Fulham / Arsenal (h) Fwding/resale now
Birmingham / Man City (a) SOLD OUT
Forest (h) Member sale Mon 03.02 @ 10am
Liverpool (a) ST sale now, 19pts

Exit:
Almi-gone

Thursday brought confirmation of Miguel Almiron's  Gallowgate exit, the Paraguayan international rejoining previous club Atlanta United for a claimed £11m fee.

31 next month, it's exactly six years since Miggy completed a £20.7m switch to Tyneside from the MLS side - a record fee for the Magpies at that time.

He leaves having taken 27 games to score the first of 30 league and cup goals for the club, his 223rd and final appearance coming from the bench in last Saturday's 3-1 Premier League win at Southampton.

Combining well with Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon to steer United clear of relegation under Rafa Benitez, he added goals to his game in the 2019/20 season with eight in all competitions.

It's the 2022/23 campaign that Miggy is celebrated for though; a dozen strikes that included a run of seven in as many Premier League games and featuring a sublime volley away at Fulham.

Less memorable was his below-par performance at Wembley in the Carabao Cup Final loss, although he certainly wasn't the only disappointment that day.

2023/24 saw Almiron make his Champions League bow, netting the opener in the home trouncing of PSG - our first strike in that competition since Alan Shearer.

Had the prospect of playing in Saudi Arabia enticed him, a departure in the January 2024 window may have been possible, but a second stint in the USA took rather longer to become a reality - with the intervening 12 months doing little to enhance his reputation.

Unlike a certain other gentleman with the initials MA though, he'll be fondly remembered as being part of our journey from indifferent also-rans to a more credible outfit.

We once described him as an honest toiler and although inspiration sometimes escaped Miggy, there was no doubting his work rate and enthusiasm. 

Exit:
'Pools take Jamie

Also making a permanent departure from Tyneside is Jamie Miley, who has completed a free transfer move to National League side Hartlepool United. 

The 21 year-old midfielder has been training with Pools since ending a loan spell with League Two Newport County and was out of contract this summer.

The elder brother of Lewis, Jamie made his U21 bow in 2021 and graduated to United's senior side during the pre-season programme in 2023.

Last year saw him feature regularly in friendly matches but he wasn't retained in the first team squad and a temporary switch to Newport was arranged - only for a hernia problem to derail his debut and require surgery.   

2024/25:
Fulham (h)

Next up at Gallowgate on Saturday is a Premier League fixture against the Cottagers, an old-fashioned, non-televised 3pm kick-off.

Team: Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles remain out, while the availability of Callum Wilson is uncertain.

Joelinton remains two bookings off a two match ban.

Coral rate this game as follows:

NUFC win 4/6
The draw 3/1
FFC win 19/5

New customers receive a £40 bet when staking £10 (T's & C's apply). Find those markets online here 

FFC: Harry Wilson, Reiss Nelson and Kenny Tete are all unavailable due to various ailments.

Ahead of their visit to Tyneside, the Cottagers lost 0-1 at home to Manchester United on Sunday evening.

On the road this season, Marco Silva's side have won four (Forest, Palace, Chelsea and Leicester), drawn four (Ipswich, Everton, Spurs and Liverpool) and lost three (Manchester United, Manchester City and West Ham).

Fulham have scored twice in each of their last four PL away games, with seven of the eight goals coming in the second half of games.

Referee: Chris Kavanagh - fresh from VAR duty at the Southampton game on Saturday, the Lancashire offical takes charge of his third Toon game this season - the 2-1 PL win at Wolves and 2-0 Carabao Cup victory against Chelsea at SJP.

VAR: Alex Chilowicz

Latest fixtures:

Sat 01.02.2025:
Nottingham Forest v Brighton (12.30pm) TNT
Bournemouth v Liverpool (3pm)
Everton v Leicester City (3pm)
Ipswich Town v Southampton (3pm)
Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)
Wolves v Aston Villa (5.30pm) Sky

Sun 02.02.2025:
Brentford v Spurs (2pm) Sky
Manchester United v Crystal Palace (2pm)
Arsenal v Manchester City (4.30pm) Sky

Mon 03.02.2025:
Chelsea v West Ham (8pm) Sky

UK TV: None

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Overseas TV: 
222 Hub Premier 2 (Singapore)
Arena Sport 1 (Serbia)
Arena Sport 3 (Slovenia)
Arena Sport 6 (Croatia)
Astro Premier League 2/Go (Malaysia)
beIN Connect MENA HD
beIN Sports MENA 2 HD
Canal+ Live 2 / Sport 360 (France)
Canal+ Sport 5 (Cz/Slov)
DAZN/2 Spain
DAZN/Eleven 2 (Portugal)
Disney+ Arg/Bra/Chi/Sur
Disney+ Caribbean
Disney+ Hotstar (India)
DStv Now (South Africa)
eltaott.tv (Taiwan)
ESPN Caribbean
FAST TV (Armenia)
Fubo Sports Network 4 Canada/fuboTV (Canada)
Go3 Extra Sports Est/Lat/Lit
Idman TV (Turkey)
iQiyi (China)
JioTV (India)
Match4(Hungary)
MAXtv To Go (Croatia)
Migu (China)
M Plus Live (Hong Kong)
Moji (Indonesia)
Movistar+ (Spain)
myCANAL (France)
Nova Sports 4 (Greece)
Now E (Hong Kong)
ON Plus (Vietnam)
Optus Sport (Australia) 
Peacock USA
Play Sports/2 (Belgium)
Prima Sports 3 (Romania)
QQ Sports Live (China)
Setanta Sports 2 (Armenia)
Showmax (South Africa)
SiminnSport 2 (Iceland)
SiriusXM FC (USA)
Skylink (Slovakia)
Skynet Myanmar
Sky Sport 256 (Italy)
Sky Sport 3 NZ/NOW (New Zealand)
Sky Sport Mix (Germany)
sooka (Malaysia)
SPOTV NOW (South Korea)
StarHub TV+ (Singapore)
Sunrise TV (Switzerland)
SuperSport Action Africa (South Africa)
SuperSport MaXimo 1 (South Africa)
SuperSport Variety 3 (South Africa)
TOD (Babhrain/Saudi Arabia/Turkey)
True ID (Thailand)
TSN8 Malta/GO TV Anywhere
TV3 Sport (Denmark)
U-NEXT (Japan)
ViaPlay Den/Fin/Ned/Nor/Pol HD
Vidio (Indonesia)
V Sport Premier League 1 (Norway)
ZhiBo8 (China)

UK Radio: None

Local Radio: Live on BBC Radio Newcastle

Hospital Radio: Radio Tyneside commentary is accessible free of charge in local hospitals via Spark Media.

Buses: The Go North East X50 football service from the Metro Centre will be in operation. Details here

Metro: No scheduled alterations.

Rail: Kings Cross station is closed on Saturday and Sunday. LNER services will start and terminate at Peterborough, where coach transfers to and from Bedford will connect with London St. Pancras trains. Details online here

Roads: The Tyne Bridge refurbishment programme is underway, with one lane in each direction closed at all times until further notice. 

That will lead to congestion and delays, especially with the ongoing closure of the Gateshead Highway closure. More details here

Temporary road closures around SJP apply from an hour before kick-off until 30 minutes after the final whistle.

Food Bank: The usual stall and bucket shakers will be on and around Strawberry Place, with NUFC Director Jamie Reuben again matching all matchday donations.

Stats:

Cottagers in Toon - PL era:

2023/24 won 3-0 Miley, Almiron, Burn
2022/23 won 1-0 Isak
2020/21 drew 1-1 Wilson (pen)
2018/19 drew 0-0
2016/17 lost 1-3 Murphy (Ch)
2013/14 won 1-0 Ben Arfa
2012/13 won 1-0 Cisse
2011/12 won 2-1 Best 2
2010/11 drew 0-0
2008/09 lost 0-1
2007/08 won 2-0 Viduka, Owen
2006/07 lost 1-2 Parker
2005/06 drew 1-1 N'Zogbia
2004/05 lost 1-4 Bellamy
2003/04 won 3-1 O'Brien, Speed, Robert
2002/03 won 2-0 Solano, Bellamy
2001/02 drew 1-1 Dyer

Compo:
Bobble hat giveaway
 
Part of the large range available from Tyneside-based Football Bobbles is a new version of their Lee bobble hat, referencing a certain former Magpie midfielder. 

Styled on United's distinctive 1997/98 season change kit, the hats are made in the UK - one size fits most.

These are on sale now here and we have one to give away in a free competition, For your chance to win, answer this question via email to [email protected] by Noon GMT on Tuesday February 4th, subject line Hat.

Newcastle's visit to Goodison Park in February 1998 saw an ex-Everton player abused by home fans following his departure to SJP days earlier. Who was the player? 

No age limit, open to anyone on the planet but delivery can only be made to a UK address. One entry each please. In the event of a tie, one winner will be randomly drawn from all correct entries received.

2024/25:
There's something 
about St. Mary's....

Southampton  1  Newcastle  3

Match report

U21s:
Ellis makes his point

Newcastle U21s  2  Everton U21s  2

Match report

2024/25:
Tyne-tees teen triumph

Smoggies U18s  2  Newcastle U18s  4

Newcastle's U18 side were victorious at Rockliffe Park on Saturday, thanks to goals from Matheos Ferreira, Henry Johnson and a brace for Joe Brayson.

Returning to action for the first time since their FA Youth Cup exit at the hands of Aston Villa, United went ahead on 19 minutes when Ferreira shot home from outside the box.

Brayson doubled that lead ten minutes later before Henry Johnson's header made it 3-0 four minutes before the break - his first goal for the club at U18 level.

Winless at home in the league all season, 'Boro got one back through Eric Hamelberg just before the hour but Brayson's second of the game restored Newcastle's three goal advantage with seven minutes to go.

Johnson's handball allowed Boro's Fin O'Gormon to net from an 89th minute minute penalty, but the young Magpies eased to victory without further incident.

Team: Anderson, Johnson, Craggs, Finneran, Cogdon (Taylor 85), Alabi (Wooster 85), Watts (Mills 64), Harper, Ferreira, Brayson, Waddani (Apia 64).
Sub n/u: Jones.

Giveaway:
Book compo winners 

Available now in paperback is "The Entertainers", Will Scott's account of the 1990s resurgence of Newcastle United under the guidance of manager Kevin Keegan.

With contributions from over 30 players, coaches and staff, the book spans the time that KK arrived when relegation to the third tier loomed until his abrupt departure in early 1997 when fourth in the top flight.

"The Entertainers" is in stock at branches of the Back Page and Waterstones in Newcastle. Copies can also be ordered online here

We had two copies signed by Peter Beardsley up for grabs and asked which ex-Blackburn Rovers player netted at Ewood Park against Newcastle in April 1996 - on a night remembered for Graham Fenton's brace. 

It was of course David Batty and the winning entries selected came from Stephen Duffy and Brian Joyce.

2024/25:
West Ham (a) new date

The Premier League confirm that Newcastle's visit to West Ham has been rescheduled for live UK TV.

The Magpies will visit the London Stadium on Monday March 10th with an 8pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports.

That means travelling fans will avoid that weekend's rail engineering works, but it adds the time and cost of yet another overnight stay for all but the most hardy - all less than a week before our potential Wembley visit.

PS: Newcastle's slot is the latest of the four Carabao Cup semi-finalists over that weekend before the final; Liverpool untelevised on the Saturday while both Spurs and Arsenal are moved to the Sunday. 

The scheduling of Champions League games in the week commencing March 10th looks also to have contributed to those PL fixture selections.

Loan lads:
Temps 

Magpie loan watch:

Joe White (MK Dons)
The midfielder's 21st appearance in League Two for MK Dons saw him collect his sixth goal to stylishly shoot his side ahead at home to Harrogate Town on Tuesday.

See Joe's goal online here

Joe was replaced in the 72nd minute with the score still 1-1, shortly after collecting his fourth booking of the season. The Dons ran out 2-1 winners.

Isaac Hayden (Portsmouth)
Isaac kept his place in the Pompey side for Tuesday's Championship meeting with Millwall to Fratton Park, completing 76 minutes of a 0-1 defeat.

Alex Murphy (Bolton Wanderers)
The defender began on the bench for the Trotters on Tuesday in a home meeting with Northampton Town in League One.

His debut came in the 61st minute when Bolton led 2-1 ahead and they finished up winning 3-1.

Charlie McArthur (Carlisle United)
The defender started for the Cumbrians on Tuesday in a 0-1 loss to Notts County at Meadow Lane in League Two, playing 90 minutes at the cost of a caution.

Max Thompson (Chesterfield)
A clean sheet for Max as the Spireites scored three goals without reply at home to Bromley in League Two on Tuesday.

Harrison Ashby (QPR)
Millwall (a) Championship, Saturday.

Travis Hernes (AaB):
Seattle Sounders (n), Friendly, Friday.
The Danes will face MLS opposition in Marbella.

Miodrag Pivas (Willem II)
AZ Alkmaar (h) Eredivisie, Sunday.

Old boy:
Home thoughts 
from abroad 

Former Magpie defender Steve Caldwell is the subject of a recent interview with football writer Zach Lowy:

Find part I  online here

Find part II online here

2024/25:
Arsenal (h)

Wednesday sees Newcastle host Arsenal at SJP in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie, with the Magpies enjoying a 2-0 lead following the first leg in North London.

It's an 8pm kick-off live on Sky Sports and the winners will face either Liverpool or Spurs at Wembley Stadium on Sunday March 16th (kick-off unknown).

Should the aggregate score be a draw after 90 minutes, an additional 30 minutes will be played before a penalty shootout is required. An additional substitute can be used during extra time.

Were Newcastle to reach the final, no player bans would be imposed as a result of accumulated bookings - only a rerun of the PL red card misfortune that befell Nick Pope two years ago would result in any suspensions.

The visitors have sold their 4,883 allocation.

Team: To follow

AFC: Ahead of their trip to Tyneside, Mikel Arteta's side are in PL action at Manchester City on Sunday. 

Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Ben White will all be unavailable for the game against Newcastle.

Arsenal have successfully appealed against the red card shown to Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves, wiping out the suspension that would have sidelined him at SJP.

Fixtures:

SF1:
Tue 07.01.2025 Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle
Wed 05.02.2025 Newcastle v Arsenal 8pm

SF2: 
Wed 08.01.2025 Spurs 1-0 Liverpool
Thu 06.02.2025 Liverpool v Spurs 8pm

Referee: Simon Hooper - a fourth appointment of the season for the Wiltshire official, following the 1-2 loss at Chelsea, 2-4 defeat at Brentford and 2-0 win away to Manchester United - all in the Premier League.

Hooper's last game in charge at Gallowgate was the 4-1 PL victory against Chelsea in November 2023.

VAR: John Brooks

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports (the free-to-air coverage of the first leg on ITV1 isn't available for our game - they have switched to the Liverpool v Spurs second leg).

Overseas TV: to follow

UK Radio: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport

Local Radio: Live on BBC Radio Newcastle

Hospital Radio: Radio Tyneside commentary is accessible free of charge in local hospitals via Spark Media.

Buses: The Go North East X50 football service from the Metro Centre will be in operation. Details here

Metro: No scheduled alterations.

Roads: The Tyne Bridge refurbishment programme is underway, with one lane in each direction closed at all times until further notice. 

That will lead to congestion and delays, especially with the ongoing closure of the Gateshead Highway closure. More details here

Temporary road closures around SJP apply from an hour before kick-off until 30 minutes after the final whistle.

Food Bank: The usual stall and bucket shakers will be on and around Strawberry Place, with NUFC Director Jamie Reuben again matching all matchday donations.

Stats:

This will be the fourth time that the Magpies have hosted the Gunners in a cup competition - and the visitors remained unbeaten in the first three visits:

Arsenal @ SJP cup ties:

2010/11 Lost 0-4 (LC)
2001/02 Drew 1-1 Robert (FAC)
1935/36 Drew 3-3 J.Smith 2, Pearson (FAC)

The match order mirrors that of United's previous two League Cup semi-final appearances:

1975/76 Spurs: lost 0-1 (a), won 3-1 (h)
2022/23 Southampton: won 1-0 (a), won 2-1 (h)
2024/25 Arsenal: won 2-0 (a) 

This is the fifth time that the two sides have been paired in this competition, Newcastle losing each of the first four without finding the net:

2024/25 Won 2-0 (a)
2010/11 Lost 0-4 (h)
2007/08 Lost 0-2 (a)
1995/96 Lost 0-2 (a)
1971/72 Lost 0-4 (a)

Unlikely lads:
Old boys

Ex-Mags on the move this month include:

Vurnon Anita signed for FC Volendam
Kyle Cameron Notts County to Barrow (loan)
Ryan Donaldson left Blyth Spartans, joined Ashington
Paul Dummett Wigan Athletic to Carlisle United
Lewis Gibson Plymouth Argyle to Preston North End
Grant Hanley Norwich City to Birmingham City
Loris Karius signed for Schalke 04
Achraf Lazaar signed for Preston Lions
Rosaire Longelo Swindon Town to Salford
Michael Ndiweni signed for Newcastle Blue Star
Cedwyn Scott Notts County to Carlisle United
Jonjo Shelvey signed for Burnley
Islam Slimani CR Belouizdad to Westerlo

Coaches etc.

Emre is the new coach of Antalyaspor.
Alan Irvine has joined Everton's coaching staff.
Patrick Kluivert is the new coach of Indonesia.
Matty Pattison is now assistant boss of South Shields.

2024/25:
Train trouble - updated

Rail engineering work will result in diversions and delays affecting travelling supporters on various weekends.

Details can be found online here

Sat 15.02.2025 Manchester City (a)

Buses replace Trans-Pennine services between York and Newcastle. Some LNER services will operate between Newcastle and York via an alternative route with extended journey times. Details online here

Sun 23.02.22025 Nottingham Forest (h)

Buses replace trains between York and Newcastle. Some LNER services operate between Newcastle and York, via an alternative route with extended journey times. No Lumos either. Details online here

Sat 05.04.2025 tbc Leicester City (a)

(FAO London Mags) No trains will run between Bedford and St.Pancras that Saturday and Sunday. Buses will run between Bedford and Hitchin for rail connections from there into Kings Cross. Details online here

ON SALE NOW