Reviewing 2025/26

Despite starting as 6th favourites for the title, the Toon finished in 12th position after a relatively poor season when compared to the few that had gone before.

However, the real story played out before the first ball was even kicked in August. Liverpool bid for Isak. Newcastle said they would need a replacement first and earmarked Ekitike as that man. Liverpool had other ideas however and hijacked the Ekitike deal. But they wanted Isak aswell and now Newcastle had to find another striker because Isak would clearly never play for the club again. Woltermade arrived and Isak left, but pre season had been a non event and they were far from prepared for the games ahead.

Looking ahead to 2026/27

I drove home on the night of Eddie Howe leaving, listening to Toon fans phoning in, all saying the same thing. It was time for him to go. I was flabbergasted. He's only given them one average season since he's been there and you can hardly blame him for that. They were a dangerous club to play and trying to sign Ekitike. That got hijacked. Then Isak went on strike and got his move away. Howe was left with no real striker for the new season and a real lack of optimism around the place. They still finished mid table and almost pushed the European spots.

He took over the club with them languishing in 19th position. Saved them. Secured Champions League qualification on two occasions. Then, delivered the clubs first trophy in SEVENTY YEARS! He's then let down by his board over the summer and left with less of a squad than the season before and he still does the best he can. I like Newcastle but I feel this stupidity will come back to bite them.

Let's face it, the new manager had a tough enough task on his hands anyway, but now he walks in with the side completed ravaged. No morale, Gordon, Tonali and Guimaraes have all left, and an expectant fan base who clearly think they should still be top 4! Good luck.

Court Offside Tip

I've gone for a 12th place finish again for the Toon. Given the summer upheaval I'm genuinely not sure they'd be disappointed with that. I don't think I would if I were a Geordie. There's just too much going on for things to go swimmingly. They're too good to go down and not good enough to trouble the top 6. Right now there's no odds that scream value but we'll have a look after the first few games and see where things are.