Valencia (a) SOLD OUT
Bayer / Strasbourg (h) Public sale now
Liverpool (h) ST forwarding/resale now
Spurs (a) SOLD OUT
Bournemouth (h) Member sale Mon 10.08, 10am

Update:
This is your
captain leaving

Bruno Guimaraes will be joining Arsenal for £75m, despite linking up with the Newcastle squad in La Manga, when he met new boss Matthias Jaissle.

News broke on Monday of a first official bid from the Gunners, for an unspecified amount, that was rejected but that offer was increased and accepted by United, the payment structure agreed to assist NUFC's SCR (squad cost ratio).

It continues an amazing close season that has seen the departure of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, previous club captain Kieran Trippier and of course manager Eddie Howe.

Added to the sad loss of club legend Kevin Keegan, it's been a remarkable Summer, even for Newcastle United.

A reminder of CEO David Hopkinson's quotes on joining the club:

"By 2030, I see this club being in the debate about being the top club in the world. That's where I see us by 2030 - and that kind of progress doesn't take as long as you might think."

Strap yourself in for what should be an amazing three or four years then.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's relegation odds for the 2026/27 season have been slashed further....

2026/27:
Spurs (a) extra train

FAO anyone looking to head north by train following the Spurs (a) game on Saturday August 29th:

In addition to the 21.03 LNER departure from London Kings Cross to Newcastle, there will now also be an earlier LNER departure at 20.33 from London Kings Cross to Newcastle.

Incoming:
Horni is a Geordie

Newcastle confirmed their fifth senior signing of the current transfer window on Monday morning, goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek joining from Portuguese side Sporting Braga.

Although the transfer fee is undisclosed, a £25.7m release clause was claimed for the 24 year-old Czech international custodian who has signed a five year contract.

Pulled out of Braga's Europa Conference tie last Thursday, Hornicek travelled to Spain for his medical before linking up with his new colleagues at their La Manga training camp.

He will be the third player from that country to play for the Magpies, following Pavel Srnicek and David Rozehnal.

Standing 6 foot 6 inches tall, Lukas was on the bench for all three of the Czech Republic's three ties at this summer's World Cup Finals in the USA, having won his first senior cap at the end of last season.

(Spoiler alert: the club posted a link on social media "Lukas' first words after landing in Spain", which proved to be "hello, how are you?" not "who is the manager...")

Update:
Meet the new boss

Update: while a formal announcement from the club is still awaited, Jaissle and his coaching staff are overseeing United's pre-season training camp at La Manga.

Saturday brought further claims that Matthias Jaissle has been appointed as Newcastle manager, having travelled to the club's Spanish training camp.

The 38 year-old German-born coach had been in charge of Saudi Arabian Pro League club Al-Ahli since 2023, but has reportedly left after United agreed to pay a claimed £10m compensation figure. He's agreed a five year contract.

Like United, Jeddah-based Al-Ahli are overseen by PIF. On their books at present is former Magpie striker Ivan Toney.

It's reported that Jaissle will bring a full complement of support staff to Gallowgate.

Update:
Valencia (a)

Newcastle's next pre-season game - and the first since the departure of Eddie Howe - sees them head 175 miles north from La Manga to Valencia on Saturday.

Their opponents in a 9pm kick-off (8pm BST) at the Mestalla Stadium are a Valencia side who finished ninth in La Liga last season under Carlos Corberan - who previously managed  both Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion.

Their most recent pre-season game was a 1-1 draw at Stoke City, which followed a training camp at the FA's St.George's Park facility.

Valencia don't have a game on the opening day of their domestic league season, opening up at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday August 22nd. 

The Magpies will be playing for the Trofeu Taronja (Orange Trophy), the 54th staging of Valencia's annual curtain-raiser, kicking off what should be their final season at the 1923 vintage Mestalla.

Although preparation works for the Nou Mestalla, three miles to the north of the current ground, began in 2007, it's only now that construction of the 70,000 capacity arena has advanced to the point that a 2027 opening date is likely.

This is Newcastle's first visit to the Mestalla, having faced Valencia at Gallowgate in pre-season back in 2008 when Damien Duff and James Milner goals secured a 2-1 win.

The initial away allocation was increased from 1,381 to 2,000 although the stadium won't be full, with some home areas not on sale. The hosts were gifting tickets in recent days to supporters who donated blood at the stadium!

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

PS: Valencia's official Youtube channel is advertising live coverage of our game, but it's unclear whether there are territorial restrictions.

Update:
Carabao Cup stuff

A rejigged fixture calendar sees Carabao Cup First Round ties played this weekend, after which will come the draw for the Second Round that includes Newcastle United*.

35 First Round ties are scheduled between Thursday (06.08) and Monday (10.08) involving teams from the Championship, League One and League Two.

The Magpies are then one of 11 Premier League clubs that enter what is a regionalised Second Round, to be played during the week commencing Monday 24.08.

That tie will take place between United's opening two Premier League fixtures, at home to Liverpool on Sunday 23.08 and away at Spurs on Saturday 29.08.

* the EFL are yet to announce when this season's Second Round draw will be staged. 

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.

Bombshell:
Coach departures
now confirmed

Following Thursday morning's media revelations about the future of Eddie Howe, the club formally announced the exit of him and his coaches on Friday afternoon as follows:

Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe has informed the club of his decision to step down as head coach.

The club has accepted Eddie’s decision and would like to thank him for his extraordinary contribution.

Also leaving the club are coaches Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone, and head of performance Dan Hodges.

Eddie Howe:

"After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role as head coach of Newcastle United.

"After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break.

"Although it’s been incredibly difficult to make this decision, I know in my heart that it’s the right one. I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made whilst I’ve been here and this one is no different.

"It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have been the manager of Newcastle United.

"It is difficult to put into words what this club, the city and its supporters mean, and will always mean, to me and my family. From the moment myself, Jason and all of the staff arrived nearly half a decade ago, Newcastle instantly felt like home and the people here welcomed us with open arms. We took huge pride in representing the club from day one and this city will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

"There have been so many incredible moments in our time here. From fighting relegation in our first season to the numerous unforgettable nights at St. James’ Park in the Champions League soon after. The progression was fast.

"Everyone came together, united and what a force we became, culminating in bringing home our first domestic trophy in 70 years. These are all memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

"I would like to put on record my sincere thanks and appreciation to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jamie Reuben, Jacobo Solís and everyone at PIF, David Hopkinson, Ross Wilson and the entire ownership and leadership group for placing their trust in me and for giving me the opportunity to lead this special football club.

"I remain incredibly positive and enthusiastic about the future of Newcastle. The club is in fantastic hands with a great leadership team and I have no doubt together, alongside whoever comes in to replace me, they will continue to deliver success on the pitch.

"Thank you to Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, Dan Hodges, Andy Howe and Jordan Tribe for their incredible loyalty, support and dedication and to all of the amazing staff behind the scenes whose hard work and loyalty makes this club what it is.

"A special thank you to all of the players who have represented the club during my time here. Without you, nothing would have been possible and it’s been an honour to have coached you all.

“"Finally, and most importantly, thank you to our incredible supporters. Your passion and loyalty have inspired me every single day. To stand on the touchline at St. James’ Park as your manager with the honour of representing your club has meant more to me than you will ever know.

"While my journey as manager has now come to an end, the affinity and love I will always hold for Newcastle United never will.

"Thank you for everything. I wish the club every success for the future.”

David Hopkinson:

"Eddie and his staff leave with the deep gratitude and respect of everyone at Newcastle United, and with a lasting place in the club’s history.

"While we are naturally disappointed to see Eddie leave, we remain immensely thankful for everything he has done for the club.

"On behalf of our owners, Board, players, staff and supporters, I would like to extend sincere thanks to Eddie for his outstanding service and leadership, and wish him and his family every success and happiness for the future.”

Ross Wilson:

"I would like to thank Eddie and his staff for everything they have done for Newcastle United.

"I'm grateful for the support, trust and partnership Eddie has shown throughout our time working together. His dedication to the players, staff and supporters has been evident, and he leaves with the respect and admiration of everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.

"I wish Eddie and his family every happiness and success in the future."

The process to recruit a new head coach is at an advanced stage and updates will be communicated shortly.

Update:
Now I must wave goodbye

News of Howe's abrupt departure so soon after the death of Kevin Keegan has done nothing to improve the collective mood of what is an emotional fanbase at any time.

Tellingly though, sadness at the circumstances that led to the decision and gratitude at what he achieved seems combined with a certain relief that it has happened now. 

Like Kevin, Eddie's exit at this point ensures that he leaves Gallowgate with his reputation largely intact; he won't be recalled as "that fella who took Newcastle down." 

Whether the "not like it was in the brochure" line from 1992 is applicable in 2026 depends on whose interpretation of events you trust. There is a certainly a parallel in terms of financial limitations that dictate player trading, even if they are now as a result of external restrictions rather than internally (plc) generated, as was the case in 1996.

The time in post for both Keegan and Howe is also broadly similar (approaching five years) and the personal cost of steering this particular ship for that period is real: both looked haunted at the end of their tenure. 

The state of the club Howe leaves is of great concern to us, with uncertainty our current identity rather than intensity.

Ahead of whatever our next chapter is though, it would be remiss of us not to mark this event in some way.

For our favourite Eddie moment not to be what happened at Wembley in March 2025 - and across the city days later - would be even more obtuse than usual, but here are a slack handful of other Howe highlights, in his own words:

Jan 2022 Leeds United 0 Newcastle United 1

"An incredible intensity...today we learned that there's a resilience in the team. They are fighting for each other and fighting for the club. They have belief that we're not dead and buried and there's more to come."

April 2023 Newcastle United 6 Spurs 1

"We want the high energy and intensity off the ball and then we want the calmness on it. We want progressive football so the lads have had to take on a lot of information but they're doing incredibly well.

"Since I walked through the door here, the players have responded so well to us and I can't thank them enough really. There was that little bit of happiness after the game, which you want. There’s smiles, and that feeling of winning is unique."

Oct 2023 Newcastle United 4 PSG 1

"The atmosphere was very special, I knew it would be. There was an extra level tonight, I can’t thank the supporters enough. I hope there are a lot more nights like this to come. It is a very special night for all of us.

"We hope that gives us that belief we need to be successful.... only by doing this can you truly prove [you belong at this level]. Hopefully this goes a long way towards that."

Nov 2023 PSG 1 Newcastle United 1

"As much as this is a huge deflating feeling, it could be another story in our season. Despite huge numbers of quality players not being here, the group stepped up and gave more, we've shown a spirit of togetherness and a willingness to fight for each other than is as good as I've ever seen.

"We're still in it, and that's the thing we can't forget. We still believe." 

Jan 2025 Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2

"We knew what was at stake and the players put their bodies on the line. It’s still very much game on and we’ve only done half the work.

"These are big wins for us – hopefully that can help us in future games. We have to try and win at any ground and go into any game feeling that we are capable of doing that.

"When you’re in my shoes you have to be strategic and plan well."

Nov 2025 Newcastle United 2 Manchester City 1

"It was a really high-level game between two really good teams...we're just delighted to win tonight.

"The heart, the endeavour, the attitude of the group pleased me today....it should give us a big lift in a tough Premier League season.

"The challenge now is to keep it up....we need to have the identity we played with today."

There's a certain poignancy that his last public appearance at SJP was to be laying a wreath in tribute to Keegan.

There may never be a statue erected or a stand named in his honour, but Howe's place in our history is cemented as the man who succeeded where a cavalcade of illustrious managers since Joe Harvey and including KK had failed.

Others may have won celebrated battles (Howay 5-0, Barca 3-2 etc) but he won a war. He has the winner's medal, we have memories of something we never truly expected.

For that, he has our eternal gratitude.   

Update:
Ready, Eddie, Go

It sounds like the beginning of a bad (or dad) joke: 

Dan Burn walks in to the training ground and says, "anything happened since I've been away...?"

Even by our comedic standards, the last two months or so have been bonkers. Player departures, arrivals, phantom and failed bids, another big player saga, the untimely death of a manager who should have ended the wait for silverware and the unforeseen departure of the one who did.

All of that was set against the backdrop of some minor football competition in North America and before a ball is kicked in anger.

We had privately speculated that the extended international break that followed the opening 10 Premier League games of this season could prove simply irresistible to the club, were results not acceptable. 

Our conviction that Howe remained the best person for the job meanwhile was based less on faith in and loyalty to him and more on doubts over the club's ability to appoint a superior replacement. We'll now get the chance to find out.

Instead, the end came at the start of a 10 day break before the next pre-season kickabout, with a sizeable chunk of senior players yet to dirty their boots. Never mind adjusting to new tactics and formations, the La Manga training camp may now need to be extended to accommodate the number of player and staff initiations required.....

Matthias who? A left field appointment compared by one seasoned malcontent as akin to that of teutonic technician Erik Dornheim in the Goal! movie. The name may not have been mentioned, but what looks to amount to the reallocation of a PIF resource comes as little shock.

Like many supporters, Howe looked to have the weight of the world on his shoulders barely two months ago, at the end of the longest season in the club's history.

Had he departed on June 1st it would have had seemed like a natural conclusion with an air of inevitability. To come at this point in time initially looked like classic knee-jerk NUFC these cynical eyes, but it appears that the club persuaded him not to quit in May, giving him the opportunity to rediscover his Magpie mojo to no avail. 

From Bill McGarry to Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit and Bobby Robson we're no strangers to managerial exits in the early weeks of the season. Howe's departure however is akin to Jack Charlton's departure in 1985, walking after some low level terrace dissent during a friendly against Sheffield United with less than 5,000 fans rattling round SJP.

Fast forward four decades and the latest managerial exit delights the dissenters (including what we term the cyber bedsheet brigade) and dismays the less demonstrative element that still supported him.

Opinions are polarised but it's not a black and white, match goers versus onlookers situation: some of the most audible critics of Howe are the fans who travelled far and wide to support his team, while among his biggest defenders are overseas converts who have never set foot inside SJP. 

At a moment's notice, the ongoing communal conversation about whether the NUFC "project" had stalled or ended is replaced by a thirst for knowledge about what direction the club is now plotting a course in.

We don't subscribe to the idea that CEOs, MDs or whoever the buck stops with need to conduct a constant dialogue, but it seems an opportune time for a mission statement containing clear intent, not just bland platitudes.

It's never dull round here, just increasingly difficult to keep pace with, rationalise - and afford.

Update:
Amandaland

From the BBC, Sunday:

Former West Ham co-owner David Gold's daughter Vanessa has confirmed the family plans to sell its shares in the club to a consortium headed by ex-Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley.

Gold's family had been holding discussions with Staveley's consortium, which also includes her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, over a 25% stake in the Championship club.

In a statement, Vanessa Gold said: "I have now reached an agreement to sell my family's shareholding to a consortium of PCP Capital Partners, led by Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, in partnership with Ashland Forest Capital Partners.

"While the process has not yet concluded, I wanted to be open with our fans about where things stand and my intentions."

Vanessa Gold added: "My ambition throughout this process has been to ensure the club has the right leadership and ownership to enable West Ham to achieve its potential and return to its rightful place in the Premier League.

"Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and PCP Capital Partners will bring deep experience and understanding of what it takes to lead a successful football club. I have every confidence in what she and her partners can bring to West Ham."

2026/27:
Hot and bothered

Bristol City  4  Newcastle  1

Match report

Match action

Loan lads:
Antonio on target again

Antonio Cordero (Cadiz):
Granada (h) Friendly, Wednesday.

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):
Bayer Leverkusen (a) Friendly, Wednesday.

Harrison Ashby (Luton Town):
Gillingham (a) Carabao Cup, Saturday.

Update:
Sho goes on

Newcastle have added a new Head of Corporate Affairs to their management team in the form of Shola Ameobi, who vacates his previous role of club loans co-ordinator.

Announcing the news, the club confirmed that Shola was part of the Premier League’s Executive Pathway Scheme in 2023 and graduated with a master’s degree in strategic leadership at Newcastle University in December 2025.

There's no mention of who will take on the "loan arranger" role, or whether the post will be filled at all. 

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) tbc

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?

1950 Edinburgh Select (a) 1-1 (0-1) Friendly  Milburn(65) Bauld(27)  50,000  An all ticket Tynecastle crowd were treated to "a feast of first time passing and grand shooting by Newcastle United", at least according to the Scotsman correspondent. Jambos forward Willie Bauld put a joint Hearts / Hibs XI ahead before Jackie Milburn levelled - both goals scored by lobbing the respective goalkeepers as an offside flag never came. The annual charity match ended all square and the Allison Challenge Trophy was presented to Magpies Captain Joe Harvey - the visitors holding the silverware for six months. United would return five years later to contest the fixture, drawing 1-1 at Easter Road. Team: Fairbrother, Cowell, McMichael, Harvey, Brennan, Houghton, Walker, Taylor, Milburn, Hannah, Mitchell. 1968 Aberdeen (Scotland) (h) 1-0 (1-0) Friendly  Bennett(20)  16,000 United rounded off their pre-season programme with this Monday evening friendly, ahead of the season opener at home to West Ham. The Dons were without Jimmy Smith, who became Newcastle's first £100K signing a year later. His replacement Tommy Craig would also become a Magpie, but not until 1974. Among the crowd was Tommy Gibb, following completion of his move from Partick Thistle. Team: McFaul, D.Craig (Burton), Clark, McNamee, Iley (Young), Elliott, B.Robson, Bennett, Davies, Ross, Sinclair (T.Robson).  1969 Hibernian (Scotland)  (a) 0-0 (0-0) Friendly 15,309 Having beaten Hearts on Tyneside one week before, Newcastle were unable to complete an Edinburgh double on this visit to Easter Road. Team: McFaul, Craig, Clark, Gibb, Burton (McNamee), Moncur, Sinclair (Elliott), Dyson, Davies, Smith, Foggon (Arentoft). 1969 A Magpies XI won 4-0 at non-league Evenwood Town, but the game was marred by the 87th minute dismissal of United's Bob Noble for fighting. Alan Duffy helped himself to a hat-trick after Thompson opened the scoring for Newcastle. 1969 Newcastle defender Graham Winstanley exited Gallowgate, making a £7,000 move to Carlisle United.  Following the successful conclusion of talks with Cumbrians boss Bob Stokoe, "Tot" was withdrawn from the squad for Hibernian. 1970 Dundee United (Scotland) (h) 1-0 (0-0) Friendly  Davies(71)  15,000 A second friendly visit by the Tangerines to Tyneside within a year. The Fairs Cup fixture had made it a trio - and Newcastle won all three. Following victory at Tannadice four days earlier, fitness issues saw a much-changed Newcastle side rookie goalkeeper Martin Burleigh deputising for Iam McFaul, Ron Guthrie replacing Frank Clark and new arrival Stewart Barrowclough debuting. Team: Burleigh, Craig, Guthrie, Gibb, McNamee, Moncur, Dyson, Robson, Davies, Smith, Barrowclough (Foggon 67). 1972 Morton (Scotland) (a) 1-1 (0-0) Friendly  Howard(80) Gillies(61)  4,061 After visits to St. Johnstone and Partick Thistle, United's pre-season tour of Scotland concluded on the banks of the Clyde at Cappielow. A rather tempestuous affair saw Iam McFaul pick up a knee injury while Bob Moncur, Tommy Gibb and Terry Hibbitt were booked. Team: McFaul, Clark, Craig, Gibb, Moncur, Howard, Green, Tudor, Macdonald, Hibbitt, Smith. Subs tbc. Further down the west coast meanwhile, a Magpies XI were beaten 2-3 by Division Four Workington. Striker Paul Cannell got both Toon goals while Rowlands (2) and a Tyrer penalty won it for the Reds.   1978 A Magpies XI faced Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park and won 1-0 through an 80th minute effort by Ray Blackhall. Team: Mahoney, Kelly, Barker, Blackhall, Barton, J.Scott (Hughes), Callachan, Ferguson, Manners (Mitchell), A.Guy, S.Robinson. 1984 Hibernian (Scotland)  (a) 3-0 (2-0) Friendly  Beardsley(6), Wharton(40,64) 6,000 A Sunday Testimonial for Hibs player Jackie McNamara saw George Best return to Easter Road to play 72 minutes for another one of his old clubs.  Youngster Darren Melville appeared as a second half substitute for a Magpies side overseen by coach Willie McFaul in the absence of manager Jack Charlton. Team: Thomas, Brown, Ryan, Carney, Haddock (Anderson 6), Saunders, McDonald, Wharton, Waddle, Beardsley, McCreery (Melville 66). 1986 Linfield (Northern Ireland) (a) 3-2 (2-1) Friendly Whitehurst(22,38), Allon(75) Murray(25), McGaughey(60) 5,000  United journeyed to Windsor Park to mark the Belfast club's centenary celebrations. Team: Thomas, McDonald, Tinnion, McCreery, Clarke, Anderson, Stewart, Davies, Whitehurst (Allon), Beardsley, Ferris.  1987 Newcastle announced that they had reached agreement to sign Brazilian striker Mirandinha, and he would join his new team mates within a few weeks after his current club Palmeiras concluded their own season. A deal was struck after club President Nelson Duque flew to Tyneside and successfully acquired a work permit for the forward. 1987 In a private friendly played at Benfield, United drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough. 1993 Gateshead (a) 3-0 (3-0) Friendly  Mathie(13,25), O'Brien(23) 4.500 United provided the opposition in a testimonial for midfielder Derek Bell, who was forced to retire from full-time football through injury in 1983, when on the books of Newcastle. Bell went on to make over 300 appearances for Gateshead over the next decade and played for both sides during this kickabout. A mixed side of first teamers and reserves were fielded by United, with Graham Pepper, Tony Dinning, Graham Stokoe and Shaun Baldwin all making rare senior appearances for the club.  Future Magpie coach Simon Smith was in goal for the hosts, who fielded SJP old boy Paul Sweeney as a trialist and signed him straight after the game. Team: Srnicek, M.Appleby (Pepper 63), Roche (Dinning 81), Kilcline, Neilson, Stokoe, O'Brien, Cole, Mathie (Baldwin 84), R.Appleby (Bell 76). 1994 Manchester United (a) 1-1 (1-1) Friendly  Fox(19) Cantona(43) 27,282  Toon fans were accused of displaying anti-Munich sentiments after throwing of paper aeroplanes at the few Manchester United fans who bothered to turn up for the first day of the Ibrox Tournament.  Ruel Fox's rasping drive put Kevin Keegan's side ahead but Eric Cantona's equaliser took the game to a penalty shootout ending 6-5 to Newcastle. Marc Hottiger struck the winner after Peter Beardsley, Steve Watson, John Beresford, Darren Peacock and Andy Cole netted.  Jason Drysdale and Ruel Fox missed from the spot, while Pavel Srnicek saved future Magpie Keith Gillespie's effort and Cantona's impudent chip missed the target.   In the other game, Rangers were beaten 2-4 by Sampdoria, the home side going 2-0 up thanks to Mark Hateley and a Rossi own goal. The Italians came back though with goals from Bertarelli (2), Jugovic and Melli (not George)... Team: Srnicek, Hottiger, Beresford, Fox, Venison, D.Peacock, Watson, Elliott,  Beardsley, Cole, Guppy (Drysdale, 62) Youtube footage is online here 1995 Celtic (Scotland)  (a) 1-1 (0-1) Friendly  Ferdinand(56) Collins(29pen) 34,500  After wins at Hartlepool and Rushden, Kevin Keegan's side lost their 100% record at Parkhead in blazing sunshine.  Referee Hugh Dallas penalised Darren Peacock for upending debutant striker Andreas Thome and John Collins blasted home the spot kick. Back came United after the break however and Les Ferdinand headed home a Scott Sellars centre before hitting a post late on. The game saw the home side return after a year exiled at Hampden while the Jungle Terrace was replaced by a new North Stand. Hoops fan Rod Stewart performed the opening ceremony, but thankfully didn't sing. The whole affair was later released on video, marking the first game at Parkhead in charge for Celtic boss Tommy Burns - although he'd taken the job 12 months previously. Team: Srnicek, Hottiger, Beresford, Peacock, Fox, Howey, Lee, Beardsley, Ferdinand, Ginola, Sellars. Subs n/u: Clark, Harper, Watson, Elliott, Kitson, Gillespie. After the game, KK said of David Ginola: "He showed some class and certainly he's different to anything we've had before. He could be potentially dangerous, and if he plays as well as he can, he might have to carry a Government health warning!" 1998 Bray Wanderers (Ireland)  (a) 6-0 (3-0) Friendly Shearer(11,29,41), Dalglish(61,88), Hamman(81) 5,700 United's second pre-season game in Ireland saw them in rather better nick at the Carlisle Grounds than they had been at Bohemians nine days earlier. New boy Stephane Guivarc'h made his Magpies bow but lasted just 11 minutes before going over on his ankle and hobbling off.  NUFC.com match report 2000 Feyenoord (Holland)  (a) 1-2 (1-1) Friendly Lee(44) Tomasson(17), Korneev(59) 32,340 United's indifferent pre-season continued in Rotterdam as they suffered defeat in De Kuip Stadium.  Feyenoord took the lead through old boy Jon Dahl Tomasson before Robert Lee equalised, driving home from the edge of the box following futile appeals for handball after Carl Cort rose to meet a Daniel Cordone cross.  NUFC.com match report 2003 Bayern Munich (Germany) (h) 2-2 (1-0) Friendly Shearer(40,85) Hargreaves(61), Pizarro(89) 32,277 Two expertly-taken Alan Shearer goals almost gave Newcastle an undeserved win over the reigning Bundesliga Champions. Shearer looked to have sealed a 2-1 victory with the better of his two strikes, before Claudio Pizarro replied late on to level United's final pre-season friendly. NUFC.com match report 2006 Villareal (Spain) (h) 3-3 (1-2) Friendly Ameobi(22), Butt(79), Butt(80) Josico(13), Pires(34), Rodriguez(62) 20,144 Two fine headers in as many minutes from forgotten man Nicky Butt salvaged a draw, within 12 minutes of coming off the bench.  Like the appearance from the bench against PSV, he was jeered by sections of the crowd but his quick-fire brace silenced the boo-boys and did much to resurrect his SJP career. NUFC.com match report 2007 Sampdoria (Italy)  (h) 1-0 (0-0) Friendly Smith(59) 23,078 Debutant Alan Smith got the winner - a phrase never to be used in anger as this was his only Newcastle goal - nodding in Geremi's corner. Also making his club bow was Mark Viduka, while fellow new boy Cacapa took part in a half-time kickabout for his new side. Jose Enrique meanwhile watched the game from the Directors Box, having travelled to SJP to finalise a £6m move from Villarreal. NUFC.com match report 2009 Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse.... Former interim Magpies boss Joe Kinnear broke his silence on Radio5: "I have been offered a two-year contract and it is something I am mulling over at the present time.  "I have told Mike (Ashley) I am not going to go back to football for at least another three months and we will look at the situation then. "I told him I would refuse to go back for pre-season friendlies as I was not up to it for medical reasons. I needed to take time out and re-assess the situation and take it from there. But obviously in another three months the picture might be completely different. "In the meantime if Newcastle feel the need to go and get another manager then so be it. But should that happen I will be on the look-out elsewhere and as we all know the only time you do get asked to take these positions is when someone else loses their job. "I was definitely offered the job a couple of weeks ago. I sat down and spoke in depth to Derek Llambias and the offer was a two-year contract. "I left the club who were lying thirteenth when I had my illness, and I would have staked my life on us staying up. We were in good form at that particular time, we were playing extremely well." He made an abortive return in 2013. 2011 United's reserves rounded off their public pre-season programme on a Friday night with a 2-1 victory against Northern League side Ashington at Woodhorn Lane. Brad Inman and Phil Airey were on target for the orange-clad Magpies. NUFC.com match report 2013 Loic Remy completed a season-long loan move to SJP from relegated QPR. The Magpies had made an unsuccessful attempt to sign the striker from Marseille in the previous transfer window but were outbid by the R's. 2014 Huddersfield Town (a) 2-2 (1-1) Friendly Riviere(16),Cabella(88) Majewski(36), Stead(65) 5,896 Following the weekend exertions in Germany, a third game in four days saw full back Daryl Janmaat debut against the second tier Terriers. A third goal of pre-season for Emmanuel Riviere put United ahead only to concede twice, before quick thinking from Ayoze Perez set up Remy Cabella to chip in a late leveller. NUFC.com match report 2016 Fulham (a) 0-1 (0-1) Championship P1, 0pts, 24th/24 Smith(45) 23,922 United's first league game out of the top flight since 2010 was this Friday night live Sky game, 7,000 away fans witnessing a false start. Referee Simon Hooper waved away two penalty claims for handball but worrying defensive deficiencies allowed Matt Smith to nod home Fulham's winner from a set-piece. Matz Sels, Grant Hanley, Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle all made competitive debuts for the crestfallen Magpies. NUFC.com match report 2022 Eddie Howe signed a new extended contract to remain as Newcastle boss. Initially agreeing a deal until the end of the 2023/24 season when succeeding Steve Bruce in November 2021, the revised deal was of an undisclosed duration. 2023 Fiorentina (Italy) (h) 2-0 (1-0) Friendly Almiron(38), Isak(82) 36,725 United took pole position after day one of the Sela Cup, goals in each half from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak deservedly defeating their Serie A opponents at SJP. NUFC.com match report