After a troubling run, Newcastle look to take a giant step at West Ham this evening. The Magpies were knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend at home to Brighton and have dropped to ninth in the league table.
However, a win at West Ham will see Newcastle jump to sixth in the table and just two points off fourth-placed Chelsea. Though on recent form, a brave few will be banking on three points in East London today.
Nevertheless, here is the team Eddie Howe has named for this potentially critical clash.
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Bruno (C), Joelinton, Tonali, Murphy, Barnes, Isak
This is who Graham Potter has selected for the Hammers.
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Scarles, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Bowen (C), Kudus.
Howay The Lads!
666 comments so far
WLtoon
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Comment #441I`ll second that Raj, re Dan Burn, what a week it could turn out for the local lad, and England call up AND a cup winners medal in the space of a few days
lesh
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Comment #442Submitted too early
I’d like to think that the City will give the club the freehold of a new stadium site if it turns out to be Leazes Park? Doing so may (I need the counsel of our resident finance gurus) provide the club with a sizeable asset that covers the cost of a stadium development and add value to the club.
PIF and the Reuben bros are into NUFC to make money, not throw it away.
cyprus
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Comment #443On stadia size, not too interesting a subject, frankly. Only thing is, the bigger the stadium the more chances for people like me to get a ticket. And a supposed higher income for the club, but which will take a lifetime to recuperate a 1-2 billion investment.
On the popularity thing, discussed above, there are lots of measures but you do realise that Man u is still easily and by far the most popular team. By the measure below, which isn’t conclusive, Leicester city is twice as popular as NUFC.
Conclusion: we have a ways to go. Our ownership isn’t the most popular in the world, bless their misunderstood souls, and even winning things doesn’t automatically translate to bigger stadiums. E.g. Chelsea, which is up there in popularity, has a 42k stadium, to be expanded to maybe 60k.
https://www.stadium-maps.com/facts/epl_facebook_table.html
morocco0015
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Comment #444Well said JFA. All the haters are back under there Stones.
Well done BDB.
cyprus
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Comment #445L,
“PIF and the Reuben bros are into NUFC to make money, not throw it away.”
I hope their prime motivation isn’t that.
Such clubs don’t usually make money, they are very rich people’s or organisations’ playthings, or passions, to put it more nicely.
For PIF, it’s hopefully to improve their profile, not to milk us. I won’t use the term “sports xxxxxing.”
I’m hoping that they put out more money than rake in, in the area.
A stadium of magnitude and magnificence probably doesn’t make financial sense, so I hope there are other drivers too.
A Geordie Mongrel
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Comment #446Eddie’s presser is on the app or here, https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/howe-our-destiny-is-in-our-own-hands or here, https://youtu.be/KP6c449D_yw?si=ov1A6Cii3ByzbwU6
Eddie’s Bingo is here, https://www.nufcblog.com/2024/05/19/newcastle-finish-7th-with-good-4-2-win-but-now-wait-on-europa-conference-qualification/comment-page-8/#comment-3069216
A Geordie Mongrel
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Comment #447Isak and Bruno pre-match, https://youtu.be/mr6j8mfLqas?si=dSNfNVG2Rz3bUwNn
cyprus
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Comment #448PL teams, and those in most leagues, very rarely make money for a sustained period of time. They’re a bad investment when looked at that way.
The only way to really make some money is to buy and sell. But clubs are notoriously hard to sell, because they aren’t the best of investments.
“Key findings. The concentration of wealth among the traditional ‘Big Six’ remains clear, accounting for around half of industry revenue. Despite increasing revenues (up by 11% to £7.2bn), clubs overall remain hugely loss-making – aggregate losses in 2022-2023 were £1.2bn, and over £3bn for the last three seasons”.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Comment #449AGM the both of them ruined with the journo’s not switching their mic’s on, they’re bloody told at the presser, they’re going to have to come up with something.
IrishRob
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Comment #450Wait dan fukin burn has got an england call up? Tell me im not reading things arse ways?
He has been our best defender tbf but that isn’t saying much either.
lesh
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Comment #451Cyprus
PIF is a pension fund and it must aim to make money from its investments. The Reubens are property developers who’ll be keen to invest. Both will have an interest in returns from their investments in NUFC and the City.
I appreciate that we’re all scarred from Ashley’s greed and limited involvement in NUFC and it’s unfair on our owners to tar them with the same feathers (that was deliberate!) as him. It is possible to invest substantial money in a venture and profit from it – without milking it dry
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Comment #452morocco0015,
Why use an occasion like that as an excuse to have a pop at someone?
lesh
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Comment #453Error in #451
and limited *investment* in NUFC
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Comment #454IrishRob,
Lewis Dunk has been getting in but isn’t getting a game, Burn nearly made the World cup squad a couple of years ago and fully deserves it.
onmeedsun
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Comment #455No need to be given the freehold on the Leazes park land. Less controversial to grant a 999 year lease. Once built it will always be a football/events stadium, and the value the owners get is increased revenue from whatever it costs to build.
cyprus
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Comment #456L,
I don’t think PIF is a pension fund, like is the Norwegian government’s.
In both cases, they don’t really do much buying to sell, they’re in it for the long term. They’re pumping in so much money that their aggregate funds are ballooning. I believe pif actually lost money last year, which they quickly recuperated.
I’m not saying they want to lose money, anywhere, but there are other goals as well.
Like building good will.
Not another deJong
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Comment #457Wembley Ready! Press Conference | Eddie Howe pre-Carabao Cup Final vs Liverpool
https://youtu.be/KP6c449D_yw?si=PUxWHp3YbdwD9kN0
Alex Isak x Bruno Guimarães | Pre-Carabao Cup Final Press Conference
https://youtu.be/mr6j8mfLqas?si=teY3f8yAY4-j-6xs
cyprus
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Comment #458I think Ashley also quickly realised that football isn’t a worthwhile investment. He wanted a self sustained club (like this PSR thing!). In the end he was actually putting in some, every year. Even the free stadium ads, which you can get for about a tenner even at more popular clubs, wouldn’t balance it, especially given the bad publicity.
In the end, it was a hot potato that he wanted to get rid at almost any cost. So, I’m not sure he’d agree that he milked us dry.
PS. Don’t show this message to anyone else because it will be very unpopular!
lochinvar
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Comment #459cyprus
https://www.stadium-maps.com/facts/epl_facebook_table.html
Interesting post.
I suspect that the figures are skeewed by other factors and while mentioing ‘fans’ I would modify that description to ‘followers’ even Tourists in some cases.
Leicester I suspect have that level of ‘following’ due to a massive interest within Thailand a densley populated country and due to to the club’s Thai family ownwership and the sad demise of their Charirman and others which has created a certain legacy there.
Manu has a historical base of followers globally including the USA where fans have defaulted to an easy to follow brand notion, a previously successful ‘soccer ball’ team. However the obvious game changer is China and the wider Far East. Populations of billions and no domestic teams of great note. Follwers of ‘Lucky Red’ colour and again an easy follow from a distance.
The true iconic ‘fans’ clubs are Real Madrid and Barcelona but neither play in red or are English speaking. Manu and Liverpool for sure have been marketed to hell, both play in red and have had links to gambling sponsors ( as others) – the other pastime of the East.
If the measurement could somehow be based on local ancestory and regional fan bases along with ex-pats from an area then NUFC would be one of the best suppoerted clubs.
No coincidence that the sponsors and media protect and promote the slimey six – that’s their media revenues right there from global brand advertising. The numbers don’t lie.
Fenham to Chalfont
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Comment #460I think this is so fitting for Sunday.
HWTL!!
https://x.com/memecastle_utd/status/1900444190221246836?s=46
cyprus
Mar 14, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Comment #461Loch
Leicester being so high was a bit of a surprise, thanks for pointing out the reason.
I think you’re right about that measurement alone being biased.
Anyway folks, big moment nearing, who does the countdown to matches, let’s do this!
Hwtl
onmeedsun
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Comment #462Worldwide fans would love to buy into an English football club with huge heritage that has won nowt in colour. It’s Boston Red Sox. It’s romantic. The huge attendances we get with winning nowt. We are mental, we are mad, we are the loyalest football supporters…And what the feck is a boot boy! Lots of marketing material to play with.
Munster Mag
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Comment #463Delighted for BDB and it will boost squad morale too. Marvellous
lochinvar
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Comment #464According to Newcastle United this evening they have not decided on capacity of new stadium, various options are being looked at for land adjacent to SJP, of varying sizes. Also adamant that final decision on whether to build new home or expand SJP has still not been made, presumably because PIF have to make it. Preferred option is a new stadium internally. I think we all need to wait for final plan to be made public. As frustrating as it is waiting.
So talk of 65,000 capacity may be premature with others pushing for nearer to 70,000.
Ay Wembeley some 15,000 seats about 17% of the 90,000 are corporates with eye watring membership schemes, ofeten taken up by London based mutli-million £ corporations and overseas business flying clienst in for events, not just football.
Over at Spurs about 8,000 say 13% of their near 63,000 capacity are swanky corporates. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium also has a syntheic pitch under the grass to be used for gigs and NFL.
If we go to 65,000 then a mid point might be 15% of capacity or 9,750 for corporates. How many extra seats / standing are then available compared to now is uncertain. Maybe another 7,000 ?
Seems likelt taht we could end up with:
1. New stadium in Leazes Park.
2. Has still be SJP but proabably with a sponsors name attached. Such as Amaco at SJP stadium.
2. Capacity of between 65,000 – 70,000
3. Some flexibility in the design with removable seating / standing spaces could flex the capaicty depending on event need. A unique eleiptic curveed roof in part could be opened / closed again as needed depending on event.
4. Having a retractable roof would beem to be essential.
5. Each stand to be sponsored around the names Gallowgate (end), Leazes (end), Milburn stand and perhaps renamed East stand to become the Robson stand ?
6. Exhibition Park will benefit from new outdoor promenade/plaza space, new lake/cascades/fountains and eco-minded tree planiting etc
7. SJP Metro station and services to be upgaded even extened right up to / into the ground.
8. Approach to the new gound to be akin to Wembey Way, walkway / tree lined boulevard with open spaces, maybe Tram services from the City Centre, perhaps statues of famous Geordies/Northumberland folk.
Lets hope the architects and owners have the vision and understanding of what’s needed to build the new Cathedral on the hill.
Sunday – we win 3-1.
JohnJ
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Comment #465Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Comment #43?
scott,
67.5K
[
Jail 68.5 would be a new record for Wor Team! .that’s my hope!
JohnJ
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Comment #466Loch
Re above,
Well said!
onmeedsun
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Comment #467Loch
Perhaps we need to submit our plans to the club. Canny cut of 1%!
There are many on here who think we need more than 65k to allow all fans a ticket. I get that, but that only applies to certain games, and not all fans will be able to afford to attend every match. Potentially over 30 home games a season, including cups and Europe. It’s expensive, especially for travelling fans like me. At 65k all fans will get to see a good number of games.
And I like adding Robson to the named stands, but for me king kev was the first to ignite our potential in the modern era. He lit the first spark and knew what we could be.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Comment #468John J,
You know what, I never actually gave that any thought, the record attendance, Aye that would be class to go one above that.
Saratoga
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Comment #469What is a Geordie Boot Boy.
Not sure, although I have always assumed it referred to those lads that went to games in the 60s/early 70s.
Crombie coat and Dr Martin Boots that went really high up the leg.
I remember the fights at half time in the Leazes End.
It did not involve the away supporters. It was between lads from different parts of the City.
Like I say. Half time entertainment.
jimiley
Mar 14, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Comment #470Fans who think 65 is big enough are thinking in terms of today’s team.
Imagine in 5 years and we have a squad like Liverpools who go for honours every year and 6th is a disaster..
65 is nowhere near enough
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Comment #471jimiley,
I’d be pretty certain it would have scope for expansion.
magscar
Mar 14, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Comment #472Maybe owners are testing the waters re capacity if no final decision yet made?
I think they softened up opposition to moving by drip feeding.info over the years – not in a sinister way just helping motivate fans thinking to next 100 years and future generations not just here and now
We all surely know this is the one chance to get it right for our great grand kids and so on
I’m 75 and could wish the rest of my life away fretting over immediate future rather than trying to accept it just will take time given where we started and the opposition to us ( and other upstarts) putting obstacle after obstacle our way
If loyalty of fans won cups we wouldn’t still be waiting from 1969 for our next one
Our approach to Sunday is key, we are bookies second favourite in a 2 horse win and will have to be at our beat to win but it is doable
I’m slowly building my optimism (always a glass half full guy) and maybe by Sunday pm I’ll be approaching some confidence 🙂
magscar
Mar 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Comment #473I think the bigger risk on stadium size is 2 fold both of which can affect prices positively or negatively
Firstly is size of corporate area and what % of stadium that will cover and second is the tourist pull that being a consistently achieving top side will bring both from here and overseas
Corporate areas will be expensive and maybe so would areas reserved for “deals”
This could allow relatively cheaper seating/standing areas for ST and occasional match goers?
Should ground be all ST or allow for those who can’t possibly make every match ( finance, work, geography etc) the opportunity to buy a ticket without a ballot ?
Eventual capacity hopefully takes account of these factors
jimiley
Mar 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Comment #474Raj
It’s not my money but why spend up to an extra billion for 3k seats?
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Comment #475jimiley,
I don’t follow you 3K seats?
jimiley
Mar 14, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Comment #476Raj
Well the extension will take us to 61/62 and cost 800 million and the new stadium will cost nearer 2 billion for 65k
magicmac54
Mar 14, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Comment #477Afternoon All
Some very insightful and interesting comments on here today concerning the speculation of an new stadium plus capacity, on the assumption the capacity is set at 65,000, that would certainly alleviate a lot of the problems with the ballot, my opinion is 65,000 would be a perfect landing zone for now, and specially if they can design the stadium in such a way it can be expanded in the future if needed.
Also i wonder they have given and consideration to installing a retractable roof.
magscar
Mar 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Comment #478https://youtu.be/HTpFauryiPI?si=eWo0Wv78UMwErytJ
Full Sela video
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Comment #479jimiley,
It’s what you can put in a new stadium.
JaveaToon
Mar 14, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Comment #480I think and I could be wrong (I was once), that whatever the club decides be it new stadium(seems most likely) or expansion that somewhere between 65-79k is fine for now. In the future if we did need more then standing may be the easiest way to increase capacity. I don’t mean the safe standing we have now which is a 1:1 ratio so no capacity gained, but I think in the future it’ll be more like the way they do it in Germany (I think). There they have about 18 standing places for 10 seats and some even have a 2:1 ratio. If that’s allowed in the future in the Premier league then 10k seats will give us 18k standing places. Now it’ll probably be years before that’s an option but I believe it’ll happen at some point.