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18th March 2024

Newcastle United announce post-season matches in Australia

Newcastle United will travel to Australia following the conclusion of the Premier League season in May to take on Tottenham Hotspur and the A-League All Stars in Melbourne.

The Magpies will kick off the city's 'Global Football Week - Melbourne' event at the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) at 7:45pm (all times AEST) on Wednesday 22nd May, taking on a Spurs side managed by one of the city’s favourite sons, Ange Postecoglou.

In an historic double-header at the impressive Marvel Stadium in Melbourne's Docklands on Friday 24th May, Eddie Howe’s side will face the A-League All Star Men at 5:15pm before the inaugural A-League All Star Women's team hosts Arsenal Women at 8:05pm.

The post-season trip will mark Newcastle United's first visit to Oceania since July 2014, when the Magpies won the Football United Tour in New Zealand with victories over Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.  

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe said: "This is a great opportunity to showcase Newcastle United at two iconic venues in an iconic city as the club continues to grow globally.  

" We are privileged to have so many incredible supporters around the world, and it's a chance to be able to play in front of many in Australia who wouldn't ordinarily get the chance to see the team.  

" We look forward to engaging with our supporters in Melbourne and giving them the opportunity to feel closer to the club."

The matches were announced during a special event in Melbourne featuring current Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach and former Socceroo, Mile Jedinak, as well as Spurs' Chief Football Officer, fellow Australian Scott Munn.

They were joined by Australia's Minister for Sports and Tourism, Steve Dimopoulos, Western United captain and Australia international, Chloe Logarzo, Melbourne Victory forward, Daniel Arzani, and APL independent chair, Stephen Conroy.  

Geoff Jones, Group CEO of event organisers TEG said: "What a huge moment in sport today with the announcement of the Global Football Week Melbourne, where we will see Tottenham Hotspur taking on Newcastle United at the MCG and a double header at Marvel seeing Arsenal Women taking on A League All Stars Women, along with A League All Stars Men vs Newcastle United.

"These games will bring a week of international football games and events to the fans here in Australia. It's something no sports fan would want to miss!"

Ticket information will be announced shortly.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase Newcastle United at two iconic venues in an iconic city as the club continues to grow globally." Eddie Howe

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Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal set to send teams to Melbourne for May exhibition matches

Sport Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal set to send teams to Melbourne for May exhibition matches

Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham and the Matildas-laden Arsenal will join Newcastle United in Melbourne this year for exhibition matches at the MCG and Docklands.

Tottenham will take on Newcastle United in a midweek friendly at the MCG on May 22, while Arsenal — including Matildas stars Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross — will headline a friendly against an A-League All Stars game on May 24.

Newcastle United's men's team will play a curtain-raiser before that match, also against an A-League All Stars squad.

Tottenham's chief football officer, Scott Munn, said he hoped all of Tottenham's star players would be available despite the match occurring just two days after the club's final EPL match of the season.

"I think there's only one player [Timo Werner] that's getting married that weekend, so he probably won't travel," Munn said.

The matches will be played during the AFL season, with the MCG hosting Aussie Rules games on May 19 and 25, while Docklands while host games on May 23 and 25.

The A-League Men's grand final is set to be played on May 25 or 26.

Former Socceroo and current Spurs staffer Mile Jedinak said he hoped the games would help Australians get into football.

"I just take myself back to my own childhood and we had some big games where I watched on TV and it was all inspirational, so I see this event as no different," he said.

"Where that leads people in the end, only time will tell, but we can plant the seed of inspiration."

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Newcastle United confirm details of two-game tour of Australia as Eddie Howe speaks out

Newcastle United will make the long journey Down Under to play two friendly games

• 21:14, 18 MAR 2024

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Newcastle United have rubber stamped their two-game tour of Australia at the end of the season and will fly Down Under straight after their final day of the season clash against Brentford.

Eddie Howe has stated the trip will be important as Newcastle look to "grow globally" and meet supporters on the other side of the world. The trip is the first to Oceania since 2014 and will see games against Tottenham Hotspur and A-League All Star Men.

Howe said: "This is a great opportunity to showcase Newcastle United at two iconic venues in an iconic city as the club continues to grow globally.

READ MORE: 10 games left to save Newcastle's season but Shearer hits nail on the head after Howe question

READ MORE: Newcastle notes: Botman injury rocks United, Livramento absence explained and season knife edge

"We are privileged to have so many incredible supporters around the world, and it's a chance to be able to play in front of many in Australia who wouldn't ordinarily get the chance to see the team. We look forward to engaging with our supporters in Melbourne and giving them the opportunity to feel closer to the club."

A Newcastle statement read: "United will travel to Australia following the conclusion of the Premier League season in May to take on Tottenham Hotspur and the A-League All Stars in Melbourne.

"The Magpies will kick off the city's Global Football Week event at the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday, 22nd May, taking on a Spurs side managed by one of the city's favourite sons, Ange Postecoglou.

"In an historic double-header at the impressive Marvel Stadium in Melbourne's Docklands on Friday, 24th May, the inaugural A-League All Star Women's team will host Arsenal Women before Eddie Howe's side face the A-League All Star Men.

"The post-season trip will mark Newcastle United's first visit to Oceania since July 2014, when the Magpies won the Football United Tour in New Zealand with victories over Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix."

Ticket information will be announced shortly.

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18th March 2024

Newcastle United announce post-season matches in Australia

Newcastle United will travel to Australia following the conclusion of the Premier League season in May to take on Tottenham Hotspur and the A-League All Stars in Melbourne.

The Magpies will kick off the city's 'Global Football Week - Melbourne' event at the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) at 7:45pm (all times AEST) on Wednesday 22nd May, taking on a Spurs side managed by one of the city’s favourite sons, Ange Postecoglou.

In an historic double-header at the impressive Marvel Stadium in Melbourne's Docklands on Friday 24th May, Eddie Howe’s side will face the A-League All Star Men at 5:15pm before the inaugural A-League All Star Women's team hosts Arsenal Women at 8:05pm.

The post-season trip will mark Newcastle United's first visit to Oceania since July 2014, when the Magpies won the Football United Tour in New Zealand with victories over Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.  

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe said: "This is a great opportunity to showcase Newcastle United at two iconic venues in an iconic city as the club continues to grow globally.  

" We are privileged to have so many incredible supporters around the world, and it's a chance to be able to play in front of many in Australia who wouldn't ordinarily get the chance to see the team.  

" We look forward to engaging with our supporters in Melbourne and giving them the opportunity to feel closer to the club."

The matches were announced during a special event in Melbourne featuring current Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach and former Socceroo, Mile Jedinak, as well as Spurs' Chief Football Officer, fellow Australian Scott Munn.

They were joined by Australia's Minister for Sports and Tourism, Steve Dimopoulos, Western United captain and Australia international, Chloe Logarzo, Melbourne Victory forward, Daniel Arzani, and APL independent chair, Stephen Conroy.  

Geoff Jones, Group CEO of event organisers TEG said: "What a huge moment in sport today with the announcement of the Global Football Week Melbourne, where we will see Tottenham Hotspur taking on Newcastle United at the MCG and a double header at Marvel seeing Arsenal Women taking on A League All Stars Women, along with A League All Stars Men vs Newcastle United.

"These games will bring a week of international football games and events to the fans here in Australia. It's something no sports fan would want to miss!"

Ticket information will be announced shortly.

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Ange set for Aussie homecoming as Spurs to play at MCG … three days after PL season ends

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United will reportedly contest a friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as Ange Postecoglou enjoys a homecoming for the second-straight off-season.

However, the fixture will take place on May 22, three days after the Premier League season concludes.

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The Times reports Newcastle got the call-up after being knocked out of the FA Cup quarterfinals, meaning they’d be available to play.

The report claims Chelsea were also tipped as a potential opponent, but a 4-2 victory over Leicester City meant the Blues remained in the FA Cup and subsequently could not be confirmed for the friendly.

Postecoglou made a return to Australia with Tottenham last year, playing West Ham United in a friendly at Optus Stadium in Perth, with a crowd of 46,000.

However, the tour was announced before Postecoglou was selected as Antonio Conte’s successor at Tottenham.

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The friendly in Melbourne marks a return for Postecoglou to his home town and a big crowd at the MCG would no doubt be expected.

But it remains to be seen which players are brought over to Australia given the remarkably short turnaround from the end of the Premier League season.

Tottenham remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot and will enjoy a final day trip to Premier League strugglers Sheffield United.

As for Newcastle, they have struggled to cope with the demands of added European fixtures in their schedule and are 10th on the ladder, although Eddie Howe’s side are four points off 7th, which qualifies for the Europa Conference League.

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Newcastle United announce friendly fixtures for upcoming Australia tour in May

The side will compete in two exhibition matches in melbourne, newcastle united have confirmed that they will be flying out to australia to face tottenham hotspur and an a-league all stars side to kick off their post-season calendar. the fixtures will take place in the city of melbourne, on may 22 nd and may 24 th respectively. with both newcastle and tottenham being dumped out of the fa cup by manchester city, it remains to be seen if either team can see more success down under.  .

A disappointingly average season for Eddie Howe’s men, it looks like they will end their 2023/24 campaign trophyless and without European football next year. A tough December saw Newcastle finish fourth in their Champions League group and a League Cup exit at the quarter-final stage, after losing to Chelsea on penalties. March saw Newcastle’s final chance of silverware slip away, following a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. 

The friendly fixtures in Australia will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Marvel Stadium and will be the Magpies' first trip to the country since 2014, where they comfortably beat Sydney FC 4-0 and Wellington Phoenix 1-0. With many of the squad returning from injury, the friendly fixtures will provide an opportunity for players to get some game time after quiet Premier League seasons.  

Eddie Howe was keen to support the club’s decision to travel down under, stating: “This is a great opportunity to showcase Newcastle United at two iconic venues in an iconic city as the club continues to grow globally.” 

The post-season tour also sees Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou returning to the country he was raised in. The majority of Postecoglou’s playing career was spent with South Melbourne Hellas, making 193 appearances between 1984 and 1993. His managerial career began at the same club. A brief spell at Melbourne Victory was followed up by four years managing the Australian national football team – taking them to the World Cup in 2014. 

With the tour taking place so close to UEFA Euro 2024, question marks remain over whether Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon will make the journey to Australia. Both have been named in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary squad and therefore, may be forced to sit out of the friendly tour. 

What is certain is that the tour will provide a great opportunity for all clubs involved. The chance for players to get some more game-time under their belts will be beneficial and, additionally, Australian fans will get the viewing pleasure of seeing English teams perform on the pitch. Newcastle fans worldwide can now look forward to seeing whether their beloved team will be able to repeat their 2014 successes and do the double Down Under. 

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Tottenham vs Newcastle post-season friendly in Australia puts PSR above player care

Three days after the end of the Premier League season on May 19, two of its clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United , will meet in a friendly at the 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Tottenham and their head coach Ange Postecoglou, who began his playing and management careers in Melbourne , will then fly the 10,000 miles (16,000km) back to the UK afterwards — but Newcastle will stay to play a second friendly there, meeting the domestic A-League’s All-Stars select side two days later at the city’s 53,000-seat Docklands Stadium.

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Including pre-season last summer, those will be Newcastle’s 59th and 60th matches of 2023-24, and game 46 for Spurs.

For Bruno Guimaraes , they would be his 63rd and 64th appearances, if he features in Newcastle’s 10 remaining Premier League fixtures and both Brazil ’s friendlies against England and Spain over the next week — and he potentially has the Copa America to come in the United States starting on June 21, where he could play for his country another six times. With the game taking place outside the official international window, those involved in the European Championship or Copa America tournaments this summer will be expected to travel.

On the face of it, there is plenty wrong with this. There are player-welfare concerns and even environmental ones, with campaigners questioning the length of the flights involved for such a short tour.

Sponsor bans, fewer games, more regulation: How football can be more sustainable

However, this is a landscape dominated by a different type of sustainability — yes, it’s the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) , the doorman barring or allowing entry to the Premier League elite. These restrictions only permit clubs to make a certain financial loss over a rolling three-year period, leaving the league’s high-flyers and hopefuls alike scrapping to grow their revenue.

This is why post-season tours overseas are not unique to Tottenham, Newcastle and this summer — they have been common among ‘Big Six’ clubs over the past decade — but neither side this time has hidden how this trip is motivated by commercial rather than sporting reasons .

Another thing that isn’t unique? Managers raising workload concerns.

Here is Postecoglou, speaking in January about the usefulness of the Premier League’s two-week winter break: “The concern is the load players have to carry these days in the number of games, tournaments, representative football they have to play. We should be coming up with a calendar that allows them to play at their best without too much attrition from a physical perspective.”

This is Eddie Howe, his Newcastle counterpart, speaking amid an injury crisis this season that left him with 11 first-team players out simultaneously: “ When you have the number of injuries we have had, some of those have come from too much load.” On Wednesday, news emerged of centre-back Sven Botman ’s knee surgery, who had previously opted to push through a packed fixture schedule to help the team.

In June, FIFPro, the global footballers’ union, released a report entitled Extreme Calendar Congestion: The Adverse Effects On Player Health And Wellbeing.

Some of its statistics were galling — Uruguay international Giorgian de Arrascaeta had travelled 84,791km for matches (that is two full laps of the globe); 43 per cent of World Cup players surveyed had experienced extreme mental fatigue; elite players could soon play towards 90 matches over a 12-month period. The previous year, another FIFPro survey saw 55 per cent of players claim they had picked up an injury directly due to scheduling.

“It’s easy to look ahead and see a situation where elite players face a 12-month rolling calendar,” a spokesperson for the Professional Footballers’ Association, the player trade union in the English game, tells The Athletic . “That’s completely unsustainable. For a lot of players, the idea of defined seasons has been lost. They just move from one competition or commitment to another, shifting between international and club football as required.”

Clubs insist they are experts in player transport — flying them around in first- or business-class, with strategies to combat jet lag, and hydration and muscular issues — but these are all mitigating factors, not solutions. Two flights of 24 hours duration within a week is not good for an athlete’s body, however comfortable and roomy their seat on the plane, and there is a clear difference between flying somewhere for one or two exhibition games then returning and going for a full pre-season, where players will spend multiple weeks in the far-flung destination.

All those factors do not carry as much weight as the potential commercial income.

There are other reasons these matches may be considered exciting — Postecoglou’s return to hometown Melbourne (his family moved there from Greece when he was five years old) is a feel-good story, and both clubs have large and loyal fan groups in Australia, who have endured many bleary-eyed years of late-night sports bars and early-morning wake-ups to watch their team play. For them, these matches are deserved.

Tottenham in Australia: 'Spurs and Ange could go stratospheric'

The same is equally true for clubs’ fanbases in countries that may not boast the same commercial clout — international fans in South America, Africa, or the Philippines — and who are not ‘rewarded’ in this way. When there is no revenue available, clubs are hyper-vigilant of player workload. Journalists waiting in mixed zones for players post-match, only to be told recovery takes precedence, know this all too well.

Tottenham, in particular, see Australia as a huge opportunity.

Their current head coach’s nationality provides the opportunity to follow their Son Heung-min -centric commercial growth in South Korea , having toured their current captain’s homeland in the 2022-23 pre-season. Australia is their fourth biggest market for retail sales, and their eighth largest when it comes to official supporters’ clubs. One of these, OzSpurs, has been going for more than two decades, with 700 paid members, a social media community of more than 10,000 and chapters in every major city.

A giant Spurs-themed mural featuring Postecoglou, Son and team-mate Richarlison adorns a wall in Perth, 9,000 miles away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What a sight 😍 Our squad pose in front of Perth’s latest mural, symbolising community, our journey to Boorloo/Perth and the ancient wetlands of Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. 🎨 Painted in collaboration with First Nations artist JD Penangke as she shares her cultural connection with… pic.twitter.com/IIPz2GpF9b — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 17, 2023

Newcastle, for their part, see their invitation to compete as a mark of their progress. Had results been different in last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals, it would have been Chelsea making this trip, not them.

Despite being majority owned by football’s richest investors, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, those PSR rules effectively block Newcastle from spending big and even present the possibility of them needing to sell one of their prize assets, such as Guimaraes, this summer.

Australian supporters expect to see the teams’ stars but their fitness and availability for the matches in Melbourne are not guaranteed.

Commercially though, their presence is vital. Last month, the Hong Kong government said it was “extremely disappointed” by Lionel Messi’s failure to play for his MLS team Inter Miami during a friendly in their country, demanding an answer from the match’s organisers. After sitting on the touchline in front of thousands of booing fans, Messi issued a social-media apology within days .

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There are further reasons for some of the best players to be absent — Copa America and the European Championship both begin less than a month later. Between them, Newcastle and Spurs have 29 players with a chance of being picked by their country for either tournament. But again, both clubs will expect these individuals to make the trip, with the matches taking place outside of FIFA ’s international windows.

England’s Football Association did not wish to comment on whether it would approach the teams to discuss whether England squad members would travel.

Several aspects of the situation are farcical: a number of players face an unnecessary round-the-world trip to begin the biggest summer of their careers; Newcastle quartet Fabian Schar , Dan Burn , Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff — who will all likely have played about 50 games this season by then — are ultimately going to be shipped to Melbourne for the primary purpose of helping the club earn the money to sign their replacements.

Yet in this financial setting, amid this player calendar, it makes sense. The clubs’ decision is an ordinary one — but so is putting revenue over recovery.

Vincent Kompany, manager of Premier League club Burnley , proposed his solution last September. The former Manchester City and Belgium captain, a veteran of this kind of workload in his playing days, offered a yearly cap on appearances — tentatively suggesting 60 games per player, for club and country combined — to eliminate the extreme cases.

“For the players at the top, who have to play for their national teams and all of these other competitions, it should be capped appearances within a season,” Kompany said. “They (still) have to work hard, don’t get me wrong, but 60 games takes a little bit away.” FIFPro has also researched a similar idea.

Post-season friendlies are prime contenders for the games in line for the chop in that scenario, with such a rule protecting the most at-risk players.

Other stakeholders are less certain about this as a proposal, questioning whether it is too blunt an instrument. Players could miss out on finals, they say, should the regulations not be sufficiently nuanced or if their workload is not managed properly.

FIFA, world football’s governing body, is exploring the prospect of a mandatory three-week, ring-fenced break for players. (Although it is also introducing an expanded, 32-team Club World Cup to be played every four years from June and July 2025 and bumping up the men’s World Cup field from 32 nations to 48 in 2026.)

“It isn’t a situation that is going to be unpicked by working backwards from where we are now,” said the PFA spokesperson. “It requires a collective and coordinated approach to the calendar that starts with an acknowledgement of the physical and mental limits of players. That isn’t happening.

“We can all see the elastic is being stretched, and so we shouldn’t then be surprised when it snaps.”

The race is to see whether PSR’s elastic snaps first.

(Top photos: Getty Images)

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Jacob Whitehead is a reporter for The Athletic, who covers a range of topics including investigations and Newcastle United. He previously worked on the news desk. Prior to joining, he wrote for Rugby World Magazine and was named David Welch Student Sportswriter of the Year at the SJA Awards. Follow Jacob on Twitter @ jwhitey98

Ed Harrison's

The newcastle united blog, eddie howe speaks out on the australia trip.

Eddie Howe seems to be all for the  two-game tour of Australia at the end of the season, when the lads will fly to Australia after the final league game this season on May 19th at Brentford.

This is what Eddie Howe has said about the two-game visit:

“This is a great opportunity to showcase Newcastle United at two iconic venues in an iconic city as the club continues to grow globally.” “We are privileged to have so many incredible supporters around the world, and it’s a chance to be able to play in front of many in Australia who wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to see the team.” “We look forward to engaging with our supporters in Melbourne and giving them the opportunity to feel closer to the club.”

This is the Newcastle statement put out yesterday which shocked our supporters:

“United will travel to Australia following the conclusion of the Premier League season in May to take on Tottenham Hotspur and the A-League All Stars in Melbourne.” “The Magpies will kick off the city’s Global Football Week event at the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday, 22nd May, taking on a Spurs side managed by one of the city’s favorited sons, Ange Postecoglou.

This will be really hard on some of our players, but on the other hand, it will be over by May 25th once the squad has made their 22-hour and 21,000-mile trip back to England.

What do you think?

Who Was Newcastle's best player At Manchester City?

Comments welcome.

205 comments so far

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:25 AM

Seems a bit mad to travel so far at the end of the season

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:26 AM

Money swears (not talks)

I guess every penny helps towards ffp/psr – hopefully we’re getting very well paid to go

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:27 AM

magscar – it does indeed, probably even more so than FB

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Few buses back about Gaza

At my age and with 7 grandkids I’m afraid about all I can manage is a peacekeeping keyboard and regrettably and heartbreakingly a better man or woman than me is needed

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:32 AM

Puts the Away fans commute to Brighton into perspective mind? I’m guessing anybody whom looks likely to be called up for their country will probably be exempt from this trip?

In other news, “West Ham have been dealt a significant blow with key midfielder Edson Alvarez facing a fresh ban, side-lining him for three out of the next four games across all competitions.

Alvarez has become a crucial figure in David Moyes’ squad since his arrival last summer, will be sorely missed during this critical phase of the season. In many respects, he has been one of the teams most consistent performers this season.” Likely means that Kalvin Phillips will start for West Ham against us which, in theory should be good for us

Essex Geordie Bill

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:38 AM

So how much will the club earn out of this soiree?

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:44 AM

Will it be a round pitch? 🙂

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:46 AM

Good to see Munster offering an olive branch to Fenham. Doesn’t mean they won’t argue about stuff but hopefully it stops the petty points scoring and insults. Fenham, up to you to accept it. Pints all round.

As long as they aint playing Aussie Rules against Bruno etc?

Mar 19, 2024 at 11:48 AM

I’m still hoping to get up for the Brighton game on 11th May – ticket or no ticket

Raj of Hailsley

Mar 19, 2024 at 12:09 PM

DrGloom, I think Ruddy and magicmac54 or coming ticket or not.

Mar 19, 2024 at 12:23 PM

That`s the plan Raj Jail, but preferably with a ticket with luck, but hoping also for some luck in the ballot for the upcoming game against Tottenham mate.

Mar 19, 2024 at 12:59 PM

magicmac54, it still amazes me how difficult it is to get a ticket via the Ballot for a Toon match? Especially when you consider our season is considered a disaster according to the press?

Well I’ve applied for five today, two lots of two and a single on my spare membership.

Mar 19, 2024 at 1:05 PM

So you have Alts on Toon membership Jail? Lol

Mar 19, 2024 at 1:12 PM

G, I do indeed 😀

Mar 19, 2024 at 1:29 PM

If your heart’s with the people whose lives are being bombed to pieces, it’s in the right place.

Sadly, a lot of folk don’t consider that we’re it not for fate, they and their grandbairns could be at the receiving end of the bombing and the injustice of it. Thankfully though, a lot of folk do.

The Bard of Bensham Bank

Mar 19, 2024 at 1:37 PM

You’re probably thinking, Not another Bard rhyme And no, my friends, it’s not this time I’ve only returned to have my say And clear my name with yer man , John J

You may well have seen that last night I included a quip in a post which referred to you….

“I pretty much enjoy everyone’s input…..with the possible exception of John J.”

Not exactly FB level stuff was it, especially after adding ‘winky face’ and ‘smiley’ emojis, and signing off with “Banter, John”, which I thought would have been sufficient to make yourself and everyone else aware that it was a tongue in cheek comment and not to be taken seriously.

Not so however, as I still managed to incur the wrath of Fenners and his beautiful assistant CH, who immediately got offended on your behalf and accused me of trolling you.

Now, I can understand Fenners having a pop at me for no reason, as he’s got a right hair up his arse with me at the moment (more on that later) but it’s the fact that his and CH’s posts against me garnered quite a few hearts that I felt I should make you are aware that what I said was a mere joke.

I think we’re all aware that old Fenners likes to manipulate the hearting system, but if only one of those hearts was real it’s still something that I feel I need to clarify.

I’m now accused of trolling you, but that it most definitely not the case. I’ve nothing against you at all, you seem like a jolly decent egg to me.

I’ve had a bit of banter with you in the past, and recently wrote a pleasant little ditty about your Whitley Bay gig and wished you well. (conveniently ignored by the Fennerati)

Admittedly last night’s quip was the second time since then that you’ve featured in a punchline, but I’m sure you understand how I roll and are cool with it.

The reason I used your name last night is simply because you’re one of the good guys, the less inflammatory types, the type no one is offended by.

That’s what makes it banter.

CH obviously doesn’t get it by suggesting I could have said Munster.

Munster wouldn’t work, just as Jail, Mund and Lesh wouldn’t work as they divide opinion too much. Only the likes of yourself, EGB, Magic and Nicky, you know, the good guys, would work as banter.

Hope this clears up any possible misunderstanding, although I’d be surprised if it even bothered you in the slightest. . . . So, John J, to summarise I’d sincerely like to apologise If my lines arent received in the way I intended And have made you distressed or even offended But I’m quietly confident that’s not the case It’s only Fenners again stirring up the place

Mar 19, 2024 at 1:40 PM

The strange thing is I’ve never had too much trouble with Fenners, even in the days when I used to feature him in a lot of rhymes, but since I recently had the temerity to suggest that Munster had some amusing lines, (well he does when compared to Tuffers!) I’ve suddenly become public enemy no1. (0k then, no2)

I’m now apparently part of the freak show, have shown my true colours, become a troll and quite possibly THE troll. 😮

Coming from someone who pretty much introduced alts and trolling to the blog that’s quite a statement.

Depressing stuff indeed.

However I was buoyed the other night when I saw that Regan apparently still thinks I’m Wor B.

I thought great, there’s hope for me yet.

Unfortunately the wind was taken out of my sails this morning when I saw Tuffers had me down as Taco!

Ffs, I preferred it when I was Tsunki.

Sorry Taco.

Banter ye knaa!

Mar 19, 2024 at 1:41 PM

The Bard, Am I not on the good guys list. Aghast 😳

Mar 19, 2024 at 1:44 PM

Never gonna happen Jail.

Never gonna happen

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:04 PM

Would be useful to know if there’s likely to be any fundamental change to these PSR rules for clubs with the means to invest. It would have a significant impact on our plans. Would without doubt mean we don’t need to sell Bruno or Isak. But with no change unfortunately I think selling a top player is inevitable, but hopefully we get another season with them. Top footballers just will not hang around for 5 years while you build the club commercially, their careers are too short. Of course this just makes it harder to build a team. It needs to be changed and fast. It’s just ridiculous that clubs have to operate with these dysfunctional rules, and rules that can change in a heartbeat. Medium and long term planning becomes pointless.

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:14 PM

onmeedsun, The only fair way to do it without sending the wages astronomical is by allowing everyone to spend the same as RM or Man City. If wealthy owners can put a pot of money I’m trust to show they are protecting the club then it’s only right that we can match what RM or PSG could offer Bruno. How is it fair that clubs that got rich just before rule changes will stay rich forever. These PSR laws are creating a closed shop. That has to be anti competitive.

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:22 PM

JfA – Seems i don’t make the Bards good or bad guys list, I guess that makes us medicore 😀

In Bensham town, where wit does crown, The Bard he strolls, with verses profound. In merry jest, he spins his rhyme, Without a thought for those with no time.

No mention of JfA or DrGloom, Their words lack sparkle, no words of doom, With a flick of his pen, he ignores them outright, While they, in their darkness, remained out of sight.

His tales were bright, like sun-kissed dew, Full of banter, he writes with mischief anew. No room for dullness in his poetic spree, For wit and charm are his decree.

So here’s to the Bard of Bensham fair, Whose verses dance on the playful air. In his world, there’s no room for the stale, Just wit and banter, that never fail.

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:25 PM

I’m not sure why people keep thinking we need to sell a key player to be able to compete in the summer window.

We deliberately spent no money in January so that we didn’t fall foul of FFP. Meaning currently, the Adidas money, Champions League money and any other extra revenue between now and next season starting, will give us plenty of spending room before hitting that limit of breaking FFP again.

Then, if we feel we need a bit more wriggle room, there are players like Miggy who we were tryng to ship to Saudi for £20-£30m, which i’m sure we could try again, giving us that extra wriggle room. Quite a lot with a sale like that. Whilst being a first team player, wouldn’t be considered a ‘key’ or ‘star’ player like Isak or Bruno.

We don’t need to sell one of them to have funds to strengthen in the summer.

*In my opinion of course

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:31 PM

Adam, (imo) I think it’s more the case of Arsenal and Man City allegedly sniffing around Isak and Bruno and potentially unsettling them that worries me, of course we would get good money but what would replacements cost and theres no guarantee they would settle into EPL

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:32 PM

That’s before we even start to think about shipping out some outliers in the squad like Jamal Lewis, as well as those who’s contracts are running out so will free up a bunch of wage bill.

We’ll manage fine without the need to sell a key player.

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:33 PM

I think it’s just made up rumours of putting 2+2 together at this moment.

Arsenal were interested in Isak before and still don’t have a goalscoring striker, so easy to link Isak to them again now.

Pep has recently spoken about how good Bruno is, so very easy to suggest Man City are after him.

I’m not too worried about the situation and think they’ll both be here next season.

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:34 PM

Adamn_92, That Futbol Joe account is claiming Leeds will bid £20M for Longstaff.

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:43 PM

It’s weird that people keep going on about homegrown players being pure profit, surely 20 million ‘pure profit’ for Longstaff isn’t as much as the 100 million we would get for Bruno ( I’m just using Bruno as an example ). 2022 sign Bruno for 40million – paid off over length of contract 4 1/2 years

Deposit 10 million Installment paid 2023 6 million installment paid 2024 6 million so we’ve already paid 22 million leaving 18 million to be paid That would leave 82 million ‘pure profit’

I’m aware Football has some extremely weird acounting rules you wouldn’t find in any other line of business so maybe someone with more knowledge can enlighten me

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:50 PM

Obviously I don’t know how much deposit we put down nor the annual payment structure so just used random examples – I do remember Stavely saying we would fall in line with other clubs re: transfers and pay over contract length rather than the Ashley pay up front model

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:56 PM

Hayden, Fraser, Hendrick and Lewis. Hendrick gone as contract expires in June. If we can get a small fee for Fraser and perhaps Lewis. Pay off Hayden’s last couple of years. Just might get out of that at cost nuetral.

How much off the wage bill. 180K at week ?

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:57 PM

Anyway back to work…before I leave, here’s something a few on here could take note of..

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

Mar 19, 2024 at 2:59 PM

Saratoga – paying off Hayden would reduce operating capital for next year , makes no sense – better some club pay part of his wages unless they want to buy him outright in summer

Mar 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM

If that’s true then I imagine the club would accept it. Doubt there’s any truth in it though.

I also feel like Longstaff is a player who will be difficult to sell. As the player obviously has to agree to the move as well and I imagine Longstaff would be happy to remain here even as a bit part player.

Depending on what happens, you’ve then got Ritchie, Dummett, Karius and Gillespie too who could all be let go if they get no new contract.

Fat Basta*d

Mar 19, 2024 at 3:09 PM

If you really think anyone can say anything worse than Fatty Fenners cheering on the genocide of more than 40000 people in Gaza then you need a few minutes to reflect I think.

Also how have everyone forgotten about magicmac? Magic never had to tell anyone off on this blog until that time he had to tell of Fatty Fenham for insulting Irish people with that F word. Freunian was it that 900 bellies called Irish people? If magic had to tell him off what does that tell you?

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health update

An update on my health situation - we have terminated the PluVicto treatment halfway through, because of the severity of the side effects - diarrhea, vomiting, and acid reflux.

And there was no evidence the treatment was having any positive effect in stopping the prostate cancer from spreading in the bones.

I will go into home hospice care now and will have a hospice nurse visit me at home regularly to ensure I am as comfortable as possible and we will treat the side effects of the treatments I have had.

It's down the final stretch now, and I have run out of treatments, and nature will now take its course.

I hope Newcastle can get many wins this season from now on, and I am at peace with all of this.

Thanks for all your help through the years - it's very much appreciated

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Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham set for Australian return as part of new football event

Ange Postecoglou will return to Australia later this year, with Tottenham set to face Newcastle United as part of 'Global Football Week' in Melbourne.

The former Socceroos manager and the Spurs will headline a bumper week-long event, which will also see Arsenal bring their women's outfit Down Under. 

Postecoglou's side will face their Premier League rivals on May 22 in a friendly match.

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Postecoglou will also have former Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak alongside him, with the retired midfielder now acting as the assistant coach at Tottenham. 

Two nights later, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord will line up for the Gunners against some of their Matildas teammates and the first-ever female A-League All Stars team, headlining a double header at Marvel Stadium.

The men's All-Stars team will take on Newcastle United on the same night, playing before the women against the Magpies.

APL chair Stephen Conroy believes the week-long extravaganza will bring more eyes to the Aussie football scene.

"This is a fantastic event for the A-Leagues, for our players to play against the best in the world and for our fans to see our best local talent up against some giants of English football," he said in a statement.

"Foord, Catley and Cooney-Cross got their break in the A-League Women and it's going to be fantastic to see them back on home soil playing against former teammates and the next generation of local stars.

"It's set to be a huge month of football in May, with the A-League Women's grand final, A-League Men's grand final, and these All Stars fixtures - providing another fantastic opportunity for the stars of the A-Leagues to perform on the world stage."

Arsenal sit in third place in the WSL, while Newcastle are 10th in the EPL and Postecoglou's Spurs battling for a top-four finish.

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Newcastle United to jet to Australia for end of season tour with friendly against Spurs lined up

N ewcastle United players will be heading to Australia for an end of season tour after their FA Cup exit was confirmed on Saturday night away to Manchester City.

Eddie Howe's Magpies, who are currently having a behind closed doors training camp in Dubai, will be on their travels again in May. The news will be celebrated by the thousands of Newcastle fans and Geordie ex-pats Down Under as they will get an opportunity to see their team play in the flesh.

It is understood that Newcastle will play a friendly game at Melbourne Cricket Ground against Tottenham Hotspur in an end of season friendly game on May 22. The fixture will prove to be a massively popular affair on Australian soil with Ange Postecoglou returning to the country which he managed between 2013 and 2017.

READ MORE: Newcastle United sleepwalk to FA Cup exit as Manchester City don't get out of first gear

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Some fans have questioned why Newcastle would take on such a trip on the back of an exhausting season. But in the world of Financial Fair Play, such an opportunity can't be passed by if Newcastle want to mix it with the big guns in the Premier League and mix it on the global scene.

United's last trip Down Under came with a pre-season trip to New Zealand in 2014 when they faced Sydney FC in Dunedin at the Forsyth Barr Stadium and won 4-0. They then jetted across the country to take on Wellington and earned a 1-0 win under Alan Pardew.

It is expected that Newcastle will confirm the details of the trip soon as well as pre-season plans with a number of proposals on the table from the Far East and America.

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Tottenham v Newcastle United at MCG in Australia – Ticket sale dates made public | OneFootball

· 19 March 2024

Tottenham v Newcastle United at MCG in Australia – Ticket sale dates made public

As most of you know by now, it will be Tottenham v Newcastle down in Melbourne just three days after he Premier League season ends.

A local time 7.45pm kick-off on Wednesday 22 May 2024 at the MCG.

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It has now been revealed that Tottenham v Newcastle tickets for this friendly will go on sale via Ticketek from 12pm on Thursday 28 March (local time in Melbourne, 1am in UK) and will be priced from $59AUD (roughly £30).

The official announcement from Spurs (see below) also details a pre-sale for their fans, with tickets available from 9am on Monday 25 March (local time in Melbourne, Sunday 24 March at 10pm in UK).

No news as yet from our club on a pre-sale for NUFC fans looking to buy Tottenham v Newcastle tickets.

The Spurs official announcement also states that hospitality packages are available now via www.vipnow.com.au .

Spurs official announcement for Tottenham v Newcastle match at the MCG in Australia:

Scott Munn says it’s ‘exciting’ and a ‘great opportunity’ after it was announced that we are returning to Australia to play Newcastle United as part of Global Football Week in Melbourne in May.

Our Chief Football Officer is back Down Under alongside Assistant Coach and former Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak for the announcement of the post-match friendly fixture against the Toon at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday 22 May (7.45pm local time, 9.45am UK).

Scott knows all about sport in Australia having started his career with the Sydney Organising Committee for the 2000 Olympic Games and working in the NRL, AFL (Aussie Rules) and then joining Melbourne City FC (A-League) as CEO in 2010.

Speaking at the launch in Melbourne on Monday, Scott said: “It’s special for me, yes. I’ve been lucky enough to be here for a number of years, both living and involved in football, and it’s a great opportunity to come back with Spurs.

“For any player around the world of any sporting code, to say we’re playing at the MCG is exciting and I know when I spoke with Ange how positive he was about coming back here and playing on the hallowed turf.

“When we visited Perth last summer we were blown away by the warmth shown to us by our Australian fans, and I know it will be the same in Melbourne.

“We have two official supporter groups here in Melbourne, part of our 11 official supporter groups (OzSpurs) here in Australia, so it will be fantastic for them and we will continue to visit, continue to work with our official supporter groups, continue to work here with Global Football Development and continue to grow the game.”

The fixture marks a return to his home city for Ange Postecoglou, who memorably took charge of the team for the first time on home soil when we faced West Ham United in Perth last summer.

It represents our first return to the world-famous MCG since July, 2016, when we faced Juventus and Atletico Madrid in pre-season action.

Our Global Football Development team will be holding training sessions for aspiring young footballers in Melbourne in the days surrounding our fixture.

Global Football Week Melbourne will also see both men’s and women’s A-League All-Stars teams involved in the high-profile extravaganza.

Broadcast details for our match will be confirmed in due course.

Tickets for our fixture against Newcastle United will go on sale via Ticketek from 12pm on Thursday 28 March (local time in Melbourne, 1am in UK) and will be priced from $59AUD.

Pre-sale tickets will be available from 9am on Monday 25 March (local time in Melbourne, Sunday 24 March at 10pm in UK). Sign up via the webpage to get pre-sale access.

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Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

Wednesday MAY 22

Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United

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Join us on Wednesday 22 May 2024 as Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur take on Newcastle United in front of a packed MCG.

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Club to visit Australia in May for post-season fixture against Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspur will return Down Under in May as we head to Melbourne, Australia for a post-season visit, capped off by a friendly against Newcastle United.

Part of Global Football Week Melbourne, the match will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday 22 May, kick-off 7:45pm local time.

The fixture marks a return to his home city for Ange Postecoglou, who memorably took charge of the team for the first time on home soil when we faced West Ham United in Perth last summer.

It represents our first return to the world-famous MCG since July, 2016, when we faced Juventus and Atletico Madrid in pre-season action.

Our Global Football Development team will be holding training sessions for aspiring young footballers in Melbourne in the days surrounding our fixture.

Global Football Week Melbourne will also see both men’s and women’s A-League All-Stars teams involved in the high-profile extravaganza.

Broadcast details for our match will be confirmed in due course.

Our Chief Football Officer, Scott Munn, along with Assistant Coach and former Australia national team captain Mile Jedinak, today attended a special event in Melbourne to announce the fixture, joined by dignitaries including Australia’s Minister for Sports and Tourism, Steve Dimopoulos, and APL Independent Chair, Stephen Conroy.

Scott said: “We are delighted to be heading to Melbourne for a post-season fixture against Newcastle United.

“Being able to take our team overseas is always a huge honour. We have amazing global support and to have the opportunity to connect with those fans who may be based thousands of miles away but are fanatical about the Club is truly special.

“When we visited Perth last summer we were blown away by the warmth shown to us by our Australian fans, and I know it will be the same in Melbourne."

Tickets for our fixture against Newcastle United will go on sale via Ticketek from 12pm on Thursday 28 March (local time in Melbourne, 1am in UK) and will be priced from $59AUD.

Pre-sale tickets will be available from 9am on Monday 25 March (local time in Melbourne, Sunday 24 March at 10pm in UK). Sign up via the webpage to get pre-sale access.

Hospitality Packages are available now via www.vipnow.com.au.

Stay up to date

What's this all about then? Click here   for a rambling explanation of sorts....  

Born Or Died:

1953 Graeme Souness born, Edinburgh, Scotland. (Mgr 2004-06)

Having served Spurs, the smoggies, Liverpool, Sampdoria and Rangers as a player, Souness then managed at Ibrox and Anfield before joining Galatasaray.  A return to these shores came in 1996 with Southampton, although he just managed just one season at the Saints before moving overseas again, with Torino and Benfica. March 2000 saw him take over at Blackburn Rovers, steering them back to the Premier League and winning the League Cup.  Newcastle turned to him to fill the void left by Bobby Robson's enforced departure in September 2004, Souness watching his former side lose 3-0 to his future one from an Executive Box at SJP before taking over. His first season saw Newcastle progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and Quarter Finals of the UEFA, but defeats in both to Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon within four days were major setbacks. Craig Bellamy returned from his Celtic loan and was sold on to Blackburn before the start of the next season - having fallen out with Souness over his place in the side and other disciplinary-related transgressions. His influence was brought to bear on other transfers, with Patrick Kluivert, Aaron Hughes, Andy O'Brien, Laurent Robert and Jermaine Jenas also departing. Loan deals also saw James Milner and Nicky Butt depart as Emre, Craig Moore, Albert Luque, Michael Owen and Nobby Solano were added to January buys Amdy Faye, Celestine Babayaro and Jean-Alain Boumsong (the latter deemed not good enough for Newcastle by Bobby Robson months earlier). By February 2006 though, Souness was gone - defeat at Manchester City leaving United fifteenth with fan unrest increasing since a particularly gutless League Cup defeat against a second-choice Wigan Athletic side. While the fitness of Owen and Luque made his job more difficult, Souness was ultimately betrayed by many of those who he'd brought in to the SJP dressing room.  

He became a familiar feature on our TV screens as a Sky Sports pundit, where he remained consistently charmless when discussing the Magpies. However Souness did show a more caring side when completing a relay swim of the English Channel in 2023, raising over £1m for Debra UK - a charity supporting those affected by epidermolysis bullosa (EB).  2013 Death of Steve Carney , aged 55.

1976 Fredrikstad (Norway) (a) 4-2  (2-0) Friendly  Burns, Gowling, Nattrass, Kennedy  Scorers tbc( 4-1 , 4-2 ) 2,000 The second game in United's two-match mini tour for the first team came 24 hours after beating IK Start in Kristiansand. Roger Jones save a penalty at 2-0 and United netted twice more before the Norwegians hit back with two goals of their own in the final five minutes. Gordon Lee opted to field a front three of Alan Gowling, Malcolm Macdonald and young forward Alan Guy. 1978 Newcastle Juniors lost 0-1 at home to Lincoln City in a Northern Intermediate League fixture at Benwell. Scorer for the Imps was 19 year-old forward Mick Harford, who by 1980 had become a Magpie at a cost of £180,000.

2003 The reserves ended their league season with a 1-2 defeat to Manchester City at Kingston Park. Bradley Orr scored for United. NUFC.com match report

Youtube footage is online here

" It is now time for the dark forces that are preventing this football club from becoming the powerhouse that the fans deserve, to step aside.”

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Report: Newcastle’s preseason plans shaping up

Will it be Australia? Will it be Japan? Nobody knows about that!

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To probably not many people’s surprise, Newcastle United is reportedly set to conduct their pre-season tour in East Asia, with Japan emerging as the likely destination instead of other less prominent countries or other nonsensical (operationally) continents.

The reported plans include two friendly matches against J-League teams, including the Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F Marinos. None of those two clubs nor members from NUFC’s brass have confirmed the tour.

The decision to choose Japan aims to (unsurprisingly) increase commercial revenues and enhance Newcastle’s global presence boosting their coffers and allowing them to enter the market with more room to operate and bolster their squad head of next season and beyond.

This follows a similar rationale to the club’s upcoming post-season trip to Australia right at the end of the Premier League season, when and where they will face Tottenham Hotspur and an A-League All-Stars XI in Melbourne a few days after the national campaign is over.

From a football perspective, the benefits of such tours are highly debatable.

Eddie Howe has previously expressed his discontent about the demanding travel and intense schedule of pre-season tours, which last year were seen as contributing to a season plagued by injuries. Despite this, the financial incentives appear to be a driving force, as is always the case with these things, with NUFC expected to earn approximately £3 million from the Australia trip alone.

According to a few reports, some players and staff are reportedly unhappy about the extensive travel plans. The club is also exploring other options, including a potential training camp in Germany that would be much more manageable for everyone.

More From Coming Home Newcastle

• Will Newcastle pay for their exotic preseason plans?
• Burnley 1-4 Newcastle — Match Report: Top-5 Finish now a possibility!?
• Burnley vs. Newcastle — Eddie Howe: Pre-Match Press Conference
• Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali handed two-month ban by FA
• Alexander Isak not in Arsenal’s radar, Man City monitoring Bruno
• Dan Asworth set to take Newcastle to arbitration: Report

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