agreed for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Pat Heard, with Ryan heading for Hillsborough in part-exchange and Newcastle banking £40K.

Failing to make an impact at the Owls though, Ryan was back at Boundary Park within a year and later played for Mansfield Town, Chesterfield, Rochdale and Bury.

Ryan then ended his career at non-league sides Stalybridge Celtic and Radcliffe Borough. His whereabouts are unknown, amid online claims that he spent time at Her Majesty's pleasure.

1975 Keith Robert Gillespie born, Larne, Northern Ireland. (1995-98) 

Moving from Old Trafford as a makeweight in the Andy Cole deal in early 1995, Gillespie was a gifted winger equipped with the necessary skill, pace but also an endlessly frustrating inconsistency.

Joining the Red Devils from school and winning an FA Youth Cup winners medal in 1992, Keith made a scoring senior team debut in a League Cup win over Bury in January 1993 and was loaned out to Wigan Athletic during the following season, 

Winning his first senior cap for Northern Ireland against Austria in September 1994, Gillespie flitted around the fringes of the Manchester United first team and netted his only Premier League goal for them in a 2-0 home win over Newcastle a month later.

Absent - as was Cole - when the two clubs met in January 1995 at SJP, Gillespie then debuted the following week in a 0-0 draw at Sheffield Wednesday. 

Off the pitch things didn't always go to plan, with some well-publicised gambling losses and a pre-season incident in Dublin when he made the mistake of giving some bloke from Gosforth a bit of earache...

Perhaps the high point of his career as a Magpie came in September 1997 when his scampering run down the right flank set up Tino Asprilla for his hat trick goal against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Failing to appear in the 1998 FA Cup Final, Gillespie began the following season in the Newcastle side, but woke up to headlines that he was joining Middlesbrough on the day United faced them in pre-season.

That move failed to be completed, but the consequent departure of manager Kenny Dalgish and replacement by Ruud Gullit did little to improve his lot at Gallowgate.

What prove to be Gillespie's final game was a 2-2 draw at the smoggies in December 1998 and he departed for Blackburn Rovers soon after at a cost of £2m, 

Later playing for Wigan Athletic (loan), Leicester City, Leeds United (trial) and Sheffield United, Gillespie made a scoring return against Newcastle for the Blades' reserve side in September 2008.

Loaned to Charlton Athletic soon after but never playing a game, he exited Bramall Lane in January 2009, signing for Belfast side Glentoran after another unsuccessful attempt to win a contract at Elland Road.

Resurfacing briefly at Bradford City in 2009 and having an equally short stint with Darlington the following year, an unpaid tax bill then saw him declared bankrupt. 

Signing for League of Ireland side Longford Town in March 2011, Gillespie celebrated his 38th birthday in pre-season training.

Hanging up his boots in September 2013, his autobiography "How Not to be a Football Millionaire" appeared later that year.  
 

1977 Paul Dalglish, born Glasgow, Scotland. (1998-99) 

Ex-Celtic striker brought to Tyneside from Liverpool by his Dad on a free transfer in November 1997 and immediately loaned to Bury for the rest of the season, failing to net in fourteen games for the Shakers.

Scoring twice in Newcastle's pre-season victory over Irish side Bray Wanderers in August 1998, Paul never made a competitive senior appearance for United while Kenny was in charge, debuting from the bench in a 1-5 victory over Coventry City a month later - following the arrival of Ruud Gullit.

Scoring in a League Cup win at Tranmere (with his dad watching from the stands at Prenton Park) and at home to Sheffield Wednesday in the Premier League, the arrival of fellow Scot Duncan Ferguson pushed Paul down the pecking order and he returned to the reserve side.

The final senior game of his time at SJP was a 2-2 draw at Charlton in early 1999 and following a loan move to Norwich City in the final weeks of that season, Dalglish became a Canary in a £300K deal.

He later served Wigan Athletic (loan), DC United (USA) (trial), Burnley (trial), Blackpool, Scunthorpe United (loan), Linfield (Northern Ireland), Luton Town (trial), Modena (Italy)(trial) Livingston (Scotland), Hibernian (Scotland)
, Houston Dynamo (USA)
and Leeds United (trial).

Briefly returning to Scotland with Kilmarnock in 2008, Paul retired from playing and opened the "Braveheart" academy in Houston, Texas, USA. 

Remaining in the USA he later coached or managed Houston, FC Tampa
Lonestar Soccer Club, Austin Aztex, Real Salt Lake and the Aztex again before a spell in Canada with Ottowa Fury from 2015.

Taking charge of Miami FC in 2018, he later worked as a player's agent.

1983 Jermaine Jenas born Nottingham.
(2002-05)

Midfielder signed from Nottingham Forest for £5m in February 2002, having come through the ranks at the City Ground - where he'd previously faced Newcastle at junior level before his senior debut in January 2001.

JJ made his debut from the bench during a 3-1 home win over Southampton just days after arriving on Tyneside and was voted United's young player of the year in the 2002/03 campaign.

Captaining England U19s before moving to SJP, Jenas appeared for the U21s and was blooded at senior level in February 2003, one of eleven half time replacements made by Sven-Goran Eriksson during a 1-3 loss to Australia at Upton Park. 

The 2003/04 season saw Jenas post a number of below-par displays for United in what proved to be Sir Bobby Robson's last full season as Magpies boss.

Regaining form under Graeme Souness and deputising as captain in Alan Shearer's absence, his performances dipped again before unwise comments about goldfish bowls surfaced in August 2005.

The relevant quotes appeared in the press during an interview with Souness, when the manager told reporters:

"I have spoken to the player's agent and he tells me that JJ is quite happy with things at the football club. But he says JJ feels that it is like living in a goldfish bowl being a United player in Newcastle and that's the biggest problem."

Jenas later distanced himself from those comments, but he was then barracked by home fans in a pre-season kickabout against non-league Yeading and dismissed in the season opener at Arsenal (although later downgraded to a yellow card).

Playing his final game in a 0-2 home loss to Manchester United in late August 2005, he then moved to Spurs in a £7m deal as Tyneside welcomed Michael Owen.

Signing an improved deal at White Hart Lane in 2007, Jenas encountered some fitness problems but collected at League Cup winner's medal the following season.

Falling from favour, he was loaned out to Aston Villa for the 2011/12 season but a further injury in December 2011 sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Returning to Spurs, Jenas appeared briefly for them before being loaned out to Nottingham Forest in September 2012 in an attempt to regain match fitness.

The loan was extended until January 2013 but on the last day of the transfer window he was sold to QPR, linking up again with former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

Despite a run of games he was unable to prevent his new side being relegated, closing off the season losing 1-2 to Newcastle at Loftus Road.

A cruciate injury sustained against his former club Forest in April 2014 sidelined Jenas once again and he could only look on as the R's secured a Premier League return in the playoff final at Wembley.

His R's contract expired in 2014 but he remained with the club during his rehabilitation while doing media work.

However, no comeback materialised and Jenas belatedly confirmed his retirement in January 2016, by then a TV pundit.

By 2020, that had evolved into presenting the BBC1 weekday evening magazine, The One Show.

However, that was cut short when he was "cancelled" after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues and was dropped by his talent agency.

Jenas later returned with talkSPORT.


 

2009 Michael Mills born Manchester.
(2023-present)

Attacker who joined Newcastle from Port Vale following a successful trial ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Debuting for the U18s against Wolves in April 2024, Michael regularly stepped up from the U16s the following season, scoring his first U18 goals in a 3-3 home draw with the mackems in November.

The England youth international was then blooded at U21 level during February 2026, coming off the bench during a 4-3 PL2 win away to Aston Villa in February 2026.

Confirmation of Michael's first professional contract came on his 17th birthday.
 

What Else?

1893 Notts County (h)
3-2 
(3-2)
Friendly 
Thompson(10), Sorley(
2-1,3-1)
Oswald(12), Burke(3-2) 
3,000

Team: Whitton, Jeffrey(tbc), Miller, Rogers, Creilly, McKane(tbc), Reay, Collins, Thompson, Sorley, Wallace.

1899 Bury (h)
2-0 
(0-0)
Division One
P25, 21pts, 16th/18 
Peddie(48,65)
16,000

1905 Tottenham Hotspur (a)
1-1 
(1-0)
FA Cup 2nd Round 
Howie(13) 
J.Walton(75)
19,013 
The first meeting of these clubs came at White Hart Lane - Tottenham's home since 1899. United led at the interval through Jimmy Howie, only for outside right Joseph Walton to level for the Southern League hosts.

Newcastle won the replay 4-0 at SJP but went on to lose in the final to Aston Villa.

1911 Manchester United (h)
0-1 
(0-0)
Division One
P28, 31pts, 5th/20 
Halse(60)
45,000
The Athletic
correspondent at this game described it as "a splendid struggle, full of pace and earnestness and always exceedingly fair."

1928 Bolton Wanderers (h)
2-2 
(1-1)
Division One
P29, 30pts, 6th/22 
Finney(7), McCurley(50) 
D.Jack(2), Murphy(64)
28,932 
Goalscoring debut for John McCurley, at inside forward.

1933 Sheffield United (h)
2-0 
(1-0)
Division One
P29, 37pts, 4th/22 
Betton(31), J.R.Richardson(56) 
8,000 
Bob Dennsion made his debut while centre half Alec Betton netted what was his only goal for the Magpies in 61 appearances. 

A snow storm obscured the line markings in the first half but it let up before half-time. 

Newcastle donned all-white shirts after the interval, having worn their usual stripes in the first half.

1939 Tranmere Rovers (a)
3-0 
(3-0)
Division Two
P29, 33pts, 6th/22 
Clifton(24), Gordon(27), Stubbins(32)
9,155
Following a 5-1 success at SJP the previous October, United marked their first visit to Prenton Park by strolling to victory against the bottom-placed side.

1950 Stoke City (a)
0-1 
(0-0)
Division One
P28, 29pts, 12th/22 
Oscroft(87)
31,399
City's left winger Harry "Ozzy" Oscroft ended United's five match unbeaten league run. 

Play had been held up earlier for two minutes while a dog was chased off the pitch.  

1956 Stoke City (h)
2-1 
(1-0)
FA Cup 5th Round 
Curry(10), Mitchell(73)
King(51)
61,550
Ahead through Bill Curry, United were pegged back by the Potters, with former Magpie Andy Graver then denied by in-form 'keeper Ronnie Simpson.

The defending Cup holders then won it when Bobby Mitchell slammed the ball home in front of the Leazes End.
Youtube footage is online here

1961 Stoke City (h)
3-1 
(1-0)
FA Cup 5th Round 
Scanlon(37), Allchurch(55), McKinney(72pen)
King(87)
46,253
This victory set up a Quarter Final tie against Sheffield United - a fourth successive home tie in the competition that season.

The Potters were weakened by the loss of Dennis Wilshaw in the 47th minute with a broken leg.

1967 Nottingham Forest (a) 0-3 (0-1)
FA Cup 4th Round 
Wignall(35), Barnwell(56), Baker (72)
45,962 
A depleted United side were well beaten in front of an all-ticket crowd that had doubled in size since our League visit some four months earlier.

An estimated 10,000 came from Tyneside.

1967 Meanwhile, Newcastle Reserves were up against  Stoke City at SJP in a Central League fixture.

And a 2-0 home win was duly recorded, thanks to goals from Bob Fuller and Peter Noble.


1976 Bolton Wanderers (h) 0-0 (0-0)
FA Cup 5th Round First Replay
52,760
After the epic 3-3 draw at Burnden Park, this stalemate meant a replay at neutral Elland Road five days later. 

1981 Exeter City (a) 
0-4 
(0-3)
FA Cup 5th Round Replay
Hatch(13), Pearson(19), P.Roberts(42), M.Rogers(87)
17,668
This disastrous midweek demise at the hands of Division Three opponents was captured by the Sportsnight cameras. 

Forever remembered is the sight of Kenny Wharton lying prostrate in our penalty area as the ref waved play-on and six Exeter players suddenly found themselves onside....

The Grecians had beaten Leatherhead, Millwall, Maidstone and Leicester before us, losing 0-2 at Spurs in the quarter finals.
Youtube footage is online here

1984 Manchester City (a) 2-1 (2-0)
Division Two
P27, 51pts, 4th/22 
Beardsley(19), Keegan(21)
Kinsey(47)

41,767

A fine away win at Maine Road in a fevered atmosphere proved that we'd got the 0-1 home reverse against Grimsby a week before well and truly out of our systems.
Youtube footage is online here

1989 Boston United (a)
1-0 
(0-0)
Friendly 
Pingel(47) 
3,588
Our FA Cup demise led to this meaningless fixture at York Street against Toon boss Jim Smith's former employers, then of the Conference.

Team: Kelly, Scott, Tinnion, McCreery, Ranson Roeder, Hendrie, Pingel (O'Neill), Mirandinha (Brazil), O'Brien, Brock.

1990 Manchester United (h) 2-3 (0-1)
FA Cup 5th Round 
McGhee(50pen), Scott(63) 
Robins(15), Wallace(59), McClair(78)
31,805 
The TV cameras were at SJP for this Sunday live BBC broadcast and Division Two Newcastle pushed their top-flight visitors all the way before exiting from the FA Cup.

There was a touch of controversy about both home equalisers - with Steve Bruce firstly adjudged to have bundled over Mark McGhee in the Leazes End penalty area.

Mick Quinn then collided with Jim Leighton as they challenged for a Kevin Brock corner and Kevin Scott nodded in from close range - a furious Leighton pursuing referee Danny Vickers back to the centre circle in a vain attempt to win a free kick.

With a replay on the horizon though, good combination play between Paul Ince and Danny Wallace set up Brian McClair for what proved to be the winner. 

The Red Devils went on to lift the FA Cup and under-fire boss Alex Ferguson kept his job.
Youtube footage is online here

1991 Nottingham Forest (a) 0-3 (0-1)
FA Cup 4th Round Replay 
Clough(33), Hodge(81), Parker(85)
28,962 
Following a 2-2 draw on Tyneside, there was to be no second chance for the Magpies at the City Ground, Forest ruthlessly exposing the shortcomings of Kevin Dillon and Roy Aitken. 

A young Royston Keane infuriated away fans by making gestures when Forest took the lead. As police moved in to prevent a mini pitch invasion, Forest boss Brian Clough commendably defused the situation by substituting the fecker within seconds.
Youtube footage is online here

1992 New Zealand (h)
2-1 
(1-0)
Friendly
og(Rufer)(13) Makel(80)
Wright(49)
5,436 
A Tuesday night kickabout at SJP saw the visitors gift Kevin Keegan's side an early goal when Shane Rufer turned John Gallacher's cross past his own goalkeeper.

However Tyneside-born Billy Wright came up with an equaliser for the Kiwis and only a late shot from substitute Lee Makel gave United a victory they scarcely deserved.

Leyton Orient defender Chris Zoricich was in the NZ side against the club that he'd been on trial at two years earlier.

For the visitors this was the penultimate date of an eight match tour around the UK and their seventh game in just 18 days.

Team: Srnicek, Watson, Stimson, Roche, Bradshaw (M.Appleby 46), Howey, Gallacher, Wilson (Makel 77), Quinn, Clark (Hunt 57), Carr.   

2003 Bayer Leverkeusen (Germany) (a) 3-1 (3-1)
Champions League
Match 9
Ameobi(5,16), LuaLua(32)
Franca(25)
22,500

After defeats to Inter and Barca, a win was needed to keep our hopes alive - despite the absence of suspended forward duo Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy.

Shola Ameobi and Lomana LuaLua deputised splendidly as we recorded a comfortable win against a side who had just sacked their Manager, Klaus Toppmoller.
NUFC.com match report

2006 Southampton (h)
1-0
(0-0)
FA Cup Fifth Round

Dyer(68)
40,975

Kieron Dyer started his first game since August 2005 and helped knock the Saints out of the FA Cup for the second time in two years.

His goal put us into the quarter-finals after the midfielder had made a major contribution up front in the absence of calf injury victim and former Saint, Alan Shearer.
NUFC.com match report

2012 United's table-topping U18s drew 2-2 at the academy of plight, despite going two goals behind early on and then enduring the dismissal of Dennis Knight.

Knight had earlier halved the arrears from the penalty spot and an own goal levelled things for the ten men as United secured something of a moral victory.

2023 Liverpool (h)
0-2
(0-2)
Premier League
P23, 41pts, 4th/20
Pope(22-deliberate handball)
Nuno(10), Gakpo(17)
52,271

A traumatic night at SJP ended with United surrendering a 17 game unbeaten PL record, suffering their first home loss of the season and preparing for an unexpected cup final debutant.

Losing again to the only side that had beaten them in 25 games wasn't a shock, but the red card that ruled Nick Pope out of the League Cup Final certainly was.

Martin Dubravka came off the bench but was ineligible for Wembley duty as a result of playing for Newcastle's Final opponents Manchester United on loan in the same competition. You couldn't write it.
NUFC.com match report

2
023 United U18s won 6-1 at Wolves after going behind early on. Shaun Mavididi, Luke Craggs, Johnny Emerson, Darren Palmer, Anthony Munda and Sean Neave were all on target.