News today that some top Dutch and German sides have been targeted as possible opponents for Newcastle in pre-season to give the lads some sturdy competition, and Chris has said the squad will again return to Dublin for their initial pre-season preparation.
Chris Hughton – going back to Ireland
The Newcastle club are waiting for confirmation before announcing additional friendly games in the summer at St. James’ Park.
And for the first time Chris has verified that the squad will indeed return to Dublin in the summer, where apparently the bonding of the lads started last July, which culminated in a new Newcastle squad last season – full of team spirit and passion.
Chris told the Evening Chronicle today:
“Ireland is something we’re doing again.” “The pitches were very good, as were the conditions.”“It was ideal and we really couldn’t fault the preparations there.”
“We were able to send the coach over with our equipment, and it was natural for us to want to go back.”
“In pre-season, you want to play one or two games abroad, but the ideal scenario is that they’re not too far away, and not the long-haul type of game.”
Newcastle were at their Carton House base, near Dublin in early July, during a terrible time for the Newcastle club, with all kinds of rumors flying around and the club up for sale for the second time in just nine months.
Currently Newcastle have arranged a friendly on July 17 at Carlisle United (3pm) and then a visit to Norwich City a week later (3pm), and then a game at Ibrox against Glasgow Rangers, on 7th August.
Hughton continued:
“Carlisle is obviously the local one and what we’ve done in the last few years is play a local game.”“Norwich are similar to us, in that they’ve won promotion, and they’re looking forward to a season in the Championship.”
“They had a very good team this season, and of course they had Fraser Forster in goal this year.” “It’s a good program so far for us and we’re looking to add to that.”
If Fraser Forster gets a game at Norwich, which we have to think he will, he’ll get a tremendous welcome from the Norwich fans, who seem to just love the Newcastle goalkeeper after he played so well for them in his 41 games for the East Anglia side.
Not surprisingly Norwich want him back on loan again next season, when they will be in the Championship.
We cannot wait for pre-season to start.
Comments welcome.
5 comments so far
Toon Sweden77
May 18, 2010 at 1:18 PM
Comment #1We cannot wait for pre-season to start.
Hey! I want to enjoy a summer vacation first! 🙂
Toon Sweden77
May 18, 2010 at 1:26 PM
Comment #2.. and a lot of good news on the transfer-front..
peterktoon
May 18, 2010 at 2:52 PM
Comment #3MAy be then will se the new kit..???
toonzidane
May 18, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Comment #4hey does anyone know if we they will be playin a friendly when there in dublin
baro
May 19, 2010 at 1:35 AM
Comment #5Hopefully we can get a friendly with Bayern Munich. That would be a good test before season starts. I think we can beat them.