

Next Match Brighton

Premier League

St. James' Park

Sunday 20th September

Kick-off 2pm

Live on Sky Sports Last Match Newcastle 1

Blackburn Rovers 0

League Cup

St.James' Park

Tuesday 15th September

Match report The Never-Ending Tour Number of Newcastle

games attended by

NUFC.com in 2020/21: 5



Masks and more



2020/21:

Ryan repels Rovers Newcastle 1 Blackburn Rovers 0



Match footage is online here Match report Second Round Ties:



Tue 15.09.2020:

Boro 0-2 Barnsley

Derby County 1-2 Preston North End

Bradford City 0-5 Lincoln City

Fleetwood Town 2-1 Port Vale

Newcastle 1-0 Blackburn Rovers

Burton Albion 1-3 Aston Villa

Morecambe 1-0 Oldham Athletic

Rochdale 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday

Gillingham 1-1 Coventry City (5-4pens)

Millwall 3-1 Cheltenham Town

Reading 0-1 Luton Town

Newport County 1-0 Cambridge United

Oxford United 1-1 Watford (0-3pens)

West Ham 3-0 Charlton Athletic

Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal Palace (11-10pens)

Leyton Orient 3-2 Plymouth Argyle



Wed 16.09.2020:

West Brom v Harrogate Town

Leeds United v Hull City

Everton v Salford City

Ipswich Town v Fulham

Bristol City v Northampton Town

Southampton v Brentford



Thu 17.09.2020:

Burnley v Sheffield United

Wolves v Stoke City

Brighton & Hove Albion v Portsmouth



Third Round Draw:



Lincoln City v Liverpool

Bristol City/Northampton v Aston Villa

Morecambe v Newcastle

Luton Town v Manchester United

Preston v Brighton/Portsmouth

Ipswich/Fulham v Sheffield Wednesday

Manchester City v Bournemouth

West Ham v Leeds United/Hull City

Millwall v Burnley/Sheffield United

Chelsea v Barnsley

Wolves/Stoke City v Gillingham

Leicester City v Arsenal

WBA/Harrogate v Southampton/Brentford

Newport County v Watford

Fleetwood Town v Everton/Salford

Leyton Orient v Spurs



2020/21 :

202021/ home

programmes



Orders are open now for Sunday's home match programme against Brighton, at a cost of £5.25 (£3.50 plus £1.75 p&p).



A full season subscription service is also available for home programmes only, priced at £95 including postage.



Order home programmes here (Programmes from Tuesday's home game against Blackburn can also be ordered from the above link).



PS: An official match programme for United's League Cup tie at Morecambe next week is set to be printed in limited quantities - we'll have more details on ordering those very soon. 2020/21:

Shrimps at

the seaside Update: The League Fourth Round draw will be made this Thursday night after the Brighton v Portsmouth Second Round tie is completed (7.45pm KO).



Tuesday's League Cup Second Round win over Blackburn Rovers means that Newcastle will be away to Morecambe in the Third Round, after they beat fellow League Two side Oldham Athletic 1-0.



That tie is scheduled to take place next week (date & kickoff time tbc) and will again be available as a live stream in the UK for £10 if not selected as one of the four to be shown live on Sky TV.



Newcastle reserve goalkeeper Jake Turner is currently on loan at Morecambe and was an unused substitute against Oldham on Tuesday. He did however play in the First Round penalty shootout success against Grimsby Town.



The only previous meeting of the Magpies and Shrimps came in a Second Round tie at the Globe Arena back in 2013.



That finished in a 2-0 victory for United, with brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi both netting in the closing stages.



NUFC.com match report from 2013



NUFC last 10 LC3 fixtures:



2016/17 Wolves (h) won 2-0

2015/16 Sheffield Wednesday (h) lost 0-1

2014/15 Crystal Palace (a) won 3-2

2013/14 Leeds United (h) won 2-0

2012/13 Manchester United (a) lost 1-2

2011/12 Nottingham Forest (a) won 4-3

2010/11 Chelsea (a) won 4-3

2009/10 Peterborough (a) lost 0-2

2008/09 Spurs (h) lost 1-2

2007/08 Arsenal (a) lost 0-2 Double departure :

Spanish practices A second Magpie has made a temporary switch to Spain, with news that La Liga side Eibar have completed the signing of Yoshinori Muto.



That follows the recent loan move of Florian Lejeune to Deportivo Alaves - both players under contract with United until 2022 and making a season-long switch.



28 year-old Japanese international Muto arrived at SJP in 2018 from German side Mainz but failed to prosper under either Rafa Benitez or Steve Bruce.



Injuries played their part, while a lack of English didn't help his integration into a new club - echoing Chancel Mbemba, although the defender was at least able to converse in French with colleagues.



The most recent of Muto's 28 competitive outings for the club (10 starts) was an almost unnoticed cameo appearance from the bench at Manchester City in July.



He managed two goals in those games; away to Manchester United in the PL back in October 2018 and in the home League Cup defeat to Leicester just over a year ago.



The two Magpies could come face to face when their new clubs meet in December - Lejeune a former Eibar player. And that fixture could be a Toon flop shootout, with the Alaves attack led by Joselu.



The futures of a quartet of players who featured in Tuesday's League Cup win against Blackburn Rovers meanwhile remain to be decided.



DeAndre Yedlin, Christian Atsu, Jacob Murphy and Dan Barlaser are all at risk of missing out when United's 25 man PL squad is submitted following the closure of the transfer window next month.



Sheffield Wednesday remain keen on re-signing Murphy after a successful loan period there last season, while Barlaser's role in helping Rotherham United gain promotion to the Championship means that he'd be welcomed back to the New York Stadium. However the Millers have failed with a £300K bid to sign him.



Another trio of discards remain on the books meanwhile, with Achraf Lazaar, Rolando Aarons and Henri Saivet all declared surplus to requirements.



Old boy:

Tayls gans Raj... Steven Taylor's world tour continues, with confirmation that he's signed for Indian Premier League side Odisha.



Since ending his time at SJP in 2016, the 34 year-old defender has played in the USA (Portland Timbers), England (Ipswich and Peterborough) and most recently New Zealand (Wellington Phoenix).



Taylor is the latest former Magpie to appear in the IPL, following on from Michael Chopra, Aaron Hughes, Peter Ramage and Ryan Taylor . Update :

Malcolm Scott RIP The death of former Newcastle United player Malcolm Scott has been announced. He was aged 84.



The South Shields-born defender joined United from Cleadon Juniors in 1955, combining his football with a job in the shipyards and playing cricket for Durham.



Malcolm had to wait until January 1957 for his first team debut, deputising at short notice for the absent Bob Stokoe in a 1-6 Division One defeat at Old Trafford.



After one outing the following season, he finally made an impact on the side under manager Charlie Mitten in 1958.



Scott's cricket career also took off, signed for Northamptonshire in 1959, having appeared in the Minor Counties Select XI, RAF & Combined Services teams.



The following season saw him unable to force his way into the Newcastle defence, but he had some success as a stand-in striker, scoring twice in a 3-2 win at Leeds. He'd also played in goal for the reserves.



An Achilles injury sustained in a reserve game against Huddersfield Town in 1961 affected Malcolm's football career and after leaving SJP, he played for Darlington, York City and Rugby Town. Continuing to play cricket for Northants until 1969, his slow left arm bowling brought him 461 first class wickets.



Later becoming a social worker, his autobiography, entitled "A Geordie All Rounder", was published in 2009. U23s:

Trialist returns



The Chronicle have identified the second of two trialists spotted playing for United's U23 side in pre-season, naming him as Florent Indalecio. The 23 year-old French-born forward is a free agent and was with St. Etienne as a youngster before being discarded in 2011.



Current Magpie Allan Saint-Maximin was with the same club at the time, and lookinf on as Indalecio featured in a kickabout against Hartlepool United last month.



Diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on his knee, Flo made a failed attempt to restart his career in the USA after regaining fitness before playing amateur football back in France.



Pre-lockdown he'd been out in Australia, working on a building site and turning out for a local side. 2020/21 :

Anti-racism fundraiser Tyneside-based charity Show Racism the Red Card are currently raffling off a replica England shirt signed by Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker.



Entries cost £5 each online here. Closing date is September 30th and all monies raised go to fund their work tackling racism through education. Premier League :

Brighton (h) Sunday sees Newcastle play their opening Premier League home game of the season, when Graham Potter's Seagulls head to Tyneside.



It's a 2pm KO live on Sky and played behind closed doors.



The Magpies will be looking for their first league victory in five home games, after rounding off last season with two draws and two defeats.



This will be the seventh time that these two teams have met in the top flight and Newcastle are still to win one.



Victory for Steve Bruce would make him the first Toon boss since Kenny Dalglish to take maximum points from his side's opening two league fixtures.



That was back in 1997/98, when the black and whites followed up a 2-1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday with a 1-0 success against Aston Villa at SJP.



Coral offer new sign-ups

£20 in free bets when

you bet £5 here

Team: to follow



BHAFC: Albion began their season on Monday night with a 1-3 home defeat by Chelsea.



Leandro Trossard scored Brighton's goal but debutant Adam Lallana limped off before half time and Ben White also failed to last the 90 minutes due to injury.



A much-changed Brighton side will host Portsmouth in the League Cup on Thursday.



Referee: Kevin Friend - the whistler from Leicestershire was last seen taking charge of our 4-1 win at Bournemouth in July.



Previous to that, Friend had red-carded Sean Longstaff during a 1-1 home draw against Wolves and presided over the 1-4 Boxing Day loss at Old Trafford.



VAR adjudication comes from Craig Pawson, who when reffing us at Watford towards the end of last season managed to award two feeble penalties against us.



UK TV: Live on Sky Sports



Overseas TV: tbc



UK radio: tbc



Local radio: Live on BBC Newcastle



Stats:



Seagulls @ SJP - all-time: 2019/20 drew 0-0

2018/19 lost 0-1

2017/18 drew 0-0

2016/17 won 2-0 Lascelles, Shelvey

1991/92 lost 0-1

1990/91 drew 0-0

1989/90 won 2-0 Gallacher, Quinn

1985/86 lost 0-2 (FAC)

1983/84 won 3-1 Keegan, Waddle, Beardsley

1982/83 lost 0-1 (FAC)

1978/79 lost 1-3 Shoulder

1961/62 won 5-0 Leek 3, Tuohy, Hale

1929/30 won 3-0 Gallacher 3 (FAC)



Upcoming PL fixtures: Sat 19.09.2020:

Everton v West Bromwich Albion (12.30pm) BT

Leeds United v Fulham (3pm) BT

Manchester United v Crystal Palace

(5.30pm) Sky

Arsenal v West Ham (8pm) Sky

Sun 20.09.2020:

Southampton v Spurs (Noon) BT

Newcastle v Brighton (2pm) Sky

Chelsea v Liverpool (4.30pm) Sky

Leicester City v Burnley (7pm) BBC



Mon 21.09.2020:

Aston Villa v Sheffield United (6pm) Sky

Wolves v Manchester City (8.15pm) Sky 2020/21 :

Loan lads Saturday's loan action:



Kelland Watts (Plymouth Argyle)

There was a first goal in Pilgrims colours for Kell on Tuesday night, but he was unable to prevent Argyle losing by the old goal in five at Leyton Orient in the League Cup. He played the full 90 minutes.



Plymouth return to action in League One on Saturday when they visit AFC Wimbledon.



Jake Turner (Morecambe)

A night off for the goalkeeper on Tuesday, who watched from the bench as Morecambe beat Oldham Athletic 1-0 to set up a League Cup Third Round home game against Newcastle.



Ahead of that game, the Shrimps host Cambridge United in League Two on Saturday.



Tom Allan/Mo Sangare (Accrington Stanley)

Burton Albion (h) League One, Saturday.



Freddie Woodman (Swansea City)

Birmingham City (h) Championship, Saturday.



Florian Lejeune (Alaves)

There was no place in the matchday squad for the defender on Sunday, as Alaves hosted Real Betis in La Liga. It finished 1-0 to the visitors.



Yoshinori Muto (Eibar)

Celta Vigo (h) La Liga, Saturday. 2020/2 1 :

First footers West Ham 0 Newcastle 2



Match report NUFC :

Club issue COVID

crowd update NUFC communication, Sunday: Newcastle United hosted a virtual meeting with a small group of supporters this week to discuss the potential return of spectators to matches at St. James Park. Following the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year, the Magpies final nine Premier League matches of the 2019/20 season and an Emirates FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City all took place behind closed doors, as did Saturdays 2-0 win at West Ham United on the opening day of the 2020/21 campaign. While the government is yet to formally grant approval or confirm prospective dates for the return of spectators, the Magpies and other clubs across the country are continuing to undertake detailed work behind the scenes to ensure appropriate procedures are in place as soon as it is safe for fans to be present.



Pilot events with significantly reduced capacities have also recently taken place in the UK, including a recent friendly fixture between Brighton and Chelsea at the Amex Stadium. Representatives from Newcastle United Supporters Trust, NUFC Fans United, Newcastle Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA), Newcastle United Supporters Club London and the clubs Fans Forum joined staff on the Zoom video platform on Tuesday evening to hear about the clubs ongoing planning and to offer their own feedback, ideas and questions as the process continues. The club outlined its expectation that in the early stages of a return for fans, its capacity for home matches at St. James Park is likely to be significantly reduced.



Specialist software, data analysis and comprehensive guidance from relevant safety authorities indicate that around 10,000 - 15,000 seats will be available for home supporters, with the final number dependent on agreed seating configurations and the most up to date government guidelines on social gatherings and social distancing. It is not anticipated that away supporters will be present in the early stages to minimise the risk of Covid-19 spreading. It is expected that a large number of seats will need to remain unoccupied in order to achieve appropriate levels of social distancing, however the club is analysing ways to maximise seat availability while keeping safety as its absolute priority. A range of associated subjects were discussed, including fair ways the club could allocate tickets, including a potential ballot for season ticket holders. With a significantly reduced capacity and social distancing an essential requirement, season ticket holders will not be guaranteed their usual seats if they are successful in obtaining tickets, however the club is intending to make best endeavours to allocate seats in equivalent seating categories.



Cleaning staff have been regularly disinfecting St. James' Park during the coronavirus pandemic The group also discussed safety and security measures that will help to keep attendees safe, potential changes to available facilities including catering and how the club will be ramping up relevant communications to all supporters both before any tickets sales or ballots and in the build-up to individual matchdays. The club would like to sincerely thank the supporters who participated in the meeting for sharing their views and for contributing to the ongoing planning process. The club will be offering further feedback to the group once plans are finalised and comprehensive information will be announced and issued to all supporters in due course. U23s:

Honours even

at the Academy



Newcastle U23s 2 Boro U23s 2 Match report is online here



PS: Along with Blyth Spartans, it has now been confirmed that Newcastle reserves have opted not to enter this season's Northumberland Senior Cup. Takeover Sep 14 :

NUFC v PL 12 years to the day that the club was first put up for sale by Mike Ashley, Monday saw the following update from London-based lawyers Blackstone Chambers.



This looks to be one of the "relevant options available" to the owner mentioned in last week's statement....



Shaheed Fatima QC and Nick De Marco QC are acting for Newcastle United FC and Mike Ashley (instructed by Dentons) in a dispute with the Premier League about its rejection of a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) based on its Owners and Directors test.



While De Marco is or has worked with Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and the PFA in actions against the Football League, Fatima's former clients include a member of the Saudi royal family. Takeover Sep 10 :

PL respond The war of words between Newcastle United and the Premier League intensified on Thursday, with the PL responding to the club's statement released on Wednesday: "The Premier League was disappointed and surprised by the Newcastle United Football Club statement regarding its potential takeover by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF). " The clubs assertion that the Premier League has rejected the takeover is incorrect. " The Premier League Board has, on a number of occasions, given its opinion about which entities it believes would have control over the club should the consortium proceed with the acquisition. That opinion is based on legal advice. " This means the potential takeover could proceed to the next stage should the relevant entities provide all appropriate information. They would then be subject to a suitability assessment by the Board. As an alternative, the Board has repeatedly offered independent arbitration as a way forward since June. " It is also incorrect to suggest these decisions were taken by any individual; they were agreed unanimously by all Premier League Board members. Takeover Sep 9 :

Club statement:

PL rejected takeover The following statement was released by the club on Wednesday night - re-igniting the takeover issue that had been publicly dormant since the bidders announced they were withdrawing interest in late July:



Newcastle United can confirm that the Premier League has rejected a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) based on its Owners and Directors test. This conclusion has been reached despite the club providing the Premier League with overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government. The club and its owners do not accept that Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and the Premier League have acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all relevant options available to them. Mike Ashley understands fans frustrations and would like to reassure them that he has been fully committed to ensuring this takeover process reached completion as he felt it was in the best interests of the club.



Mike continues to be fully supportive to Steve Bruce, the players and all the staff and wishes them well for the upcoming season.



While the statement stops short of actually promising legal action, speculation that approaches to the High Court and/or Court of Arbitration for Sport will follow was swift after it was published.



The Premier League had no immediate response to the statement, which came hours after Richard Masters had publicly commented on the failed takeover here