This summer is gearing up to be a transformational one at St. James’ Park. That will be the case regardless of whether Newcastle can hold onto a European place. With 7th likely enough for the Europa Conference league, a fourth competition next season seems probable.
Newcastle are reportedly gunning for around 5 or 6 additions this summer. There will be places available with four of the current squad (Loris Karius, Matt Ritchie, Mark Gillespie, Paul Dummett) on expiring deals. The wage bill will be reduced with Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff also out of contract.
In their latest mailbag, Chris Waugh and George Caulkin of The Athletic have discussed the potential turnover after this season. Interestingly, Waugh claims that Eddie Howe is considering keeping Paul Dummett and Loris Karius around. Both have just one appearance this term.
It’s not surprising that Karius could extend his stay. He impressed in the Carabao Cup final and could be a capable backup to Nick Pope next season with three potential departures at the position. Gillespie will be released while Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow could want first-team football. Darlow incidentally was Hull City’s Player of the Month for March.
Dummett remaining would be a surprise as he has barely featured under Howe. In fact, the local lad has been a rare sight due to his injury struggles over the past four seasons. The 31-year-old may be willing to stick around as cover considering Europe is a likely prospect.
Jamal Lewis, Jamaal Lascelles, Javier Manquillo, and Emil Krafth are also cited as potentially being available. Lewis has impressed with Northern Ireland during this international break but is far down the pecking order at left-back; a position Newcastle will be in the market to strengthen.
This summer Newcastle shouldn’t be hampered by an overly bloated squad. There is work to do with players under contract to move on. However, it will pale in comparison to recent windows when Newcastle struggled to shift players on high wages.
With so many players with uncertain futures, keeping Karius and Dummett around makes sense. There will hopefully be more games next season. While Karius will receive some attention, becoming Newcastle’s cup keeper could be an enticing prospect.
***Below are some details on a charity effort from one of our readers.***
We need your help….
You will all remember David who lost his life to cancer whilst receiving unbelievable love and help from the staff at St Oswalds Hospice, below is taken from The Evening Chronicle who covered David’s story with the Posse
“When fun-loving David Hepburn was told he was living on borrowed time as he fought two brain tumours, his family and friends kept him fighting by making him laugh.
And as they tackled each day with a giggle, the band of brothers and family helped him raise more than £20,000 for the hospice taking care of him in his time of need.
David and his pal’s friendships had lasted decades after being built on fun – and for months they helped fight his illness by making him giggle”
But now the wonderful people at St Oswalds Hospice need our help more than ever, times are so difficult for so many people these days but never harder than when losing a loved one.
We are asking for any donations that people can afford, we are also asking people to share the link to those who may not be aware just what a wonderful place St Ozzies is, David chose to be at Ozzies for his last day’s, it is so special to so many of us.
Once you access the Charity Giving Page, you will see David and his beautiful daughter Sara who grew her wings to be with her Dad.
Please if you can donate, I cannot think of a more worthwhile charity, than one that helps so many at St Oswalds Hospice.
Families across the North East rely on St Oswald’s Hospice at the most difficult times of their lives. Their services are a lifeline to so many.
As a charitable hospice, ensuring the services remain free and doors stay open for those who desperately need them is an ever growing challenge.
Please help me secure the future of hospice care in the North East by donating to my fundraising page in support of St Oswald’s first ever Giving Day. The race is on to raise £300k in 33 hours and during this time, your donation will be DOUBLED!
Please click on the link below if you are able to donate.
https://www.charityextra.com/stoswaldshospice/terry-egdell
92 comments so far
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 28, 2023 at 10:47 AM
Comment #1I’ll sort my donation when I’m finished in the gym
Adamn_92
Mar 28, 2023 at 10:52 AM
Comment #2Donated, fingers crossed the donation goal gets hit in time.
Adamn_92
Mar 28, 2023 at 10:54 AM
Comment #3Got no issue with Karius staying on, as I can see Dubs leaving as well as Darlow and potentially Gillespie. So we need to have another keeper around, as well as try and bring in a young up and comer to have as 3rd choice and develop.
Dummet, I don’t see much point in keeping him around if he’s taking up a place in the 25 man squad. Seems like a wasted spot being taken up as he never features anymore. Unless he doesn’t get named and is used to just ease new players in, help around the place and be a leader. If he ends up taking a squad place though, would be a bit odd.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 28, 2023 at 10:56 AM
Comment #4The Puglet has donated a kibble.
Adamn_92
Mar 28, 2023 at 10:57 AM
Comment #5https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVuXStRrhEs&ab_channel=FootballAustralia
Think Kuol is still on the bench at the moment, but Australia game is streaming free on YouTube. Hour players so far and 1-1
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 10:58 AM
Comment #6Adamn
When we get new, better squad/first teamers in… others, lesser squad members will be phased out… yea?
Then we’ll have a full 25 member squad.
Yay!
Coming soon, to a squad near you…
😀
Adamn_92
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:08 AM
Comment #7Kuol now on
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:13 AM
Comment #8Ty21
I don’t think Maxi is getting pelters or is being made a scapegoat or anything like that. What I see from many is the disappointment in the realisation that he’s unlikely to fulfill his potential at the club due to him being a square peg in a round hole in this side.
Almiron is different because while he has always lacked Maxis technical ability (and always will), he has always outran Maxi in every game he has played and has fashioned a place in this side because he’s much more of an EH player due to his high intensity style of play.
When Bruce was our manager it wasn’t good enough that Almiron ran like a dog but couldn’t finish from 5 yards out – that’s what we needed and he couldn’t do it, therefore criticism on his abilities as a player was warranted. By comparison, Maxi could pick the ball up in our own half, take multiple players on, or score a volley out of nowhere therefore in a team full of dross he was singled out for praise.
The team isn’t in the same place now though. Almiron is better suited to this team whereas Maxi is not. This is despite the fact that neither player have changed their style. Making comparisons of those two players under Howe vs Bruce is a fool’s errand in my view.
Rotonda heights
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:15 AM
Comment #9Hence I said allegedly
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:20 AM
Comment #10Ruddy
While i agree… what I would say is; I’m not sure our tean was dross, more like, the coaching or, in fact, lack there of.
Bad team selection, no coaching, alienation of players, expecting a bit of magic to get thru games.
Rotonda heights
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:20 AM
Comment #11I think ASM’s, some might say decline, coincided with the arrival of Bruno who subsequently took on the mantle of the crowd’s new darling. ASM is essentially an entertainer who plays to the fans and gave us some great moments in an otherwise awful period under bruce.
At one point there was talk of selling him for 60M and even this season ASM was stunning against city. A frustrating enigma for sure.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:25 AM
Comment #12CF
That’s fair, given that much of the team that is performing so well right now also played under Bruce. Rather than label them as dross, which is unfair, rather let’s just say “an underperforming side low in confidence being poorly coached”
Rotonda heights
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:31 AM
Comment #13Worst subtitles ever !!!!
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:40 AM
Comment #14I always think it’s a bad sign if you can name a single game when a player played fantastically in…it implies that they weren’t very memorable any other time they played.
The fact, if asked, every single Newcastle United fan would 100% agree that Maxis best performance this season was at home against City, for me, confirms how ineffective he has been in other games.
Ask fans the same question about Pope, Isak, Almiron, Bruno, Longstaff, Willock, Trippier, Botman etc, you’d have a wide variety of answers because they’ve played consistently well all season.
One good performance per season from Maxi just won’t cut it.
cyprus
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:42 AM
Comment #15Eddie,
I’m almost alone in supporting ASM here! Can you give your opinion on the matter? Maybe they’ll listen to you!
Thanks man.
Howe said: “For me if he is unavailable at any time, it is a disaster because he’s unique and he’s got those skills that any defender doesn’t want to play against.
“Ideally you don’t want to become reliant on any one player – I think if you are, then you’re putting yourself in a very difficult position – and our aim is to try to build the squad strong enough and robust enough that we can cope with any absence.”
“He’s a real character and we love him for that. He’s got a really nice personality, he’s really good to work with.
“But like every player, he’ll want to play, I’ve got no doubt about that, and he’ll be pushing to play. But that’s a great thing for us.”
And while Howe acknowledges there is a place for impact substitutes, he does not see the 25-year-old in that role.
He said: “It has very much become a squad game. I believe that specialists in certain actions, whether that’s coming off the bench of starting a game for an hour, are going to become more relevant.
“I certainly wouldn’t be having that conversation with Allan. He’s absolutely not in that role – he’s a key player from the off when he’s 100 per cent fit.”
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:44 AM
Comment #16Ruddy
Well said, mate!
Right, i totally agree, now!
😀
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:51 AM
Comment #17Ruddy
Excellent observation, again!
The ‘on his day’ thing, literally means blows hit and cold, doesn’t it?
It also implies they should play from the bench, to focus their effort.
Not be lauded above their input on a consistent level. Then the ego is built, they rarely change or improve…then ultimately, the pretense/mask slips and they leave.
So, while encouragement, good coaching and drip fed into a consistent team can help them grow…how long is too long…without damaging their sell on fee, if it ain’t working out?
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:54 AM
Comment #18Really not sure what is expected from Maxi, I don’t find his performances disappointing.
He does what is expected of him, given that his job as I see it is to take the ball upfield and try to create chances I reckon he does just that.
Not his fault that the opposition are drawn to him like a magnet and that our players have been missing the many chances he has created or the fact he has had a lot of injuries.
I believe that he does have a lot to offer the team and do not want to see him offloaded, yet!
I’d rather see him left upfield than having to track, which he does as it happens.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:54 AM
Comment #19Cyprus
There’s some obvious reading between the lines to be acknowledged in those Eddie words, hey?
What a diplomat!
😉
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:56 AM
Comment #20Egb
Has he ever scored 11 in a season?
Have his numbers improved post-Eddie?
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:57 AM
Comment #21Jail
Not only was AC better than CW in his prime he is still several levels better now even at the ripe old age he is.
Would I have him back now, you bet your sweet bippy i would! 🙂
JohnJ
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:57 AM
Comment #22CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 10:04 AM
Comment #120
JJ
“Nice geets-Taylor’s!
Too expensive though!
I can’t see past my range of 70’s Italian Eko’s(2×6,1×12)…one of which, nobody even gets to touch, ever!”
I also had Eko 6 & 12 string guitars but whilst they had a good sound they seemed a wee bit heavy after a while but good strong made guitars. I know a guy who has a 12 string Eko Ranger but uses it as a 6 string!
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:58 AM
Comment #23Clint
I don’t expect him to score high numbers, never have!
Return Of The Jedi
Mar 28, 2023 at 11:59 AM
Comment #24Almiron should be back this weekend.
Bambams
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:02 PM
Comment #25To all of you who have donated !
On behalf of everyone at St Oswalds thank you very much !
This is massively appreciated and very much needed.
The timing is crazy, my mate David passed in 2015, his father Peter has today been admitted to St Ozzies for his end-of-life care.
Once again thank you and to Neil for sharing this link/story.
Take care
Terry
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:06 PM
Comment #26Jj
Nice one, brother.
Aye, they are a bit of a slab the old Eko’s…but that does feed into their tone…i love mine. I’ve played some Taylor’s very recently, and they are beautiful. Real quality!
Gotta say though, i like the sound outta Jumbo’s…i like a Gibson/Epiphone for that reason, too. They kill ya back, neck etc but the fat sound you get from them takes the pain away.
😉
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:08 PM
Comment #27Egb
Me either, but that should show up in assists then, hey?
All numbers, not just goals!
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:11 PM
Comment #28Then why was one signed by Forest for £15M while the other is plying his trade in the nether regions of the Championship. Why did we pay £25M rather than get AC on a free, you’ll be saying we weren’t in a relegation battle last next 😀
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:11 PM
Comment #29JohnJ,
Did swablr pass those photo’s on.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:13 PM
Comment #30Jj
Also, being more of a ‘riff monster/monkey!’ i always feel like I’m gonna break a more delicately built guitar, so feel I’m holding back, sparing the thing.
You get me?
10 gauge Ernie’s electric strings and a .46 dunlop is rifftastic!
😉
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:17 PM
Comment #31Adamn_92,
From earlier on the keepers, it’s impossible to guess what’s happening there, if Karius was getting kept on then why is Dubs number two now, is it to get a higher price. Who knows, we won’t find out until the summer I guess.
Adamn_92
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:26 PM
Comment #32EGB
I think the biggest issue with ASM is consistency both in terms of performance and actually being fit. It’s hard to ever compare him with other players we have as the minutes/games played are usually quite different due to his availability. That’s one of the main issues for me, he can never build up any consistent form as he’ll play a few games, then get injured or needs to come off early as he’s taken a knock, then seems unfit for a while again. We need consistent players.
Then there’s the issue that I think we look a lot more fluid as a team when he doesn’t play. Said it multiple times but because he can take too long on the ball sometimes, it allows the opposition to get into their shape and slows our overall attack down. As even our own players aren’t sure when to make the run behind or not, as they aren’t sure if ASM will pass it or dribble. Often dribbling into a tough spot where he either will lose it, have to dribble it even more or just pass it backwards and we restart the whole attack. Compared to players we have like Almiron and Murphy who pass and move more, or in Murphys case cross it in early, it means our attack doesn’t stutter or wait to see what ASM does. It’s more free flowing and fluid.
The only small glimmer of hope that’ll change is that ASM in a few games has looked to release Isak early in behind. If he can release the ball quicker to the likes of Isak then he could still change his ways a bit. But at the moment more often than not our attacks tend to wait and see what ASM fancies doing with the ball when he has it. Instead of being a passing and moving free flowing attack forward when he isn’t involved.
Adamn_92
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:27 PM
Comment #33Raj
Yeah it’s a weird one as it’s hard to see a future for Dubs as number 2, Gillespie never gets a look in and surely Darlow won’t want to be number 2 again or even 3rd choice. So that only leaves Karius who seems fine being number 2. But then you’d expect him to be on the bench and not Dubs.
Very weird situation and it’s anyone’s guess on which goalkeepers stay and which move on. Other than Pope staying of course.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:29 PM
Comment #34Adamn_92,
For a winger he really isn’t a good crosser of the ball either, four years in the PL and he hasn’t even made the provisional French squad.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:30 PM
Comment #35Adamn_92,
Either way it’s a win win for us if we keep one of them as a number two.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:31 PM
Comment #36Come on blog, Pile in for BamBams. Every £ will be matched by other contributors, including a certain fullback recently arrived from Spain. Plus put your tax relief on the donation, extra 25% free of charge.
https://www.charityextra.com/stoswaldshospice/terry-egdell
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:32 PM
Comment #37Adamn, 25 pages or less please 🙂
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:34 PM
Comment #38Adamn, a fair point. Isak, is quite nippy.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:35 PM
Comment #39Jail
Absolutely mate, I still find those questions perplexing! 🙂
Adamn_92
Mar 28, 2023 at 12:36 PM
Comment #40Sir P
Just trying to make the blog look busier 🙂