2026/27 Home Cup scheme deadline Mon 13.07, 5pm

Charity challenge:
Halfway the lad

Today (Thursday) is officially the 183rd day of 2026, a fact which may have escaped you, but certainly not Mark Allison aka Run Geordie Run.

At some point today he'll reach the halfway point in his latest charity challenge, completing a half marathon every day in 2026. Quite literally, it's all downhill from here....

Mark continues to raise funds for St.Benedicts Hospice - if you're able to sponsor him, you can do so online here

2026/27:
Germans return

Newcastle confirm that their pre-season programme will conclude with home friendlies over successive days - although only one opponent has been announced so far.

United will host Bundesliga outfit Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Gallowgate in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday August 15th, with a 4pm kick-off against a team tbc the following day.

Billed as the VisitMalta Weekender 2026, Sunday's men's game will be preceded by an NUWFC kickabout against undisclosed opposition starting at 1pm.

Ticket prices and sale details are still to be confirmed.

Leverkusen will arrive on Tyneside following a midweek visit to Nottingham Forest, having finished sixth last season to earn a place in the Europa League.

Their only previous appearance at SJP was for a 1-3 Champions League loss back in February 2003.

Former Toulouse coach Carles Martinez Novell has taken over from Kasper Hjulmand since Newcastle's 2-2 draw at the BayArena in the Champions League last December.

This is the fifth successive season that Eddie Howe's side have rounded off their preparations with a home double header. At least one Spanish club has visited each year, but that's not possible in 2026 as La Liga begins that weekend.

2022/23 Atalanta (Italy) won 1-0
2022/23 Athletic Bilbao (Spain) won 2-1
2023/24 Fiorentina (Italy) won 2-0
2023/24 Villarreal (Spain) won 4-0
2024/25 Girona (Spain) won 4-0
2024/25 Brest (France) won 1-0
2025/26 Espanyol (Spain) drew 2-2
2025/26 Atletico Madrid (Spain) lost 0-2

Claims that AS Roma were lined up as opposition proved to be false, with the Serie A side playing a friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Germany that weekend.

Incoming:
Winger sought



Multiple reports on Wednesday evening stated that Newcastle were closing in on the transfer of left winger Bazoumana Toure from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

The 20 year-old's participation at the World Cup Finals ended with Ivory Coast's defeat by Norway on Tuesday, with Toure now reportedly set to travel to Tyneside.

A fee in excess of £40m is claimed for the player who moved from Swedes Hammarby to Hoffenheim during the January 2025 transfer window, netting five times last season.

Assuming the deal is completed, Toure would become the third Ivorian to represent United after Cheick Tiote and the rather less-celebrated loan flop, Seydou Doumbia.

The Magpies previously did business with Hoffenheim back in 2019, purchasing Joelinton for a claimed £40m fee.

Toure is reportedly represented by Unique Sports Group, whose other clients include Anthony Gordon, Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw and Lewis Miley.

PS: The Magpies are also said to be continuing their pursuit of right-sided midfielder Johan Manzambi, the 20 year-old who plays in Germany for Freiburg and is currently at the World Cup Finals with Switzerland.

Outgoing:
Sandro away

Update: Tonali was spotted flying from Milan to London on Thursday to complete the formalities of his medical.

Earlier: Newcastle's second high-profile player departure of the summer was sealed on Wednesday, after a deal taking Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur was finalised.

A fee of £92.5m was agreed plus £7.5m in add-ons, with the 26 year-old Italian international midfielder collecting a weekly wage of £275K - more than double his current earnings and enough to offset the stigma of joining a side who have finished seventeenth in each of the last two seasons...

The first player to swap the Magpies for Cockerels since Moussa Sissoko almost a decade ago, Tonali is set to make his PL home debut for Spurs against United in late August.

Although there was some noise about rumoured interest from Manchester City, that failed to translate into an actual bid, leaving Spurs as the only serious suitors for Tonali.

On that basis the Magpies look to have done good business for a player who, like Anthony Gordon, clearly saw his future away from Tyneside and whose variable displays contributed to our own mediocre domestic campaign. Avoiding another damaging Alexander Isak-style saga is also refreshing.

Inbound recruitment though is where the real interest lies - which will help to answer the imponderable question of whether there's enough of a "project" to prevent Bruno Guimaraes from joining what would become an exodus.

Rightly described as talismanic by one writer in recent days, the monetary value of the 28 year-old currently producing on a global stage at the World Cup for Brazil may be at his maximum, but his exit really would trigger alarm bells.

2026/27:
Home Cup scheme info

Season ticket holders are now able to log on their NUFC account and sign up for both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup home ticket scheme guaranteeing places for this season.

The deadline for both schemes is 5pm on Mon 13.07.2026 and as previous seasons have shown, there's no scope to sign up after that point.

Separate sign-ups are required for each scheme and success can be checked by the appearance of one (or both) on your cup scheme menu. No confirmation email(s) are generated.

2026/27 home cup pricing:

Carabao Cup: £22/£28 adults*
FA Cup: £35/£40 adults*

(2025/26 prices were Carabao £20/£25 and FA £30/£35)

* Last season's decision to charge more for home Champions League ties after the group stage has been extended to domestic home cup ties this season.

Any home Carabao Cup or FA Cup Quarter-final or Semi-Final ties will be subject to as-yet undisclosed prices.

United enter the Carabao Cup in the regionalised Second Round on or around Wed 26.08.2026. They should learn their opponents on or around Mon 10.08.2026.

The usual FA Cup Third Round ties will take place on or around Sat 09.01.2027, with the draw for that staged on or around Sun 06.12.2026.

Update:
GK off again

Wednesday saw Newcastle confirm a further loan exit for goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, who returns to Spanish side Seville for a second successive season.

The 32 year-old Greek international started 33 games last season in La Liga, helping to secure Seville's top-flight status in the closing weeks of last season.

It's exactly two years since Vlachodimos arrived at SJP from Nottingham Forest on a permanent contract of undisclosed duration, as Elliot Anderson moved to the City Ground.

His sole competitive appearance as a Magpie remains a 45 minute outing during a Carabao Cup home tie against AFC Wimbledon in October 2024.

There are media claims that this second loan agreement for Vlachodimos includes provision for a permanent switch, if certain conditions are met. Neither club refer to this however, in their confirmation of the switch.

2026/27:
Moors v Mags

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

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

Update:
Livramento latest

From NUFC, Tuesday:

Newcastle United thanks UEFA for its careful consideration and is committed to full ongoing compliance.

Aston Villa, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest were also censured, with all four clubs required to operate within the UEFA financial thresholds next season, even though Villa are the only one of them actually playing in European competition.

WC:
WC: two left

Mags in the Round of 16:

Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil):
Sun 05.07.2026 Norway, New Jersey, 9pm itv

Dan Burn (England):
Mon 06.07.2026 Mexico, Azteca Stadium, 1am bbc

Find Coral's WC betting markets online here   

Miscellany:

Bruno is the first Newcastle player to appear at two separate World Cup Finals while on the books at SJP.

The 2026 World Cup Finals are the first at which more than one current Magpie has scored, with both Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga on target.

Wissa became the first Newcastle player to score three times in the World Cup Finals, eclipsing the two goal hauls of Elanga plus England duo Ivor Broadis and Alan Shearer.

The DRC man emulated Broadis with two goals in one WC match: Ivor netting his brace against Belgium in the Swiss city of Basel during England's 4-1 success in June 1954.

Nick Woltemade became the 35th different player to feature at the World Cup Finals while on the books at SJP.

He's the fifth Magpie to appear at the 2026 tournament - emulating our five representatives at 2014 and 2022. Any pitch time for England's Dan Burn would set a record of six.

Ex-Magpies still in play include Mikel Merino (Spain), Miguel Almiron (Paraguay), Nabil Bentaleb (Algeria) and England trio Elliot Anderson, Anthony Gordon and Ivan Toney.

2026/27:
Gateshead (a) tickets

Newcastle's opening public pre-season game sees them face National League Gateshead at the International Stadium.

That's a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday July 25th and all ticket sales are direct from the home club, meaning that loyalty points aren't required but also won't be awarded.

Tickets are now on general sale here

Prices:

Adults (aged 18-64): £25
Concession (65+ and students): £20
Young Adult (16-17 years) - £15
Young Adult (14-15 years) - £10
Child (Under 14) - £5*
Carer - Free**

EFL Trophy:
Bantams, Millers
and Minstermen

The draw for the Group Stage of the EFL Trophy placed Newcastle's U21 side in Northern Group Section C, handing them visits to League One Bradford City and League Two duo Rotherham United and York City. 

Round dates are as follows - match order is awaited:

w/c Mon 21.09.2026
w/c Mon 05.10.2026
w/c Mon 09.11.2026

Update:
Shirt sponsor unveiled

As previously reported, Newcastle have confirmed that their new main shirt sponsor is South African soft drink company Knox Hydrate, whose deal for naming rights to the club's Darsley Park training ground began on July 1st 2026.

The agreement duration is for three years but no details of the value were announced in United's press release.

It has  been claimed that it will net up to £60m, with the 2026/27 season set at a maximum of £10m and the ceiling for the following two campaigns increasing to £25m.

The KNOX branding of United's Darsley Park training ground remains a separate three year deal that will boost the club's coffers by £6m annually.

In terms of replica shirts which were launched without any sponsor logo, the club confirm that:

Supporters who have purchased the 2026/27 home shirt will be given an opportunity to get the Knox Hydrate logo applied.

Home shirts with the Knox logo will also be retailed later in the season, whist upcoming away and third shirts will include the Knox logo.

Update:
Alan Murray RIP

The death of former Newcastle United Assistant Manager Alan Murray has been confirmed, at the age of 76.

Walker-born Murray began his playing career at Wallsend Boys Club and joined Wolves as an apprentice in 1966, switching to Middlesbrough the following year.

Following a decade of service in the midfield for Boro, York City, Brentford and Doncaster Rovers, Alan held various off-field roles including spells managing both Hartlepool United and Darlington.

Teaming up with former Ayresome Park colleague Graeme Souness at Southampton in 1996, the pair later took charge of both Benfica and Blackburn Rovers before succeeding Sir Bobby Robson at Gallowgate during September 2004.

Murray remained at United with Souness until both left in February 2006.

2026/27:
Fixtures released

Newcastle will begin the season against Liverpool at SJP on Sunday August 23rd at 4.30pm - the fifth time in the last six years that United have had a home opener.

In addition to player-related sub-plots - a possible PL debut for Toon target Victor Munoz and the first time Alexander Isak has faced his former club - it also sees new Reds boss Andoni Iraola test his unbeaten PL record on Tyneside.

That Liverpool home game is live on Sky Sports, who hold UK live transmission rights along with TNT Sports. The first live schedule release date is in the week commencing Monday July 13th, covering our first PL away game at Spurs.

The Spurs game takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and were it to be played on the Sunday, would clash with rail work affecting Kings Cross services.

Five midweek match rounds send Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea to SJP. Old Trafford and City Ground visits comprise our midweek PL aways.

At least one Saturday game will be rescheduled as a result of the opposition's European commitments; United's PL visit to Crystal Palace on Saturday October 24th just 48 hours after the Eagles are in Europa League Group Stage action. 

Progress for Brighton into the Conference League Group Stage meanwhile would require our PL visit to Sussex on Saturday November 28th to be similarly rescheduled.

Coventry's CBS Arena will become the 62nd different PL venue to have hosted Newcastle when they head there during October for our first visit since December 2009.
Following last season's away double header, the two festive season games are both on Tyneside.

This season's Carabao Cup takes place on Sunday March 21st, coinciding with the visit of Leeds United to SJP.

There's no clash with PL games on any FA Cup round weekend until the Semi-finals, on or around April 24th. The Magpies are due to host Ipswich Town that weekend.

The final home game against Crystal Palace is scheduled on Sunday May 23rd, along with the rest of the PL games that weekend. Saturday May 22nd is clear for the FA Cup Final. 

The closing game of the season then takes the Magpies to promoted Hull City on Sunday May 30th at 4pm - their first top-flight visit to Humberside since January 2015.

Update:
Staying, going etc.

Squad updates:

Senior players signed (1):
Ewen Jaouen

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

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

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

Senior player sold (1):
Anthony Gordon (Barcelona)

Senior player loaned (1):
Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville)

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

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

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:  closes on Mon 13.07.2025 @ 5pm ST home cup pricing:  CC: £22 & £28 FA: £35 & £40 SJP seating plan online here   PL home ST limits: ST left unused, limit is 5 ST sold/transferred limit is 10 Home ticket transfers are possible from three weeks until one hour before KO.  Away ticket transfers are possible between 72 hours and five hours before KO (times may vary). A maximum of two are permitted per season (PL only). More info online here and here ST holders have 24 hours to apply for away tickets, 24 hours to determine success, then 48 hours to buy. Success is based on the loyalty point total calculated from applications received. Any applications from ST holders with less points are entered into a ballot, which will have taken place before tickets go on sale. Regardless of the loyalty point level a game sells out at, to purchase a ticket you must have applied in the initial 24 hour window. The initial purchase window is divided into two sections determined by a loyalty point division that alters for each game - those successful applicants above that point division usually get two hours head start. NB: emails from NUFC confirming success may arrive after the purchase window opens - if you think you qualify due to your points total, log on and complete your purchase.  Tickets not bought by successful applicants are then offered to unsuccessful applicants with a reduced loyalty points total - new applications cannot be made at this time. Only those within the new loyalty point total are eligible to buy - even if you had more, your purchase window has already closed.   PL away ticket prices are unchanged at 30 for both the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons. Metro service updates are online here Fixtures: Mon 13.07.2026 NUFC first team players return for pre-season (excluding those involved at WCF). Mon 13.07.2026 2026/27 home cup scheme deadline, 5pm. Sat 18.07.2026 Darlington (h) @ The KNOX training ground, KO tbc. Friendly. Behind closed doors - no public access. Sat 25.07.2026 Gateshead (a) @ International stadium, 12.30pm. Friendly. Public sale now, all sales via GFC here Wed 29.07.2026 Bristol City (a) @ Ashton Gate, 7.30pm. Friendly. Ticket details tbc. Thu 30.07.2026 U21s v Spennymoor Town (a) @ Brewery Field, 7pm. Friendly. Sat 01.08.2026 U21 training camp @ Pinatar Arena, Spain (until Sun 09.08). Sat 08.08.2026 Valencia (Spain) (a) @ Mestalla Stadium, 9pm local time. Friendly. Ticket details tbc. Wed 12.08.2026 U21s v St.Mirren XI (Scotland) (a) @ venue tbc, 12.30pm. Friendly. Behind closed doors - no public access. Wed 12.08.2026 Everton (n) @ Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, 5.15pm. Friendly. Public sale now, all sales via Ticketmaster. Sat 15.08.2026 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Germany) (h) @ SJP, 3pm. Friendly. Ticket details tbc. Sun 16.08.2026 team tbc (h) @ SJP, 4pm. Friendly. Ticket details tbc. Sun 23.08.2026 Liverpool (h) @ SJP, 4.30pm. Premier League. Ticket details tbc. Live on Sky Sports. Tue 01.09.2026 Transfer window closes @ 11pm.  Fri 01.01.2027 Transfer window opens @ Midnight. Mon 01.02.2027 Transfer window closes @ 11pm. NUFC live on TV: Sun 23.08.2026 Liverpool (h) 4.30pm Sky (PL selections made to Mon 24.08.2026) (PL season ends on Sun 30.05.2027) PL live TV release dates:   Aug w/c Mon 13.07.2026 Sep w/c Mon 13.07.2026 Oct w/c Mon 24.08.2026 Nov w/c Mon 21.09.2026 Dec w/c Mon 19.10.2026 Jan w/c Mon 30.11.2026 Feb w/c Mon 21.12.2026 Mar w/c Mon 18.01.2027 Apr w/c Mon 22.02.2027 MW35 w/c Mon 29.03.2027 MW36 w/c Mon 05.04.2027 MW37 w/c Mon 26.04.2027 MW38 after Sun 23.05.2027 Carabao Cup: (NUFC enter in Round 2 regionalised into Northern and Southern sections. The draw takes place after Round 1 ties, played from Fri 07.08.2026 to Sun 09.08.2026). R2: w/c Mon 24.08.2026 R3: w/c Mon 07.09.2026 / Mon 14.09.2026 R4: w/c Mon 26.10.2026 QF: w/c Mon 14.12.2026 SF1: w/c Mon 11.01.2027 SF2: w/c Mon 01.02.2027 F: Sun 21.03.2027 FA Cup:  (NUFC enter in Round 3: draw takes place on or around Sun 06.12.2026). R3: Sat 09.01.2027 R4: Sat 13.02.2027 R5: Sat 06.03.2027 QF: Sat 03.04.2027 SF: Sat 24.04.2027 F: Sat 22.05.2027 EFL Trophy Northern Group C: ??.??.2026 Bradford City (a) ??.??.2026 Rotherham United (a) ??.??.2026 York City (a) Round dates - match order tbc: w/c Mon 21.09.2026 w/c Mon 05.10.2026 w/c Mon 09.11.2026 FA Youth Cup: NUFC U18s enter in Round 3, ties be played on or before Sat 12.12.2026. 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

2025/26: 19.07.2026 World Cup Finals end 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

2nd July

Born Or Died: 1920 Laurie Nevins born Gateshead. (1940-47) Left winger who signed for United as an amateur in 1938 and appeared for the Magpies in wartime football. Serving in the Royal Navy as a submariner, Laurie also guested for Middlesbrough, QPR and Dundee United. Returning to Gallowgate in 1945, Laurie was unable to displace George Hair or Tommy Pearson and joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer during June 1947. By the following March though Nevins had left the south coast, signing for Hartlepools United after catching their eye playing for Albion in a match against Portsmouth.  Leaving 'Pools on a free transfer at the end of the 1948/49 campaign. his death was recorded in June 1972. 1939 Gordon Marshall born, Farnham, Surrey. (1963-68) Despite hailing from the South East of England, goalkeeper Gordon was raised in the Edinburgh area and appeared for local sides Balgreen Rovers and Dalkeith Thistle. Signing for Heart of Midlothian in 1956, he graduated from the reserve side the following March and soon established himself as first choice until 1963. Helping Hearts to the title in both 1958 and 1960, Gordon also collected League Cup winner's medals in 1958, 1959 and 1962 while at Tynecastle. Having appeared for England at U23 level, Gordon moved to SJP ahead of the 1963/64 season at a cost of £18,500, debuting in an opening day home win over Derby County. Replacing Dave Hollins between the posts - although the Welshman returned for a spell in the autumn of 1963 - Marshall became an integral part of United's resurgence. Playing all 42 league games of the 1964/65 promotion season, Gordon remained in the side until dislodged by Iam McFaul in 1968. Transferred to Nottingham Forest, he was to return to Scotland after a year at the City Ground, signing for Hibernian.  Later moves saw him play for Celtic, Aberdeen and Arbroath, before combining running a newsagents and barbers shop in Edinburgh with playing and managing non-league side Newtongrange Star. Gordon died in February 2025. His son, Gordon junior, was also a 'keeper and made over 650 appearances in the Scottish Leagues for various clubs plus a brief loan spell at Stoke City.  Gordon senior's other son was defender Scott, who played for Arsenal, Brentford and Southampton - his only senior Gunners goal coming against Newcastle in the Premier League at Highbury in March 1996. 1959 Francisco Ernani Lima de Silva born, Fortaleza, Brazil.(1987-90) Known to all and sundry as Mirandinha, United paid Palmeiras £575,000 for their striker in August 1987 - who became the first Brazilian to appear in English football. Mira had played for Brazil during their tour of the UK earlier that year, with Magpies boss Willie McFaul watching him against Scotland and England - and seeing him score against the latter at Wembley. Paraded on the SJP pitch before the first home game of the season, the prospect of his debut attracted thousands of toon fans to Norwich on a midweek evening - quite why they wore sombreros though has never been adequately explained.... Mira's first goals for the club came in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford and he finished that first season as second-top scorer with 12 in all competitions; one behind Michael O'Neill. However, the injury niggles that dogged him continued into the next season and his penalty conversion and celebration in front of the Kop in a rare Anfield victory wasn't enough to keep McFaul in a job. Openly criticised by incoming manager Jim Smith, a belated resurgence in March 1989 saw Mira score in three successive games, but relegation still followed that season. What proved to be his final outing for the club came as a substitute at SJP against Luton Town in late April - when he was unable to break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw that was enough to confirm our demotion. Appearing among fans in the Milburn Stand during the final home game of that season against Millwall, Mira was warmly applauded and distracted many from seeing a fine goal from John Anderson fly into the net. Sending word from Brazil that he wouldn't be returning to SJP despite having a year left on his contract, Mira rejoined Palmeiras on a loan deal which became a free transfer deal the following year. Later moves then saw him join Belenenses (Portugal), Corinthians (Brazil), Fortaleza (Brazil) Shimizu S Pulse (Japan), Bellmare Hiratsuka (Japan) and finally Fortaleza in Brazil, where he finally retired in 1995. Trying his luck as a coach in Brazil with CENE and Rio Negra, Mira also took charge of  Al-Ahly side in Egypt, coaching in Saudi Arabia and at the Kedah FA club in Malaysia.  2009 then saw him back in Brazil, taking over as the coach of Fortaleza - and telling journalists that he was scouting for his old club at the request of Dennis Wise. In later years he became stadium manager of the Castelão stadium in Fortaleza and held a position as a football Ambassador as that city hosted 2014 World Cup games. As the terrace song of the era had it, he wasn't from Argentina - but he wasn't f***in' brill either.  One of the greediest players to wear our colours, his continual pouting and the filthy looks he engendered from alleged strike partner Paul Goddard were often worth the admission fee alone. Moments of high comedy on and off the pitch also followed as a result of Mira's relationship with team mate Gazza, with the pair once coming to blows in mid-match. Gazza also "helped" the Brazilian to expand his English vocabulary, resulting in many situations when Mira would innocently unleash a stream of obscenities at fans, journalists and local residents alike... And players of that era recall going to his house for a party on a sunny day, only to find the host wrapped in warm clothing and with his central heating turned up to max! However, his greatest moment was probably after the final whistle sounded on a 1-3 home defeat by Wimbledon, when he snuck up behind Wombles 'keeper Dave Beasant, kicked him up the arse and then ran off.  Boss Smith meanwhile would happily regale bystanders with tales of Mira - including a £17K club loan for his pig farm. He must have loved him deep down though - bringing Mira's son Ernandes da Silva (also a striker) to Fratton Park on trial while Pompey assistant boss in November 2002. Interviewed later, Mira claimed that he'd turned down the chance of a return to SJP when Kevin Keegan took over in 1992 - a decision he subsequently regretted.  Returning to SJP in 2016, Mira was paraded at half time in the Manchester City game. Interviewed in 2012 he said: "I had a fantastic time at Newcastle, it was my best football experience - and I played in Brazil, Portugal, Japan - but the Newcastle fans are passionate, they are like Brazilians. "They love their football like we do here, it is a very special place and I loved it there." 1990 Danny Rose born, Doncaster. (2020) The last of a trio of loan arrivals during the January 2020 transfer window was this England international left back. His signing was prompted by the loss of both Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett due to injury, but a lack of first team opportunities at his parent club Spurs meant that he was struggling for fitness. With Leeds United as a junior, Rose joined Spurs in 2007 and made his senior debut two years later while on loan at Watford. A Spurs bow then followed before a loan to Peterborough United that included him playing for the Posh at SJP in the Championship. Further temporary switches took Danny to Bristol City and the mackems before finally making his mark at White Hart Lane. By 2016 he was club captain and won the first of 29 England caps but had a varied relationship with Mauricio Pochettino and was made available for transfer in 2019. Rose remained in the first team squad after the arrival of Jose Mourinho and faced Newcastle as the visitors made a winning debut at the new Spurs stadium. He opted to move on though and made his Magpies bow from the bench at home to Norwich City in early February 2020. Remaining at SJP for the rest of a season that was extended due to COVID, Rose then returned to Spurs where he ran down the final months of his contract. Once a free agent, he returned to the top flight with newly-promoted Watford in June 2021 - featuring in a 1-1 draw on Tyneside the following September. Although signed on a two year deal, what would be his eighth and final game for the Hornets came in December 2021 and he secured an early release from his contract following their relegation. Working as a TV pundit, March 2023 found Danny training with National League club York City but no playing return came.   2006 Dylan Charlton born, Gateshead. (2022-present)  With the Magpies from the age of seven, Dylan debuted for the club's U18 side at left back in a 2-3 derby loss on wearside during January 2022. First promoted to the U21s for a Premier League Cup visit to Huddersfield Town in September 2023, he ended that season as the club's regular reserve left back and collected a Northumberland Senior Cup winner's medal against Blyth Spartans. Selected for the senior side's post-season Australia tour, Charlton came off the bench against Spurs in Melbourne and was in the starting line-up beaten by the A-League All Stars two days later. Confirmation of Dylans' first professional contract followed ahead of the 2024/25 season, with a brief substitute outing in the first team kickabout at Hull City.   A season in the U21s followed, which was replicated in 2025/26 when he was named among the senior substitutes in pre-season but failed to get any further first team pitch time.

What Else?

1950 Newcastle's Jackie Milburn made his World Cup Final debut for England, against Spain in Rio De Janeiro's famous Maracana Stadium. Spain won with the only goal in a tight match, with Milburn unluckily seeing what would have been an equalising goal disallowed for an offside. 1952 Border Province (a) 10-0 (5-0) Friendly G.Robledo 7, Davies, Foulkes, Crowe (pen 4,000 Game 13 of United's marathon post-season southern Africa trek saw them reach East London - and rack up their highest score of the tour. Team: Simpson, Cowell, Batty, Stokoe, Brennan, T.Robledo, Foulkes, Davies, G.Robledo, Crowe, Walker. 1954 England bowed out at the quarter final stage of the 1954 World Cup losing 2-4 to Uruguay in Basle. It was to be the last time United's Ivor Broadis played for his country. 2001 Mick Wadsworth departed from SJP to take up the offer of Assistant to new Southampton boss Stuart Gray. It's unclear whether he jumped or was pushed but his influence on negative team tactics and signings had attracted criticism from fans and the media.  Bobby was furious that his right hand man had gone and lambasted news reporters in a fiery press call, but few others shed a tear.  2008 United's first major summer signing was Real Mallorca's Argentinean winger Jonas Gutierrez, aka "Spiderman". The winger signed a five year deal, but the move prompted a court action by his former club - who failed to agree with the player deeming himself a free agent. That case was heard in a Palma court in April 2009, with the presiding judge deciding that United had to pay £5m for the player - divided between Real Mallorca and Velez Sarsfield, who owned 50% of Gutierrez. 2011 Newcastle were waiting for a response to their offer for Paris St.Germain forward Mevlut Erding, as the 24 year-old began pre-season training with his club. 2013 The unexpected return of JFK (Joe F'in Kinnear) to NUFC as Director of F***all brought more untruths and exaggerations from the man himself: "Every top club in the land has got one (a director of football). We haven’t – that’s the difference. The manager can’t do everything. "I’m probably the only football manager to be a director of football. I don’t know any other ex-managers who have (Dennis Wise? David Pleat? Kenny Dalglish?) "I’ve been a manager for 35 years. I’ve been Manager of the Year. I’ve won every award there is in football as a player (excluding mere trinkets like a domestic league championship or any individual awards...) "I think all those qualities put me head and shoulders above every other director of football.  "Some directors of football have never played the game - I’m lending my experience as a manager for all those years - 10 years at Wimbledon+, two years at Nottingham Forest#, two years winning promotion at Luton and, of course, almost two years at Newcastle*. + in reality, 7 years and 2 months  # in reality, 10 months *in reality, 137 days "I would still be there had it (the heart attack) not occurred.” It later transpired that Kinnear had vascular dementia, which may explain his exaggerations and foul-mouthed rants but didn't excuse his ill-judged appointment. 2019 Barely 24 hours after his contract at Gallowgate ended, Rafa Benitez confirmed that he had taken charge of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang - for a  reported £12m annual salary. 2021 United's player involvement in the Euros ended when Fabian Schar followed Ryan Fraser, Martin Dubravka and Emil Krafth out of the competition. The defender began on the bench against Spain in their Quarter Final, arriving in the 10th minute of extra time with the score at 1-1 but his side a man short. With no further scoring, the tie went to penalties but after converting in the previous game against France, Schar was denied from the spot this time as Switzerland lost 1-3. 2022 Club physiotherapist Derek Wright confirmed his retirement at the age of 63, after 38 years of service at SJP. 2023 Anthony Gordon's goal gave England U21s a 1-0 victory over Portugal and a place in the semi-finals of the European Championships in Georgia.