Newcastle have announced they will travel in pre-season to Japan.
With the squad due to play a couple of games in Melbourne, Australia immediately this Premier League season ends – that’s a lot of air travel for the lads.
The Magpies are coming to Japan! ???
We will travel to the Land of the Rising Sun in preparation for the 2024/25 Premier League season after being invited to take part in the @J_League_En International Series 2024 with games against Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos ?
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 14, 2024
This is more detail posted on the Newcastle website about the tour:
Newcastle United will travel to Japan in preparation for the 2024/25 Premier League season after being invited to take part in the ‘J.League International Series 2024 powered by docomo’.
As part of the 2024 event, the Magpies will arrive in Tokyo on Sunday, 28th July before taking on 2022 AFC Champions League winners Urawa Red Diamonds at the 63,700-capacity Saitama Stadium on Wednesday, 31st July. Kick-off is at 7:30pm (all local times).
Eddie Howe’s side will then face last season’s J.League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos – managed by former Leeds and Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell – at the impressive Japan National Stadium on Saturday, 3rd August. Kick-off is at 7pm.
Ticket information and further details – including plans for supporter events in Tokyo – will be confirmed in due course.
Eddie Howe said:
“We are pleased to be visiting Japan this summer. It’s an amazing country and it will be a unique experience for our players, staff and supporters.”
“We will be taking on two strong teams at two special stadiums, and I’m sure they will present the type of physical tests we need at that time as we build towards next season.”
The J.League has attracted several heavyweights of European football in recent years, with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Sevilla all previously travelling to the Land of the Rising Sun to participate.Last year, clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Celtic also participated in their own friendly matches in Japan in preparation for their respective 2023/24 campaigns, while UEFA Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund have confirmed they will return to play in Osaka this summer as part of an Asian tour.
Newcastle United’s chief commercial officer, Peter Silverstone, said:
“We thank J.League and docomo for inviting the club to be part of what has become a hugely popular series in the Japanese football calendar.”
“Newcastle United has fan communities in Japan and across Asia, and this is an exciting opportunity for the club play in front of local and travelling supporters on an iconic stage as we continue to grow our presence globally.”
“Meanwhile, we want to connect and engage with partners both in the UK and in other key territories. As we step out in our new adidas kits, for example, we will be wearing a brand that has a long-established and special connection with Japanese sport and culture, and that presents unique mutual opportunities.”
“For any pre-season tour, our aim is to support the needs of our teams during this crucial period and the players will train and play at elite facilities in Japan.”
“We are continuing to work collaboratively on our overall pre-season schedule and hope to announce additional matches in the UK and Europe soon.”
171 comments so far
Raj of Hailsley
May 14, 2024 at 12:06 PM
Comment #1Mine 👿
cyprus
May 14, 2024 at 12:08 PM
Comment #2So, Eddie, given what you say, you’re coming to Cyprus too, yeah!
Now who voted loss, you makem!
Ok, it was me.
I think Chelsea will win one lose one, Man U will win two. We’ll win at Brentford Toney will help out.
So, all good, sixty points and here we come… Europa!
Rotonda heights
May 14, 2024 at 12:10 PM
Comment #3With the emergence of Tino I would not be devastated if KT leaves now at the age of nearly 34. He’s more than achieved what he was brought in to do and has been fantastic. However, errors and a lack of a pace (which is king in the PL) were creeping in during a really bad spell for him personally. It’s been a while since KT played and the team has largely enjoyed a very fruitful spell without him.
Time to get a bit ruthless and say thank for excellent service to KT, CW and MA and still get some money for them while we can.
Rotonda heights
May 14, 2024 at 12:13 PM
Comment #4Cyprus
Wish I had your confidence but after 50+ years the fear of NUFC’s unique ability to implode at the vital moment is never far away.
Saratoga
May 14, 2024 at 12:15 PM
Comment #5Yes. Money for Miggy would be a big plus.
Big summer on the way.
Davas
May 14, 2024 at 12:22 PM
Comment #6It’s bloody hot in Japan in July
Saratoga
May 14, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Comment #7RH got me thinking there.
Was at the final in 74. Never turned up. Next time we played Liverpool stuffed them 4-1.
Unlucky in 76.
Two finals late 90s never really in it.
96 lost 1-0 to Man Utd at home. Next season beat them 5-0. Reverse those two fixtures and we would have been Champions.
Last 4 games v Man Utd. Won 3. The other one though was the cup final when we lost.
Man Utd. Bad season, but still in a cup final. Simply found something when it mattered when down against Liverpool.
The big occasion.
Big game players.
Hopefully we are getting there.
Adamn_92
May 14, 2024 at 12:51 PM
Comment #8Man U are shite, they’re disorganised, have a terrible center back partnership currently and an overhyped striker who’s essentialyl flopped this season. They can’t create anything without Fernandes and even if he returns against us, he won’t be fully fit and just get Bruno, Joelinton or Anderson to put a heavy challenge on him early and he won’t fancy it.
We’ll beat them.
Mickey G
May 14, 2024 at 12:55 PM
Comment #9I think Eddie will play, where practically possible, his most experienced side tomorrow.
There could be at least 3 changes from the previous outing. Obviously just my humble opinion.
Assassins Inc
May 14, 2024 at 12:56 PM
Comment #10So City win today will be amazing.
Just than thin thread of 5th place would be nice going into the last game of the season.
But don’t under estimate Man U at home, this is the kind of game they would love to win, 1939 I think was the last time we done the double over them, but if we have a fit Isak we can get that win.
Rotonda heights
May 14, 2024 at 12:59 PM
Comment #11Adam
Sadly just in time Martinez is back for them tomorrow. Bit of a difference to Evans and Casemeiro.
It’s funny they’re almost on the same points as us and in a cup final (again!)
Yet you’d hardly say we were sh-te though.
onmeedsun
May 14, 2024 at 12:59 PM
Comment #12Fenham,
Well played earlier with your intent to not rise to any comments you find inflammatory from your 3 favourite posters. I’m sure you’ll find it a challenge but I’m also sure you’re up to it. It’s not easy once you’ve decided and formed a view on someone, so good on you. And I’m sure the others will reciprocate, well except FB.
Adamn_92
May 14, 2024 at 1:03 PM
Comment #13RH
Ten Hag said Martinez ‘should’ be fine to be in their ‘squad’ so i’d be surprised if he starts. If he does he should be pretty rusty, so still fancy our front line to create problems with runs in behind and fluid movement across their whole defence.
Yeah it’s a weird one, we’ve had struggles with injuries all season and heartbreak moments which I think had a knock on effect morale wise. Despite how close us and Man U are in the table, we have at least looked good for parts of the season, whereas Man U always look as if they are somehow just scraping a good result here and there whilst playing bad.
Very weird to think they are where they are as whenever i’ve seen them they have been an awful watch and all over the place.
Guess even a few decent players can turn awful performances into points on their own.
Raj of Hailsley
May 14, 2024 at 1:26 PM
Comment #14Good listen on Pod on The Tyne this week with Payne, Caulkin and Waugh.
Fat Basta*d
May 14, 2024 at 1:34 PM
Comment #15Fenners is a jelly belly twat
Transfer Sage
May 14, 2024 at 2:12 PM
Comment #16Adam
Totally agree. We’ve played well for the most part (with that 2 month did after losing Pope whilst we worked things out). That’s where we lost a lot of ground. Either side of that spell we’ve played pretty well and our result are roughly a fair reflection of performance.
Man Utd are horrifically disorganised and do not have an effective plan. Where they have succeeded is in having three players who score from nothing and win games. Rashford has a great strike on him despite his general performance. Fernandes, as much as I don’t like him, works hard and never stops, he has quality and again can score or create from nothing. The other one is McTominay, not a great player but has a habit of finding space in the box late in games to get goals which save them. You’ve seen without those players they struggle.
Agree on Martinez too. Ten Haag is pretty sure he’s sacked this summer. Is he going to risk a player in a league game or try and keep him fresh for the cup final.
Saratoga
May 14, 2024 at 2:32 PM
Comment #17Last December we beat Man Utd at home.
Had to be the most one sided 1-0 I have ever seen.
Dominated the game for 85 minutes.
In the last 5 though they nearly scored.
Will be difficult to repeat that away from home.
Will Eddie even try. Perhaps he will go with the game plan we used against Spurs or similar.
I don’t think we will get any favours or anywhere close. Not from the Ref or Var.
Saratoga
May 14, 2024 at 2:35 PM
Comment #18Ref for tomorrow. Did the cup game when we stuffed them.
Also the home game when we beat them.
Also, West Ham at home.
So far so good.
Munster Mag
May 14, 2024 at 2:47 PM
Comment #19Fenners, why do you drag 2 or 3 of us into your swipes at FB?
You’ve probably done it 50 times now
The only thing I have in common with FB is that I think you’re an insufferable, thick, self obsessed fantasist.
Beyond that you’re grand 🙂
Munster Mag
May 14, 2024 at 2:49 PM
Comment #20Martinez back and Isak out would be a serious game changer. Gonna be a tough evening. A few cans needed methinks.
Transfer Sage
May 14, 2024 at 2:49 PM
Comment #21Is there anyway to get the various characters from this blog into the next series of big brother?
Transfer Sage
May 14, 2024 at 2:54 PM
Comment #22Munster
Martinez has barely kicked a ball since September. I just don’t see them risking him from the start, and even if they do, will he be match ready or even playing 100% as he’ll want to be fit for the cup final.
I think with Gordon, Isak, Murphy, whoever running in behind them (they leave huge gaps no matter who plays) he’s going to be nervous with his recent injuries.
Adamn_92
May 14, 2024 at 3:01 PM
Comment #23Sage
Is a massive shame we had that bad spell where it seemed like everything went wrong. Injuries were bad enough, but last minute defeats were sickeners that I think really created a horrible cocktail where the morale dropped quite bad.
Man u just seem to have this really irritating ability to somehow snatch results even when they’ve played horrible for 90% of the match. It’s not even usually because they have a 10% spell of playing well, it’s just 1 piece of good play from 1 player usually and that’s it. It’s infuriating.
Agree about Martinez, would be madness to risk him considering they have a final coming up and he’s been out so long. Will be shocked if he starts, but even more shocked if he starts and plays well. He’ll be so rusty Gordon might get tetanus.
Raj of Hailsley
May 14, 2024 at 3:16 PM
Comment #24Doesn’t sound like the 16th century Jesuit priest will be playing tomorrow either.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
May 14, 2024 at 3:28 PM
Comment #25Yankuba Minteh
The 19-year-old has been on loan at Feyenoord but is coming back to Newcastle United – for pre-season at least.
Minteh has netted 10 goals for the Dutch side and won the cup in Holland in a successful loan stint since joining the Magpies from Odense. Now, Eddie Howe wants to take a closer look and will do so in the summer
Darnik
May 14, 2024 at 3:44 PM
Comment #26https://x.com/NCSL1892/status/1790381238978568351?t=8lCLQHbBkd-cj9xXNdrmcA&s=08
Fenham to Chalfont
May 14, 2024 at 3:50 PM
Comment #27#19 no comment. 🙂
Fenham to Chalfont
May 14, 2024 at 3:51 PM
Comment #28Darnik,
#26 😆
Fenham to Chalfont
May 14, 2024 at 4:08 PM
Comment #29So we now have human rights campaigners having a go at and criticising NUFC’s close links/ties with our local authorities. What this shows though is that our club is close and helping out where they can…
So, the human rights lot are not happy is down to the fact we are relying on the Saudi PIF to invest in our local areas and services. Strange view that, as they’re missing the whole point and what it tells us all as to what we need to know is that exactly how terrible our government is at present, who are doing the bare minimum to fix so much that is wrong. We had a leech who ran the club into the ground and didn’t give a dahm about the city or the people. Our new owners are thankfully the absolute opposite as they do so much for the local communities and this should be championed and not questioned or ridiculed. Some people just want to see the wrong in everything and not the good.
https://x.com/bbcneandcumbria/status/1790258037418054103?s=46
Transfer Sage
May 14, 2024 at 4:15 PM
Comment #30Adam
I know xG isn’t the most accurate but there is a league table based on xG and it shows Man Utd have 11 more points than expected based on the quality of chances they create and concede.
Bruno Fernandes and Rashford do just score from nothing, although that is a double edged sword as well. If you have players who try to score from nothing, it means they are taking high risk chances that look good when they come off but are often wasteful.
Steven Gerrard is an example that always springs to mind (this isn’t me saying he was a bad player or wasteful, just a good example). Everyone remembers his strike for 35/40 yards against Palace in the FA Cup, an absolute thunderbolt that won them the game. But you balance it out in that game against Chelsea where he slipped and let Ba score. The rest of that game he tried to take it on himself to make up for it, shots from distance, wonder passes, etc. In the end that was detrimental on that occasion and probably was the wrong call as that Liverpool team were good and playing as a unit would have probably given them a higher chance of success.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 14, 2024 at 4:17 PM
Comment #31This must be one of the reasons why Humans Rights Campaigners are complaining – Really?
https://x.com/leeatnftv/status/1790373479075750175?s=46
Transfer Sage
May 14, 2024 at 4:19 PM
Comment #32Fenham
Had the same conversation over the road earlier.
For me is this a controversy if the local council speak to our owners to lobby the government if they are American or British or European? I doubt it. As you say it is damning of the Government not the Saudis that the only way to expedite local issues is to lobby by a foreign state.
I understand the human rights issues with Saudi but they are a strategic partner of the UK in the Middle East. Every country has good and bad aspects but with diplomacy you need to take what you can get at that national level. If we weren’t involved with them where would they go, likely China, which does not serve the our interests either. Too many look at the world as black or white (no pun intended) when in reality it’s shades of grey.
Transfer Sage
May 14, 2024 at 4:20 PM
Comment #33Fenham
Forgot to add, there isn’t half as much uproar when all this money from different states is pouring into London.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 14, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Comment #34So our club have donated £35m towards the Tyne Bridge and £25m to cover free school meals to all school children for a year – Unbelievable, we couldn’t have ended up with better custodians if we tried. I absolutely love wor club 🙂
https://x.com/nufcgallowgate/status/1790387992986522106?s=46
Transfer Sage
May 14, 2024 at 4:32 PM
Comment #35Fenners
The government paid the £35m for the bridge. Staveley just wrote to two ministers to try and push them.
The £23m says it was asked for but nothing as to whether it was paid by NUFC.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 14, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Comment #36TS,
You couldn’t make this up as to the outcry because our owners want to help the local authorities which in turn directly benefits the local communities. We had Ashley stripping the club of all its assets and putting nothing in. We now have owners who are not only putting everything possible into the club, but also making the city a better place for its inhabitants as the government have let us down.
You’re so right, if all that money was getting poured into the capital. Wow great, fantastic, well done. The club cannot do right for doing wrong in certain organisations eyes.
“Damn If You Do Damn If You Dont“
I’m absolutely over the moon to see what the PIF are putting into the city of Newcastle. The Tyne Bridge is an amazing landmark and it’s disgusting as to the way it was allowed to get through zero funding to pay for a lick of paint. PIF have stumped up £35m to get it back to its original former self finally.
Fenham to Chalfont
May 14, 2024 at 4:44 PM
Comment #37TS,
Ahh ok I read that it was NUFC that funded the bridge. So Amanda wrote to ministers to get funds released. The question is though why did it have to take Amanda Staveley to write to the government to get this sorted. We get overlooked up in the NE and that needs to change and now that NUFC have the owners we now have and the glory days back just around the corner I can see everything improving for the NE and Newcastle in particular in the infrastructure sector especially.
Novocastrian66
May 14, 2024 at 4:59 PM
Comment #38Boris spent £44m of public money on designs for a garden bridge over the Thames, which never got built. Where did that money go? How does it cost £44m to design a bridge? However the government pissed around on releasing money for the refurbishment the Tyne Bridge.
When it comes to London, no expense is spared. When it comes to rhe rest of the country, especially the North East, you can whistle.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://amp.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/feb/13/garden-bridge-charity-spent-535m-with-no-construction-tfl-finds&ved=2ahUKEwjLp5-pwI2GAxWuTUEAHbrgAjIQFnoECCIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw10OFz3IxX8Oe7dnmwJIGHp
Novocastrian66
May 14, 2024 at 5:04 PM
Comment #39Human rights activists would rather see the region crumble into the ground than accept investment from Saudi Arabia.
Essex Geordie Bill
May 14, 2024 at 5:04 PM
Comment #40Trying to deduct the team from Eddi’s presser, I think that Trips, Pope, Wilson and Joelinton are non starters but will be on the bench.
Isak to come back in for at least 60 minutes.
All guesswork though! 🙂