Eddie Howe’s Mags kicked off our busy pre-season schedule with a 3-2 win over Gateshead thanks to goals from Elliot Anderson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jay Turner-Cooke.
With so many international stars only returning to training on Friday afternoon, our squad was a mishmash of first-team players, forgotten men and U21 talents, with Bruno, Joelinton, Wilson, Gordon, Tonali, Schar, Murphy, Lascelles and others all watching on from the stands.
We started with at least four full-backs in the side, lining up like this from the off: Darlow – Manquillo, Savage, Burn, Targett – Trippier, Longstaff, Anderson – Ritchie, Saint-Maximin, Lewis. That’s right, Lewis on the left wing, Trippier in midfield, a first senior start for Remi Savage and ASM up top!
We created plenty of openings in the first half, but it was a disjointed team putting in a disjointed performance, with no recognised striker and our rarely-used left-back playing on the wing. We were missing so many difference makers and looked like a side who’d only been training a few days.
Ritchie went close in the opening minute with a shot across goal, Longstaff failed to convert after being sent clean through by ASM, Lewis miscued a few decent chances and Anderson thought he was about to score before having his effort well blocked. Saint-Maximin’s powerful effort from 10 yards out was well saved, Longstaff flashed wide moments later and Targett also skied a half-chance after latching onto Trippier’s cross-field pass.
Don’t let our photo fool you. It was absolutely soaking at the GIS, as Toon fans in the uncovered East Stand were drenched. The heavens opened and our makeshift defence did too, with the Heed Army scoring twice in the first half thanks to some sloppy defending and smart finishes from the National League side. Their first came after a poor giveaway from Longstaff – who looked off the pace – and their second saw Ste Wearne round Darlow after some more sloppy defending seconds before the break.
After another torrential downpour during the half-time interval, flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder, the rain subsided and we pulled one back just a few minutes after the restart. Saint-Maximin had been moved to the left and he did well to find makeshift striker Elliot Anderson, who sat his man down before his low finish made it 2-1.
Loris Karius replaced Darlow and Irish talent Alex Murphy came on for Remi Savage at the break, leaving our line up like this at the start of the second half: Karius – Trippier, Burn, A Murphy, Lewis – Ritchie, Longstaff, Targett – Manquillo, Anderson, Saint-Maxminin. More square pegs in round holes, with Targett in midfield, Manquillo on the right wing and Anderson up top, but Eddie Howe’s changes seemed to do the trick.
Saint-Maximin flashed wide 10 minutes into the restart, coming within inches of making it 2-2 with a decent effort from the edge of the box, but we were soon level as Anderson’s cut back set up the Frenchman. The pair combined once again and ASM tapped in to make it 2-2 with just over 30 minutes remaining.
Wholesale changes followed as Howe handed runouts to a host of U21 talents, with Ashby, De Bolle, White, L Miley and Parkinson replacing Trippier, Targett, Longstaff, Ritchie and Saint-Maximin.
We were on top at this point, controlling the game and creating chances, with one lovely move almost ending in a goal for De Bolle, who latched onto a flick and had his effort saved by ex-Mag Rob Elliot after some nice approach play in and around the box.
More changes came as Anderson – who came alive as a false nine in the second half – and Manquillo were replaced by Turner-Cooke and Ndiweni before Lewis made way for Wiggett; the former Chelsea talent who came in at centre-back.
A sloppy pass from Joe White almost gifted Gateshead the chance to retake the lead, but we went down the other end and sent teenage talent Ben Parkinson clean through. The 18-year-old striker only signed his first pro deal on Friday, but his effort was tame and too close to Elliot.
With 80 minutes on the clock, two of our young guns showed their class to score the winner. Lewis Miley played a huge part from the left, following a decisive dribble with a lovely cross into Turner-Cooke, who slid a smart first-time finish past Elliot and into the corner.
3-2 Newcastle and a positive end to a pre-season friendly that handed plenty fringe men and U21 talents a much-needed run out. It was good to see ASM and Anderson bag a goal and an assist each, with both causing havoc in the second half, while Miley continues to impress. The tall but composed young midfielder looks assured on the ball and showed real quality in creating our late winner. The square pegs in round holes all over the field highlighted our need for new signings, but it’s worth noting that over 50% of the player who started this game will barely kick a ball for us next season.
Howe gave a mixed update on the transfer front after the game, highlighting the importance of new signings while accepting our need to be “creative” on a “strict budget.” Nothing is imminent, it seems, despite strong links with Harvey Barnes and Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi.
There was no sign of Pope (hand surgery) or Willock (hamstring) today, but both are close to returning from end-of-season knocks, while Krafth remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from last year’s ACL injury.
Next up, a trip to Rangers on Tuesday before we fly out to the USA next week for the Summer Series.
Great write up Olly. I watched it and the rain was relentless mate. Well done for sticking it out. A good run out for the lads. Several looked very good. Perhaps Lewis can play a part on the wing, I thought he looked canny.
Rangers will be a tougher test.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Everytime I see young Lewis Miley he looks a class player. High hopes.
BBc reporting we’ve bid £88m for the Georgian at Napoli. Hoho.
georgio(Quote)
There is some reason we are holding back on Barnes
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – it certainly feels like that doesn’t it.
I wonder if it’s something to do with the player – injury wise or some kind of bother he may be in 🤷🏼♂️.
Alternatively it could be that we have a chance with a player we thought was out of our reach – Chiesa or Diaby that they might favour more and want to explore that option thoroughly before going with Barnes 🤷🏼♂️
** had to add my details to this article again.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Barnes’ manager says he has problems. Doesn’t say what or how long but another player was wearing his shirt number yesterday.
I’m not bothered about him honestly. He’s rather ordinary and I’d sooner keep ASM especially as an impact sub. We can do better.
georgio(Quote)
With you on that mate
Icedog(Quote)
Really need to steer clear of players with constant injury problems or have the wrong attitude.The current squad appear to be a tight knit bunch and that is important to keep.
StanHardy(Quote)
That’s why ime not happy with our new signing not once in all the the press has he ever smiled in fact he looks fed up with whole show
Icedog(Quote)
How many loan players from abroad can we have? Any limits? I’m still thinking we will get some loanees from Saudi at very favourable rates before the end of the window.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – I think that’s an old rule you mean. Don’t think it lasted long but it’s all over now anyway.
georgio(Quote)
Sorry Gilly – I misread your post and missed the key word loan. I’ve not heard of any limit but there might be one.
georgio(Quote)
Gilly – I think it’s a max of 4 loans a season – no 2 players from the same club. But I’m not sure if all 4 can be season long loans or if it’s 1 or 2 season long & a couple of short term loans 🤷🏼♂️.
If we were to use the loan market I’d rather it be long term gain – for example Kalvin Phillips or Connor Gallagher loan to buy.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Mind you, I’d settle for the signing of a new tea lady just now 🙄.
‘These things can be complicated’ – sick of hearing that now!. Every other club seems to be signing new players with relative ease.
We need new signings out in America with the squad & bedding in – and that it is looking more likely they won’t be is very disappointing in my opinion.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Disappointing yes, but worth remembering we’ve spent £200m in the last year.
georgio(Quote)
Thanks guys! I was thinking more about getting a few of these players, like Neves for example, from one of the Saudi clubs our owners also own, thus getting around ffp. I guess we will have to wait and see, but like you Sharpy, I’m also getting a tad frustrated at the lack of things happening. You’re bang on correct that they should really be in early and using pre season to bed in with the team. 🤷🏻♂️
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Whilst I totally agree that having players in early is ideal I am afraid patience is needed.
Listening to guys in the Pub who “support” other sides they all seem to have the same feeling why are we dithering.I do wonder if the moment a club perceives that Newcastle are interested in a player they revalue upwards and it would appear that the board kickback against a so called Saudi tax.They have done well by the club and the city so far so I am afraid we have to trust in them and have patience.
StanHardy(Quote)
Georgio – Arsenal have spent £200m this week!!
Chelsea have made more signings this summer having spent something like £500m since their new owner took over.
If they can get round FFP by putting players on 8 year contracts – why aren’t we???.
I don’t believe in this Saudi tax personally – which player have we paid over the odds for?!.
The market is being driven up by the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal paying over £100m for Enzo Fernandez & Declan Rice respectively.
Are Leicester really trying to have our pants down asking for £35-40m for Barnes?! – when Man Utd paid over £90m for Anthony 🤔
If we truly want to be seen as a top European, we need to do business like one.
If we want to be a successful side then we need to give Howe the best chance of achieving that – and that’s having the most time possible to prepare his players for the season ahead – and not keep having to hold new signings back coz they’ve come in too late in a window to be fit enough or understand their role in our squad.
And just incase I haven’t made it clear – I’m finding it very frustrating 😡😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
The more I think on the Barnes deal the more I believe it’s down to Leicester holding the cards.
They have the parachute payment & Maddison money & don’t desperately need to sell – but equally I don’t think they are refusing Barnes a move.
I suspect they have either identified his replacement or are seeking one out for around the £20m mark or less (to balance their books) and we have to wait for them to make their move first.
If they can’t get their player they may well keep Barnes this season to help them back to the PL.
I imagine we have agreed a rough fee for the player which has allowed us to agree personal terms with him.
If they get their player then we’ll work out the finer details of the fee & how it’s paid.
But they’ve lost Tielmanns, Maddison & a few CBs I think – not to mention still needing a GK, so I don’t imagine Barnes or his replacement is a priority for them 🤷🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m with Stan and I’m not sure comparisons with the self-proclaimed elite are that relevant.
They’ve built from a far richer base, have been in and around the top 6 for years to rake in money, develop commercial revenue, set up the ffp cartel and have talent in their squads they can actually afford to offload at a loss but some money.
Newcastle are nowhere near that and need to be careful not to chase the prize before they’re ready. Also the rich clubs can afford to take expensive punts on players .. Newcastle can’t
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Todays transfer rumours support my theory I reckon.
Leicester in for Amed Diallo the young lad from Man Utd who was on loan at Sunderland last season – that would free Barnes up.
Also Monaco in for Tosin at Fulham – ironically a player we’d been linked with as well. But they get Tosin & that would free up Disasi to join us.
I suppose it depends on how aggressively each of them pursue those transfers as to how long it might be for us to get our players 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just saw on SSN Fulham are bidding £19m for a CB in Portugal – Morata I think he’s called 🤷🏼♂️.
He replaces Tosin who goes to Monaco, who replaces Disasi who moves to NUFC – there’s the hold up on that one.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Tosin’s a fine player. Wouldn’t mind him at SJP.
georgio(Quote)
I’m with GoWest I remember a club qualifying for Europe and overspending to ensure success. They underperformed and spent decades in the Championship. I’d rather have a season of consolidation and financial growth than crash and burn
PremAndUp(Quote)
PREM its a case of toon fans getting greedy for more imo its steady away boys
icedog(Quote)
I’m certainly not getting greedy for more. I don’t expect us to be spending £100m on ANY player – infact, I still struggle with the idea of spending over £50m on a player.
Howe himself said the other day that he wants new players – improvements to his squad.
Personally, I’d be satisfied with top 8 or better next season with a few decent European nights thrown in – but will the owners accept that or would Howes position come under threat?? – I truly hope not!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The thing is we’ve built a team in the last season. With Tonali that’s 7 new players! It takes a year or two for that team to reach it’s potential. The good news is that new team were very good last season so we should see better this season. Can’t wait.
georgio(Quote)
The rumours of Maxi leaving are just not going away, and apparently he’s not in the squad for tonight’s match. I’d be very sad to see him leave. Seems the strong interest is from one of the Saudi clubs… perhaps sell him and then loan him back immediately? Get the money without losing the player. 🤷🏻♂️
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Anyone watching this Rangers match?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Good first half. Tonali looks a very good player so far. Anderson looks canny too. Very decent match.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Disjointed second half, but great win and good to see the youngsters getting minutes. Miley looks very good as did Gordon and Anderson.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Maxi away to Saudi then
Good win tonight
kimtoon(Quote)