Toon on tour: The history of Newcastle United in Asia as Mags jet off to Japan

With Eddie Howe’s side flying to Japan this weekend to participate in the “J.League International Series”, let’s take a look at a few times in which the Toon have travelled to the continent of Asia.

From Sir Bobby to Wor Eddie, Malaysia to Saudi Arabia, the club’s Asian excursions have always played a big part in growing the branding of Newcastle United across the globe. This summer is no different.

Bobby Robson’s high-flying squad were chosen as one of three English clubs to represent the country at the inaugural Premier League Asia Trophy.

Held in July of 2003, the Magpies flew out to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, alongside Chelsea and Birmingham City. Newcastle had just come off a third-place finish under the leadership of Sir Bobby, finishing two points above fellow invitees Chelsea, and qualifying for the Champions League third qualifying round.

Newcastle would defeat Birmingham 2-1 in the semi-final stage, setting the stage for the final against Chelsea. The Blues defeated a squad representing Malaysia, 4-1, in their semi-final fixture. After a hard-fought 90 minutes of gridlocked football, Newcastle ultimately fell short of the trophy itself, being defeated 5-4 on penalties.

Newcastle would have to wait another 16 years before being invited to play at the Premier League Asia Trophy again, this time on Chinese soil. The format was the same, but the clubs were different. This time, the Magpies were joined by Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Manchester City. The semi-final stage pitted Newcastle against Wolves, whilst City were matched up with the Hammers. Both fixtures took place in the city of Nanjing.

The experience on the pitch, as it was for much of this era, was very disappointing. Newcastle were brushed aside 4-0 by Wolves, who would go on to defeat Manchester City 3-2 on penalties in the final. Newcastle did however not finish the tournament in last place. They edged out West Ham 1-0 in the third-place playoff fixture in Shanghai.

All in all, a fitting start to the Steve Bruce era!

Anyway, enough of that gloomy Bruce talk. Newcastle’s visits to the Middle East in recent years have represented vital connections with the region in the wake of the 2021 takeover of the club by the Public Investment Fund.

First travelling to Saudi Arabia in January 2022 as a means of warm weather training, Newcastle took part in a friendly fixture against local side Al-Ittihad in Jeddah. Behind closed doors at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Eddie Howe’s side ran out 2-1 winners, through goals from Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser.

Having enjoyed the trip so much, Newcastle returned during the following season, in the midst of the break for the 2022 World Cup. In what was dubbed the Diriyah Season Cup, Newcastle eased to a 5-0 victory against an over-matched Al Hilal side in Riyadh. Braces from Joelinton and Miguel Almiron and a late goal from youngster Dylan Stephenson ensured a (so far) 100% success rate on Saudi soil.

Playing in Japan for the first time, it will be interesting to see the level of support that Newcastle will garner in the Land of the Rising Sun. Travelling out this weekend, Howe’s side will get acclimatised to their surroundings before taking on Urawa Reds (Wed, 31 July, 11:30 BST) and Yokohama F. Marinos (Sat, 3 August, 13:00 BST).