Valencia (a)
SOLD OUT
Bayer / Strasbourg (h)
Public sale now
Liverpool (h) ST
forwarding/resale now
Spurs (a)
Seat selections ended
Bombshell:
Coach
departures
now confirmed
Following Thursday
morning's media revelations about the future of Eddie Howe, the club
formally announced the exit of him and his coaches on Friday
afternoon as follows:
Newcastle United can
announce that Eddie Howe has informed the club of his decision to
step down as head coach.
The club has accepted Eddie’s
decision and would like to thank him for his extraordinary
contribution.
Also leaving the club are
coaches Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches and Simon
Weatherstone, and head of performance Dan Hodges.
Eddie said: “After a period of
personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for
me to step away from my role as head coach of Newcastle United.
“After nearly five years of
giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting
energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and
the club to step away, recharge and take a break.
“Although it’s been incredibly
difficult to make this decision, I know in my heart that it’s the
right one. I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before
my own in every single decision I have made whilst I’ve been here
and this one is no different.
“It has been the privilege of my
lifetime to have been the manager of Newcastle United.
“It is difficult to put into
words what this club, the city and its supporters mean, and will
always mean, to me and my family. From the moment myself, Jason and
all of the staff arrived nearly half a decade ago, Newcastle
instantly felt like home and the people here welcomed us with open
arms. We took huge pride in representing the club from day one and
this city will always hold a very special place in our hearts.
“There have been so many incredible moments in our time here. From
fighting relegation in our first season to the numerous
unforgettable nights at St. James’ Park in the Champions League soon
after. The progression was fast.
“Everyone came together, united
and what a force we became, culminating in bringing home our first
domestic trophy in 70 years. These are all memories that I will
cherish for the rest of my life.
“I would like to put on record
my sincere thanks and appreciation to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jamie
Reuben, Jacobo Solís and everyone at PIF, David Hopkinson, Ross
Wilson and the entire ownership and leadership group for placing
their trust in me and for giving me the opportunity to lead this
special football club.
“I remain incredibly positive
and enthusiastic about the future of Newcastle. The club is in
fantastic hands with a great leadership team and I have no doubt
together, alongside whoever comes in to replace me, they will
continue to deliver success on the pitch.
“Thank you to Jason Tindall,
Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, Dan Hodges, Andy
Howe and Jordan Tribe for their incredible loyalty, support and
dedication and to all of the amazing staff behind the scenes whose
hard work and loyalty makes this club what it is.
“A special thank you to all of
the players who have represented the club during my time here.
Without you, nothing would have been possible and it’s been an
honour to have coached you all.
“Finally, and most importantly,
thank you to our incredible supporters. Your passion and loyalty
have inspired me every single day. To stand on the touchline at St.
James’ Park as your manager with the honour of representing your
club has meant more to me than you will ever know.
“While my journey as manager has
now come to an end, the affinity and love I will always hold for
Newcastle United never will.
“Thank you for everything. I
wish the club every success for the future.”
Eddie arrived at St. James’ Park
at a pivotal moment in November 2021 and has played a leading role
in transforming the club’s trajectory.
During his tenure, Newcastle
United won a first major domestic trophy in 70 years, qualified for
the UEFA Champions League on two occasions, and reached the
competition’s knock-out phase for the first time in the club’s
history.
Along the way, Eddie helped
deliver some of the most memorable moments in Newcastle United’s
recent history.
His passion, dedication and
connection with the city, the club and its fans have been strong
throughout his time in the North East, and he has helped to
establish foundations that have positioned the club strongly for the
future.
David Hopkinson, Newcastle
United’s CEO, said: “Eddie and his staff leave with the deep
gratitude and respect of everyone at Newcastle United, and with a
lasting place in the club’s history.
“While we are naturally
disappointed to see Eddie leave, we remain immensely thankful for
everything he has done for the club.
“On behalf of our owners, Board,
players, staff and supporters, I would like to extend sincere thanks
to Eddie for his outstanding service and leadership, and wish him
and his family every success and happiness for the future.”
Ross Wilson, Newcastle United's
sporting director, added: "I would like to thank Eddie and his staff
for everything they have done for Newcastle United.
"I'm grateful for the support,
trust and partnership Eddie has shown throughout our time working
together. His dedication to the players, staff and supporters has
been evident, and he leaves with the respect and admiration of
everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.
"I wish Eddie and his family
every happiness and success in the future."
The process to recruit a new
head coach is at an advanced stage and updates will be communicated
shortly.
Update:
Now I must wave goodbye
News of Howe's abrupt departure so soon after the death of Kevin
Keegan has done nothing to improve the collective mood of what is an
emotional fanbase at any time.
Tellingly though, sadness at the circumstances that led to the decision and
gratitude at what he achieved seems combined with a certain relief
that it has happened now.
Like Kevin, Eddie's exit at this point ensures that he leaves Gallowgate
with his reputation largely intact; he won't be recalled as "that fella who
took Newcastle down."
Whether the "not like it was in the brochure" line from 1992
is applicable in 2026 depends on whose interpretation of events you
trust. There is a certainly a parallel in terms of financial
limitations that dictate player trading, even if they are now as a result of
external restrictions rather than internally (plc) generated, as was the case
in 1996.
The state of the club Howe leaves is of great concern to us, with
uncertainty our current identity rather than intensity.
Ahead of whatever our next chapter is though, it would be remiss of
us not to mark this event in some way.
For our favourite Eddie moment not to be what happened at Wembley in March 2025 -
and across the city days later - would be even more obtuse than usual, but
is are a slack handful of our other Howe highlights, in his own words:
Jan 2022 Leeds United 0 Newcastle United 1
"An incredible intensity...today we learned that there's a
resilience in the team. They are fighting for each other and fighting for
the club. They have belief that we're not dead and buried and there's more
to come."
April 2023 Newcastle United 6 Spurs 1
"We want the high energy and intensity off the ball and then we want
the calmness on it. We want progressive football so the lads have had to
take on a lot of information but they're doing incredibly well.
"Since I walked through the door
here, the players have responded so well to us and I can't thank
them enough really. There was that little bit of happiness after the
game, which you want. There’s smiles, and that feeling of winning is
unique."
Oct 2023 Newcastle United 4 PSG 1
"The atmosphere was very special, I knew it would be. There was an
extra level tonight, I can’t thank the supporters enough. I hope there are
a lot more nights like this to come. It is a very special night for all of
us.
"We hope that gives us that
belief we need to be successful.... only by doing this can you truly
prove [you belong at this level]. Hopefully this goes a long
way towards that."
Nov 2023 PSG 1 Newcastle United 1
"As much as this is a huge
deflating feeling, it could be another story in our season. Despite
huge numbers of quality players not being here, the group stepped up
and gave more, we've shown a spirit of togetherness and a
willingness to fight for each other than is as good as I've ever
seen.
"We're still in it, and
that's the thing we can't forget. We still believe."
Jan 2025 Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
"We knew what was at
stake and the players put their bodies on the line. It’s still very
much game on and we’ve only done half the work.
"These are big wins for us – hopefully that can help us in future
games. We have to try and win at any ground and go into any game
feeling that we are capable of doing that.
"When you’re in my shoes you
have to be strategic and plan well."
Nov 2025 Newcastle United 2 Manchester City 1
"It
was a really high-level game between two really good teams...we're
just delighted to win tonight.
"The heart, the endeavour,
the attitude of the group pleased me today....it should give us a
big lift in a tough Premier League season.
"The challenge now is to
keep it up....we need to have the identity we played with
today."
There's a
certain poignancy that his last public appearance at SJP was to be laying a
wreath in tribute to Keegan.
There may never be a statue erected or a stand named in his honour, but
Howe's place in our history is cemented as the man who
succeeded where a cavalcade of illustrious managers since Joe Harvey
and including KK
had failed.
Others may have won celebrated battles (Howay 5-0, Barca 3-2 etc)
but he won a war. He has the winner's medal, we have memories of
something we never truly expected.
For that, he has our eternal gratitude.
Update:
Meet the new boss
Howe's replacement is set to be Matthias Jaissle, the 38
year-old German-born coach who has been in charge of Saudi Arabian Pro League club Al
Ahli since 2023.
Reports on Thursday claimed that United had met his release
clause, a five year contract was agreed and that he'd arrive with a
full complement of staff.
Like United, Jeddah-based Al-Ahli are overseen by PIF. On their
books at present is former Magpie striker Ivan Toney.
Latest:
The third Mag
It's now predicted that Bruno
Guimaraes will link up with Newcastle at their Spanish
training camp on Sunday, although his departure to Arsenal now looks
inevitable.
The Times speculated on Thursday that an £80m deal is in
place for the Brazilian international and although other outlets are
less certain, the direction of travel now looks unmistakably towards
North London.
PS: Thursday also brought reports regarding Joelinton and an alleged desire to play in Saudi Arabia.
It's reported that he was on the squad flight to Spain on Friday lunchtime.
Update:
Ready, Eddie, Go
It sounds like the beginning of a bad (or dad) joke:
Dan Burn walks in to the training ground and says, "anything
happened since I've been away...?"
Even by our comedic standards, the last two
months or so have been bonkers. Player departures, arrivals, phantom and
failed bids, another big player saga, the untimely death of a manager who
should have ended the wait for silverware and the unforeseen departure of
the one who did.
All of that was set against the backdrop of
some minor football competition in North America and before a ball is kicked
in anger. A reminder that it's still July.
We had privately speculated that the
extended international break that followed the opening 10 Premier League
games of this season could prove simply irresistible to the club, were
results not acceptable.
Our conviction that Howe remained the best person for the job meanwhile was
based less on faith in and loyalty to him and more on doubts over the club's
ability to appoint a superior replacement. We'll now get the chance to find
out.
Instead, the end came at the start of a 10
day break before the next pre-season kickabout, with a sizeable chunk of
senior players yet to dirty their boots. Never mind adjusting to new tactics
and formations, the La Manga training camp may now need to be extended to
accommodate the number of player and staff initiations required.....
Matthias who? A left field appointment
compared by one seasoned malcontent as akin to that of teutonic technician
Erik Dornheim in the Goal! movie. The name may not have been mentioned, but
what looks to amount to the reallocation of a PIF resource comes as little
shock.
Like many supporters, Howe looked to have
the weight of the world on his shoulders barely two months ago, at the end
of the longest season in the club's history. Had he departed on June 1st it
would have had seemed like a natural conclusion with an air of
inevitability; to come at this point in time seems like classic knee-jerk
NUFC.
The impulse is to suggest that the loss of
Bruno was the final straw that made Howe pack his bags, but something far
more mundane and fiscally-related is just as feasible.
From Bill McGarry to Kenny Dalglish,
Ruud Gullit and Bobby Robson we're no strangers to managerial exits in the early weeks of
the season. Howe's departure however is akin to Jack Charlton's departure in
1985, walking after some low level terrace dissent
during a friendly against Sheffield United with less than 5,000 fans
rattling round SJP.
Fast forward four decades and the latest
managerial exit delights the dissenters (including what we term the cyber
bedsheet brigade) and dismays the less demonstrative element that still
supported him.
Opinions are polarised but it's not a black and white, match goers versus
onlookers situation: some of the most audible critics of Howe are the fans
who travelled far and wide to support his team, while among his biggest
defenders are overseas converts who have never set foot inside SJP.
At a moment's notice, the ongoing communal
conversation about whether the NUFC "project" had stalled or ended
is replaced by a thirst for knowledge about what direction the club is now
plotting a course in.
We don't subscribe to the idea that CEOs,
MDs or whoever the buck stops with need to conduct a constant dialogue, but
it seems an opportune time for a mission statement containing clear intent,
not just bland platitudes.
It's never dull round here, just
increasingly difficult to keep pace with, rationalise - and afford.
Update:
GK claims continue
Reports that Newcastle are closing in
on Sporting Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek strengthened on
Thursday, when the Czech international missed Braga's Conference League qualifier against Zeleznicar
Pancevo.
The 24 year-old has a claimed £30m release clause and was
linked with both Leeds United and Hull City in this window -
reportedly rejecting an offer from the latter.
U21s:
Moors v Mags
Spennymoor Town 3 Newcastle U21s 3
Newcastle U21s began their pre-season fixture programme on Thursday, sharing
six goals in an entertaining contest with National League North side Spennymoor Town.
United took a 19th minute lead on a glorious night at Brewery Field when Richie Bennett clipped
Trevan Sanusi on the right side of the box and Sanusi scored from the
spot.
That lead lasted just four minutes before Moors equalised from another spot-kick, Scott Bailey
dragging over Bennett in the box as a corner was played in. The same player got up to
beat George Mair from 12 yards
United regained the lead in the final minute of the half with an eye
catching run and strong finish by Matheos Ferreira - one of four
starters who had featured for the first team against Bristol City 24 hours
earlier.
Moors levelled again just before the hour after a free-kick was played long to the back post and headed across
for Bennett to get the last touch from close range.
The Magpies went ahead for the third time in the 72nd minute when Rory
Finneran played a pass through for Alfie Seldon
to slip the ball under the goalkeeper.
But back came Moors with a third equaliser in the 81st minute as a trialist
(no.27) crossed from the left to the back post and Frankie Whelan headed in
from almost on the line.
There was a first outing for recent arrival Afner Ca, with the 19 year-old
forward looping a shot narrowly wide with the chance that fell to him.
Team 1st half: Mair, M.Miley, Charlton, Watts, Pivas, Bailey, Sanusi,
Munda, Salla, Ferreira, Seung-soo.
Team 2nd half: Dowell, Johnson, Craggs, Moran, Finneran, Mills, Alabi,
Ca, Yildiz, Fitzgerald, Seldon.
STFC: Trialist, Darcy, Pollock (Beals 46), Jones (Whelan 46),
Trialist (Trialist 58), Cantrill (Dolan 46), Trialist (Trialist 46), Salkeld
(Dawson 46), Ramshaw (Jenkins 46), Mondal (Trialist 46), Bennett (Raine 78).
Sub n/u Barron.
Crowd: 730.
Referee: Seb Stockbridge
United U21s now head off for a training camp at
the Pinatar Arena in Spain, before
visiting St.Mirren for a behind closed doors fixture on
Wednesday August 12th at 12.30pm.
2026/27:
Hot and bothered
Bristol City 4 Newcastle
1
Match action is online here
United's pre-season
preparations went badly awry against Championship opposition at a sun-soaked
Ashton Gate on Wednesday, as a makeshift defence conceded four goals and
suffered a further blow when Fabian Schar limped off.
The loss of Schar 20 minutes into what was only the second game of his
comeback from injury was a further blow to the black and whites on a night
when they enjoyed extended periods of possession but again lacked a cutting
edge.
In the absence of any new right back and with both Tino Livramento and Lewis
Miley still unavailable, Jacob Murphy stepped in until Leo Shahar's arrival
from the bench, but who'll play there against Liverpool is anyone's
guess.
City goalkeeper Sam Tickle was twice tested in the early stages before the
hosts went ahead on 25 minutes, Ewen Jaouen beaten by Sam Greenwood's free
kick from just outside the box that went in off the underside of the bar.
Michael
Skubala's side soon doubled their lead, when Lorent Tolaj got away
with a blatant shove on Sven Botman outside the area, advancing on goal and
beating Jaouen.
The Dutchman and his colleagues protested in vain, having perhaps grown
accustomed to the Premier League level of officialdom compared to tonight's
less lenient performance from select group whistler Paul Tierney.
Jaouen made way for Nick Pope in United's only interval replacement, but
within five minutes of the restart was retrieving the ball from his net
after Max Bird got away from Botman and shot home.
Thoughts turned to the infamous 1-6 Leyton Orient loss in pre-season, but
City failed to find further goals amidst a multitude of substitutions
including one un-named trialist.
The black and whites did belatedly register a goal when Harvey Barnes converted a low shot from the edge of the area
after good work from Matheos Ferreira and Jacob Ramsey, only for Botman to round off
his miserable evening by volleying a cross from the City left into his own
net.
The scoreline suggests an Avon culling, but in chances created the
visitors were ahead; Anthony Elanga denied an obvious penalty just on half
time and Sean Neave striking the goal frame early in the second half.
Aside the obvious fact that this was just a kickabout, that 2009 Leyton
Orient reverse and a 0-4 shoeing at Braga in 2018 both came concerningly
close to the start of the season - and with virtually all of the senior
squads involved.
That isn't the case in 2026 with a significant chunk of players still to
join pre-season, but concerns abound in all areas of the field, not just the
Bruno Guimaraes saga.
The travelling support rightly raised their voices in praise of Kevin
Keegan, but in terms of the current crop on show tonight, there wasn't much
worth shouting about.
Team: Jaouen (Pope 46),
J.Murphy (Shahar 82), Hall (M.Miley 90), Schar (A.Murphy 20), Botman, Steur,
Ramsey, Willock (Charlton 90), Barnes, Elanga (Ferreira 74), Neave (Seung-soo
56).
Subs n/u: Harris, Munda, Pivas, Sanusi, Finneran.
Goal: Barnes 78.
BCFC: Tickle, Tanner (Bell 73),
Dickie (Atkinson 73), Eissat (Eile 73), Pring (Wallace 68), Randell (Yah
73), Knight (Williams 73), Bird (Twine 69), Horvat (Morrison 46), Greenwood
(Thelwell 73), Tolaj (Trialist 69).
Subs n/u: Thomas, Knight-Lebel, Naylor, Ezendu.
Goals: Greenwood 25, Tolaj 29, Bird 50, og(Botman 80).
Crowd: 21,509 including
a claimed 3,354 away fans, who were housed in the Atyeo Stand.
Kevin Keegan's passing was marked with applause from both sets of fans
between 07:00 and 08:00 (strictly speaking the eighth minute), as a photo of him was displayed on the stadium
scoreboards.
Referee: Paul
Tierney. As the Bristol fans correctly sang "Premier League, you're
having a laugh"....
Eddie
Howe:
"I actually thought it was a pretty strong performance, despite the
fact that the goals we conceded were bizarre.
"Pre-season is to get out all the rustiness of the summer, to get the
players to a position where, when the team faces Liverpool, they're
ready."
On Bruno Guimaraes:
"Any distraction, if it's not healthy, is unhealthy."
"So, yes, it would be negative for things to drag on but we’re not in
control of that. And to some degree, I don’t think Bruno's in control of
that either."
"What will be, will be. We can't control the forces that are at play
here, we've just got to make sure that when Bruno comes back, we look after
him and he trains well, which I’m sure he will do. And he makes a
difference as he always has done."
"We've spoken numerous times. Assurances? I don't think you can push
too hard for those.
"I've said many times we want players who are committed and Bruno has
always been committed. His training performances and his game performances
have been outstanding, every time he's worn the shirt, he's played with the
fans by his side. I'd love to see that continue."
"The details I don't actually know but I don’t see any reason why he
wouldn't be back (for training) on Friday.
"We want to keep all of our best players. They’re so valuable. I’ve
said numerous times, there’s not many of them, so to get them and develop
them, when you have them, you want to keep them. Bruno’s very much in that
category, he’s an outstanding player.”
This game and the remainder of United's public pre-season programme are available as paid live streams
from NUFC.
More details
here
Loan
lads:
Youngster on target
Antonio Cordero (Cadiz):
Wednesday saw Cadiz beaten 1-3 by Ceuta in their latest kickabout,
Antonio completing 85 minutes and opening the scoring for his side.
Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):
NEC Nijmegen (a) Friendly, Friday.
Harrison Ashby (Luton Town):
An ankle injury kept the full back out of Luton's last two
kickabouts, but he's expected to return when Go Ahead Eagles visit
Kenilworth Road on Sunday.
Update:
Kept Mag
Another day, another Ross
Wilson photo opportunity....
Newcastle's Sporting Director posed with Harvey Barnes in photos
released on Monday confirming what is described as "a new long-term
contract" for the winger.
It's three years since he arrived from Leicester City, signing a five
year deal for a claimed fee of £38m.
28 year-old Barnes follows Sven Botman, Lewis Miley and Fabian Schar in
agreeing a revised contract recently.
Schar's 12 month extension expires next summer, when Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy,
Nick Pope and Joe Willock all become free agents as it stands. Expect
further photos...
Update:
Sho goes on
Newcastle have added a new Head of Corporate
Affairs to their management team in the form of Shola Ameobi, who
vacates his previous role of club loans co-ordinator.
Announcing the news, the club confirmed that Shola was part of the Premier
League’s Executive Pathway Scheme in 2023 and graduated with a master’s
degree in strategic leadership at Newcastle University in December 2025.
There's no mention of who will take on the "loan arranger" role,
or whether the post will be filled at all.
2026/27:
Own goal saves blushes
Gateshead 1 Newcastle
1
Match
action
Match report
2026/27:
TV times
The Premier League have published their 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.
1991
IF Rimbo (Sweden) (a) 6-2 (1-1)
1993
Berwick Rangers (a)
2000
Burnley (a)
2004
Rangers (Scotland) (h)
4-2 (3-1)
2010
PSV Eindhoven (Holland) (h)
2011
Leeds United (a)