Monday July 13th, 2026

    Last update 23:00 BST

      Your genial hosts: Niall and Biffa




 

Next Match

 

Darlington
Friendly
The KNOX
Saturday 18th July
Kick-off tbc
(BCD - no public access)
Last Match

 

Fulham 2
Newcastle 0
Premier League

Craven Cottage
Sunday 24th May

Match report

The Never-Ending Tour

  Number of Newcastle
  games attended by
  NUFC.com in 2026/27:

0

.

alt  

 

Bristol City (a) Member sale now
Valencia (a)
Member sale now
Bayer / Strasbourg (h) Public sale now
CC & FA schemes (h) closed

L7 ST relocations (h) ends Fri 17.07
Bayer / Strasbourg (h) discount ends Wed 22.07

Update:
Manzambi
: gazumped

Reports on Sunday claimed that Newcastle's elongated pursuit of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi had been derailed by late interest from Aston Villa.

The Magpies had looked set to conclude a £51m deal for the 20 year-old once Switzerland's World Cup campaign had ended, but it now appears that Villa Park rather than St. James' Park is his preferred destination - along with Champions League football next season.

Sadly this is starting to become a familiar story for Newcastle, who saw their agreement for Osasuna's Victor Munoz earlier in this window disintegrate once Liverpool targeted the player.   


WC:
Burn in the USA

World Cup updates:

Dan Burn (England)
Wed 15.07.2026 Argentina, Atlanta, (8pm) bbc

Find Coral's WC betting markets online here   

Update:
We've got Bruno,
in a muddle....


Attempts by Newcastle to avoid a repeat of last summer's Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga with Bruno Guimaraes and Arsenal continue, hampered by the absence of a formal bid from the Gunners and concerted media pressure.

Far from that unsettling the player though, it increasingly looks as if this is driven from the Guimaraes camp and a deliberate strategy to try and dislodge him on the cheap. Certainly the ploy of turning supporters of his existing club against him comes straight from the Anfield playbook - featuring some of the same media figures as last year.

Claims persist of a verbal agreement with Arsenal over personal terms, but unlike deals speedily concluded for Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali after acceptable bids were received, this one looks like dragging on.  

As was the case with Isak in 2025, the absence of any direct comment from the player himself is telling - his own socials singularly failing to welcome any of the trio of signings he will supposedly be captaining within weeks.

It seems beyond doubt that Bruno wants to go and given the riches available to him elsewhere, offering an improved deal to remain on Tyneside seems futile and a financial mis-step given our current situation. 

His departure would mean that all three captains who lifted silverware at Wembley less than 18 months ago have gone - and while Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles rightly went, a massive chunk of knowledge and experience will have gone from the dressing room since last season.

That's a situation that cannot be rectified by recruiting a posse of international bright young things, even if that reduces the average age of the squad as was desired.

Update:
Mike Larnach RIP


The death of former Magpie Mike Larnach has been announced, at the age of 73.

The striker began his career with Campsie Black Watch and East Stirlingshire, joining Clydebank in 1972 and netting 29 times as they won the Scottish First Division title in 1976.

Newcastle made a £100K bid in late 1977, boss Bill McGarry looking to cure his side's goalscoring problems by recruiting Larnach and Mark McGhee from Greenock Morton.

Mike debuted in a 0-2 home loss to Liverpool on the last day of 1977, failing to find the net in his 14 appearances and returning to Scotland following Newcastle's relegation to Division Two, Motherwell paying £75K for his services.

Later playing for Ayr United and Stenhousemuir, Larnach rejoined Cyldebank and complete a century of goals. He also worked in the engineering industry at Grangemouth.

Latest:
Steur it up!




Thursday saw Newcastle confirm their third senior arrival of the close season, paying an undisclosed fee for 18 year-old midfielder Sean Steur from Eredivisie side Ajax.

The Dutch youth international left Ajax's first team training camp on Tuesday after a deal was agreed, flying into Tyneside ahead of his medical.

A fee of around £23m is claimed for Steur, who shares an agency with current Magpies Harvey Barnes, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento plus manager Eddie Howe.

Signing a five year deal, he'll wear squad number 14, vacant since a certain Swedish striker exited last year.

A product of the Ajax academy, Sean made his competitive senior team debut in February 2025, adding 25 appearances last season including three in the Champions League.

Steur follows
goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen (£18.5m from Reims) and midfielder Bazoumana Toure (£43m from Hoffenheim) up Barrack Road so far this window.

He'll become the ninth Dutchman to represent United in the Premier League, after John Karelse, Patrick Kluivert, Tim Krul, Vurnon Anita, Daryl Janmaat, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jetro Willems and current Magpie Sven Botman.

The last permanent switch from Ajax to Newcastle came in August 2017 when Siem De Jong arrived at SJP - like brother Luuk a Dutch international, but born in Switzerland.

Update:
Antonio away again


Newcastle confirm that they have concluded a further loan agreement for Antonio Cordero, who will return to Spanish second tier side Cadiz for the coming season.

Signed by the Magpies last summer, the 19 year-old winger had an unprofitable loan spell with Belgians KVC Westerlo before agreeing to join Cadiz at the turn of the year.

Following a slow start, Cordero got more pitch time after two changes of coach, ending up as a Cadiz crowd favourite after they avoided relegation from the Spanish second tier.

Cordero is the third player to leave on loan, after Odysseas Vlachodimos agreed a further seasonal switch to Spaniards Seville and Harrison Ashby joined League One Luton Town.

The latter move signals the end of the 24 year-old full back's time on Tyneside, as he's now in the final 12 months of the deal agreed when signed from West Ham in January 2023.

On the bench for Newcastle's closing two Premier League game of the 2022/23 campaign without getting on, Ashby featured in the last three senior pre-seasons before leaving for loan periods with Swansea City, QPR and Bradford City.

Update:
Pro deals confirmed


Inking their first professional deals at Newcastle in recent days are 17 year-olds Sam Alabi and Mason Miley, both of whom were blooded at U21 level by United last season.

Alabi was acquired from Oldham Athletic ahead of the 2023/24 season and given a first taste of U18 football at home to Blackburn Rovers the following April.

Debuting for the U21s at Harrogate Town in an EFL Trophy tie in November 2025, England U17 captain Sam was an unused first team substitute in the Champions League at Marseille and Premier League at Old Trafford soon after.

The younger brother of Jamie and Lewis, fellow midfielder Mason followed his siblings through the academy ranks at United, making his U18 bow in August 2024 against Boro.

Miley's first U21 outing then came in a PL International Cup tie against Croatia Zagreb during December 2025.

2026/27:
Bayer/Strasbourg (h)


Newcastle conclude their pre-season programme with kickabouts over successive days at SJP as follows:

Sat 15.08.2026 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (3pm)
Sun 16.08.2026 Strasbourg (4pm)

Games are billed as the
VisitMalta Weekender 2026, with a kickabout between NUFC Women and Inter Milan at 1pm on Sunday before the Strasbourg men's game.

Tickets are on public sale now.

Prices:

Full Weekender Ticket (Early Bird offer ends 22.07.2026)
Premium: £50 adults, £25 concessions
Others: £40 adults, £20 concessions

Day 1 Bayer Leverkusen:
Premium: £30 adults, £15 concessions
Others: £25 adults, £12.50 concessions
Adult+concession combo: £60 (2 adults, 2 concessions)

Day 2 Inter Women / Strasbourg:
Premium: £30 adults, £15 concessions
Others: £25 adults, £12.50 concessions
Adult+concession combo: £60 (2 adults, 2 concessions)

While a visit from the Bundesliga side the Magpies faced in last season's Champions League was already known, the participation of the French side has just been confirmed.

Strasbourg have appointed Hugo Oliviera as head coach after Gary O'Neill left to manage Ipswich Town.

Portuguese-born, the 47 year-old is no stranger to SJP, having previously assisted Marco Silva when he was in charge of Fulham, Everton, Hull ​City and ​Watford.

2026/27:
Bristol City/Valencia (a)


Bristol City (a) Member sale from 3pm on Mon 13.07.2026

Our 3,407 allocation is in the Atyeo Stand behind the goal, as was the case for our most recent visit in August 2016.

Valencia (a) Member sale from 2pm on Mon 13.07.2026

The allocation was increased from 1,381 to 2,000 places, NUFC contacting season ticket holders who previously applied and were unsuccessful to offer them places.

The away section is in block 733 of the uncovered top tier, in a corner position roughly equivalent to last season's Barcelona Champions League away game - but higher up, with more flights of stairs and a steeper rake.

NUFC confirm that the away ticket transfer system will not be in operation for either Bristol City or Valencia.

Loyalty points will be awarded for both these games, but not for the Gateshead or Everton friendly fixtures.    

2026/27:
Kind of blue




Currently doing the rounds on social media are images of United's 2026/27 away shirt. Release date is still tbc.

2026/27:
TV times


The Premier League have now published the revised fixture schedule for live TV covering August and September, with Newcastle's opening four games all altered:

Sun 23.08.2026 Liverpool (h) 4.30pm Sky
Sat 29.08.2026 Spurs (a) 5.30pm Sky
Sat 05.09.2026 Bournemouth (h) 12.30pm TNT
Mon 14.09.2026 Leeds United (a) 8pm Sky*
Sat 19.09.2026 Hull City (h) 3pm no live UK TV

* if NUFC or LUFC are in the Carabao Cup Third Round and drawn against a club in the Champions League (Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United), this game will be on Sat 12.09.2026 @ 12.30pm.

Assuming both sides survive the Second Round, a final decision on the PL game will rest on the Third Round draw, which takes place on or around Tue 25.08.2026.

The possible move is because Carabao Cup Third round ties are once again split over two weeks, the first clashing with Matchday 1 in the Champions League Group stage.

PS: Although trains are scheduled to run as usual between Newcastle and London on the day of the Spurs away game, Kings Cross station will be closed the following day.

Update:
Academy scholars announced


Now let's meet the eight who are going to generate.... United's latest intake of school leavers are as follows:

Roman Dowell and George Mair (goalkeepers), Lesecond Yeutembip (defender), Chukwudi Afumuzor, Jayden Kouossu and Alfie Seldon (midfielders), Theo Benjamin and Leon Mukumbira (forwards).

All eight debuted competitively last season for United U18s, four of them previously at other academies (Afumuzor with Portsmouth, Koussou with West Bromwich Albion, Yeutembip with Charlton Athletic and Mukumbira at Peterborough).

New arrivals at Newcastle's academy are awaited, amid claims that deals are in place for defender Kyle Healy-Matthews (formerly with West Ham) and midfielder Kyran Thompson (formerly with Arsenal).

The future of Eli Hall is uncertain following his exit from Ipswich Town, with both United and Spurs linked. 

Update:
Deadline set for L7 Singing section moves


NUFC confirm that they continue to accept requests from current season ticket holders to relocate into a dedicated singing section at the North West Corner of Level 7.

These must be made by Fri 17.07.2026. Details
here

U21s:
Moors v Mags


National League North side Spennymoor Town confirm that they will host Newcastle U21s in pre-season, the Magpies visiting Brewery Field on Thursday July 30th at 7pm.

Admission for that game is £10 adults, £5 over 60s/U18s, with advance sales from STFC here or pay at the gate.

The game comes ahead of United U21s staging a training camp at the Pinatar Arena in Spain, after which Robbie Stockdale's side visit St. Mirren for a behind closed doors fixture on Wednesday August 12th at 12.30pm.


Update:
Squad updates


Squad updates:

Senior players signed (3):
Ewen Jaouen, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure

Contracts extended (2):
Mark Gillespie, Fabian Schar (both to 2027)

Senior players out of contract (5):
Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier, John Ruddy, Matt Targett, Max Thompson.

Senior player loan expired (1):
Aaron Ramsdale (returned to Southampton)

Senior players sold (2):
Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Sandro Tonali (Spurs)

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

Development squad players out of contract (15):
Will Anderson, Joe Brayson, Thomas Bryant, Jude Cogdon, Adam Harrison, Alfie Harrison, Kayden Lucas, Charlie McArthur,Alex O'Donovan, Darren Palmer, James Taylor, Matty Taylor, Ciaran Thompson, Ezra Tika-Lemba, Mo Waddani.

Development squad player sold (1):
Travis Hernes (Groningen)

Unlikely lads:
Comings and goings

SJP old boys on the move recently include:

Tom Allen was Darlington, now Hebburn Town
Elliot Anderson
was Nottingham Forest, now Man City
Will Anderson
now South Shields (trial)
Demba Ba
now Le Havre (Sporting Director)
Dan Barlaser
was Boro, now MK Dons
Rafa Benitez
left Panathinaikos (Manager)
Habib Beye
left Marseille (Head Coach)
Joe Brayson now George Washington University
Adam Campbell
was Hartlepool United, now South Shields
John Carver
left Lechia Gdansk (Manager)
Ian Cathro
left Estoril, now St.Etienne (Head Coach)
Michael Chopra
now Trethomas Bluebirds
Lee Clark
was Rotherham, now Hartlepool (Manager)
Steve Clarke
left Scotland (Coach)
Luuk de Jong
left Porto
Amadou Diallo
was Oliveirense, now KF Skenderbeu
Martin Dubravka
was Burnley, now Spurs
Damien Duff
now Brentford (Coach)
Kieron Dyer
now Southend United (Manager)
Rob Elliot
was Gateshead, now Carlisle (Manager)
Ludwig Francillette
was Morecambe, now Oxford City
Ryan Fraser
left Western Sydney Wanderers
Macauley Gillesphey
was Charlton, now Bradford City
Liam Gibson
left Harrogate Town
Alex Gilliead
left Shrewsbury Town
Isaac Hayden
was QPR, now Leyton Orient
Chris Hogg now Northampton Town (Manager)
Joselu
left Al-Gharafa
Jamaal Lascelles
left Leicester City
Valentino Lazaro
was Torino, now Al-Ain
Robert Lee
now Hornchurch (Director of Football)
Jamal Lewis
left Preston North End
Kevin Mbabu
left Midtjylland
Charlie McArthur
now York City
Steve McClaren
now Rotherham (Head of Football)
James Milner
left Brighton & Hove Albion
Michael O'Neill
left Blackburn Rovers (Manager)
Scott Parker
left Burnley (Manager)
Brian Pinas left Feyenoord (Coach)
Matt Ritchie was Reading, now Bournemouth (Tech Dir)
Callum Roberts
was Scunthorpe, now Notts County
Allan Saint-Maximin was RC Lens,
now Charlotte FC
Mo Sangare left Morecambe
Josh Scott was Bishop Auckland, now West Auckland
Danny Simpson now Arabian Falcons (player/coach)
Islam Slimani
left Cluj
Elias Sorensen was Valerenga, now PEC Zwolle
Dylan Stephenson
was Dagenham, now Darlington
Louis Storey
was Gateshead, now Carlisle United (Coach)
James Tavernier
left Rangers
Steven Taylor now Desert Falcons (Manager)
Max Thompson now Rotherham United (trial)

Kieran Trippier
now Wolves
Jake Turner left Gillingham
Jay Turner-Cooke
was Halifax, now Shrewsbury Town
Dan Ward was South Shields, now Chester
Isaac Westendorf was Oxford City, now Torquay United
Georginio Wijnaldum left Al-Ettifaq
Mike Williamson now South Shields (Manager)
Callum Wilson was West Ham, now Brentford
Jack Young left Worthing


 






Privacy policy
 

 
alt





Tickets/Fixtures
Season 2026/27

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 until KO

Milburn Stand Box Office manned:
Wednesdays only: 10am to 5pm
Home games: 10am to half time


2026/27 ST prices here

2026/27 ST home cup scheme: 
closed on Mon 13.07.2025 @ 5pm

ST home cup pricing: 
CC: £22 & £28
FA
: £35 & £40


SJP seating plan online here  

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


Home ticket
transfers are possible from three weeks until one hour before KO. 

Away ticket
transfers are possible between 72 hours and five hours before KO (times may vary). A maximum of two are permitted per season (PL only).

More info online here and here

ST holders have 24 hours to apply for away tickets, 24 hours to determine success, then 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.

Regardless of the loyalty point level a game sells out at, to purchase a ticket you must have applied in the initial 24 hour window.

The initial 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 usually get two hours head start.

NB: emails from NUFC confirming success may arrive after the purchase window opens - if you think you qualify due to your points total, log on and complete your purchase. 

Tickets not bought by successful applicants are then offered to unsuccessful applicants with a reduced loyalty points total - new applications cannot be made at this time.

Only those within the new loyalty point total are eligible to buy - even if you had more, your purchase window has already closed.  

PL away ticket prices are unchanged at £30 for both the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons.

Metro service updates are online here


2026/27 Magpie Mover details tbc

Fixtures:


Fri 17.07.2026
ST L7 singing section relocation deadline.

Sat 18.07.2026 Darlington (h) @ The KNOX training ground, KO tbc. Friendly. Behind closed doors - no public access.

Wed 22.07.2026
Home friendly early bird ticket offer ends.

Sat 25.07.2026 Gateshead (a)
@ International stadium, 12.30pm. Friendly. Public sale now, all sales via GFC here

Wed 29.07.2026
Bristol City (a) @ Ashton Gate, 7.30pm. Friendly.
Member sale now
. Allocation:  3,407 (paper tickets).

Thu 30.07.2026 U21s v Spennymoor Town (a) @ Brewery Field, 7pm. Friendly. £10 adults, £5 over 60s/U18s. Advance sales from STFC or pay at the gate.

Sat 01.08.2026 U21 training camp
@ Pinatar Arena, Spain (until Sun 09.08).

Sat 08.08.2026 Valencia (Spain) (a)
@ Mestalla Stadium, 9pm local
time. Friendly. Member sale now. Allocation: 2,000 (digital tickets).

Wed 12.08.2026 U21s v St.Mirren XI (Scotland) (a) @ venue tbc, 12.30pm. Friendly. Behind closed doors - no public access.

Wed 12.08.2026 Everton (n)
@ Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, 5.15pm. Friendly. Public sale now, all sales via Ticketmaster.

Sat 15.08.2026 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Germany) (h)
@ SJP, 3pm. Friendly. Public sale now.

Sun
16.08.2026 NUFCW v Inter Women (Italy) (a) @ SJP, 1pm. Friendly. Admission included in men's game.

Sun 16.08.2026 Strasbourg (France) (h)
@ SJP, 4pm. Friendly. Public sale now.

Sun 23.08.2026 Liverpool (h
) @ SJP, 4.30pm. Premier League. Ticket details tbc.
Live on Sky Sports.

Tue 01.09.2026 Transfer window closes @ 11pm. 

Fri 01.01.2027 Transfer window opens @ Midnight.

Mon 01.02.2027 Transfer window closes @ 11pm.


NUFC live on TV:
Sun 23.08.2026 Liverpool (h) 4.30pm Sky
Sat 29.08.2026 Spurs (a) 5.30pm Sky
Sat 05.09.2026 Bmouth (h) 12.30pm TNT
Mon 14.09.2026 Leeds United (a) 8pm Sky*

* should either side face a team from the Champions League in CC R3, this game will be on Sat 12.09.2026 @ 12.30pm.

(PL selections made to Sun 20.09.2026)

(PL season ends on Sun 30.05.2027)


PL live TV release dates:  

Oct
w/c Mon 24.08.2026
Nov w/c Mon 21.09.2026
Dec w/c Mon 19.10.2026
Jan w/c Mon 30.11.2026
Feb w/c Mon 21.12.2026
Mar w/c Mon 18.01.2027
Apr w/c Mon 22.02.2027
MW35 w/c Mon 29.03.2027
MW36 w/c Mon 05.04.2027
MW37 w/c Mon 26.04.2027
MW38 after Sun 23.05.2027

Carabao Cup:
(NUFC enter in Round 2 regionalised into Northern and Southern sections. The draw takes place after Round 1 ties, played from Fri 07.08.2026 to Sun 09.08.2026).

R2:
w/c Mon 24.08.2026
R3:
w/c Mon 07.09.2026 / Mon 14.09.2026
R4:
w/c Mon 26.10.2026
QF:
w/c Mon 14.12.2026
SF1:
w/c Mon 11.01.2027
SF2:
w/c Mon 01.02.2027
F:
Sun 21.03.2027

FA Cup: 
(NUFC enter in Round 3: draw takes place on or around Sun 06.12.2026).

R3: Sat 09.01.2027
R4: Sat 13.02.2027
R5: Sat 06.03.2027
QF: Sat 03.04.2027
SF: Sat 24.04.2027
F: Sat 22.05.2027

EFL Trophy Northern Group C:
??.??.2026
Bradford City (a)
??.??.2026 Rotherham United (a)
??.??.2026 York City (a)


Round dates - match order tbc:
w/c Mon 21.09.2026
w/c Mon 05.10.2026
w/c Mon 09.11.2026


FA Youth Cup:
NUFC U18s enter in Round 3, ties be played on or before Sat 12.12.2026. Draw date tbc.


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)

 

International Magpies
National Service

Seung-soo Park (South Korea U23s):
15.09.2026 to 03.10.2026 Asian Games (Japan)

2026/27:
21.09-06.10.2026
09.11-17.11.2026
22.03-30.03.2027

2027/28:
20.09-05.10.2027
08.11-16.11.2027
20.03-28.03.2028
 

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
13th July


Born Or Died:

1919 Albert Stubbins born, Wallsend.
(1936-46)

Born on the banks of the Tyne, Albert moved to the USA at the age of just four and was raised in Detroit and New York.

Arriving at SJP in April 1937 after a spell at Roker Park, Albert's career was disrupted by WW2 and he worked as a draughtsman in a Tyneside shipyard. 

His wartime playing record for the Magpies was staggering though, plundering 231 goals from 188 games.

Still in the Second Division, Newcastle cashed in on their asset in 1946, with Liverpool beating rivals Everton for his signature in a then-record £12,500 transfer.

A First Division Championship medal followed in his first season at Anfield and Albert also collected an FA Cup runners' up medal in 1950, when Liverpool lost to Arsenal.

Nicknamed "The Smiling Assassin", Stubbins is regarded as one of the best English players of his generation not to have been capped by his country (although he took great pride from receiving one unofficial England cap during 1946).

Returning to the North East in 1953, Albert ended his career at Ashington and later worked as a scout for Liverpool and a football writer for a national newspaper. 

Stubbins died in December 2002, less than a week before his two old clubs met at SJP. In this tribute-laden age though, there was no pre-match commemoration for Albert.

Albert is immortalised on the cover of the Beatles' 1967 album release "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The now-iconic montage of faces included Stubbins at the request of Liverpool fan Paul McCartney.  

A smiling Albert looms behind band member George Harrison, sandwiched by the noted sculptor Horace Clifford Westermann & guru Sri Lahiri Mahasaya. 

But you knew that, obviously.

When the record was released, a copy was dispatched to Albert accompanied by a message from Paul McCartney:

"Well done, Albert, for all those glorious years of football. Long may you bob and weave."

1934 Gordon Lee born, Pye Green, Staffordshire. (Manager 1975-77)

Joe Harvey's successor as United boss came from Blackburn Rovers, having achieved promotion from the Third Division at Ewood.

Appearing as full back for Hednesford Town and Aston Villa, Lee had ended his playing career at Shrewsbury Town in the 1966/67 season and joined the Gay Meadow staff.

His first managerial position came at Port Vale in 1968, achieving promotion to Division Three two years later before moving on to join Blackburn in 1974.

A "no stars" policy at SJP reached its height when Malcolm Macdonald was sold to Arsenal, but Lee was serenaded by United fans when his side reached the League Cup Final in 1976.

Controversially leaving United for Everton during January 1977, he remained at Goodison Park until his sacking in May 1981, 

Lee later took charge of Preston North End and had a spell with Icelandic side KR Reykjavik before a coaching role at Leicester City.

The latter saw him receive a hostile reception when appearing at SJP during 1991. Lee lived in Lytham St.Annes following his retirement and died in March 2022.

1979 Craig Bellamy
born, Cardiff, Wales.
(2001-05).

This erratic but exciting striker began his career as a junior at Bristol Rovers before switching to Norwich City aged 15.

Handed a senior debut in March 1997, Bellamy's form over the following seasons in the second tier prompted interest and bids from various top-flight clubs.

One of those was Newcastle but they lost out to Coventry City as a £6.5m transfer was concluded during August 2000.

Craig became a Magpie for £6m a year later - after he'd made two unimpressive starts against them for the Sky Blues.

Debuting in the Intertoto Cup at Sporting Lokeren, Craig's first United goal came in the home leg against the Belgians.

Fourteen goals in all competitions during his first season helped United into fourth spot and secured him the PFA Young Player of the Year Award - despite a Police caution for common assault just weeks earlier.

Worryingly, he also underwent knee surgery at the Colorado clinic of Doctor Richard Steadman - who also famously worked on fellow Magpie Alan Shearer. 

The club improved on that finish by one position in the following campaign, as well as enjoying an epic Champions League run. That though exposed the two sides of Bellamy: a brace against Feyenoord followed by a needless dismissal against Inter Milan.

By 2003 things were starting to unravel for Bellamy, with a loss of scoring form and a £750 fine for threatening abusive or insulting behaviour outside a Cardiff club.

Further injury problems then caused him to revisit Steadman, this time for an operation on his other (left) knee in October 2003.

Making a playing return in January 2004, Bellamy then proceeded to net in four successive games.

Again though his fiery temperament came to the fore, rowing at Newcastle Airport with coach John Carver in a dispute over a car parking space (!).

Following the departure of Sir Bobby Robson and arrival of Graeme Souness, Bellamy found himself at loggerheads with both his new boss and club captain, Alan Shearer.

Unhappy at often being selected in a wide right role rather than his preferred central striking position, Bellamy scored what was to be his final goal for the club against Sporting Lisbon at SJP in December 2004. 

The very next game saw Bellamy pull up during the pre-match warm-up at Anfield, claiming to have felt a twinge in his back.

Little was said at the time, with Patrick Kluivert being promoted from the bench into the starting line-up - Shearer being injured.

Less than a month later though and with Shearer back to fitness, Bellamy was restored to a central role at home to Southampton - despite missing training the previous day (he later blamed a stomach bug).

The following Friday, Souness gave his press briefing ahead of a trip to Arsenal and then heard from Bellamy that he was struggling with a hamstring problem.

United's Assistant boss Dean Saunders then claimed that other players were told by Bellamy that he would feign an injury.

The player then admitted that in a meeting with Souness and club Chairman Freddy Shepherd and was asked to apologise to the rest of the first team squad.

When that failed to happen, Souness told Bellamy that he wouldn't be considered for the trip to Highbury - but would still be required to make the journey to London.

Pre-match, Souness stuck to the hamstring line when talking to the press, but later claimed that Bellamy was dropped for being unprepared to play as a right-side midfielder.

Having heard those comments on the team bus outside Highbury, Bellamy then gave an interview of his own on Sky, saying that he was prepared to play in any position - and admitting that he had threatened to fake injury ahead of the Arsenal match.

Bellamy accused Souness of fabricating parts of the story and later commented that when he spoke to Sky:

"I was in shock. I just thought: 'Not only has he gone behind my back, in front of my face, he's lying.'"

With Shepherd accusing Bellamy of cheating Toon fans, he was fined two weeks' wages (reputedly £80K) and a hasty loan exit to Celtic was agreed followed, after the player rejected an offer from Birmingham City.

Nine goals in 15 games for the Hoops and a Scottish FA Cup winners' medal followed, but the most high-profile acts of Bellamy's time at Parkhead was off the field.

Mocking text messages were sent to Alan Shearer just minutes after United lost their FA Cup Semi Final against Manchester United in Bellamy's home town of Cardiff.

That effectively removed any possibility of a return to SJP and led to press claims that the number nine would rearrange his teeth if he showed his face on Tyneside again (prompting the "sh*t scared of Shearer" chant later aired whenever Bellamy faced Newcastle). 

Leaving United in a £5m move to Blackburn Rovers in July 2005, Bellamy later moved on to Liverpool (£6m) in June 2006, West Ham (£7.5m) in July 2007 and Manchester City (£14m) in January 2009.

Goals against Newcastle came for Liverpool and in one typically surreal spell during our relegation season in successive games against us for two different sides - Bellamy's last West Ham game and Manchester City debut. 

Agreeing a season-long loan to Championship side Cardiff City, Craig narrowly failed to help the Bluebirds gain promotion, losing to Reading in the playoff semi-final.

An unexpected return to Anfield came in August 2011, winning the League Cup but losing the FA Cup in two Wembley visits.

Leaving Liverpool on a free transfer in May 2012, Bellamy played for Team GB at the London Olympics, scoring against Senegal.

A permanent return to Cardiff was agreed and Craig helped them reach the Premier League for the first time that season.

Seeing out the second and final year of his contract back in the top flight, Bellamy retired from international football with his 78th cap against Belgium in October 2013. 

Failing to keep City in the Premier League, Craig hung up his boots at the end of the 2013/14 season, playing 45 minutes at SJP on what was his penultimate appearance.

He scored just once in the entire season - at home to former club Norwich in February 2014 - but that put him in the record books as the first player to net for seven different clubs in the PL.

Away from his own playing career, Bellamy founded an academy in Sierra Leone and following his playing retirement, returned to Cardiff City in a youth coaching role during December 2014.  

2019 then saw him accept a coaching role at Belgian side Anderlecht working with Vincent Kompany, coaching their U21 side until 2021.

A reunion with Kompany then followed at Burnley in July 2022, Craig appointed as his assistant.

Promotion was by relegation however and following Kompany's exit in summer 2024, Craig took charge at Turf Moor on an interim basis.

Turning down the chance to work for the incoming Scott Parker, Bellamy instead left to manage the Welsh national side.


 


What Else?

1987 Peter Beardsley joined Liverpool for a fee of £1.9m, claiming later that Newcastle had made no attempt keep him by offering an improved contract.

1997 Ex-Magpie Darren Jackson moved from Hibernian to Celtic, a transfer which caused some discontent in Edinburgh - ironically his first game for Celtic was against his own club. 

In a strange season for Jackson, he won a Championship medal and was drafted into the Scotland World Cup squad, but also survived life-threatening brain surgery.

2006 Glenn Roeder chose Gordon Lee's birthday to reiterate a "no stars" transfer policy and seek an end to the parade of names being linked with moves to United.  

The quotes came as Roeder denied interest in another "Carlos Kickaball" in the shape of Barca misfit Saviola.

"Without being disrespectful to anyone, we are not looking for fat cat millionaires coming to St James' Park who will only waste the club's, and our supporters', money.

"In fact, I only want players who are not only hungry for success but absolutely starving.

"And I want players who will see a transfer to Newcastle United as a move up and not a move down."

2007 Magpie midfielder James Milner signed an improved contract after returning from an extended holiday, following his participation for England's under-21s.

The 21 year-old was handed a four-year deal that replaced the final two years of his previous contract.

2009 Farcical developments as the FA refused permission for Newcastle United to play Dutch side FC Utrecht in pre-season.

The game clashed with the mackems' involvement in the Amsterdam Tournament and despite the FA initially giving United permission to go, a change of heart came following pressure from the Dutch authorities, who were fearful of crowd trouble.

An alternative fixture was hastily arranged - away at lower league Leyton Orient....

 

2012 Chemnitzer (Germany) (a) 0-1 (0-1)
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Having kept travelling fans in the dark until the last possible moment before confirming this opening pre-season game, United gave an eminently forgettable display in the former East Germany.

Midfield pair Gael Bigirimana and Romain Amalfitano were blooded against the third tier Bundesliga hosts.

NUFC.com match report


2017 Newcastle's pursuit of Norwich City winger Jacob Murphy was reported by both local and national outlets - and within days the London-born Toon fan was a Magpie. 

 

2022 Ciaran Clark became the third Newcastle player to complete a loan switch to the Championship, joining Sheffield United.

Jeff Hendrick (Reading) and Isaac Hayden (Norwich City) had already dropped down a tier in search of playing time.