Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Daily Newcastle: MacnMicknJo's Thursday Chinwag
10 Plays5 hours ago
Iain hosts Michael and Jo to discuss who replaces Callum Wilson next season, have Newcastle replaced Spurs in the Big Six and what should we be aiming for next season.
Follow us on that there social media https://linktr.ee/gspnnewcastle
Bioniq - Don't settle for off-the-shelf solutions made for ANY body. Get what's right for YOU. Right now.
We’ve spent years analyzing blood markers to develop our patented algorithm, enabling us to create a 100% personalized supplement to support your health by optimizing your micronutrient status.
Follow the link and Use code GSPN2025 for 40% of your first month’s subscription.
Zencastr
Built for quality - Designed for growth
A new era for creation is here.
The only complete audio + video platform to get best-in-class recording, intuitive editing, AI-powered growth features, and top-tier distribution tools — all in one place.
Get started for free!
We highly recommend it!
Global Sports Podcast Network - Creating the world’s first network of 30-minute daily podcasts for the world’s biggest sporting export, the English Premier League.
For advertising and sponsorship details or to learn more about the scale and demographics of our audience – email Ken Davies, VP Business & Development at:
ken.davies@globalsportspodcastnetwork.com
www.globalsportspodcastnetwork.com
Copyright | 2025 Global Sports Podcast Network | All Rights Reserved
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction and Episode Context
00:00:04
Jo
Thank you.
00:00:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to your daily Newcastle podcast. A little bit of an oddy again because we're supposed to be doing our crossover podcast with the Everton boys for the final game of the season on Sunday.
00:00:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
They don't exist anymore apparently. Oh no, what I was told was we do still exist. I'm still working but I'm not available until next week. So they're coming back in time for the end of the season which seems a little bit weird to me.
00:00:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But anyway...
00:00:39
Michael
The terrified.
00:00:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
What that means is that we have a bonus, a bonus podcast tonight rather than a blank podcast, which is excellent news.
Discussion on Callum Wilson's Future
00:00:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
My name's Ian Mackay.
00:00:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm joined by Joanne and by Michael. Good evening.
00:00:56
Jo
Evening.
00:00:56
Michael
Hey, Hey.
00:00:58
Jo
but
00:00:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
But this is the first time we've done a Mac and Mick and Joe mashup with three of us doing that. um And basically, i've I've just thought of three subjects that that I think are quite interesting. Whether I'm jumping the gun and discussing these or not, um time will tell.
00:01:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
But ah yeah, three separate parts, three separate questions. My first question to you guys is maybe I am jumping the gun because i'm not it's not confirmed yet, but I'm presuming that Callum Wilson's time is over.
00:01:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
He hasn't done enough minutes to to be able to trigger an extension to his contract himself.
00:01:37
Michael
Yeah.
00:01:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I don't think we want to particularly trigger a contract to pay him £100,000 a week to lie on the treatment table for 51 of those weeks next season.
00:01:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, assuming Callum Wilson is gone, who do we need to replace him with? I don't mean specific players, although we can talk about specific players, but what type of profile do we need of a player to come in and back up alex Alexander Rees-Hackle, nudge out Willis Sula, or maybe it's Willis Sula, I don't know.
00:02:10
Michael
Yeah.
00:02:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I'm not going to give any answers until I've heard what you two have got to say. So I'll come to you first, Michael, because we're always going to Joanne first. And she always says, oh, don't come to me first. I'm coming to you first, Michael.
00:02:25
Jo
Go Michael.
00:02:25
Michael
Well, I was about to do that be myself. for him and
00:02:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:02:29
Michael
it's It's one of those where I think, realistically, you'd love to see like a Victor Jokeres or someone come in, ah particularly with the Ysak connection. But realistically, that's not going to happen there. That that kind of player isn't going to want to be number two to you know maybe the greatest striker on the planet right now.
00:02:45
Michael
um I'll leave that to someone else to decide. But what you're realistically going to need is someone who... A bit like Julian Alvarez behind Erling Haaland at the time. I'm not saying we should sign him because that would be baffling, given what I've just said. But I think it's one of those kind of players who's young, upcoming, 19-21, but still knows where the back of the net is. And then when Isaac's looking a little bit fatigued, like he has for the last couple of weeks...
00:03:13
Michael
we can't just bring someone on, but they've got to be, they've got to have legs. They've got to be relatively young. So I've just kind of described anyone really. They've got to have legs. They've got to be relatively young.
00:03:22
Jo
I love how vague that is, Michael.
00:03:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right.
00:03:24
Jo
I've got to be honest.
00:03:26
Michael
Yeah. Any secondary school in the, in the, in the world, you're up next for Newcastle. No, I think,
00:03:30
Jo
because
00:03:31
Michael
it's got to be a pacey player because realistically alex alexander is a fantastic um ball carrier he's great the ball and he's relatively clinical as well but i think what we're looking for is in games where we are going to play that counter-attacking style someone who can come on even when we're two nil up and hit teams on the break so pacey and clinical should be easy to find that shouldn't it
00:03:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
right
00:03:52
Jo
Yeah, right.
00:03:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I'm going to ask your question to Joanne straight away. So, Joanne, you can be the person who decides.
Potential Striker Options for Newcastle
00:03:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is Alexander Izak the best striker on the planet at the moment?
00:04:02
Jo
Not in current form, um but yes. ah um i know where Michael's going because did kind of pull a face as he said it, but that's only because of current form, let's get real. um Asked us a couple of months ago and we were...
00:04:10
Michael
Yeah.
00:04:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's been carried but be carrying this groin injury all year, apparently.
00:04:13
Jo
I know, I know, that's what said. It's all right. Oh, yeah. oh that Well, that's a bit worrying, isn't it, really? Yeah.
00:04:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, this is the groin injury that kept him out for 10 games last season, apparently, which keeps flaring up.
00:04:24
Michael
Yeah.
00:04:25
Jo
All right. But apparently it's not needed an operation or anything.
00:04:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:04:28
Jo
par Well, according to how anyway. But um yeah, look, all jokes aside, I think a couple of months ago, had we asked this before, he did sort of dip in form whether it was injury related or not. We were all just waxing lyrical about Isaac, weren't we? Like nobody could touch him. And let's get real, we weren't the only ones. You saw a lot of the pundits talking about it. Nobody could really put anyone ahead of him.
00:04:48
Jo
So it is still, you know, you've got to take that kind of information and forget about the fact that he's carrying an injury. But yeah, like let's just say is the world's best striker, right? um I am kind of with
Strategizing Newcastle's Squad Depth
00:04:59
Jo
Michael.
00:04:59
Jo
They have to have legs. It's very important that they've got two legs specifically.
00:05:03
Michael
Oh, good.
00:05:03
Jo
um
00:05:04
Michael
I hadn't thought of that.
00:05:05
Jo
They're really they really fast with both of them.
00:05:06
Michael
There's something wrong with my philosophy.
00:05:08
Jo
But yeah, ah one leg's not going to cut it, Michael. um But yeah, so a two-legged fast player would be awesome. But I do agree it would have to be someone young because really it is going to have to be someone that's going to accept that they're going to be number two.
00:05:21
Jo
um i know obviously we're being linked along with De Lapp, as with many teams are, by the way. But I do find it funny that the likes of De Lapp are insisting that they'll only go to a team in the Champions League. I mean, not being funny De Lapp, like,
00:05:34
Jo
Who do you think you are, for starters? I know you're a great player, but I love how all these players seem like they can just come out and be like, I'll only play for a Champions League team. Yeah, mean, imagine if every single player just said that and then nobody could buy you unless you were in the Champions League sort thing.
00:05:41
Michael
Yeah.
00:05:46
Jo
So I think sometimes some players just get a bit of a ahead of themselves. Don't get me wrong, by the way. Excellent player, could do a great job for us.
00:05:54
Michael
Yeah.
00:05:54
Jo
Would he be happy being behind Ezek, though? bit of a, you know what i mean? So this is where I don't think the lap would come to us personally. um
00:06:01
Michael
Yeah, I agree.
00:06:02
Jo
So yeah, someone that's happy to be an understudy, but Michael's bang on. It has to be someone of decent quality that work we don't look to think, oh, hang on a second. We're really all just bringing on someone for filling his space, if you know what I mean,
Newcastle's Premier League Standing and Financial Growth
00:06:15
Jo
for the last 10, 15 minutes or something.
00:06:16
Jo
So it's a tough one, I think, because to find that level of quality, if you know what i mean, and like who's, you know what i mean?
00:06:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is the is the person yeah
00:06:23
Jo
No, I'm going with that one.
00:06:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
is the person you two are describing, Noel, not Willis Sula after he's had another full pre-season and another two or three minutes of, two or three but months of coaching and training and and given the responsibility instead of, i mean, it must be really weird in his head
00:06:32
Michael
I said clinical.
00:06:32
Jo
I'm not sad about Sula, yeah. Oh, dear. Give him a chance, i guess.
00:06:39
Jo
Proper coaching.
00:06:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
To have everyone talking about how Eddie Howe doesn't trust him. That's why he's not playing him. If he's in training and doing well. Which but he must be. Otherwise they wouldn't still be talking so positively about the future with him.
00:06:59
Michael
yeah
00:07:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So maybe it's Willis Sula. But I think we're all assuming as well. That there's just one forward. Because there is something called 4-4-2.
00:07:10
Jo
I agree.
00:07:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
There is.
00:07:14
Michael
What's up?
00:07:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
there is
00:07:15
Jo
Don't you start.
00:07:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
that that If we have Isaac up front um with another striker alongside him, Isaac's more than capable of drifting off and coming in off the left in a way that, say, Eze does or Cunha does.
00:07:17
Jo
The ultimate formation.
00:07:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
So maybe we have got room in a team where De Lapp could play number nine, for example, or even Yoko Rez.
00:07:42
Jo
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:07:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
could play number nine with Izak taking the more left-hand side role. don't know where Gordon fits in there, but then it doesn't have to be every game. it it would be horses for courses, wouldn't it?
00:07:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's what we're going to have, is we're going to have a squad to pick different formations and different teams depending on the opposition, not just a first team with two subs who we want to see come on and then everybody else hanging back waiting to see who gets injured as to whether they're going to be considered or not, which I think is where we are at the moment.
00:08:03
Michael
Yeah.
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So ah I hear what you're saying. And I do think, you know, we want somebody who mentally is happy to be an understudy, learn off the greatest striker in the world at the moment. Why wouldn't you be happy to do that?
00:08:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I'm not sure that they're going to be sitting on on the bench all of the time. I think there are ways that we can cut the squad up and and pick the team so that we we need someone the centre forward because Izak might need a rest.
00:08:41
Jo
yeah
00:08:42
Michael
Yeah. That's,
00:08:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's at could be over doing on the left. I mean, he played that role alongside Wilson last season quite well. Or was it two seasons ago now? Quite well. m So who do you think it is? Have you got any words? It's not Cunha, is it? Because he apparently has signed for Man United.
00:09:00
Michael
Yeah, I think it's it's one of those that if I wasn't going to go for the the Percy wing, as you say, I'd go for someone who's in that number 10, who can be quite creative because we struggle against a low block. But again, a Percy player can help rectify that as well.
00:09:13
Michael
Yeah. The issue is is that there's not many players out there who, because it's not a priority position, really, even losing Callum Wilson, replacing Callum Wilson.
00:09:22
Jo
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:09:25
Michael
um So I think you're potentially looking at someone like, and I'm not saying it will be, but someone like a Johan Wisser, who personally I wouldn't go for, um just because yeah what well a couple of good seasons.
00:09:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank
00:09:41
Michael
I'd love Victor Osima. with um what sort of Izak on the left, as you were saying, ah cutting in. And then how we have whoever it is on the right, whether it's Murphy Barnes, playing as that true winger, ah creating the this the width on the outside. But then another player that's looked really, really good since leaving the Premier League, and maybe, just maybe, ah he'd want to return is Adamola Luckman at Atlanta.
00:10:07
Michael
scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final ah last year. has done alright this year not as good as he had but still had a great season matches Cunha for goals actually in that league so maybe just maybe that's the kind of profile I'd go for but Harno's a little bit better than me so I'll leave it in his hands
00:10:27
Jo
Just a little bit, Michael.
00:10:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
la The solution might also be, of course, a ah predominantly right-winger who can also go down the middle as well, like Roomer would fit that bill, or Semenyo would also fit that bill a little bit.
00:10:36
Michael
like an employer man yeah
00:10:38
Jo
I was just about to say him by my way.
00:10:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Even Eberici Eze would fit that bill. But I want that quality as backup. I want that quality second striker. I want somebody terrifying the opposition when they come on to replace Isaac, not letting them think, oh, well, we've done our job now, we can put our feet up.
00:10:53
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:10:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
which is what I felt Arsenal felt when they saw that they had Wilson to face on Sunday and not Isaac.
00:11:03
Michael
Yeah.
00:11:03
Jo
Yeah.
00:11:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, that's something, no doubt, which we'll get a lot of opportunity to discuss as the summer unfolds. um But yeah, I thought that was going to be interesting. Now, I'm going to pause that and move on to my second one for part two. But first, here is a word from Mr. Kenneth Davis ri regarding the Bionic Supplement Company.
00:12:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's the one with the very short gap, not the very long gap. So that nearly it caught me out as I sat and waited for the last bit to come on.
00:12:04
Jo
Hmm. Hmm.
00:12:05
Michael
Yep.
00:12:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But he's already said it. Part two. Newcastle Newcastle vying up until 48 hours ago or so to finish runners-up this year.
00:12:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
um With a win against Everton, I think we're odds-on to finish fourth, assuming Man City win their last game. Languishing just above the relegation zone.
00:12:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
are two of the top six clubs. The one I was focusing on for part two is Tottenham Hotspur.
00:12:37
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:12:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have Newcastle replaced Tottenham Hotspur as one of the big six? Joanne, thoughts, please.
00:12:50
Jo
I don't know if you really want my thoughts on the whole big six because I could probably rant on forever. um I do like winding people up on social media because you always get a bite about it, um especially about the wonderful stat about Arsenal having such good results against all the big six or the top six. And I was like, in what planet Are Man U and Spurs classed as top six this season? I'm sorry, you've got to start rewording it a bit.
00:13:15
Jo
appreciate Man U are still up there because just of the history of the club and they'll probably never ever drop away, even if they got relegated. um But Spurs, really? I don't agree. And yes, I do agree. Sorry.
00:13:27
Jo
so So I don't agree that they are. And yes, I do agree that we've replaced them. um I appreciate it will be debatable.
00:13:31
Michael
Okay.
00:13:32
Jo
And some people will say, don't be ridiculous. you've just won your first trophy in 70 years, et cetera, et cetera, and all that sort of stuff. Knowing my luck, after I have admitted that I will be rooting for Spurs in tonight's Europa final, they'll probably go ahead and win it.
00:13:45
Jo
And then everything I've just said will be irrelevant because then they'll say, well, oh, well, Spurs have won there. So that puts them back in the top six. ah Yeah, I mean, my opinion is yes, we've replaced them, but you know, it's it's all very, very highly opinionated stuff, this whole big six, top six malarkey.
00:14:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hear what you're saying. I think if it was down to results than we have, clearly we have.
00:14:03
Jo
Hmm.
00:14:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I mean, you know, so six ones and four nils the two seasons.
00:14:06
Jo
Yeah.
00:14:12
Jo
Hmm.
00:14:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Results put us way ahead of Tottenham. And I think we've won twice at White Hart Lane the last two times as well. Not White Hart Lane, wherever they move to. that The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
00:14:24
Michael
We prefer White Hartley and it's fine. That was a proper stadium.
00:14:28
Jo
It was.
00:14:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. No, we're calling the big six, not the top six, because i think it's down to turnover. And I think that's why Man United it will have to be terrible for a decade before they before they come out of the big six.
00:14:36
Michael
Yeah.
00:14:38
Jo
Yeah.
00:14:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tottenham, however, and I've got this lovely big new stadium and they really are working that well. I think they're commercially probably away from the football, one of the most successful clubs in the Premier League.
00:14:49
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:14:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think it's all got to be underpinned by the by the football team, hasn't it?
00:14:57
Michael
Yeah. Yeah.
00:14:58
Jo
you
00:15:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Michael, I picked Tottenham rather than Man U because we're closer to Tottenham. um and And our commercial star is definitely rising.
00:15:10
Michael
yeah
00:15:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
know the Adidas sponsorship deal has kicked in. We're still waiting for training ground sponsors, other sponsors as well to come through. A Champions League qualification would...
00:15:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
presumably boost those numbers as well so that we'd be closing the gap on Tottenham. Have we replaced them yet?
00:15:35
Michael
Yeah, I think is it's going to be... We will eventually, but I think it's going to be a battle to see who does replace them between us and Aston Villa, because as much as I hate to say it, Villa are ah pretty good at the minute.
00:15:47
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:15:47
Michael
And there have been for the last, what, four or five years even under Gerrard they were an okay team certainly better than what we were under a Bruce um and since 2020 obviously there's only six points separating us and Tottenham there's only two points separating Tottenham and taught them in Villa so in regards to results we're relatively close until Spurs win the Europa League tonight fingers crossed um We're nowhere near Man United, unfortunately. It could be three trophies in three years for them. um
00:16:18
Michael
We could only dream of that. And then when you look at... You mentioned there so turnover. It is the most important thing. i like When you look at how much Spurs bring in...
00:16:29
Michael
um Obviously, the Deloitte Football Money League that the released ah table that they released earlier in the year, Spurs were ninth with 615 million or something like that. We were 15th with 370. there's still 245, I think, something like that. They're a million missing that we need to catch up on them with. And it is the money, but I do think...
00:16:55
Michael
In two, three years, that top six will be ah top seven.
00:16:59
Jo
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:17:01
Michael
And it'll be, obviously, yeah your Man City, your Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, potentially, depending on how they do. They've improved. think they'll still be in there. But then it'll be Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
00:17:13
Michael
And there those two clubs will be the ones that really upset the big six. Well, the so-called big six going forward.
00:17:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good, excellent. I'm pleased to hear that, Michael. um I agree with you. that was That was my get out, was that we don't have to replace anybody in the big six.
00:17:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
We just have to become a big seven or a big eight. And I think that's the way things are going.
00:17:36
Michael
Yeah.
00:17:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
um It is amazing how this PSR um protects the teams that are in there. It does cocoon them from anybody being able to catch up. However, if you get a run of results, and I think Manny have immunised himself against being as dreadful as they needed to be to hurt that by by randomly winning cups when they shouldn't.
00:18:04
Michael
yeah
00:18:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But Tottenham haven't. Tottenham haven't won anything for, but how long is it now?
00:18:10
Michael
ah Was it 2007?
00:18:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just into...
00:18:10
Michael
Something like that.
00:18:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's a long time ago since they've won anything. um So that's why I'm rooting for a Man U win tonight. Man U are going to be a Champions League quality side going forward.
00:18:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think Tottenham will be if they don't get the fillip of that sort of funds from the Champions League. You're saying we're £200 million behind them, Michael.
00:18:35
Michael
Not for long.
00:18:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
If they don't go in the Champions League, and we do... could be half of it already made up next year.
Realistic Expectations for Newcastle's Future
00:18:42
Michael
Yeah, it's looking at it, thinking, like ah let's say i'm a Tottenham Hotspur fan.
00:18:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
so yeah. No.
00:18:47
Michael
I'm really not. But there is so much riding on tonight that I don't think they realise. the The fate of their football club for the next three, four years is in the hands of Ange Postacogli on one night after the entire fan base has basically told him to go back to Australia for over a year.
00:18:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:19:00
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:19:05
Michael
ah he with yo He says he always wins trophies in his second year, but for the sake of Tottenham Hotspur... They're going to have to hope that he does, because if they don't, they're going down.
00:19:16
Jo
It is huge, isn't
00:19:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, because PSR does kick in at a certain level, ah particularly if you're not qualifying for European football when you're expecting to. Chelsea are another team who will be in a real hole if they don't qualify for the Champions League.
00:19:26
Michael
Yeah.
00:19:26
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:19:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Their match at Forest is enormous, I think, um because that that would be
00:19:35
Michael
They'll just sell another hotel, though. They'll get away with that crap.
00:19:37
Jo
Well, that's true. They'll scam it. They'll scam it.
00:19:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
that would be three years without three years without Champions League football. Of course, they might get into it next year because if they win this year,
00:19:44
Michael
must
00:19:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Conference League, they'll end up in the Europa League, won't they? And winning that puts them in the Champions League.
00:19:50
Michael
Yeah.
00:19:50
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:19:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, like I think we're going to end up with a Big Eight. I can't see where the Big Ninth is, but if it's a Big Eight, then that's heartba that's a competitive Premier League year on year.
00:20:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And let's face it, when there's five teams vying for third down to sixth, and they're all just a point apart, like it's finished off this year, that's super competitive.
00:20:04
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:20:15
Michael
yeah
00:20:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
and which has got to be good. Now, that's great.
00:20:16
Jo
It is.
00:20:19
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:20:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's have an advert, which I believe Michael's going to do, I hope, in the style of um Donald Trump this time.
00:20:28
Jo
Oh dear.
00:20:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Can you do that impression, Michael?
00:20:30
Jo
Oh good God.
00:20:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair
00:20:32
Michael
I'm going to avoid that just because our American listeners may Well, send threats to my house and they have guns. We do not. So far as I'm concerned, Donald is it's fine.
00:20:40
Jo
This is true.
00:20:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
fair enough.
00:20:44
Jo
Safety first, Michael.
00:20:45
Michael
On this podcast, he's fine.
00:20:45
Jo
I'm
00:20:46
Michael
Safety first.
00:20:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
He did.
00:20:47
Michael
But he...
00:20:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's not interested in a football. That's all right.
00:20:49
Jo
yeah
00:20:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Soccer?
00:20:50
Jo
very doubted.
00:20:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. He's not interested in it.
00:20:51
Jo
Soccer. Oh
00:20:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, Michael, let's have the Zencastr advert in whatever style you choose, mate.
00:20:57
Jo
God.
00:20:57
Michael
Oh, thank you. Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we've spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. And Zencastr came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it is super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:21:18
Michael
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr.
00:21:25
Jo
Tony's back.
00:21:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good work and a little bit of Tony the Tiger to celebrate the end of the season.
00:21:30
Michael
Oh, yes.
00:21:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
little bit.
00:21:31
Michael
Last one.
00:21:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've actually got nearly a Tony the Tiger shirt on tonight.
00:21:34
Jo
Oh, you do look like Tony the Tiger, don't you, Ian?
00:21:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
This actually, I was told, I didn't know this, somebody came up to me in the co-op in the queue for Payne and said, I love your shirt.
00:21:38
Michael
You've done the dress since, I've not.
00:21:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I said, really? said, yeah, you know, it's the design of Van Halen's guitar. It's so cool. I had no idea it was the design of Van Halen's guitar, but
00:21:55
Jo
Wow. Look at that.
00:21:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
There you go. I'm cool. And a rocker, apparently, which I also wouldn't have claimed.
00:21:58
Michael
Yeah.
00:22:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, welcome back, folks, to lovely part three. I know this was going to be a good one, wasn't it? Oh, yeah. Oh, let's dream, guys. Let's dream.
00:22:13
Jo
who
00:22:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're bonifying for Europe this year.
00:22:15
Michael
I'm not good at that.
00:22:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not sure if it's Europa League or it's Champions League.
00:22:16
Jo
Yeah, we are.
00:22:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've won our first trophy in 70 years.
Europa League vs. League Position Debate
00:22:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
What are our realistic goals for Premier League season Joanne.
00:22:33
Jo
total domination just to get rid i'll I'll kick it off ridiculous and Michael you bring it all back down to a normal level please um yeah um I think is it not year on year almost that we're going to now be aiming for Champions League for starters if we're talking about league positions and stuff like that I'm not going to get ahead of myself I'm not going to say we're going to win the league yet so not quite next season but you know sometime soon
00:22:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
joanne hold
00:22:41
Michael
I think I'm late. ah Sorry.
00:22:59
Jo
um But yeah, I'm going to say, obviously, again, the aim is always going to be, I think always going to be a top four finish. And again, maybe ah the trophies.
00:23:10
Jo
I would hope that, I think, Hel would want more decent cup runs again.
00:23:14
Michael
Yeah.
00:23:15
Jo
Can we repeat this year? Can we get another trophy? Can we finish top four? I just think it's not going to go too crazy. Like I say, I'd i'd love to sit here and go, yeah, yeah, we're aiming to win the Epic Cup, the Carabao Cup, blah, blah, blah, whatever.
00:23:27
Jo
were not going to win the Champions League. That's ridiculous. We're not going to win the league. I know we're going to win the league. That's getting way too excited. But if we could finish second we might where Ian, sorry, really wanted us to finish this season, you can stick that bet again, Michael.
00:23:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:23:41
Jo
I keep calling you Michael, Ian. It's because I'm looking at Michael, sorry. i am
00:23:44
Michael
I got slandered for that, by the way, at the start of the season when I did that you and Nick.
00:23:46
Jo
It's because I'm looking at you, I know I'm talking to Ian and I was looking at your face.
00:23:49
Michael
Disgraceful.
00:23:51
Jo
ah don't do well.
00:23:53
Michael
And why not?
00:23:53
Jo
um I'm exactly such a handsome devil. um But anyway, yes. So that would be my thing. It's got to be, again, you're just making this class now. ah Top four finish, potentially another trophy.
00:24:05
Jo
Come on, would we not all be over the moon with that anyway?
00:24:08
Michael
Yeah.
00:24:08
Jo
I would, that's for sure.
00:24:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think that would be good, Joanne. However, said to Dream, if it's top four finish and and at ah at a trophy, top four finish and a trophy, that's just a season of consolidation.
00:24:15
Jo
I mean, i can be ridiculous, Ian, if you want.
00:24:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's what we've done this year. I'm thinking that we're going to spend £150, £200 million on three or four first-team players.
00:24:32
Jo
Two trophies then, yeah?
00:24:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm going to just...
00:24:33
Jo
Is that all right? Two trophies next year.
00:24:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm just going to leave that there.
00:24:37
Michael
110 points.
00:24:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then... as and then come over to Michael to see what he would think would be realistic goals for next year.
00:24:42
Jo
Oh, my God.
00:24:44
Michael
I think the realistic game is exactly what Joanne said. ah top well top five.
00:24:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah but
00:24:49
Michael
and
00:24:49
Jo
Realistic one.
00:24:50
Michael
ah true yeah um
00:24:51
Jo
Yeah.
00:24:52
Michael
however i I don't think it's going to happen because I think you're going to sit there and we're going to look at Liverpool. They've already strengthened their two weakest positions now, they both fullbacks.
00:25:05
Michael
They're going to spend money. They're going to bring in a striker. Arsenal are finally going to bring in a striker. City aren't going to be this dire again next season. um Although Pep is threatening to walk, so if he does, hallelujah.
00:25:17
Michael
And then we've also got the Champions League. We saw what it did to us last time. We're better prepared now, but I think... as much as I want us to say we're in a title challenge, I think if we don't make Champions League and we end up in the Europa League, we could finish third.
00:25:35
Michael
ah Maybe even be in that title um battle because you're going to be playing the likes of Braga rather than Barcelona. Um... Well, if we're in the Champions League, every single game you need, he's at Gordon, um Bruno Tonali, all that playing. So it's going to be a lot. um So yeah, if we finish if we don't get Champions League this year, title challenge next year.
00:25:59
Michael
If we do make Champions League this year, I do think we'll will'll be pushing Chelsea, probably Villa again for you know that's that fourth spot outside the cha outside the big three, unfortunately.
00:26:11
Jo
I want to say something on the back of what you just said then, Michael. If it's dependent on what we do this season, so say, for example, we do, because I was basing that on finishing Champions League, by the way. If we finish Europa, I've said this, I actually won't be too sad about finishing the Europa League spot because I've said that we are totally going to go and win it.
00:26:25
Michael
Oh, we win it.
00:26:27
Jo
So actually, yes, we will win a trophy. We'll just win a bigger trophy next season. and So there we go, right? That's my prediction.
00:26:32
Michael
we go.
00:26:32
Jo
If we finish Europa, we're going to win it.
00:26:34
Michael
Yeah.
00:26:35
Jo
And then we'll go into the Champions League regardless of position anyway. So it doesn't really matter if we do drift a little bit.
Importance of the Upcoming Transfer Window
00:26:40
Jo
um So there we go.
00:26:40
Michael
We'll do a Tottenham. Oh, Man United.
00:26:41
Jo
We'll do it. Oh, no, no, no, please.
00:26:42
Michael
Sorry.
00:26:43
Jo
I can't be dealing with that. like Oh, my God.
00:26:45
Michael
Sorry.
00:26:46
Jo
I know it's a weird one, isn't it? Because put that question to you then. I can flip this back on you guys. If it meant that we were in the Europa League final with a strong chance of winning it, would you be happily finishing 16th 17th?
00:26:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh,
00:26:57
Michael
Not happily. Yeah,
00:26:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
16th or 17th?
00:26:59
Jo
Well, you know what I mean? If we were in a strong position to win the Europa League final, and we'd made it the final, a bit like Man U and Spurs, yeah?
00:27:07
Michael
yeah.
00:27:07
Jo
Would you be happy in the position, essentially, what they've had? A really crap full season in the league, but one of them is going to walk away with the Europa League.
00:27:17
Michael
and say yeah if you'd made it the Champions League final, I would have been happy, but Europa League, no.
00:27:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I wouldn't be happy.
00:27:22
Michael
I think, and obviously Champions League, they're not in that position, so it's not a comparison, but yeah.
00:27:26
Jo
Yeah. I mean, I'd like to say no as well because I don't want a really crap league season.
00:27:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
See, I don't mind. i
00:27:30
Michael
yeah
00:27:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
really don't mind. ah Because of the reason that you said, I think we'd have a damn good chance next year of winning the Europa League if we got into that competition.
00:27:37
Jo
Yeah.
00:27:38
Michael
and so
00:27:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
as As Man U and Tottenham have demonstrated this year.
00:27:39
Jo
We have.
00:27:41
Jo
Mm-hmm.
00:27:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
So i I don't mind going into the Europa League if by challenging for second up until the penultimate game of the season and then Everton beat us and we drop down into a Europa League place.
00:27:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
that's i can i can live I can live with that.
00:27:53
Michael
Evan would never beat us in the final game.
00:27:56
Jo
Oh God, Michael.
00:27:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I couldn't live with the sort of results that Man U have had all this year.
00:28:04
Jo
I agree. don't want a full season.
00:28:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
even though Even if there have been many.
00:28:06
Michael
we are kind we We were kind of used to them for a long time, though.
00:28:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've had too many of them. I've been spoiled over the last two or three years.
00:28:12
Jo
Yeah. This time last year, we would have because we hadn't won Isn't it weird how now that we've won a cup and that edge has been taken off?
00:28:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
can't...
00:28:18
Michael
Perspectives changed, yeah.
00:28:20
Jo
It is because this time last season, if we had had this conversation, I'll hold my hands up and I would 100% say, yes, I will happily just scrape through, finish 17th and we'll get a cup because everyone was so desperate for a cup.
00:28:30
Michael
Yeah.
00:28:32
Jo
I think now that we've had that little... It's it's just taken away that edge, hasn't it? So yeah, I would no longer be happy with such situations.
00:28:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah i am i think
00:28:39
Jo
Simple as that. We're not desperate anymore. That's why.
00:28:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I think it all hangs on what sort of a transfer window we have, or two transfer windows. Apparently we've got some money to spend.
00:28:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Apparently we're in a position where we can go and grab some goodies on the cheap in this first little window, because sarah Villa might have some PSR issues that we could take advantage of.
00:28:56
Jo
You'd hope so.
00:28:59
Michael
Pro. Yep.
00:29:03
Michael
yeah
00:29:03
Jo
Mm hmm.
00:29:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think with a with us with a really good transfer window, So the squad is strong. With the new Bunce effect, meaning that we don't get crippled by injuries by the end of October during our Champions League campaign.
00:29:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Why not? i I think we could be... I think we can... They're all two-legged games in this Champions League till we get to the final. So they're all going to have to come and play at St James' Park on those nights.
00:29:32
Michael
Yeah.
00:29:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we've got to... I think we'd go deep, like, into the Champions League. um I think we'd win the Europa League if we end up doing that. And I think we're a fantastic cup team and Eddie has shown what a fantastic tactician he is to be able to get through any game if he's given a fair crack at the whip.
00:29:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So why not an FA Cup or a League Cup as well? It's exciting stuff, isn't it? I mean, you know, we're already exceeding where I ever thought Newcastle would get to because I've watched them being rubbish for a long time.
00:29:59
Jo
It is.
00:30:05
Jo
Yeah.
00:30:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And it's just starting. This is where we can finally be in a position to consolidate that first influx of cash that came in when we were taken over. and
00:30:18
Jo
ye
00:30:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm excited.
Dreaming of Newcastle's Success
00:30:22
Michael
Yeah, I think with that if if the if we do end up in the Champions League, I think that campaign you mentioned there you think would go far, I completely agree.
00:30:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Michael.
00:30:31
Michael
You think it took 11 points for a team to go through to a knockout stage. Over two legs, I fancy us against anybody in the world. Maybe not like Real Madrid or PSG, but anyone except them.
00:30:43
Michael
I'd fancy us against Liverpool, Arsenal, Barcelona, the lot. So all you've got to do is finish 24th or higher out of 36, something like that.
00:30:54
Michael
And you've got to remember that's including like Young Boys, Sparta Prawer in there this year. So we can definitely do that. We can definitely go far. And I think we'd match Villa this year at the very least until we came up like a...
00:31:07
Michael
a PSG, because I know we smashed PSG 4-1, but they're a different proposition this year completely.
00:31:11
Jo
There.
00:31:12
Michael
like ah But a PSG, Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Atleti, I could see us losing Atletico Madrid. One of those it would take to knock us out, and we could go very far next year, particularly under anyhow.
00:31:22
Jo
i hope we get him I hope we get young boys in the draw.
00:31:24
Michael
Hey.
00:31:26
Jo
I hope we play at their stadium as well, purely because it's just comedy gold.
00:31:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
you and view in nicola or always You and Nicola are always young boys.
00:31:32
Michael
Hey. Hey.
00:31:34
Jo
like god Michael, be careful what you say now.
00:31:36
Michael
You called him Michael!
00:31:36
Jo
Because I was going to stop short as well.
00:31:37
Michael
I didn't do anything!
00:31:40
Jo
not Michael, it's because I'm looking at your face. Stop. I'm covering you. Ian, stop it now.
00:31:45
Michael
I've made no accusations here.
00:31:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:31:47
Jo
You haven't. It's not even you.
00:31:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right.
00:31:48
Jo
I'm i'm having a bad, bad night.
00:31:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think dreaming of dreaming of next year's Champions League glory and all of that is a great place to finish.
00:31:59
Michael
Yeah.
00:31:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm dreaming of Champions League glory. Michael's dreaming was getting very deep into that composition.
00:32:04
Michael
Yeah.
00:32:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Joanne is just thinking about the young boys and how deep how deep thet how deep they might go.
00:32:08
Jo
Don't say it.
00:32:11
Jo
And the name of their stadium, which is what I was going to get at.
00:32:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
i
00:32:15
Jo
But I'm not going to say it.
00:32:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
when
00:32:16
Jo
It's naughty.
00:32:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't go there.
00:32:18
Jo
You stop.
00:32:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, thank you very much indeed for listening to the Mac and Mick and Joe mash-up, Thursday mash-up. It got too complicated for me to remember it by the end of it.
00:32:27
Michael
A mug and cheese mug shop.
00:32:28
Jo
Mac and cheese.
00:32:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Mac and Cheese mash-up.
00:32:31
Jo
Oh, dear God.
00:32:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
We love it. and Thank you very much for joining me, Michael. Thank you very much for joining me, Joanne. No more talk of young boys. We shall see you all for the preview tomorrow.
00:32:44
Jo
you