Liverpool (h) ST forwarding/resale now
West Brom (h) ST forwarding/resale Fri 21.08, 4pm
Spurs (a) SOLD OUT
Bournemouth (h) ST forwarding/resale now
Leeds (a) SOLD OUT
Hull City (h) ST forwarding/resale Fri 21.08, 4pm

Field of dreams:
Club confirm training ground development

From NUFC Thursday:

Newcastle United have completed an agreement to purchase the Woolsington Hall estate as the site for a new world-class training complex.

The agreement follows a meticulous process to identify and secure a viable site, which is situated within the Newcastle city boundary and provides outstanding links to Newcastle International Airport and existing public transport network.

The club will acquire 260 acres of land to the south of the airport, which includes a derelict listed country house and parkland.

Subject to planning permission, the site will be carefully restored alongside the introduction of new elite performance facilities for the men's first team and Academy in a scheme totalling £190m.

A formal planning application is expected to be submitted in early 2027 with a view to the men's first team moving in for the 2029/30 season.

The master plan for Woolsington Hall will also retain the flexibility to integrate bespoke women's and girls' facilities.

This phased approach ensures investment is both immediate and sustainable.

The club is committed to delivering the project sustainably and responsibly, and will work closely with the local community and local authorities as plans develop.

The project represents a significant long-term investment into the club's future by its owners PIF and RB Sports & Media.

Woolsington Hall was previously purchased in 1994 by Newcastle United's former owner and chairman, Sir John Hall, who had a vision for the estate to become a club academy facility.

That vision has been revolutionised under Newcastle United's current owners, with an elite, integrated
performance environment to be created to deliver sustainable on-pitch success.

Brad Miller, Newcastle United's Chief Operating Officer, said: "This is a homecoming for Newcastle United given Sir John Hall's initial vision for the site in the 1990s.

"Woolsington Hall will be a magnificent location for our new training complex, so we are delighted to have finalised our agreement to acquire the land.

"We are finalising hugely exciting plans for the estate, which include renovating and enhancing listed structures and parkland and retaining them as key elements in our designs.

"Our aim is to carefully and thoughtfully develop world-class facilities for our players and staff, while bringing out the beauty of the location and preserving it for generations to come.

"It is a highly complex project. We have a rigorous planning process ahead of us, but we will demonstrate how we intend to build something iconic that the club, fans, community and region can be proud of.

"We look forward to engaging with planners, our supporters and interested parties about our exciting plans. Our aim is to sustainably and responsibly move the project forward, delivering a facility that the city and region can be immensely proud of."

David Hopkinson, Newcastle United's CEO, said: "This is a landmark moment for Newcastle United.

"Subject to planning permission, our proposed performance complex will create the world's best performance environment for our teams. We'll develop purpose-built facilities that are geared towards developing sustainable success in the future, where players, coaches and staff can perform at their very best every day.

"We will be submitting a detailed planning application that not only demonstrates our vision, but also how we will preserve and enhance an historic estate, its biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and how we'll be a great neighbour.

"I want to thank everyone who has played a role in getting us to this point today, and extend my gratitude to Sir John and the Hall family."

The club is progressing the necessary steps to formally complete the purchase of the site. Separately, the club is about to commence pre-application engagement with the local authority, local residents and community.

A detailed planning application is then expected to be finalised and submitted to Newcastle City Council in early 2027.

Future plans for the club's relevant current sites will also be communicated at the appropriate time.

Update:
Jaissle quotes

Speaking to Sky Sports at the KNOX on Wednesday, Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle had this to say:

On how many players he needs to sign:

"I would love to answer that with a clear number, but it depends on if players are leaving as well.

"For sure, there will be adjustments made, the needs are clear. The management knows about the needs and we are all aligned.

"We will use the remaining time (until the transfer window closes on September 1st) in the best possible way, but we also trust the players who are already here.

On the magnitude of the task that he accepted:

"I tried to not over think beforehand. I was aware of the challenge... and among such a journey there will always be stones among the path, but we need to get rid of them.

"We need to see the opportunities, the chance in all these things. This is something we mentioned already, and I feel that the players are committed towards these challenges in the transition period right now.

"I'm really optimistic for the future."

On bedding in his new players:

"You know that usually you need to have the adaptation time, therefore I said that you need to be patient with them and give them the time. It's always a process.

"We should not give them too much pressure in the beginning. It's a goal of the club to work with young talent, to develop them and that is nice to see because that's a clear identity of the club.

"That's also the reason why I'm here, because I'm used to working with young talents in my time in Salzburg and I also used to work with stars in Saudi Arabia, so it's a great fit, and you can build on something."

"You are aware, like I am, that we need to fix things in a short amount of time. The timing was not ideal, but in football you cannot always have the perfect timing, so we need to do the best out of it.

"In a short amount of time, we need to be efficient, we need to implement the philosophy as much as possible, how the lads should enter the pitch and deliver the messages.

"They are doing an amazing job so far. They are really committed, they learn fast, but it will be a process.

"We are for sure not 100% against Liverpool, but with the fans in the back, with the support from the stands, we can do special things here at St James' Park. I could feel that already in the friendly matches."

On Sunday's season opener:

"With the tributes, it's already a special game. It will be an outstanding atmosphere. I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it so I can't wait."

Compo:
Drill hat giveaway

New in the range of local sellers Football Bobbles is this reversible design; black & white stripes on one side, and a design inspired by the 1995/96 training kit on the other: 

These are available to purchase here now in two sizes and have one up for grabs in a free-to-enter competition.

To stand a chance of winning it, simply supply your score prediction for this Sunday's home game against Liverpool.

Email that to [email protected] with subject Hats before Noon this Sunday, August 23rd.

No age limit, open to anyone on the planet. Delivery only to UK addresses. One entry each please per person.

2026/27:
Liverpool (h)  

The Magpies kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday, when Liverpool provide the opposition at SJP.

It's a 4.30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports.

A reminder that 2026/27 season ticket holders are able to download digital now tickets via their supporter accounts. Contact the box office if not - don't wait until Sunday....

Wor Flags are preparing a pre-game display paying tribute to the late Kevin Keegan, with every place in the ground allocated a card to be held up - including the away end.

In addition to Matthias Jaissle's competitive debut as Newcastle boss, the visitors will also have a new face in their dugout in the shape of Andoni Iraola.

While in charge of Bournemouth, the Spaniard won three and drew the other three PL meetings, his sole loss coming on penalties in last season's FA Cup meeting at Gallowgate.

Since a 2-0 win under Steve McClaren in December 2015, Newcastle have failed to defeat Liverpool at Gallowgate in nine attempts, drawing three and losing the other six.

That remains our most recent PL victory; since then there have been 19 PL meetings home and away. Five ended in draws, with the men from Anfield winning the other 14. 

Last season's home opener went the way of the Reds, their 3-2 success achieved via a 100th minute goal. United's starting XI was: Pope, Trippier, Livramento, Burn, Schar, Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes, Elanga, Barnes, Gordon.

Hat sellers Football Bobbles will have a stall outside the Trent House pub from 1pm, with their brand-new Drill bucket hat in stock. Card payments accepted.

Team: Joelinton and Tino Livramento aren't expected to be involved (although the latter is back training) with Joe Willock's availability also in question.

Coral rate this game as follows:

NUFC win 5/2
The draw 29/10
LFC win 10/11

Customers receive £30 in bets when signing up and betting £5 (T's & C's apply). Find those markets online here   

LFC: Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Jayden Danns, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez are all out injured. The availability of Federico Chiesa and Stefan Bajcetic is as yet unclear, while Curtis Jones is nearing a move to Inter Milan.

That Swedish bloke we sold last year missed both PL meetings with Liverpool in the 2025/26 season - he was technically still a Newcastle player for the first game.

Isak started in Liverpool's most recent three kickabouts ahead of Sunday.

Referee: Stuart Attwell - the Warwickshire whistler took charge of three Newcastle games in the Premier League last season; a 1-3 loss at Brentford, 2-1 home victory over Burnley and 2-3 defeat by Everton on Tyneside.

VAR: James Bell

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports

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

Overseas TV: to follow

UK Radio: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport/BBC Sounds.

Travel:

Roads: Barrack Road will be closed to traffic post-match between Stanhope Street and St. James' Boulevard, beginning at the final whistle or earlier and continuing up to 45 minutes after full time or when crowds disperse.

Buses: Stagecoach buses stopping on Barrack Road will be diverted and passengers required to use alternative bus stops while the post-match closure is in place. Details here

Bus: The Matchday Park & Ride X50 Soccerbus from the Metro Centre will operate on Sunday. Due to the closure of Barrack Road, that will depart from St. James’ Boulevard, outside the Citygate building.

(Following last season's trial, an X40 Soccerbus service from the Great Park will run this season. That won't operate for the Liverpool or West Bromwich Albion games but is scheduled to commence for Bournemouth on Sep 5th).

Metro: The line between South Gosforth and Newcastle Airport remains closed in both directions until the start of service on Monday. 

Bus replacement services will run - details online here

Rail: Buses will replace trains between Huddersfield and Leeds all weekend, extending journey times for Trans Pennine services. More details online here

Other scheduled disruptions are online here

Latest PL fixtures:

Fri 21 Aug
Arsenal v Coventry City (8pm) Sky

Sat 22.08.2026:
Hull City v Manchester United (12.30pm) TNT
Everton v Crystal Palace (3pm)
Ipswich Town v mackems (3pm)
Nottingham Forest v Leeds United (3pm)
Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm) Sky

Sun 23.08.2026:
Brighton and Hove Albion v Aston Villa (2pm) Sky
Manchester City v Bournemouth (2pm) Sky
Newcastle United v Liverpool (4.30pm) Sky

Mon 24.08.2026:
Fulham v Chelsea (8pm) Sky

Stats:

Barring an unforeseen team selection, Sunday will see Newcastle add to their tally of 276 players in PL games.

In terms of the number of PL debutants in one game, aside from seasons following promotion, the most new faces we can find in a starting line-up is 1997, when five debutants played against Sheffield Wednesday at Gallowgate.

2014/15's season opener at home to Manchester City included six debutants; four starting and two as subs.

Reds @ SJP - Premier League era:

2025/26 Lost 2-3 Guimaraes, Osula
2024/25 Drew 3-3 Isak, Gordon, Schar
2023/24 Lost 1-2 Gordon
2022/23 Lost 0-2
2021/22 Lost 0-1
2020/21 Drew 0-0
2019/20 Lost 1-3 Gayle
2018/19 Lost 2-3 Atsu, Rondon
2017/18 Drew 1-1 Joselu
2015/16 Won 2-0 og(Skrtel), Wijnaldum
2014/15 Won 1-0 Perez
2013/14 Drew 2-2 Cabaye, Dummett
2012/13 Lost 0-6
2011/12 Won 2-0 Cisse 2
2010/11 Won 3-1 Nolan, Barton, Carroll
2008/09 Lost 1-5 Edgar
2007/08 Lost 0-3
2006/07 Won 2-1 Martins, Solano(pen)
2005/06 Lost 1-3 Ameobi
2004/05 Won 1-0 Robert
2003/04 Drew 1-1 Shearer (pen)
2002/03 Won 1-0 Robert
2001/02 Lost 0-2
2000/01 Won 2-1 Solano, Dyer
1999/00 Drew 2-2 Shearer, Ferguson
1998/99 Lost 1-4 Guivarc'h
1997/98 Lost 0-2 (LC)
1997/98 Lost 1-2 Watson
1996/97 Drew 1-1 Shearer
1995/96 Won 2-1 Ferdinand, Watson
1994/95 Drew 1-1 Lee
1993/94 Won 3-0 Cole 3

Enjoy the game?:
Starter for Toon

For the first time since November 2021, Newcastle will have a manager making their competitive bow on Sunday, as the Matthias Jaissle era officially begins.

In terms of emulating his predecessors, three points against Liverpool would exactly match Alan Pardew, who began his spell at the club by defeating Roy Hodgson's Reds 3-1 on Tyneside during December 2010.

Excluding cup ties, other PL first timers included Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Sam Allardyce. It proved to be second time lucky for Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit and Sir Bobby Robson, with Steve Bruce managing it in three.

Eddie Howe and John Carver both secured maximum points at the fourth time of asking meanwhile, one game less than Joe effing Kinnear and Rafa Benitez. 

Alan Shearer's first (and only) success arrived in his sixth game in charge, but the longest wait for a PL success is nine games, endured by Kevin Keegan on his 2008 return and then replicated by Steve McClaren in 2015*.

* KK's winless run in all competitions was 10, while McClaren got off the mark with a League Cup win in his fourth game.

2026/27:
Lambs slide

Tamworth 5  Newcastle U21s  3

Match report

2026/27:
TV times 

A week earlier than was scheduled, Monday saw the next round of Premier League live TV alterations announced.

All four Newcastle games in October move as follows:

Mon 12.10.2026 Coventry City (a) 8pm Sky 
Sat 17.10.2026 Aston Villa (h) 5.30pm Sky
Sun 25.10.2026 Crystal Palace (a) 2pm Sky
Mon 02.11.2026 Everton (h) 8pm Sky

Fundraiser:
Signed ball draw  

Thanks to everyone who bought tickets for the Gateshead FC Supporters Society NUFC signed ball raffle - these are now completely sold out.

We'll publish the winning numbers after Saturday's draw.

Find more information about GFC SS here

Come in number 37:
Amar, he's making
ayes at me.... 

Newcastle confirmed their sixth senior close season signing on Tuesday, paying a claimed £30m for Benfica full back Amar Dedic, who becomes a Magpie on his 24th birthday.

The Austrian-born Bosnia & Herzegovina international flew from Lisbon to Tyneside on Sunday before undergoing his medical on Monday.

This will be the third time that Dedic has played under Matthias Jaissle, after previous link-ups at Austrian sides Liefering and RB Salzburg.

He's taken squad number 37, most recently worn by Alex Murphy and once infamously handed to Rob Lee - which provided the title of his autobiography.

He'll become the first Bosnian international to represent the Magpies and the second Austrian-born player to play for the club in the Premier League after Valentino Lazaro.

The most recent of Dedic's 31 caps came at this summer's World Cup Finals, starting against Canada, Switzerland and the USA on the right hand side of a back four or five.

He also began in last season's Champions League meeting with Benfica at Gallowgate in the right back role.

Amar has made three competitive appearances so far this season for Benfica and is in line to make his United debut against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

PS: unveiling a new signing on his birthday isn't a common occurrence, but did happen back in August 1994 when Philippe Albert was paraded, cake and all, at SJP.

Loan lads:
The borrowers

Alex Murphy (Kaiserslautern):
Waldhof (a) DFB Cup, Friday.

Harrison Ashby (Luton Town):
Notts County (h) League One, Saturday.

Anthony Munda (Swindon Town):
Cheltenham Town (h) League Two, Saturday.

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):
Athletic Bilbao (a) La Liga, Saturday.

Antonio Cordero (Cadiz):
CD Eldense (a) Segunda Division, Saturday.

2026/27:
West Brom (h)  

Newcastle will begin their Carabao Cup campaign with a Second Round home tie against Championship side West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday.

It's a 7.45pm kick-off and will be played to a finish on the night, with a penalty shootout if it's a draw on 90 minutes.

This and the rest of the ties will be live on Sky Sports.

WBA were allocated 3,214 places.

The winners progress to the Third Round (draw date tbc), which unlike the Second Round isn't regionalised.

Those ties take place over two weeks, commencing Monday September 7th and also Monday September 14th.

That split is to accommodate PL teams who are also in European action. The first week clashes with Champions League ties, the second clashes with Europa League ties.

Team: To follow

WBAFC: Forward Aune Heggebo will be suspended.

Albion host Burnley in the Championship action on the Sunday before travelling to Boro on the Saturday after.

Managed by Darlington-born James Morrison, the Baggies won 4-1 at Rotherham United in the First Round.

This is the third time the two sides have met in the League Cup: Albion winning 1-0 on Tyneside back in October 1989 and returning to Gallowgate during October 2003 to register a 2-1 success - Lee Hughes scoring an extra-time winner three minutes after Alan Shearer came off the bench.

Their last visit to SJP ended in a 2-1 Premier League home win behind closed doors in December 2020. Joelinton and Jacob Murphy remain from the 14 players used by United that day.

Referee: Bobby Madley - a first game involving Newcastle for the Wakefield-born official since a 0-1 Premier League defeat by Everton at Goodison Park in April 2018.

That proved to be his final PL game before resigning the following August and relocating to Norway. He made a refereeing return in the EFL 18 months later and that's where he's been ever since, aside from two random PL appointments - neither involving the Magpies.

The elder of the two Madley brothers has only refereed one game previously at Gallowgate, Southampton leaving with three points after a 2-1 win in January 2015.

VAR: n/a

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports+

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

Overseas TV: to follow

UK Radio: Live on talkSPORT 2

Metro: No scheduled disruptions

Rail: Scheduled disruptions are online here

Stats: 

The most recent League Cup tie at Gallowgate was last season's 0-2 Semi-final first leg loss to Manchester City.

That was Newcastle's first home loss in 90 minutes since Championship side Sheffield Wednesday won 1-0 in 2015.

Carabao Cup Second Round fixtures:

Tue 25.08.2026:
Cardiff City v Norwich City (7pm)
Doncaster Rovers v Boro (7.30pm)
Barnsley v Crewe Alexandra (7.45pm)
Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield United (7.45pm)
Blackpool v Lincoln City (7.45pm)
Cambridge United v Millwall (7.45pm)
Fleetwood Town v Shrewsbury Town (7.45pm)
Ipswich Town v Leicester City (7.45pm)
Plymouth Argyle v Coventry City (7.45pm)
Sheffield Wednesday v Wolves (7.45pm)
Southampton v West Ham (7.45pm)
Stevenage v Reading (7.45pm)
Stoke City v Hull City (7.45pm)
Walsall v Leyton Orient (7.45pm)
Watford v Peterborough United (7.45pm)
Birmingham City v Brentford (8pm)
Nottingham Forest v Leeds United (8pm)

Wed 26.08.2026:
Bradford City v Burnley (7.45pm)
Newcastle v West Bromwich Albion (7.45pm)
Spurs v Charlton Athletic (7.45pm)
Preston North End v Everton (8pm)

Thu 27.08.2026:
Chelsea v Luton Town (7.30pm)
Fulham v AFC Wimbledon (8pm)

2026/27:
Shootout loss despite
Mag Ewen's best stops

Newcastle  1  Racing Strasbourg  1
(Strasbourg win 2-3 on pens)

Match report

2026/27:
Toothless Toon fail
to earn their stripes

Newcastle  1  Bayer 04 Leverkusen  2

Match report

2026/27:
Rams repelled

Newcastle U18s  3  Derby County U18s  1

United's youngsters began their U18 Premier League season with victory at Little Benton on Saturday.

Newcastle trailed at the break after a 28th minute shot from Euan Griffiths struck the crossbar and bounced down before it was bundled into goalkeeper Roman Dowell's net.

The hosts made a change before half time, former West Ham youngster Kyle Healy-Matthews coming on for his debut.

The second half opened up in broadly similar fashion to the first; Newcastle seeing plenty of the ball but their final passes lacking quality.

That changed just when Muawiya Ghanem's low cross in the 59th minute was met by Alfie Hutchison, who directed a left foot shot into the corner of the goal to make it 1-1.

Six minutes later United were ahead, after Alfie Seldon broke into the left side of the Derby area, regaining possession from a deflection and side-footing home.

Chris Moore's side then sealed victory two minutes from the end of normal time, as Sam Alabi's corner kick was finished by substitute Theo Benjamin - his first goal at this level.

Debuting for the U18s was forward Jack Skelton, introduced from the bench in the closing stages.

Team: Dowell, Patterson (Healy-Matthews 39), Goodbrand (Skelton 81) Alabi, Old, Morgan, Ghanem (Ndiweni 74), Koussou (Afumuzor 73), Hutchison, Robinson (Benjamin 82), Seldon.
Sub n/u: Holland.

Booked: Ghanem, Seldon, Alabi.

2026/27:
Liverpool (a) info

One of our readers notes that Newcastle's Premier League visit to Anfield this season takes place at some point on or around Saturday April 10th 2027 - the day that the Grand National horse race will be staged at nearby Aintree.

While the days of moving Liverpool and Everton home games to avoid clashes are over, transport and hotels etc. across merseyside will be adversely affected that weekend.

Liverpool versus Newcastle should be confirmed as part of the live TV amendments on or around February 22nd - with the added complication of falling between the first and second legs of the Champions League Quarter-finals, were the Reds to reach the last eight.

Internationals:
Magpie is a young Lion

Newcastle youngster Charlie Robinson has been named in the England U16 squad for two friendlies later this month.

The attacker is selected for games against Italy on Tuesday 25th August and Thursday 27th August in Florence.

2026/27:
U18 PL Cup draw

Newcastle's U18s will once again participate in the U18 Premier League Cup this season, drawn in Group G with Derby County, Fulham and Spurs.

United have home advantage in two of the three ties:

U18 Premier League Cup Group G:
Tue 25.08.2026 Fulham U18s (a) Noon
Sat 10.10.2026 Derby County U18s (h) 1pm
Sat 07.11.2026 Spurs U18s (h) 11am

Update:
Squad updates

Senior players signed (6):
Aladji Bamba, Amar Dedic, Lukas Hornicek, Ewen Jaouen, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure. 

Development players signed (1):
Afner Ca

Academy players signed (2)
Eli Hall, Kyle Healy-Matthews (+Kryan Thompson tbc)

Senior contracts extended (3):
Harvey Barnes, Mark Gillespie, Fabian Schar

Senior players sold (3):
Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Sandro Tonali (Spurs), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal)

Development squad players sold (2):
Travis Hernes (Groningen), Joe White (Crewe Alexandra)

Senior players loaned (3):
Harrison Ashby (Luton Town), Antonio Cordero (Cadiz), Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville)

Professional contracts signed (6):
Sam Alabi, Guy Bloomer, Jake Durrant, Henry Johnson, Mason Miley, Kacey Wooster

Scholarship contracts signed (8):
Chukwudi Afumuzor, Theo Benjamin, Roman Dowell, Jayden Kouossu, George Mair, Leon Mukumbira, Alfie Seldon, Lesecond Yeutembip


 

What Else?