If the FA introduces new rules banning end-of-season friendlies in distant locations on player welfare grounds, it will be welcomed by sections of the Newcastle dressing room.
Notebook understands that several members of the team are unhappy with the prospect of the postseason trip to Australia. One source described some players as “furious.”
We’re told the club will receive around £3m 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 business benefits.
However, that has not appeased some, who believe it is unnecessary after a long season plagued by injuries. Those playing for their countries this summer would normally have used the week immediately after the season to go on vacation.
Eddie Howe has already raised concerns but is also aware of the need to maximize revenue to roll back PSR restrictions. He gave a diplomatic response when asked about the issue again on Friday.
Eddie Howe is also concerned about the trip, but is aware the club is looking to maximize revenue.
The club would play Tottenham and A-League All-Stars XI during their visit to Melbourne
Meanwhile, the best plan for the preseason has been debated internally for some time. Again, not everyone is on the same page. Some players believe last summer’s American tour did not leave them in the best shape heading into the new season, given the heat, travel and intensity of matches against Premier League opponents.
But now, as Notebook revealed last week, a summer tour of Japan is on the horizon. The possibility of holding two friendlies against Yokohama F Marinos and Urawa Red Diamonds during a week-long stay has been discussed. The latter would be at the Saitama Stadium, north of Tokyo, on July 31.
We understand that a training camp in Germany has also been explored and is not yet ruled out.
Newcastle awaits reasonable offer
Dan Ashworth is set to take Newcastle to arbitration as he tries to force through his bid to move to Manchester United.
However, we understand that the Magpies have not demanded some of the figures being quoted (between £15m and £20m) to release the sporting director from a period of gardening leave that runs until the end of 2025. Rather, They are waiting for Man United to make a reasonable offer, which so far has not exceeded £2 million.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s search for Ashworth’s replacement is gathering pace. As Mail Sport reported on Thursday, Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman is one of those in the picture. He is believed to have the support of some key figures within St James’ Park.
Dan Ashworth will try to force his move to Man United by taking the club to arbitration
Gillespie gets an extension
Mark Gillespie will stay at Newcastle for at least another year, Notebook can reveal.
The club have now activated the option to extend his contract by 12 months, which could be an indicator that fellow goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is on the way this summer.
Loris Karius is leaving and the Magpies are looking to sign another goalkeeper to compete with Nick Pope. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale is among others on the shortlist.
Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie will stay at Newcastle for at least one more year
Gillespie, 32, has not played for the last two seasons (he made three League Cup appearances in 2020/21) but is well liked in the dressing room and among the backroom staff.
Dubravka, 35, will have one year left on his contract in June and could look for a new club.
The coach steps forward
Continuing with the goalkeepers, a few weeks ago we reported that coach Shwan Jalal had suffered a serious knee injury and would return in the preseason.
In his absence, chief goalkeeper Adam Bartlett was joined by Tony Caig, who once played a similar role to Gillespie as the club’s back-up goalkeeper behind Shay Given and Steve Harper.
Caig, 50, has left his position as head goalkeeper at the academy.
Horse play for Matt
Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie passed his large goods vehicle driving test this week.
Some on social media have speculated that the 34-year-old is about to take the wheel of the team bus next season, given that his contract expires this summer.
However, Ritchie’s reason for taking the test is believed to be related to his family’s horses and the need to drive their transport crates.
Matt Ritchie passed his large goods vehicle driving test, but he won’t leave just yet
Cartoon trailer…
It’s Toon Teaser time… last week we asked you to name the six players who had played for Newcastle during 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 preview is incredibly difficult… ahead of Saturday’s game against Sheffield United, name the EIGHT players who played for Newcastle in the Premier League and also played for the Blades (in any division).
The answers will be revealed on Saturday morning on our new WhatsApp channel dedicated to NUFC. It’s free and available. HERE.