Bayer / Strasbourg (h) Public sale now
Liverpool (h) ST forwarding/resale now
West Brom (h) Ticket details tbc
Spurs (a) SOLD OUT
Bournemouth (h) ST forwarding/resale now
Leeds (a) Seat selections close Fri 14.08, 2pm

2026/27:
Toffees eclipse Toon

Newcastle  1  Everton  3

Wednesday's solar eclipse failed to hide the disappointment of Newcastle, deservedly beaten by Premier League rivals Everton at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium.

Debuting their new lilac third kit for this teatime test, United made a bright start and Yoane Wissa had an early chance but failed to lob Mark Travers - between the posts with Jordan Pickford on the bench after his World Cup duty.

Wissa then volleyed high over the bar and Anthony Elanga had his shot saved after a mistake from Vitali Mykolenko.

Everton came back into the contest and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall saw his effort saved by Lukas Hornicek after he met a cross from Nathan Patterson.

Playing their sixth game of pre-season, the Toffees took the lead on 27 minutes, seconds after William Osula got tangled up when well-positioned at the other end of the field.

Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman both missed tackles allowing Thierno Barry to race down on goal. Lewis Hall put in two excellent challenges but the ball reached Barry who shot past Hornicek with the Czech 'keeper getting a hand to it.

Seven minutes later an Iliman Ndiaye shot was stopped by Hornicek and immediately after Joelinton - captain for the evening - was penalised by referee Nick Walsh.

It looked a very soft award, Dewsbury-Hall making the most of slight contact. Ndiaye netted the spot-kick to prompt "going down" chants from a sparse Toffee support.

Matthias Jaissle changed all ten outfield players at the break, and in the first minute Mason Miley played in Jacob Murphy but his low shot was saved at the near post.

Willock the found Murphy with an excellent pass that he didn't quite reach although the flag was rightly raised.

Miley was penalised for a foul on Barry that Dewsbury-Hall almost punished with a free-kick pushed wide by Hornicek,

Presumably inspired by his side's pathetic first half award, Hayden Hackney twice tumbled in the Newcastle area in search of further penalties, but Walsh waved away the protestations of the Boro old boy and his new mates.

Everton's third wasn't long in coming though; Tyrique George turning and finishing with a smart low shot inside the near post that gave Hornicek no chance.

United's back four collectively lacked a single minute of senior competitive pitch time, but hardly looked inferior to the first half showing of their more experienced colleagues.

The Magpies got one back in the 85th minute when a rare flowing move saw Murphy cross from the right to the far post for Harvey Barnes to volley home.

Aside from that though, this was something of a Edinburgh cringe festival as the travelling Newcastle fans that made up the majority of the crowd beat a retreat.

Full match report to follow.

Team 1st half: Hornicek, Shahar, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Bamba, Joelinton, Toure, Elanga, Wissa, Osula.
2nd half: Hornicek, M.Miley, Charlton, Johnson, Pivas, Steur, Ramsey, J.Murphy, Willock, Barnes, Woltemade.
Subs n/u: Finneran, Gillespie, Harris, Neave.

Goal: Barnes 85.

EFC: Travers, Armstrong, George, Tarkovski, Patterson (Rohl 53), Keane (O'Brien 82), Hackney (Foster 82), Mykolneko (Aznou 74), Ndiaye (Dibling 64), Dewsbury-Hall (Alacaraz 64), Barry (Beto 64).
Subs n/u: Pickford, King, Graham.

Booked: Alcaraz.

Goals: Barry 27, Ndiaye 36pen, George 73.

Crowd: 22,982 in the 67,144 capacity ground - by far the smallest turnout for a football match here since the round ball was first seen here in 2004. Serves the robbers right.

Slow entry at the turnstiles saw queues building up pre-match. The upper tier of the stadium remained closed.

Sporting Director Ross Wilson was present: while this game was taking place, the Benfica squad flew into the nearby airport ahead of Wednesday's Europa League tie at Hearts. Included in that party was transfer target Amar Dedic.

After the game Matthias Jaissle said:

"The start was good, excited to see how the players perform. Then when we conceded it was a setback; we need to address that to be honest.

"You see all the matches, you're smart enough to see the needs in the squad. We handle these things internally. We are aware of what we need. Let's see now. There is still some time.

"You cannot change things really quickly. It's a really young team at the moment so there are vacuums where players need to step up. We fill these positions we lost with the experienced players, but that's also the process.

"It would be the best scenario if they’re working straight away from the first day, but that is not common in football.

"If you make signings, new signings at the end of the transfer window, then they usually need time (to adapt to the Premier League), so that’s all things we have to consider.

"We are all still positive though and we want to go in the right direction. I mentioned in the press conference (on Tuesday) that we have our goals. There will be many stones thrown in our path along the way, and we need to get rid of them.

"For sure, we cannot be on the peak (in the first PL game). This is clear. We're just working now a couple of days together and Liverpool is already next week, so we use every day.

"That's the only thing we can control in the best possible way to make progress. And the same will be then also on the transfer market scene. Hopefully, that there's also progress."

On his first half striking selections (after pairing Osula with Woltemade at Valencia):

"It was just a friendly match, but we brought in a different couple up front together (Osula at 9 and Wissa at 10). In the first 15 or 20 minutes, it looked really good.

"That’s just a friendly match though, and we still have two more games to make that decision before I need to decide who's playing against Liverpool.”

On Fabian Schar:

"Schar is on the way back. In the next days he will be training, then we will see if he is ready for the weekend."

On Lewis Miley:

"Miley, we are hoping in the next days he will be integrated with the team sessions and will get some minutes then."

Referee: Nick Walsh.

This wasn'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.

United's remaining two pre-season games are available as paid live streams from NUFC here.

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:
Metro closure looms

The Metro line between South Gosforth and Newcastle Airport will close in both directions for a nine day period beginning at the start of service this Saturday, 15th.

Trains will run from start of service on Monday 24th. 

The closure will affect anyone planning to use that route for the next three home games (Leverkusen and Strasbourg this weekend and Liverpool on Sunday week).

Bus replacement services will run - details online here

2026/27:
Liverpool (a) info

One of our readers notes that Newcastle's Premier League visit to Anfield this season takes place at some point on or around Saturday April 10th 2027 - the day that the Grand National horse race will be staged at nearby Aintree.

While the days of moving Liverpool and Everton home games to avoid clashes are over, transport and hotels etc. across merseyside will be adversely affected that weekend.

Liverpool versus Newcastle should be confirmed as part of the live TV amendments on or around February 22nd - with the added complication of falling between the first and second legs of the Champions League Quarter-finals, were the Reds to reach the last eight.

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 

Newcastle will begin their Carabao Cup campaign with a Second Round home tie against Championship side West Bromwich Albion on a date yet to be confirmed but anticipated to be Wednesday August 26th.

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

This is the third time the two sides have met in the League Cup: Albion winning 1-0 on Tyneside back in October 1989 and returning to Gallowgate during October 2003 to register a 2-1 success - Lee Hughes scoring an extra-time winner three minutes after Alan Shearer came off the bench.

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 that day. 

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.

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. All ties will be available live on Sky Sports.

Ticket information is awaited: season ticket holders on the Carabao Cup scheme will pay £22 or £28 depending on their location. Payments will be taken on Thursday August 13th.

Loan exit:
Auf Wiedersehen, Alex

Defender Alex Murphy has made 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.

2026/27:
U21s break new ground

A new season brings another mixture of first team grounds, training facilities and borrowed venues for Newcastle's U21 side - and some uncharted territory.

With a couple of opponents yet to confirm locations, two new stadia are listed: a PL2 game against Chelsea in March at the Kings Meadow in Kingston upon Thames and before that, a Premier League Cup meeting with Peterborough United at the Zeeco Stadium of Stamford in November.   

There's some duplication of away venues this season; United's second string facing two trips to the homes of Boreham Wood, Solihull and York where'll they face the nominal home side and also the temporary occupants.

That scenario sees them visit York twice within a week during September for games against City and Leeds.

The U21s kick off by making a National League Cup visit to Tamworth on Tuesday, before successive PL2 home games on the following two Mondays against Spurs and Fulham.

Saturday sees United U18s begin their league campaign, facing Derby County in a 1pm kick-off at Little Benton.

That's the first of three home games on successive Saturdays, with Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers on Tyneside the following two weekends.

As ever, all venues and schedules are subject to change, often at minimal notice - as we've found to our cost....

Friendly:
Jaissle off to a
winning start

Valencia  1  Newcastle  2

Match report

Match action

Loan lads:
The borrowers

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):
Rayo Vallecano (h) La Liga, Saturday.

Harrison Ashby (Luton Town):
Reading (a) League One, Saturday.

Alex Murphy (Kaiserslautern):
Karlsruhe (h) Bundesliga 2, Saturday.     

Antonio Cordero (Cadiz):
Celta Vigo II (h) Segunda Division, Saturday.

Cadiz have undergone yet another change of coach in recent days, their fourth appointment in barely a year.

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


 

What Else?