If the FA introduces new rules banning end-of-season friendlies on player welfare grounds, it will be welcomed by parts of the Newcastle dressing room.
Notebook understands that a number of members of the squad are not happy with the prospect of the post-season trip to Australia. One source described some players as “furious.”
We’re told the club will receive around £3million for the tour, which will see them play friendlies against Tottenham and an A-League All-Stars XI in Melbourne. There will also be long-term commercial benefits.
However, that has not reassured some, who believe this is not necessary due to a long, injury-plagued season. Those playing for their country this summer would normally have used the week immediately after the season to go on holiday.
Eddie Howe has already expressed his concerns, but he is also aware of the need to maximize revenues to reduce PSR restrictions. When asked about the subject again on Friday, he gave a diplomatic answer.
Eddie Howe is also concerned about the trip, but is aware that the club wants to maximize revenue
The club were due to play Tottenham and A-League All-Stars XI during their visit to Melbourne
In the meantime, internal discussions have been taking place for a long time about the best plan for the preseason. Again, not everyone is on the same page. Some on the players’ side believe that last summer’s US tour did not leave them in the best shape for the new season, given the heat, travel and intensity of the matches against Premier League opponents.
But now, as Notebook revealed last week, a summer tour of Japan is in the offing. Two friendly matches against Yokohama F Marinos and Urawa Red Diamonds during a week’s stay were discussed. The latter was scheduled to take place on July 31 at Saitama Stadium, north of Tokyo.
We understand that a training camp in Germany has also been explored and is not yet off the table.
Newcastle is waiting for a reasonable offer
Dan Ashworth is set to take Newcastle to arbitration as he tries to push through his proposed move to Manchester United.
However, we understand that the Magpies have not demanded some of the figures quoted – ranging from £15 million to £20 million – in order to release the sporting director from a period of garden leave running until the end of 2025. Instead, they are waiting for Man United has made a reasonable offer, which so far has not gone much further than £2 million.
Newcastle’s search for Ashworth’s replacement is gaining momentum. As reported by Mail Sport on Thursday, Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman is among those in the picture. He is thought to have the support of some key figures within St James’ Park.
Dan Ashworth will try to push through his move to Man United by taking the club to arbitration
Gillespie gets extension
Mark Gillespie will remain at Newcastle for at least another year, Notebook can reveal.
The club has now activated the option to extend his contract for another 12 months, which could be an indication that fellow goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is on the way this summer.
Loris Karius is set to leave and the Magpies are looking for another goalkeeper to compete with Nick Pope. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale is on the shortlist, among others.
Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie will stay at Newcastle for at least one more year
Gillespie, 32, has not played in the last two seasons – he made three League Cup appearances in 2020/21 – but he is well liked in the dressing room and among the backroom staff.
The 35-year-old Dubravka has a one-year contract in June and he could look for a new club.
Coach steps up
Sticking with the goalkeepers, we reported a few weeks ago how coach Shwan Jalal had suffered a serious knee injury and would return in pre-season.
In his absence, head goalkeeper Adam Bartlett will be assisted by Tony Caig, who once filled a similar role to Gillespie as the club’s back-up goalkeeper behind Shay Given and Steve Harper.
Caig, 50, has stepped up his role as head of goalkeeping at the academy.
Horseplay for Matt
Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie passed his test for driving large freight vehicles this week.
Some on social media have speculated that the 34-year-old is set to take the wheel of the team bus next season as his contract expires this summer.
However, it is thought that Ritchie’s reason for taking the test is related to his family’s horses and the need to ride in their transport stalls.
Matt Ritchie has passed his test for driving large freight vehicles, but he’s not driving away just yet
Toon teaser…
It’s time for Toon Teaser… last week we asked you to name the six players who have appeared for Newcastle over two spells in the Premier League. The answers were; Tommy Wright, Pavel Srnicek, Robbie Elliott, Lee Clark, Nobby Solano and Andy Carroll.
This week’s teaser is incredibly difficult… ahead of Saturday’s match against Sheffield United, name the EIGHT players who have played for Newcastle in the Premier League and also appeared for the Blades (in any division).
The answers will be revealed on Saturday morning on our new NUFC dedicated WhatsApp channel. It’s free and available HERE.
