Tuesday August 11th, 2026

    Last update 23:52 BST

      Your genial hosts: Niall and Biffa




 

Next Match

 

Everton
Friendly
Murrayfield Stadium
Wednesday 12th August
Kick-off 5.15pm
Last Match

 

Valencia (Spain) 1
Newcastle 2
Friendly
Mestalla Stadium
Saturday 8th August
Match report

The Never-Ending Tour

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

4

alt  

 

Bayer / Strasbourg (h) Public sale now
Liverpool (h)
ST forwarding/resale now
Spurs (a)
SOLD OUT
Bournemouth (h) Member sale now
Leeds (a) Seat selections open Wed 12.08, 2pm


2026/27:
Everton (n)


Newcastle continue their pre-season campaign on Wednesday in Edinburgh, facing Premier League rivals Everton at the home of Scottish Rugby, Murrayfield.

It's a 5.15pm kick-off and all ticket sales are via the Ticketmaster agency rather than the clubs or venue.

Our man in Lothian reminds us that some pubs in the city centre maintain a strict ban on wearing football colours.

Team: Tino Livramento remains unavailable but Dan Burn is back in training. Updates on the availability of Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley and Fabian Schar are awaited.

EFC: David Moyes has strengthened his midfield this summer, signing Merlin Rohl from Freiburg, Hayden Hackney from Boro, Christian Norgaard from Arsenal and Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace. The latter deal saw Dwight McNeil head to Selhurst Park.

Striker Tyrique George was also signed from Chelsea.

So far in pre-season, the Toffees have won 4-0 at Dundee, drawn 0-0 at Bolton Wanderers, lost 0-1 at Stoke City, won 2-1 at Hamburg and lost 1-3 at Stuttgart.

Travel information:

No trams are currently running beyond West End towards Waverley station and down Leith Walk due to a building fire on Princes Street. More information here

That incident is also affecting road traffic in the city, with disruption of bus services along Princes Street. As an alternative, get the train to and from Haymarket station.

NUFC have released a supporter guide online here

This isn't the first time that the Magpies and Toffees have met in a friendly on neutral ground, Everton lifting the Barcelona Cup in May 1924 thanks to a 3-2 victory over Newcastle in the Catalan capital.

This and United's other pre-season games are available as paid live streams from NUFC
here.

Our visit to Edinburgh is also live on Premier Sports while BBC Radio Newcastle will be providing live audio commentary. 

2026/27:
ST downloads available


NUFC are currently emailing 2026/27 season ticket holders to confirm that their digital tickets can now be downloaded by logging on via their supporter accounts.


2026/27
:
Matthias checks in


Quotes from Thursday's SJP media unveiling of Matthias Jaissle, following his first training session at the KNOX:

"First of all, really looking forward to the weekend, finally being here at two days ago already to an amazing stadium,

"I can't wait to see it full of our home crowd. That's already a good set-up, the two friendly matches on the weekend.

"But again, the process is step by step. Tomorrow we have again a friendly match, many matches in the first week now so that means we can see them in the game but also we don't see them too often on the training pitch so we need to find a good balance, we need to be smart with the loan management, also with the technical approaches, how much we can already give them and then we see it step by step.

"We are going in the right direction, I am pretty sure, I am really pleased what I've seen so far from the guys. There is a huge commitment - and that's the most important thing.

"It's a challenge, a big challenge. Always when there's a transitional period. But it's not time to complaint, it doesn't make sense to see the negative things, we want to see the chance in that situation, and that's our approach from day one.

"We are here to do our best job. We want to support the players, the current squad, there will be adjustments to see in the coming days, weeks. But for now it's only focused on the daily work, the work we can influence. And that's all that matters now.


On his appointment:

"
I received a call at the end of July, when it was clear that most likely Eddie would quit.

"Obviously if there's first of all a club original from Premier League, and then also a club like Newcastle with that special club history, that fan base, that DNA, which is so linked to the idea of how I want to play football.

"There was no doubt or question marks but to listen and take that process further. For sure I had a big smile.

On his ambitions and priorities:

"I’m long enough in the industry now that you cannot promise anything. It makes no sense to promise you things now because I don’t know how things will look in one year, but it doesn’t make sense to see the negative.

"There will be more adjustments to the squad this summer. We still have time. I would say keep the optimism.

"I'm really happy that the fans appreciate me already a lot. I have to say the welcome was unbelievable, I'm very grateful, not only from the players but also the staff and the fans when I was having a walk yesterday in the city. It was really giving me a nice feeling."

On his playing ethos:

""The phrase how Newcastle should play like, is front-footed, intense, aggressive and of course also successful.

"It's in the end all about what I can say and it's also why I'm sitting here, the approach we have as a coaching team, and the identity of Newcastle is famed for, it's so linked so close together, which is a perfect fit in my eyes. And that's going to be exciting.

"Football is really complex. It's not only out of possession, really intense, high press, at one point, why are we doing it?

"To have the ball also. We want to win the ball and then we need to have solutions as well. Then you need to be smart, you have to have your identity, how we want to play - vertical, target-orientated, we want to score goals - but it also depends how our opponent is playing, this is an adaptation as well.

"You need to be smart with what the opponent is giving you, use their weaknesses and use our strengths."

On the loss of key figures from his squad:

"This is now a vacuum as you call it. They were great characters, great players, experienced players. Obviously we are in that transition phase. My job is to make the best out of it all.

"I am quite optimistic. We are ambitious, that’s the most important thing and why I decided to come here. But it will not happen overnight.

"It is why I decided to come here, but this will not happen overnight, especially when you have such a big transition phase now.

"You need to have a clear goal and wish of where we want to go to. That starts from the decision-makers, the management and the board.

"Then, if you have that synergy with the fans, the players and the staff to go there, I'm pretty sure it will be a successful story. But we need time now."

On taking advice from Thomas Tuchel:

"It’s been a long connection. Thomas was my youth coach when I was a youth player at Stuttgart. He was amazing, I really admire him.

"He’s a really special coach and I’m looking forward to staying in touch with him, and getting insights on the league. That’s something I want to use for sure.

"But it’s also important to build your own opinions because every coach is their own human being and has their opinions and, ­sometimes players get stuck in a box. It’s ­important for me to be neutral about players.”


On his animated touchline behaviour in game:

"I will not change my style because that's my personality

"On the touchline, I am emotional, but I need to respect the box (technical area) a bit more.

"I'm a bit scared. I hope in the beginning the referees can maybe close their eyes here and there a little. I need to learn that.

"I had a long touchline in Saudi Arabia, so I think the GPS would be quite high if I had worn it!"

On first seeing inside the ground:

"I had a tour of St James’ Park two days ago. When I entered the pitch here with my assistant coaches for the first time, we were looking at each other with smiles and goosebumps.

"It’s really special, an amazing stadium. I can’t wait to see it full. The guys here who were leading the tour told me how it feels when the crowd are there.

"When we hopefully play in the way they want to see us - intense football, a vertical approach, aggressive, front-footed - there is a great synergy between the fans and the team."

2026/27:
Baggies back in Toon 


Monday evening's Carabao Cup Second Round draw handed Newcastle a home tie against Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

Managed by Darlington-born James Morrison, the Baggies made it to this stage thanks to a 1-4 First Round victory at Rotherham United on Saturday.

This will be the third time that the two sides have met in this competition: Albion winning 1-0 on Tyneside back in October 1989 before returning to Gallowgate during October 2003 to register a 2-1 success.

Their last visit to SJP ended in a 2-1 Premier League victory for United behind closed doors in December 2020. Joelinton and Jacob Murphy remain in the squad from the 14 players on duty for the hosts. 

Second Round ties are played during the week commencing Monday 24.08.2026, between United's opening two Premier League fixtures, at home to Liverpool on Sunday 23.08.2026 and away at Spurs on Saturday 29.08.2026.

Albion are in Championship action on the same two days, facing Burnley at the Hawthorns on Sunday 23.08.2026 before travelling to Boro on Saturday 29.08.2026.

That all suggests a Wednesday slot for the tie, which will be played to a finish on the night. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will take place.

Ticket sale information is awaited: season ticket holders on the Carabao Cup scheme will pay £22 or £28 depending on their location. Those payments will be taken within seven days of the tie being confirmed.

All Carabao Cup ties will be available live on Sky Sports.


Loan exit
:
Auf Wiedersehen, Alex


Newcastle defender Alex Murphy has now completed a season-long loan switch to Bundesliga second tier side Kaiserslautern.

The 22 year-old Galway native was absent from United's squad for Saturday's friendly against Valencia, having featured in the opening three pre-season kickabouts.

Signed from his hometown club in summer 2022, Murphy made two brief substitute appearances in Premier League games for the Magpies during the 2023/24 campaign.

Signing a new long term contract of undisclosed length at Gallowgate in 2024 (reportedly running until 2028), Alex was loaned to League One Bolton Wanderers for the second half of the 2024/25 season.

Eight more outings in all competitions then followed for Newcastle last season, including his first-ever senior start - in the Champions League home win over Qarabag.

Alex could make his debut in Bundesliga 2 at home to Karlsruhe this coming Saturday.     

2026/27:
U18 & U21 fixtures out 


Newcastle's 2026/27 fixtures in the U18 Premier League and PL2 (for U21s) have been released, with their August league games as follows:

U18s:

Sat 15.08.2026 Derby County U18s (h) 1pm
Sat 22.08.2026 Stoke City U18s (h) 11am
Sat 29.08.2026 Blackburn Rovers U18s (h) 12.30pm

(Home games at Little Benton)

PL2:

Mon 24.08.2026 Spurs U21s (h) 7pm
Mon 31.08.2026 Fulham U21s (h) 7pm

(Home games at Whitley Park)

EFL Trophy tie dates for the U21s are also available:

Tue 15.09.2026 York City (a) 7pm
Tue 22.09.2026 Bradford City (a) 7.30pm
Tue 03.11.2026 Rotherham United (a) 7pm

As are National League Cup tie dates for the U21s:

Tue 18.08.2026 Tamworth (a) 7.45pm
Tue 08.09.2026 Boreham Wood (a) 7pm 
Tue 06.10.2026 Solihull Moors (a) 7pm
Tue 13.10.2026 Hartlepool United (a) 7pm

And Premier League Cup details:

Fri 04.09.2026
Nottingham Forest U21s (h)
Fri 09.10.2026 Luton Town U21s (h)
Fri 30.10.2026 Peterborough United U21s (h)
Fri 13.11.2026 Peterborough United U21s  (a)
Fri 20.11.2026 Nottingham Forest U21s (a)
Mon 07.12.2026 Luton Town U21s (a)

Friendly:
Jaissle off to a
winning start


Valencia  1  Newcastle  2

Match report

Match action


Loan lads:
The borrowers


Harrison Ashby (Luton Town):
The full back made a winning start to his Hatters career on Saturday, coming off the bench during a 3-0 victory away to Gillingham in the Carabao Cup.


Antonio Cordero (Cadiz):
Cadiz continued their pre-season preparations with a 1-3 home reverse at the hands of Las Palmas on Saturday. Cordero completed the opening 77 minutes.

Following that game the club announced yet another change of coach, their fourth appointment in barely a year.

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):
Saturday saw the Spaniards beaten by the odd goal in three away to Bayer Leverkusen in their latest kickabout.

2026/27:
Lilac time


Newcastle's lilac-coloured third kit for the coming season goes on sale this coming Thursday, August 13th.

2026/27:
Senior Cup draw 


Friday saw the First Round draw of the Northumberland Senior Cup made, confirming that Newcastle U21s have opted not to enter for a second successive season:

Blyth Spartans v Newcastle Blue Star
AFC Newbiggin v Newcastle Benfield
Blyth Town v Prudhoe YC
Newcastle University v Ashington
Alnwick Town v North Shields

R2 byes: Heaton Stannington, Morpeth Town, Whitley Bay.

2026/27:
Ticket to ride


2026/27 Magpie Mover tickets are now on sale, allowing public transport use in Tyne & wear on home matchdays from three hours before kick-off until the end of service*

Held at £25 for each of the last four seasons, the price has increased to £35 this time round, with no concessions.

Available to season ticket holders, Magpie+ members are also eligible to purchase them as was the case last season - although pass validity depends on having a match ticket.

* competitive senior games only, no friendlies/U18/U21s.

Update:
Squad updates


Senior players signed (5):
Aladji Bamba, Lukas Hornicek, Ewen Jaouen, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure. 

Development players signed (1):
Afner Ca

Academy players signed (3 - all tbc):
Eli Hall, Kyle Healy, Kryan Thompson


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

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

Development squad players sold (2):

Travis Hernes (Groningen), Joe White (Crewe Alexandra)

Senior players loaned (3):

Harrison Ashby (Luton Town), Antonio Cordero (Cadiz), Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville)

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

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


 

Unlikely lads:
Comings and goings

Senior player transfers of former Magpies include:

Elliot Anderson was Nottingham Forest, now Man City
Demba Ba
now Le Havre (Sporting Director)
Adam Campbell was Hartlepool United, now South Shields
Michael Chopra
now Trethomas Bluebirds
Lee Clark
was Rotherham, now Hartlepool (Manager)
Karl Darlow
was Leeds United, now Manchester United
Luuk de Jong
left Porto
Martin Dubravka
was Burnley, now Spurs
Damien Duff
now Brentford (Coach)
Kieron Dyer
now Southend United (Manager)
Rob Elliot
was Gateshead, now Carlisle (Manager)
Ryan Fraser
left Western Sydney Wanderers
Isaac Hayden
was QPR, now Leyton Orient
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
Chancel Mbemba
now Diriyah
James Milner
left Brighton & Hove Albion
Scott Parker
left Burnley (Manager)
James Perch now Nottingham Forest (Academy Scout)
Matt Ritchie was Reading, now Bournemouth (Tech Dir)
Allan Saint-Maximin
was RC Lens,
now Charlotte FC
Lubo Satka now Omania Nicosia
Danny Simpson
now Arabian Falcons (player/coach)
Islam Slimani
left Cluj
Matt Targett now Hull City
James Tavernier left Rangers
Steven Taylor now Desert Falcons (Manager)
Andros Townsend now PT Prachuap
Kieran Trippier
now Wolves
Georginio Wijnaldum left Al-Ettifaq
Mike Williamson now South Shields (Manager)
Callum Wilson was West Ham, now Brentford
 






Privacy policy
 

 
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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 13.07.2026 @ 5pm

Cup scheme Q&As here

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 sales dates online here

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 the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons.

Mags Member ballot dates online here

Metro service updates online here


2026/27 Magpie Mover tickets are now available to order from NUFC for £35. ST Holders and Mags+ members are eligible.

Fixtures:


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
(no loyalty point issued). Live on Premier Sports.

Thu 13.08.2026 Third kit launched, 9am.


Sat 15.08.2026 U18s v Derby County U18s (h) @ Little Benton, 1pm. U18 Premier League.

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

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

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

Tue 18.08.2026 U21s v Tamworth (a) @ The Lamb, 7.45pm. National League Cup.

Sat 22.08.2026 U18s v Stoke City U18s (h) @ Little Benton, 11am. U18 Premier League.

Sun 23.08.2026 Liverpool (h
) @ SJP, 4.30pm. Premier League.
ST fwding/resale now.
Live on Sky Sports.

Mon 24.08.2026 U21s v Spurs U21s (h) @ Whitley Park, 7pm. PL2.
 
??? ??.08.2026 West Bromwich Albion (h) @ SJP, KO tbc, Carabao Cup Second Round. Ticket sale details awaited.

Sat 29.08.2026 U18s v Blackburn Rovers U18s (h) @ Little Benton, 12.30pm. U18 Premier League.

Sat 29.08.2026 Spurs (a
) @ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 5.30pm. Premier League.
SOLD OUT. Ticket transfers open Mon 24.08.2026 5pm, close Thu 27.08.2026 5pm. Allocation: 3,038. Live on Sky Sports.

Mon 31.08.2026 U21s v Fulham U21s (h) @ Whitley Park, 7pm. PL2.

Tue 01.09.2026 Transfer window closes @ 11pm. 

Sat 05.09.2026 Bournemouth (h) @ SJP, 12.30pm. Premier League. ST fwding/ resale now. Live on TNT Sports.

Tue 08.09.2026 U21s v Boreham Wood (a) @ Meadow Park, 7pm. National League Cup.

Mon 14.09.2026* Leeds United (a) @ Elland Road, 8pm*. Premier League. Seat selections open Wed 12.08.2026, 2pm, close Fri 14.08.2026. 2pm. Allocation: 2,960. Live on Sky Sports.

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

NUFC live on TV:
Wed 12.08.2026 Everton (n) 5.15pm Prem
Sun 23.08.2026 Liverpool (h) 4.30pm Sky
??? ??.08.2026 WBA (h) KO tbc 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:

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: 
(R3 draw 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

Jan 2027 transfer window:
Fri 01.01.2027 @ Midnight to Mon 01.02.2027 @ 11pm.

EFL Trophy Northern Group C:
Tue 15.09.2026
York City (a) 7pm
Tue 22.09.2026 Bradford City (a) 7.30pm
Tue 03.11.2026 Rotherham United (a) 7pm

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

Park Seung-soo (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
11th August


Born Or Died:

1971 Mike Jeffrey born, Liverpool.
(1993-95)

Striker/midfielder acquired from Doncaster Rovers by Kevin Keegan in October 1993 at a cost of £85K, plus reserve David Roche.

The son of Rovers legend Alick, Mike began his career at Bolton Wanderers in 1989 before joining Donny three years later. 

Netting against United during a pre-season friendly at Belle Vue in August 1992 brought Jeffrey on to KK's radar, although it took over a year for a deal to be concluded. 

Netting in reserve games against York City and Wolves soon after his arrival, Mike's senior debut came in place of Scott Sellars in a 2-1 at Spurs in December 1993.

Not called upon again until an away defeat to Manchester City the following April, the highlight of Jeffrey's career came at Maine Road the following season when he netted during a League Cup tie.

However, that proved to be his final first team appearance, with the signing of Paul Kitson pushing him further down the SJP striker pecking order.

Signing off with a hat trick against Mansfield Town reserves and a brace in the Senior Cup Final win over Blyth, Rotherham United paid £100K for his services in June 1995.

A first team regular at Millmoor, five goals in 22 appearances prompted interest from Fortuna Sittard and he moved to Holland midway through his first season.

Four years at Sittard culminated in a Dutch FA Cup Final appearance in 1999, although Jeffrey's side were beaten 0-2 by Ajax.
  
Joining Kilmarnock on a free transfer the following season, Jeffrey ended his playing days at Grimsby Town, going on loan to Scunthorpe United in 2002.  

Joining his family's car sales business back on Merseyside, Mike also played local amateur football.

1979 Paul Talbot born, Gateshead.
(1995-2000) 

Full-back who failed to force his way into the senior squad and was released by United in March 2000, signing for York City.

Having made six appearances in League Two for the Minstermen, Talbot wasn't retained and left Bootham Crescent that summer, signing for hometown club Gateshead.

Later spells with Burton Albion and Queen of the South before returning to the region with Spennymoor United. 

Paul later appeared for Newcastle Benfield, Durham City, Gateshead (again) Newcastle Blue Star, Bedlington Terriers, Sunderland RCA, Harrogate Town, South Shields and latterly Benfield again.
 

 

What Else?

1965 A young Magpies XI lost 2-3 to Hartlepools United in front of 3,432 fans at the Victoria Ground.

Peter Noble and Joe Butler netted for the visitors, but an own goal by Bob Moncur ultimately won it for the hosts.

Newcastle fielded a trialist named only as Arica in the second half, contemporary reports calling him "a Turkish student."

1973 Middlesbrough (a)
3-1
(2-1)
Friendly 
Cassidy(14,78), Howard(36)
Mills(34)
12,272
The Magpies began their pre-season with a visit to Ayresome Park and a friendly against Jack Charlton's Boro side.

Future Magpies Stuart Boam and David Mills played for Boro, while a head injury to United 'keeper Iam McFaul saw rookie Tony Bell play for half an hour while McFaul had two stitches inserted in the wound before returning.


Team: McFaul (Bell 16 [McFaul 46]), Craig, Clark, McDermott, Howard, Moncur, Cassidy, Smith, Macdonald, Tudor, Hibbitt.
Subs also used: Nattrass, Gibb, Kennedy.

MFC: Platt, Craggs, Spraggon, Boam, Taylor, Maddren, McMordie, Armstrong (Stiles), Mills, Hickton, Foggon.

1979 Sparta Rotterdam (Holland) (h)
0-1
(0-1)
Friendly
Holverda(10) 
7,596 
This game saw a debut for Keith Armstrong, a forward who joined United from Sunderland on a non-contract basis but wasn't retained.

However, manager Bill McGarry wasn't there to see it, preferring to go scouting at the Carlisle United versus Wrexham match. 
  
Armstrong went on to play for various Finnish teams before moving into management in that country with HJK Helsinki in 2001. 

Among the Sparta squad was Louis Van Gaal, who returned to SJP in charge of Barcelona almost two decades later.


Team: Hardwick (Carr 46), Brownlie, Barton, Bird (tbc), Davies, Martin, Armstrong, Pearson (Lever), Shoulder, Withe, Hibbitt.
Subs (usage tbc): Nicholson, Mulgrove, Walker.

1982 Partick Thistle (Scotland) (a)
2-0
(2-0)
Friendly
 
Varadi(8,12)
1,500
After visiting Greenock and Kilmarnock, United's low-key tour of Scotland reached the Maryhill district of Glasgow.

At this point, Arthur Cox's side were preparing for a Second Division campaign without the presence of Kevin Keegan - whose arrival wouldn't be announced for another week.

Team: Carr, Craggs, Saunders, Trewick, Clarke, Haddock, Todd (Carney), Doyle (Wharton), Varadi, Anderson (Cartwright), Waddle (Ferris).
Sub n/u:
Martin.

1983 SC Drochtersen (Germany) (a)
5-0
(2-0)
Friendly
 
Varadi(35), Waddle(43), Trewick(49), Wharton(63), Ferris(84) 
3,000
24 hours after beginning their pre-season games with a 6-1 win at Hamburg Altona, United helped their lower league hosts christen a new stadium.

A live TV engagement saw Kevin Keegan arrive at the venue by helicopter 30 minutes before kick-off. Kevin Carr saved a 62nd minute penalty from Bendler. 

Team: Thomas (Carr 46), Anderson (Haddock 55), Ryan, McCreery (Trewick), Clarke, Carney (Ferris), Keegan, McDonald, Varadi, Wharton, Waddle.

1984 A Magpies XI visited Ashington's Portland Park as part of the Colliers' Centenary celebrations, recording a 7-0 victory.

Paul Ferris (2), Ian Dawes, Neil McDonald, Steve Carney, Joe Allon and John Ryan all found the target. 

1986 Carlisle United (a)
2-3
(1-1)
Friendly
 
Allon(22,75)
McGarvey(43,48pen)
Saunders(72)

3,500
Newcastle's pre-season preparations continued with defeat at Brunton Park to a Cumbrians side managed by Harry Gregg. 

Rookie duo Kevin Scott and Jeff Wrightson featured for the visitors, while ex-Magpie Wes Saunders headed the winner for Carlisle.

Team: Thomas, Anderson, Bailey, McDonald, Clarke (Wrightson 75), Scott, Davies, Wharton, Allon, Beardsley (Cunningham 46), Stewart.

1990 Cercle Bruges (Belgium) (n)
2-0
(0-0)
Friendly
 
Stimson(60), O'Brien(82) 
6,000 
A much improved Newcastle performance secured third place in the four team Tournament held in Budapest.

Team: Burridge, Aitken, Sweeney (Stimson), Scott, Ranson, Dillon (O’Brien),  Simpson,  Askew, Gallacher, McGhee (Quinn), Brazil (Sloan).

(John Anderson travelled with the squad but failed to participate after a fallout with United boss Jim Smith).

United's cause was helped when the Belgians were reduced to ten men after Iovino was dismissed for whacking Neil Simpson. 

Mark Stimson opened the scoring with a header which went in via both posts and O'Brien rounded the keeper to seal victory. 

The tournament was won by hosts Ferencvaros, who beat fellow Hungarians Videoton 4-3 on penalties after the final had ended in a 1-1 draw.

The secretive nature of the match meant that only five United fans were present -
their story is told here.

1991 A reserve XI defeated Coldstream 3-0, with Archie Gourlay getting two and Anth Cole the other. 

United's appearance was arranged by then Magpies Chairman George Forbes (a Coldstream resident) to christen new clubhouse, changing rooms and re-laid playing surface at Home Park.

1996 Manchester United (a) 0-4 (0-2)
Charity Shield 
Cantona(25), Butt(30), Beckham(86), Keane(88)
72,000 
The Charity Shield, although their wasn't much bloody charity about it, as the reigning champions taught Newcastle something of a footballing lesson.

As the dispirited Toon supporters left the stadium, a cloudburst gave them a good soaking, and roadworks up the A1 completed the misery, causing hours of delays.

Future Magpies Nicky Butt and Ronny Johnsen appeared for the Red Devils, the former finding the net during the first half.

Team: Srnicek, Watson, Peacock, Albert, Beresford, Beardsley (Asprilla 75), Batty, Lee, Ginola (Gillespie 77) Shearer, Ferdinand.


Batty battles at Wembley

2001 Athletic Bilbao (Spain) (h)
0-1
(0-0)
Friendly
Guerrero(64)
18,189
Rob Lee's testimonial game attracted a poor attendance, partly attributable to the box office allure of Bilbao - on a weekend when Barcelona were elsewhere.

However, many folks begrudged forking out £20 for a kickabout which came midway between competitive Intertoto Cup home games - for which the admission was £15.

The principal onfield attraction proved to be the Magpies debut of Laurent Robert, but he confirmed later that a foot injury had partly restricted his contributions. 

All in all, a less-than-fitting tribute to one of our best recent signings of the 1990s. There again, Lee hadn't completed ten years at the club anyway, so wasn't really entitled to this!
NUFC.com match report

2003 United's reserve side ran out 4-0 winners at Sam Smith Sports Ground against Northern League newcomers, Benfield Saints. 

Scorers were Richard Offiong (2) an own goal and Ben Jackson - the latter who had been subbed off, but then returned.
NUFC.com match report

2004 Newcastle defender Titus Bramble needed a scan to assess the severity of a hamstring injury incurred in training.

That put him out of the season opener at Boro, along with Jonathan Woodgate. And given that Andy O'Brien hadn't trained due to conjunctivitis and Steven Taylor wasn't thought to be ready, an unlikely pairing of Aaron Hughes and Robbie Elliott seemed to be the only choice open to Sir Bobby.

2005 Our Academy side were in action in Blyth but left Croft Park empty-handed, after a defensive lapse allowed the home side a late winner - the only goal of the game.

2007 Bolton Wanderers (a) 3-1 (3-0)
Premier League
P1, 3pts, 1st/20
N'Zogbia(11), Martins(21,27)
Anelka(50)
25,414
Sam Allardyce took charge of his maiden competitive game for Newcastle,
making a triumphant return to his former employers.

Three early goals stunned the Trotters and the away fans as United ended their five game Reebok losing run in style.

Alan Smith, David Rozehnal, Marc Viduka and Geremi debuted, while fellow new boy Claudio Cacapa was an unused substitute.

The victory put us top of the Premier League - after one game....
NUFC.com match report

PL highlights are online here

2009 Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul kept a clean sheet in Groningen for the Dutch U21s, with fellow Magpie Andy Carroll appearing off the bench to debut for opponents England.

2010 The Carling Cup Second Round draw set up a first-ever meeting for Newcastle with League Two side Accrington Stanley.

2011 United defender Jose Enrique was on Merseyside for his medical after Liverpool's undisclosed bid was accepted.

A £6m fee was speculated upon for the 25 year-old Spaniard, who had a year to run on his Newcastle contract.

2011 A more welcome Spanish departure saw Deportivo la Coruna confirm they'd signed Xisco. However the move turned out to be a loan only and the misfit striker inevitably found his way back to SJP again.

2012 Cardiff City (a)
1-4
(0-3)
Friendly

Sh.Ameobi(49pen)
Gunnarsson(16,26),
Ralls(20),
Velikonja(76)
9,682
a muddled pre-season ended with an abject display against the Championship hosts.

First choice players Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse, Yohan Cabaye and Ben Arfa were all absent on a sunny afternoon in South Wales, while the hosts didn't call upon Craig Bellamy.

84th minute substitute, Adam Campbell was probably our man of the match....

NUFC.com match report

2017
United's U23s began their Premier League 2 programme with a 4-3 win against Stoke City - played at the FA's St. George's Park training facility.

Liam Smith, Luke Charman, Mo Sangare and Owen Gallacher all found the net.
NUFC.com match report

2018 Spurs (h)
1-2
(1-2)
Premier League
P1, 0pts, 16th/20
Joselu(11)
Vertonghen(8), Alli(18)
51,749
For the second successive season, United began
by losing to Spurs at a sun-soaked SJP.

There were first appearances for Yoshinori Muto and Salomon Rondon, the latter striking the bar with a deflected shot late on.

NUFC.com match report
PL highlights are online here

2019 Arsenal (h)
0-1
(0-0)
Premier League
P1, 0pts, 14th/20
Aubameyang(58)
47,635
Steve Bruce's first competitive game in charge ended with a defeat amid driving rain.

Talk of a fan boycott only partially materialised, but the attendance was still the smallest home league gate since April 2016.

Joelinton made his bow, fellow debutants Allan Saint-Maximin and Jetro Willems joining from the bench in the second half.

NUFC.com match report
PL highlights are online here