It was a brutal night in Australia for a Newcastle side full of teenagers as they lost 8-0 to the A-League All Stars at the 53,000 Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
A really tough one to take for our young lads – I feel for them and the Aussie Mags in attendance – but I’m not sure you can blame Howe too much for resting so many senior players who started against Spurs just days after a gruelling season and 22-hour flight.
The boss promised to field youngsters before the game and he did exactly that. Aside from Mark Gillespie, who captained the team between the sticks, we saw the likes of Harrison Ashby, Alex Murphy, Joe White and Garang Kuol, with Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall and Elliot Anderson the only senior players on the bench; not that any of them featured.
Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron had left for Copa America, Joelinton has returned to his homeland ahead of his wedding, while Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth left the camp early ahead of Sweden friendlies.
In hindsight, the young lads could’ve done with a few old heads to help them out, especially when the likes of Ritchie and Dummett have barely kicked a ball all season. But it’s not clear why they weren’t in squad, with Pope, Burn, Barnes, Wilson and J.Murphy also missing out. The trip was always a money-making exercise, but today wasn’t a great advert for a club trying to build their brand on that side of the globe.
STARTING XI: Gillespie – Ashby, A Murphy, Thompson, Charlton – White, Turner-Cooke, Hernes – Diallo, Parkinson, Kuol. SUBS: Harris, Trippier, Hall, Anderson, De Bolle, Stanton.
It was quite literally men against boys and it showed. Ben Old gave the All-Stars and early lead after four minutes and, after two decent stops from Gillespie to keep it 1-0, goals two and three followed to give the Aussies, who benefited from some poor defending to move 3-0 up shortly after the half hour mark.
Nicolas Milanovic was in the right place at the right time to make it A-League All Stars 2-0 Newcastle United! 👊
Watch the match live on 10Bold, 10 Play & Paramount+.#ALAllStars pic.twitter.com/G49Rfgz0lI
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) May 24, 2024
Garang Kuol missed a big chance to pull one back after some good work from Ben Parkinson, but he blazed over. In the end, his blushes were saved as the offside flag was raised, but it’s clear he’s low on confidence and must find the right loan move this summer.
Norwegian midfielder Travis Hernes had some nice touches as he attempted to burst from midfield. Alex Murphy and Harrison Ashby were the only two defenders who look remotely comfortable on ball and our front three of Kuol, Parkinson and Diallo were really struggling to get into a game dominated by the A-League side.
Howe made two changes for the second half, seeing Lucas De Bolle and Ellis Stanton replace Jay Turner-Cooke and Ciaran Thompson, and it started with Gillespie rushing way off his line. The All Stars broke clear and fired into an empty net, but the offside flag saved our blushes.
At the other end Diallo almost went past the goalkeeper after bursting in behind, only for a recovering defender to deny the former West Ham talent who looks set to be released this summer.
The Aussies made it 4-0 on the hour mark after more sloppy passing was punished, this time via an edge of the box finish from Stamatelopoulos. Another change then followed, as 17-year-old goalkeeper Aidan Harris replaced Gillespie.
Four then became five as Stamatelopoulo scored again with 15 minutes remaining to make it 5-0, with Harris making a decent stop moments later to deny the hosts a sixth. It was a tough watch and a shame to see our Young Lads torn apart, although we did see moments of class from Hernes, who was our standout performer on a difficult night.
Sadly, it got even worse for the lads as the lively Irankunda – set for a move to Bayern – burst down the right again before setting up Hollman to tap in. 6-0 became seven in the 90th minute as Courtney-Perkins tapped in from a corner before they added an eighth during three minutes of stoppage time.
Thankfully, a few Aussie Mags got their moneys worth after the match, as a few of our absent senior stars shook hands, signed autographs and took pictures with fans in the Newcastle end:
Thank you, Melbourne. 🫶🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/4yX3PHVpWK
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 24, 2024
That was embarrassing and also, I felt cruel by Eddie to expose those youngsters line that. Terrible for the fans who’s paid over 100$ to watch. That was shocking and a very bad look here in Australia. There should be ashamed of themselves.
Bruce Taylor(Quote)
🤬🤬🤬🤬 8-0 thrashing …Eddie has done neither us nor our kids any favours here. In fact, a lot of damage I’d say. Aussie teams beats Newcastle United 8-0. No one will remember it was the kids. Lots of senior players like Ritchie, Dummet, etc could’ve played to steady them and given guidance.
Interestingly Diallo looked ok, but he’s going to be released. On this showing, our second string are nowhere near the level they need to be.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Hernes looked ok, but difficult for any of them to stand out in that mess. I should ask for my money back from the club. Even £3.99 was too much to ask, never mind what the fans paid that went to the match.
Look, I get that we did this to bring some money into the club, but this was just an embarrassing mess.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Yep not a good look particularly when you are trying to grow your brand in the country you are playing in. Bit of on and off field damage done by this effort, or lack there of..
Aussie(Quote)
I don’t know what Newcastle were thinking when they organised this “event”. Absolutely a pointless waste of time, in which they’ve done more harm than good. To set the kids up for a mauling like that was disgraceful.
Lee(Quote)
A total embarrassment for the Toon and the manager. Eddie Howe has made a huge error here when the club is trying to build a global image. I can’t imagine our Saudi owners being impressed with this situation at all.
The Toon fans in Australia and particularly those who attended the match must be feeling very low and short changed. I think we may have even insulted the Aussies by putting out a bunch of kids who, with the exception of Hernes and White, will never ever threaten the first team.
Howe has done a lot of damage with this result and should apologise to all Toon fans.
I can’t see us being welcomed again in Australia.
Toonarden(Quote)
Watching on TV I felt sorry for the people that attended the game. Aside from the practicality of not exposing senior players to injuries, that have ravaged the club all season, Eddie threw the young players in at the deep end, sink or swim. Was clear that playing out from the back in the patented 433 requires a player at the base of midfield that can deal with the ball in tight areas, and a player up front that can hold the ball. Had neither. Lots of players throwing their heads back in a sulk when a pass went astray, and the capitulation towards the end reminded me of an U14s match. Lots to ponder, the timing of overseas tours in future, the mix of players on a pitch, the amount of further investment needed in the youth setup to compete with the elite PL clubs that we want to compete with.
Benny B(Quote)
These are the kids we are supposed to be investing in order to save the club millions in the future?
8th out of 15 in under 18’s league, 22nd out of 24 in the under 21 league, did anyone expect anything different, perhaps Eddie was giving them a reality check of how they need to improve?
We have a long long way to go in order to halt the lack of investment in youth at this club since the days of Keegan who dismantled the reserves, then Ash the Cash who only invested in himself.
It will take time and patience some very good scouting and the best coaches available.
Joseph(Quote)
Good on the Aussies. What the hell was Howe thinking – did he believe these boys were good enough?
Did he not think the Aussies would have looked at that line up and think ‘disrespectful’ and be extra motivated to hand it to the boys out there?.
Was it a sacrificial game to look at players with next season in mind – has it helped or has it damaged young players?!.
Maybe we have a youth squad full of c0cky young players who’ve seen Miley break through & think they’re good enough – maybe this was Howe reminding them they still have alot to do.
Who knows, but if the point of this tour is to raise our profile down under – today has done that for all the wrong reasons.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If fans want the blame game point it in the direction of the hierarchy not Howe this should have been organised when there was a summer with no international tournaments was absolute madness organising this the timing of it beggers belief people in the game knew it but rational thinking goes out the window when greed takes over
Darren Bebb(Quote)
In all honesty, if I had traipsed half way across Australia to see that team put out by Newcastle I would be seriously pissed off.
It’s like turning up to see the stars of a Lord of the Rings and meeting a dozen unidentified extras dressed as hobbits.
When you pay good money to see Newcastle United play, you want to see players who have at least played for Newcastle United.
Shameful!
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
The Lord of the Rings???
Sharpy17(Quote)
This was massively damaging to the Australian A-league as as well. This game was meant to be a celebration of the A-league season just finished, and a reward for some of the best performing players in the league.
Newcastle United has stomped all over the credibility of this game and the Australian league thinking that fielding this team was going to be competitive. Manchester United, Juventus and Barcelona have played this game in the past and at least brought the majority of their squads, and played like they wanted to compete.
In a country like Australia where we are trying to build the credibility of the league, and compete for fans with other sports, this has done massive damage. I hope Newcastle never comes down to Australia again. Eddie Howe and the hierarchy of the club should be ashamed.
A-League Fan(Quote)
Yes complete shame on Howe.. was easy enough to put 2 or 3 senior players in the mix with Gillespie to help the young lads.. honestly think he used it a training session for the youth but done more damage than good. Which of the youth would want to buy in to his tactics now? There are many flaws with Eddie’s approaches and substitutions this past season. He doesn’t have the openness and perfectionism when compared with guardiola or after.. not even poch.
Asean(Quote)
Yep I’m pretty disappointed to say the least. I travelled from New Zealand, $2500. Shame on Eddie for hanging the kids out to dry. Certainly damaged the club’s reputation for a few extra quid. I’ve supported the Toon for 50+ years. I won’t be travelling to see them again.
Geordie(Quote)
Ah what a shame. I was surprised he didn’t play the likes of Ritchie and Dummet (at the very least) to help the youngsters out, but seems he was protecting both now they are at risk of leaving on free transfers. Seems they were reluctant to get injured in case they are left looking for new clubs next week.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Let’s be clear the only reason for the trip was money, and the only reason for that is because the Big Six together with their paid puppets Masters and co have rigged the game so that their monopoly can’t be threatened.
If FFP had risen with inflation then Everton and Forest would have been within the new limits, no deductions.
There is talk of raising the final three-year limit to £135m which is the current figure adjusted for inflation over the last 10 years. I would argue that the extra spending denied over the last two years should be included and the limit for the final year should be £175m.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Suddenly our lost to Man Utd in last years cup final doesn’t look as awful – however our chances of European football next season aren’t looking promising 😡.
Can’t decide if Utd are playing really well or City are playing poor.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well provided missing out on European football doesn’t mean we we’ll be forced to sell one of our main players then I’m actually fine with not having European Conference League next season – I know that’s not a popular opinion but I can only be honest.
I think if we can keep our best players, and add to them with Kelly & Tosin, a new keeper and RWF/CF then we have a very real chance of top 4 again next season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hopefully, we don’t need to lose anyone, but I’d rather lose Bruno than Isak
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – did you see Paqueta is in hot water over suspect bets around his bookings – could get a lengthy ban.
City were obviously linked with him so my immediate concern was if he’s not an option anymore, does Bruno become their target now.
Which I could handle over my follow up concern which was, god I hope Bruno or Joelinton aren’t involved being so close to Paqueta 🫣.
I know that sounds harsh & judgemental and I really don’t mean to. I think it stems from Tonali being involved with his mates – but then Toney was doing it on his tod so maybe not.
I just remember that stint of games where we needed Bruno not to get booked & he obviously didn’t – maybe I’m over thinking it all 😂.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bruno has been linked to Citeh by the gossip mongers.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Y only concern really with loss of European football is that perhaps some players may no longer want to come to us. Let’s see what happens.
I think city were still hung over from last week. They were very poor.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Apparently, Bruno is the target to replace De Bruyne if he goes to Saudi
PremAndUp(Quote)
City were poor yesterday, knew Man utd would win.
kimtoon(Quote)
I think Olise is this summers Maddison.
We get linked with him but he already has designs for another club. I think Olise will end up at Chelsea or Spurs – possibly Man Utd but I think the lad stays in London.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I would see if we can loan Ben Brereton Diaz with an option to buy. I think he had a decent half season at Sheff Utd in a struggling side he still managed 6 goals in 14 games.
I know he’s listed as a left winger but I think he can cover that left forward & centre forward position.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So Ritchie, Dummett, Karius, Kell Watts and Jeff Hendrick have been released and have left the club. Good luck to them.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Hey Olly, any chance of a new simple thread to cover transfers etc so that this 8-0 debacle isn’t the thread we see as the main one for transfer discussions? Just a thought mate. Cheers!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Will get one sorted. Just away in New York as we speak!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Thanks Olly. Enjoy your holiday!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Anyone watching the CL final? How is this still goalless. Amazing.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – was a RM win ever in doubt mate?.
Did you watch the build up? They spent the first 10-15 mins talking about NUFC 😂 Jose loves us like.
Joselu has a champions league winners medal man 😂🤷🏼♂️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
I know, but Dortmund had their chances mate didn’t they? Great match to watch. Joselu! Who could possibly have predicted that, but good luck to him.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – it’s was a cracking game mate & you’re right, BD could have been 3 up before RM had a shot on target.
I enjoyed the Atalanta v Bayer L final more though I have to say.
What’s scary though is RM are about to add Mbappe & Endrick to that team 🫣.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s weird coz for years I’ve always looked forward to transfers windows – excited to see who we got.
I think this is the first ever window I’ve wished away.
I’m pleased we put an expiry on Bruno’s release clause – hopefully we still have him beyond that coz if it’s us setting the price, it’ll be more than the £100m imo.
But I’m more pleased Sweden didnt make the Euros – and that’s entirely selfish because I think Isak belongs on the biggest stage – which would obviously include European club football.
I’m desperately hoping him not being at the Euros might mean ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
It might also mean though that he thinks – well I’m not getting it with Sweden so I need to guarantee it at club level – can I do that at Newcastle … I’m hoping he sees the fact we were so close this season & gives us at least next season to make it happen 🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Guimaraes a very important player for a club wanting to become elite. Less so for elite teams.
The release clause expiry seemed to make sense .. now it feels a bit flawed as it leaves the new PSR year for teams to turn his head while offering nufc less money .. and he’s not worth £100m.
Paquetas woes brings risk of him moving too.
the interesting time will be post clause to see if any club turns his head with a lower offer that unsettles him .. then we’ll find out how much his badge kissing is worth
getreal(Quote)
Fair point, but I get the feeling he really does like it at the club. He’ll not get the same level of adulation at any other club .
kimtoon(Quote)
Anyone watching the England borefest? I think the crowd have gone to sleep.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – I turned it off after half an hour mate.
I know the nation are meant to get behind Southgate before the tournament, but I can’t understand how he managed to make a front line of Watkins, Eze, Palmer and Bowen look absolutely awful – none of them stood out as having a good game.
We move the ball so slowly from back to front – like every player has to touch the ball.
I know they came with 5 at the back and shut up shop a bit but look at those forwards again – then we had TTA and Gallagher behind them & Trips getting up – one of those players could have caused damage if we played with any sense of urgency.
I never want to see football like that at SJP again!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Fully agree mate. It was awful. It did get marginally better in the second half, one or two players actually broke into a run … 3-0 doesn’t really reflect that game. I hope they are better in the tournament.
SJP was like a grave. I was embarrassed for the people watching and also felt sorry for those that bought a ticket. I actually thought about going but when I checked it was sold out. Lucky for me. 😂😂
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – Southgate gets loads of plaudits coz he lets the players play Xbox & put ketchup on their cornflakes or whatever. Hes good with the media & he’s safe.
He has some of the most talented players any England manager has ever had – arguably the strongest group ever.
But I can honestly say I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed an England game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So yet again the rule makers buckle for the Manchester clubs.
There’s a rule that saying 2 clubs owned by the same owners can’t compete in the same European competition – but they are making an exception for Man Utd & Nice to play Europa League and Man City and Girona to play Champions League.
Why have rules when certain clubs can just breach them without consequence.
We’ll watch these top 4 clubs spend big in the transfer window again this summer while we scrat around for loose change. Chelsea will buy up more players & fiddle their figures while the PL roll their eyes and say ‘what you like’ without doing a **** thing about it.
They are STILL yet to open the book on City – but will be stood at the gate waiting to hand Leicester a points deduction as soon as they return to the PL.
Sharpy17(Quote)
How can real/m pay 85mil bonus to a player?? the world gone mad ffs
Icedog(Quote)
Spot on mate.
And England have been boring as hell to watch since Southgate became manager, I too turned it off after half hour, utterly boring, they better be better at the Euro’s.
kimtoon(Quote)
I see City are sueing the FA regarding the same owner sponsorship block that was put into effect mainly to stop us getting funds. Be interesting to see how that goes.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – this is so corrupt!!
So the PL stood by knowing City are breaching rules left, right & centre – but they are growing the PL brand – all eyes are on English Premier League football so we’ll let it go. Then some apprentice comes in and says I’ve just checked and it’s up to 115 now like – oh no, we better do something now.
They speak to City – this is coming guys but we’ll put it back to November. What you need to do is sue us – which can be done as early as next week?!?!!.
That’ll show we’ve got it wrong, we can drop these 115 breaches 👍🏼. Yes it’ll probably cost us a bit of money – but considerably less than going to court for 115 rules 🤷🏼♂️.
It’ll mean it validates all your title wins & we won’t have the stain on our game of us having to deduct you 115 points – or worse still, kick you out the league … which would then bring round the super league again and we’d lose another 5 or 6 clubs from the PL – which would then take eyes off us … it would also impact all the other leagues in Europe 🤦🏼♂️.
No, sue us instead 👍🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Corrupt through and through mate. 🤬
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Starting to really go off football, game has been utterly ruined by the PL.
kimtoon(Quote)
Ime on your side mate,you get sick of it
Icedog(Quote)
Alright Ice, how you doing mate ?
kimtoon(Quote)
ime going real good mate,but cannot get it through my nut why clubs have to sell their best players over money,silly me i thought this game was all about the supportors of the club not the crooks that run it,getting sick now.hows you and the lad going? settled inyour new house do you see helan much now you moved ?
icedog(Quote)
Hi Ice, yeah most the work is done now, just bits and bobs to finish. Can’t believe it’s been 3 years it’s flown by.
Lewis is ok, still has his problems and we have had awful issues getting hold of his epilepsy meds lately, been out of stock for a while so using a generic version at moment which isn’t great as doesn’t work as well and he hates the taste 😒hoping the proper stuff comes back into stock soon.
Do you see much of pup is he still in UK ?
kimtoon(Quote)
All canny for Lewis’s then good.pup has a big bar
Icedog(Quote)
Icedog(Quote)
Best England player so far is Anthony Gordon… shi.te first half again though. Ramsdale poor for their goal. Played 6 games last season and gets in the England squad. Go Gareth!
Let’s hope for a better second half … 🥱
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Ice , that’s great news re Pups bar, bet you can’t wait for him to come home though.
Gilly, I’m not watching the game at all. I’ll watch the Euros but haven’t enjoyed friendlies for ages.
kimtoon(Quote)
Appalling bad. 😖 absolutely dreadful. How can a team of such good players be so awful. 😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Hi guys,
Just to let you all know, I’ve been writing a long piece on summer transfers (what we need, who signs, who leaves etc) and that’ll be up as a new featured piece on the top banner of the blog tomorrow. Will post link in here when it’s up 🙂
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Thanks Olly! I look forward to reading it.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Cheers Olly 👍🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Cheers Olly
kimtoon(Quote)
New thread guys
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/06/10/newcastles-summer-to-do-list-signings-sales-and-four-top-priorities/
Hope you enjoy – a long one but loads packed in on what promises to be a busy summer!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)