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Newcastle United Vs Celtic Match Preview + Transfer Drama
0 Playsin 5 hours
Today's episode dives into a chaotic few days on the transfer front for Newcastle United.
Michael Grahamslaw and Iain Mackay break down:
- Liverpool's sudden move for Hugo Ekitike
- Newcastle’s interest in Yoane Wissa
- Why rivals might be reacting to Newcastle’s moves
- What Alexander Isak is really worth
- Pre-season preview: Who needs to impress, and what to expect vs Celtic
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Transcript
Introduction and Hosts
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everybody and welcome to the Daily Newcastle podcast. My name is Michael Cramson, I will be your host today, but I do not come alone. Joining me this evening is Ian Mackay. How's it going, my friend?
00:00:22
Iain
Hello, Michael. It's going very well. um I've got a bit of mixed feelings about today. We're going to get into it. I'm a bit disappointed.
Transfer Market Tactics
00:00:29
Iain
However, ah think we might have been doing some some very clever work at the same time, but we'll talk about it in a bit.
00:00:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Maybe a bit, maybe right now. ah So it's been a busy couple of days on that transfer front. You spoke about it so with Joanne the other day. um Liverpool joined the race for Hugo Eketike, who looks likely to join Liverpool now.
00:00:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've apparently inquired about Joanne Wieser, who apparently wants to join up with Thomas Frank, who were seeing a little bit earlier. and but won't be sold if Brian Mbwemo leaves. So it's been announced today. The Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Eka TK.
00:01:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah We've pulled out the deal. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster of a week in reality. How have you been left feeling about it all? You're saying bit disappointed there.
00:01:15
Iain
and Well, i think Joanne and I were getting right into the happy clapping. Eketike's coming, he's coming, he's coming last night.
00:01:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not just last night, let's be honest.
00:01:24
Iain
Yeah, yeah I mean, um we knew we'd underbid when the first one went in. So, you know, but I think the fact that as soon as Liverpool have slapped some money down, and I think it's only the same 70 million that we put down, we and we've pulled out of it.
00:01:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:43
Iain
I think they've... I think that might just have been a big ploy to get Liverpool to buy a different striker.
00:01:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:01:50
Iain
Because let's face it, Liverpool sell Nunes and Diaz and and they've already got this 80 million up their sleeve. They could afford, and I think they said, didn't they, on that informal approach, they could afford to smash the British transfer a record if we were prepared to let Isaac leave, which of course we give them a big no thanks.
00:02:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:02:10
Iain
and So maybe we've, forced their hand into taking Eketike so that they're not interested in coming and getting Izak this year.
Newcastle's Influence on Rivals
00:02:20
Iain
And therefore, we've secured Alex Izak for the next season, which I've got to be absolutely ecstatic about.
00:02:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. I think it's genuinely, we'll look back on this week, it's the most pivotal week in our transfer window. Alanga officially signed. um The bid for Ekotiki forced Liverpool to play their hand. £80 million is more than likely what they're going to have to pay.
00:02:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
um That's a massive chunk out of their budget. Takes them to €300 plus million euros overall.
00:02:45
Iain
Thank you.
00:02:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not quite sure what that is in pounds, but as you say, Nunes and Diaz haven't been sold yet. They are struggling to sell those players. So, it could be a little while before we see them in the hunt for any other players after Agatike.
00:03:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Our interest in Visser has forced Man United to meet Brentford's valuation of Brian Mbwemo. Only took them six weeks and then when Newcastle are on the doorstep, do it straight away.
00:03:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Little coincidence there, maybe, but where it feels like we're actively trying to force our potential rivals for transfers into spending money early in the window because we've lost players to Liverpool before.
00:03:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've lost players to Manchester United before. And I'm not saying we did that with João Pedro, etc. I think yeah they' they're the ones we've genuinely lost out, but... This week, it kind of feels like Newcastle have been quite clever.
00:03:34
Iain
and
00:03:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
and ah Do you agree with that?
Securing Key Players Strategically
00:03:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
You mentioned a bit of it earlier, but am I maybe just looking too deep into it and maybe are we just being a bit hopeful?
00:03:45
Iain
Maybe.
00:03:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:47
Iain
I think...
00:03:50
Iain
o I think they might have opportunistically realised that Liverpool really would break the bank to get Isaac.
00:03:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:03:59
Iain
And rather than actually slap some huge offer in, which would have to be put to Isaac, he'd have to be asked.
00:04:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:07
Iain
Before he started negotiating a new contract, I think, by the way, we are we're going to have to offer silly money to him on his new contract when we've already told him that we think he's worth more than £100.
00:04:19
Iain
£20 million. pounds um
00:04:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. Mm-hmm.
00:04:22
Iain
But that's fine. i think when we went in for Ekotike, yeah, I think that was a genuine bid. I think it was genuine. Genuinely would love to see those two playing together.
00:04:34
Iain
and But let's be honest, there are plenty of 22, 23-year-old strikers showing a lot of promise that could benefit from coming and working alongside
00:04:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. 100%.
00:04:45
Iain
the rest of our forward line and having Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall's input to them. We don't have to pay the huge amount for Eka TK.
00:04:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly.
00:04:55
Iain
We could spend half the amount and go and get some very exciting, promising strikers, which is our model, isn't it? Buy a good price, turn them into world-class players over the next 18 months, like like Bruno, like Tonali.
00:05:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah exactly
00:05:12
Iain
um Botman, we do
Player Worth and Market Dynamics
00:05:14
Iain
it. That's how we do it. So I wouldn't be at all surprised if there wasn't some sort of smokescreen thing going on here purely to get Liverpool to not be in the market for a striker this summer anymore.
00:05:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:05:27
Iain
And if that's a case, well played.
00:05:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we've seen...
00:05:28
Iain
that's the case
00:05:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
we've seen
00:05:29
Iain
that's if that's a case well played
00:05:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think it's one of those. We've seen these kind of tactics before. Barella, we apparently made a bid for. And then next thing we know, Sandro Tonali was a Newcastle United player.
00:05:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
We were in Milan, just not the Milan we're thinking. and But I ask that because...
00:05:46
Iain
And
00:05:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
My belief all along ends on Eka TK was the deal didn't really make sense. I've said since day one, I thought it was agent talk. um If he turns out to be a world beater, I'll look like an idiot, but I'm more than prepared to do that um because to me, it didn't make sense. Johan Visser, that's a signing that makes sense on paper, but it doesn't match Newcastle's transfer strategy at all.
00:06:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
As you mentioned, we buy young, turn them into superstars. So, It's one of those where I generally think we've realised as soon as we move for a player, other teams in the top six go, we can't let Newcastle have them.
00:06:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
We go for them because they're great players, they're fitting to us, but we can't let them have them.
00:06:27
Iain
Thank you.
00:06:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think we're trying to control the situation with that. And if that leads to Dominic Calvert-Lewin being our next and only signing for the rest of July, I'm happy to look like an idiot.
00:06:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that isn't the case. But I think the club, are we've got a clever group in the back room. you know They're not idiots. They know what they're doing. And it's just been Anthony Alanga.
00:06:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
At this point, while all of our rivals have spent a lot of money, Newcastle could easily dominate the end of the transfer window. But with that, we mentioned earlier, Liverpool willing to pay £120 million for Alexander Rezac.
00:07:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
We laughed them out at the building. um So my question to you is, how much is Alexander Rezac worth to Newcastle United? What do you think?
00:07:13
Iain
um but Well, he's priceless for Newcastle United and we've done everything to hang on to him. ah How much is he worth in the football transfer market?
00:07:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:24
Iain
but and What is his price? um how much what was the What's our record? What did Neymar go for? 211 or something?
00:07:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, something like that. It was something baffling.
00:07:36
Iain
and So I don't think he's quite got the status that Neymar had.
00:07:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:07:43
Iain
But we did laugh.
00:07:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:07:44
Iain
we We did not even blink when we said no to 120 million. So, you know, what do what do you think? 160?
00:07:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, makes sense.
00:07:53
Iain
180? 175? Something like that.
00:07:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think on a three-year contract...
00:07:57
Iain
I think they'd have to go through the 150 barrier for sure. Yeah.
00:08:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
and of so be the the
Financial Strategies and Growth
00:08:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
most expensive and player from the English leagues by 20, 30 million, I think, guaranteed. And I think because we got him on that three-year contract, signed a six-year three years ago, um you know every year is probably going to take, what, 40 million off his price tag.
00:08:18
Iain
Thank you.
00:08:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
So even if we don't sell him this year, you're looking at maybe 120 next year, 80 million when he's got a year left. Probably nothing when he's got six months left. I don't think we get to that point. I think we offer him a contract extension um this summer.
00:08:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's apparently, from what I've seen, he's on 120,000 a week, which is not even nearly enough for Alexander Rizak. Bruno Gomares is a highest earner on around 160, if reports of it believed.
00:08:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think we'll smash that 160 for Alexander Rizak? It's a no-brainer in my opinion, but...
00:08:57
Iain
If I was Alex Izak, I would say
00:09:03
Iain
to the Newcastle board, you think that Bruno is a 100 million player and Tonali is a 100 million player and Gordon, who's the other high earner, is a 100 million player.
00:09:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:14
Iain
maybe Maybe not quite that. But then I would say I'm 150 million. i i mean, he could have 50% more than Bruno, couldn't he? That's taking him up to 240, right?
00:09:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oof. 240. 240. two four
00:09:25
Iain
Now, he loves it here. He wants to stay. And I would imagine that maybe we we'd get up to 200. But then we're in the same position this time next year.
00:09:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:36
Iain
so maybe we go for another little contract extension next year. Hopefully with some semi-finalist Champions League money. and runners-up in the Premier League money, and a ground training ground sponsor, a training kit sponsor, and e etc et cetera, et cetera.
00:09:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:54
Iain
There's a lot of places where we can get more money that we haven't got yet.
00:09:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:09:59
Iain
And I think that's one of the limiting factors for us, or the limiting factor for how much we can spend on wages and transfers, is that our commercial turnover is nowhere near the commercial turnover of these top six.
00:10:12
Iain
So we have to do the work.
00:10:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
100%. Wow. Sincere. Mm-hmm.
00:10:15
Iain
with sponsors, etc., to push that closer and closer.
Scouting and Future Planning
00:10:19
Iain
And, of course, performing well in the Champions League and the Premier League. I think I heard that our fifth-place finish brought 160 million quid in from the Premier League this afternoon, including television appearances, etc.
00:10:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
wow
00:10:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
and sir
00:10:36
Iain
So, yeah, we need that. We need to be performing there. We need to be pushing on. And... um Why not? If we've got we've got a great first team, and we've got a Langer now to back that up.
00:10:49
Iain
Two or three more signings, I think. We've got a squad that can have a great first team every game we turn out for.
00:10:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. And just with that, um less on the striker front into the position where I actually think we really do need someone. It's a right-sided centre-back, this window.
00:11:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Keith Downey put something out an hour ago, thankfully, i thought before we went on the podcast.
00:11:13
Iain
but
00:11:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But apparently we're looking we've obviously been looking at Giorgio Scalvini ah from Atalanta, but the club are also apparently looking at Niccolò Savona from Juventus and Valencia's Cesar Tarrega as two cheaper options.
00:11:25
Iain
I
00:11:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, all three are very, very young. Do you think the youth of those kind of players, obviously they're still playing um regularly for Juventus and Valencia and of course for Atalanta, but do you think the youth of those players tells you that how confident he can get another season out of Fabian Scher and Sven Bottmann at centre-back, even with Dan Byrne as backup?
00:11:52
Iain
i think we yeah I think Fab Schaar was one of the top performers last year. know he had a little bit of a blip, but he did come back strong towards the end of the season.
00:11:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:12:01
Iain
um
00:12:03
Iain
He retired from international football, didn't he, to prolong his club career? I think.
00:12:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:09
Iain
um So, yeah, I'm sure Fab Schaar is looking forward to the seasone you look forward to last season I don't think he's thinking these tired old bones aren't going to carry me through because he played nearly every game last year.
00:12:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly.
00:12:22
Iain
he doesn't get He doesn't get injured very often. um i think if we've got a... and Let's look at the profile of these guys that Keith Downey's mentioning.
00:12:34
Iain
Young, under-21 internationals, Italian centre-back, Spanish centre-back.
00:12:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:42
Iain
they They sound like the great great players to come in for the last half an hour or take on the ah FA Cup. Carabao Cup games to start with and get them bedded into the system with Fabshar, Jamal Lascelles, Dan Byrne to to bring him on board.
00:13:02
Iain
i think it's I think it makes more sense than than bringing in a Mark Gay for £70 million where there's suddenly a disruption you're just disrupting the first team because he's going to want to play.
00:13:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I'd agree. Yeah.
00:13:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah degree
00:13:13
Iain
um know these guys will want to play and they will get to play but I think that there would They would probably come in expecting to have a sun bedding in time.
00:13:25
Iain
um I quite like that Sandro Tonali is a bit of an but of a secret agent for all of these up-and-coming, super-tough Italian centre-halves, of course, because he lived he'd have played against the money.
00:13:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:13:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think it's it's one of those where the two deals, I managed to do a little bit of research on the two before we came on. um And from the looks of things, Savona has actually played more of a right-back role for Juventus, but the plan would be for Newcastle to move him into the centre-back position.
00:13:55
Iain
And
00:13:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But he also signed a contract extension with Juventus just over a month ago, um which has put him on a five-year contract. So I think that's that's one that, does to me, seems maybe a little unlikely.
00:14:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um The Valencia um star, well, the star, the youngster, he signed a new contract last season, but he started quite a lot for Valencia this year. um The thing that stands out to me is they're both six foot four.
00:14:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And when you're looking at like Marguerite and stuff like that, you're thinking, yeah, they don't really have that physicality. You'd lose from maybe not having Dan Byrne in there. These two six foot four young defenders remind me a bit of maybe a Dean Huyzen, who's just come from Juventus.
00:14:39
Iain
Thank you.
00:14:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so I ended up at Real Madrid with Bournemouth in between. think 6'4", quite strong. I think it's one of those where maybe we're preparing more for life after Dan Byrne with those two.
00:14:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And Fabian Shark and Remain is one of those who, you know, stays at the back but can still pass ball around anyways. But it's ah it's good to see we're going for a young centre-back because I've always said I think we need a centre-back over a striker.
00:15:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Do you think that should be the priority, centre-back?
Prioritizing Team Needs
00:15:07
Iain
That's interesting. i well debt definitely think centre-backs should be the priority. I wouldn't be at all surprised if on Eddie's Christmas list he had two centre-backs to come in, and given the injury record of Botman and LaSalle's.
00:15:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:26
Iain
But, and yeah, I'm just wondering if if Keith has moved on to...
00:15:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:15:32
Iain
Keith Downey, who's very close to the camp, has moved on to centre-backs...
00:15:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:15:37
Iain
Because this time yesterday, we reportedly had put a bid in for Eketike that triggered the release clause.
00:15:48
Iain
And according to Eketike yesterday, it's Newcastle or nothing. So whether we thought that ah and that's a done deal, and then Keith's been briefed about the centre-halves that we're going to go for next, and then that's how close we've come to getting Eketike, and Liverpool have moved super fast.
00:15:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:07
Iain
um And to be fair, you can't blame the kid picking Liverpool ahead of Newcastle, unless you've bought completely into the project.
00:16:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely not.
00:16:16
Iain
I mean, he's guaranteed Premier League medal and a Champions League final appearance next year if he goes to Liverpool. let's Let's be fair. I mean, they were the best team by miles in the league and they spent 300 million quid on their team.
00:16:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's a worrying one.
00:16:30
Iain
um so So I'm just wondering if if what Keith said is jumping the gun a little bit, because the striker was the priority. And if they've suddenly got to row back from getting a centre-half, because they definitely want to get the striker in place, um time will tell as it unfolds.
00:16:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. 100%.
00:16:49
Iain
um I don't mind us going for centre-backs. I think they're critical. And um you know I haven't heard much other than talks will be restarted again next week about James Trafford in goal.
00:16:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
hundred so
00:17:03
Iain
But I think he should be down the line.
00:17:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:04
Iain
that I don't think goalkeeper is... is as critical as either a a second striker or centre-half or two.
00:17:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think that might be the reason it hasn't been done yet, to be honest.
00:17:14
Iain
And I mean, ah
00:17:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Eddie's sitting and going, right, we don't have unlimited amount of money to spend. Let's go for the priorities first. By the way, James Trafford, there is 30 million there. we We might take it up to 40, but we don't want to at the minute.
00:17:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But just to let you know, we do want you, but maybe we just can't afford it right now and we're going to get the priorities in instead. ah Not that we can't afford it. We've just tried to put 70 down on Eketike, but you've got to know where the priorities are.
00:17:43
Iain
I think that, yeah, and you know to be fair, long stuff being sold to Leeds for anything between 12 and 15. I'm not sure what you can bring in, probably the 12.
00:17:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:55
Iain
But I think on a PSR basis, that that funds a 60 million player over the next five years with a five-year contract, um which could easily be the centre-half.
00:18:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:08
Iain
Or, what you call them? Connor Gallagher and another younger midfielder to come in.
00:18:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:18:17
Iain
um Because we're now a midfield man, sure, aren't we? We haven't replaced Elliot Anderson. And now Sean Longstaff's gone as well. So, I mean, we maybe we need to two midfielders. I want to see these these friendly games, though, and see how some of the guys coming up out of the under-21s are going to perform. Because we have heard at different times about the right-back and what's he called?
00:18:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:43
Iain
Zaha. We saw a little bit of Zanussi, the washing machine man last year on the left wing. You know, ah what you call him, Alfie from Man City was meant to be close.
00:18:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Alfie Harrison, yeah.
00:18:55
Iain
It could easily be a Lewis Miley step up and Lewis Miley, of course, he's been in a around a first team for the last two or three seasons.
00:19:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Couple of seasons, yeah.
00:19:03
Iain
and So let let's hope we don't need to be buying replacements for all these players and we can actually get cover out of the under because that allows us to spend our money in the areas where blessing Ben Parkinson isn't going to be good enough to step up and be the second striker.
00:19:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's absolutely
Preseason Preparations and Matches
00:19:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
true. And we'll get on to the friendly games a bit more in a moment. But for now, we're going to have a little advert from Bionique.
00:20:11
Iain
so
00:20:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's so random.
00:20:13
Iain
Why does that keep happening? ah
00:20:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, the thing is, I didn't change it by this time in our preset. So for anyone ah wondering why that keeps happening, we have a little soundboard on the side here that's used by the whole Global Sports pollle um Podcast Network.
00:20:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And I'll be honest, when Bionique and the intro are on there, I just keep them. Yeah. And sometimes it loops. um That's me being lazy, um unfortunately.
00:20:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I will try to do better in the future. um But looking at doing better in the future, the season is starting again in Newcastle. They're looking to do one better than they did last season and win two trophies. No, um better than we did in the Champions League, at least. um The transfer talk is done for now. and We have a first official friendly at the weekend against Celtic.
00:21:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Always to good see we play a big team from around the UK. um
00:21:06
Iain
Thank you.
00:21:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is available for everyone watch on the club's package, or I believe if you're in Newcastle, ah the game is being streamed at stack um from three till five on Saturday. It's the only friendly being done so. No, I'm not being paid to say that, um but it will be it's going to be nice and I should be there myself. So be good to see some people.
00:21:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But I'll dive straight into pre-season because I've got a couple of questions want to ask you about the process. um So the first one is Who are you looking at with high expectations in preseason?
00:21:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you can add whatever comment you're going add.
00:21:36
Iain
I know you... I'm just going to say first, Michael, because you did say we're going to make a prediction about the weekend. Can I predict that if you go to Stack, you will not be the only person watching that game in Stack on your own?
00:21:49
Iain
Don't worry.
00:21:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know I won't be.
00:21:50
Iain
There will be some more people there. There will be some more people there.
00:21:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
know, I I know I'm going with people. ah I mean, just like seeing some people from who will listen to the pod, etc.
00:21:59
Iain
Yeah.
00:21:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
It'd be nice to listen to some people.
00:22:00
Iain
That'll be good. That'll be good.
00:22:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
get ah Get to speak to some fans of the pod.
00:22:03
Iain
So...
00:22:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:05
Iain
Apologies for that. What was the question, Michael? Sorry.
00:22:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here we go. So who are you looking at with high expectations in preseason?
00:22:16
Iain
Obviously, I'm hoping that we see Anthony Alanga. um but I really want to see him in a black and white shirt.
00:22:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:22:23
Iain
I'm hoping two years ago, it was Tenali's first game when they played away at Rangers on the first friendly of the season.
00:22:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:22:31
Iain
And I think it was man of the match in that game.
00:22:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Memory.
00:22:34
Iain
So I'd love to see Alanga tear it up. I'd love to see him already with their um some sort of understanding with Tino, maybe, down on the right-hand side.
00:22:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:47
Iain
want to see that telepathic link that he's already got with Alexander Izak, if we can get them on the pitch together. But it's difficult to know, isn't it, really, who's going to be playing, who's not going to be playing. I know the internationals have just basically reported back in time to go to to Austria.
00:23:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:04
Iain
For their training week. But they should all get a game. and Because it seems like it's been. Actually when you add the internationals on. It's been really quite a short summer a break.
00:23:16
Iain
Because they've been back since July 7th.
00:23:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:23:18
Iain
So yeah. I want Alanga. I want Alanga to do something special. And then of course I will be watching. Hoping to see. um Those magic links.
00:23:31
Iain
That make all that one touch stuff. and that super fast transition work already taking shape. That'd be good.
00:23:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. And to be honest, the player I'm really looking forward to seeing, obviously Alanga, it'll be great to see him in action. But I'm really hoping and we see some more from William Osula.
00:23:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, we got glimpses at the end of last season. We got and more than a glimpse in the pre-season friendly games at the start el last season. and um And you can just see there's a player in there.
00:24:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
And these are the games where, you know, you can unlock that potential ahead of the season. And what better way for fans to forget about Hugo Eketike would be a William Orsula hat-trick against Selick.
00:24:12
Iain
oh and I'm not sure he'll be on the pitch long enough to get that, but hey, he's fast, he's strong, and and he showed when he played against Ipswich, I think, that he knows he knows how to win a header from a corner.
00:24:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he knows where the onion bar is.
00:24:27
Iain
That was a was a drug like that is a crack and take. So yeah, I'd love to see Willis Sula show all of that power and skill that we've seen in flashes a little bit more consistently.
00:24:41
Iain
because he Because I think this pre-season he's winning the trust of Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall to be able to be first change for whoever's on a striker, even if there are two strikers kicking off.
00:24:56
Iain
That's what we need.
00:24:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:24:57
Iain
We need three. If we're going to play two up front, or even one up front interchanging with somebody on the left, which is kind of what they were talking about, Wissa or Ekotike playing with Izak.
00:25:12
Iain
Sula will be coming on quite regularly to replace one or two of them.
00:25:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:25:17
Iain
would have thought.
00:25:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
The question is just whether or not he's ready. And I'll be honest, ah I think he is. um I've seen enough to say he can come off the bench and cause a difference. But we spoke a bit about Asula. He's not quite a youngster.
00:25:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah You mentioned, obviously, the likes of Alfie Harrison, etc. earlier. Are there any youngsters that you feel need to be featured quite a lot in pre-seasons just so we can see what they're doing or what level they're at?
Youth Talent and Future Prospects
00:25:43
Iain
I would be having heard one or two little whispers that maybe Kieran Trippier wants to move.
00:25:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:25:51
Iain
I'd love to see Sahar come in and show that because he's highly rated the right back.
00:25:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:58
Iain
I'd like to see him come in and show that he's he's where Tino was when he joined, for example. If he's mature like that, maybe we could let Trippier go.
00:26:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:26:09
Iain
That's a big wage. I don't think you get much of a fee for him, of course. But it's a big wage to come out. You know, 100,000 a week is 5 million back in the budget. That could be important.
00:26:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's a great point.
00:26:21
Iain
So i' I'd like to see Sahar, um as I say, I'd love to see one or two of the midfielders come on and show as much promise as Lewis Miley did when he came on as an unknown for me in that Cellar Cup where we played um
00:26:40
Iain
or that team that the Bournemouth manager was running. Who was that? God, I've forgotten.
00:26:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Real Valicano?
00:26:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Was it... was
00:26:46
Iain
Ria Vallecano.
00:26:48
Iain
Miley came on for the second half of that game and looked really, really good. um I think Sean Longstaff scored in the second minute of that game. But yeah, I'd like to see one or two of the under-21 midfielders come on and actually, you know, what's Joe White like? I was quite encouraged by Joe White at the end of the season before last and he went out on loan last year I don't know if he did very much out on loan but he's a year older and a year wiser and he will have played some senior football so is Joe White going to make the grade I'd like to see him I think he'll get some game time because it's this early in the season and he's done his two weeks training and um yeah let's see how he's progressed
00:27:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:27:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just ah got it up there. I couldn't remember who we played last season either. It was Girona who we'd played in that game where we were three and a up after 15 minutes. ah the The Man City link, they were in the Champions League as well. um I couldn't remember for the life of me who it was either.
00:27:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
and i was I looked mainly to see who the second team was. It was Stad Brest, both in the the Champions League, which is why we picked them.
00:27:52
Iain
Thank you.
00:27:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Yeah, his point's still the same. He was fantastic in that game. and it's It's one of those where you know We do seem i like playing a Spanish team in the Cellar Cup.
00:28:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think Atletico Madrid are going to roll over quite like Girona and Villarreal did. um But that's I'm really looking forward to that game. But obviously we have Celtic before that, as you mentioned, Joe White.
00:28:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think it was Crewe he was on loan at.
00:28:24
Iain
What?
00:28:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think he's it's been one of those where he's had a few loan spells. He's one of the the few youngsters that actually seems to have gone out on loan. I've looked at quite a few profiles recently being like, oh, what's happened to this player?
00:28:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's just sat in the reserves. Ben Parkinson is one, ah to be fair. So I'm wondering what Schoel is doing, um to be honest. ah But it'll be good to see them players featured because, as you mentioned, it's almost a last chance season for Joe White.
00:28:51
Iain
what
00:28:55
Iain
I think it is. And I think it is for the centre-half whose name has escaped me now. But he did come on and play Alex Murphy.
00:28:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Alex Murphy.
00:29:02
Iain
ah He looked quite impressive in those games.
00:29:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. You're Irishman.
00:29:06
Iain
um And he played centre-half in one of them, I think, ah rather than just left-back.
00:29:13
Iain
So he is quite versatile as well. ah So, yeah, I had high hopes back then for those. And I do think, by the way, they were games where I was at and I wasn't at the Stadbreast Cellar Cup.
00:29:26
Iain
So it was two years ago when it was Rayl Valicano and Villareal.
00:29:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:29:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh, Villarreal.
00:29:33
Iain
Yeah. It was two years ago that Miley blew my socks off by coming on as a kid and looking super good. And of course, it was that season that he came into the team and played the the matches in Champions League, etc.
00:29:45
Iain
So I shouldn't have been surprised.
00:29:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah To be honest, he's a fantastic player. I think he's one of the ones that last season we probably wanted to see a bit more from.
00:29:57
Iain
Thank
00:29:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But when you've got Joe Linton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Gamares, and then you've got players who need game time and Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff behind them, it's very hard for the likes of Lewis Miley to get game time.
00:30:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you'll find it a bit easier this year.
Player Performance Analysis
00:30:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Probably going into into the season, he'll be fourth choice because I still feel like we will sell Joe Willock um or it might be one last season for Joe Willock as well because we've I think we've got five or six players who realistically if they don't go this summer are guaranteed to be gone next summer um and a lot there's a lot of youngsters that go on top of that um so with that in mind ah can you give me one player who you think needs a big
00:30:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
pre-season to prove himself and keep his career at St. James's Park.
00:30:49
Iain
oh I've already written some of them off. yeah So I'm going to go back, by the way, um I'm going to go back to who needs a really good preseason.
00:30:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Same, to be honest.
00:31:02
Iain
And I'm going to go back to Lewis Miley to put himself so far advanced that maybe we don't need
00:31:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:31:12
Iain
a Connor Gallagher, you know, an established England international to come and step to back up the midfield. I want him to show that he's as good enough to do that um because he was down.
00:31:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
and so
00:31:23
Iain
He's captained the under-19s for England, I think, and he was down to play in the under-21s, which is a year or two ahead of where he is. um
00:31:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, something like that.
00:31:33
Iain
But he got injured. so So he should, hopefully, what up what I want really want him to show is, despite how impressive he's been, When we saw him against Bromley in the FA Cup, he took the game by the scruff of the neck.
00:31:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:31:48
Iain
He showed Sean Longstaff up. And if you remember, we were behind in that game. And it was it was Miley who took the ball, beat two men and rifled a shot right into the top corner.
00:32:01
Iain
Showed the confidence that I want him to show.
00:32:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:32:04
Iain
Because I do feel sometimes when he's been in the first team, certainly last year, You can see him thinking about it and then coming back and playing a little ball back to Trips or playing inside to Tonali.
00:32:17
Iain
I want him to have the confidence to try something. you know
00:32:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:32:20
Iain
When he's done that, he's got the ability to do it.
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
So.
00:32:24
Iain
Remember that fantastic through ball for an Izak goal against fulham i think it was. I don't know, it was his goal was against Fulham. That ball through was... Anyway, he's got the ability...
00:32:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know which one you're on about. It's the defence split in one way. He's there, Izak's coming round and he just puts it straight through two defenders. Yeah, I know the you're on about.
00:32:40
Iain
Absolutely.
00:32:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
can't remember the team.
00:32:42
Iain
He's got the confidence. He's got the ability to do that. But ah ah think sometimes he's thinking, I'll try this, but I might fail. So I'll just knock the ball back. And I know there are times when you've got to do that, but not every time.
00:32:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it would have been against Chelsea. um because it was just before. Yeah, it would have been in the 4-1 where Thiago Silva had an absolute howler and Joe Linton just gets the ball about five yards from goal and decides to blast it behind the goalkeeper. Well, not at the goalkeeper, in the back of the ah What an amazing day that was.
00:33:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But yeah, Miley is is one who I think needs ah needs a ah big campaign to maybe avoid being loaned out. Yeah. I think another one.
00:33:29
Iain
yeah other one, of course. ah Sorry, I was going to have an another school one.
00:33:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's all right. i think we might pick the same player.
00:33:33
Iain
what Gordon versus Barnes.
00:33:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
OK.
00:33:38
Iain
they both need They both need some good pre-seasons because otherwise they might become um saleable assets if we'd still need some if we still need some budget going through into the end of August.
00:33:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's
00:33:56
Iain
and
00:33:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
a great point.
00:33:58
Iain
Because Because we have Zanussi, who might well be able to come and play on the left. Alanga can play on the left. um Whoever this new strike here is that comes in, if it if he is centre-forward, Isaac can play on the left if he needs to be accommodated.
00:34:16
Iain
So, I think, and with Joe, yeah, I think that Barnes and Gordon, I don't mean they're up against and will get rid of one of them.
00:34:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Same with Joe Linton as well. So we've got more than enough options.
00:34:25
Iain
However, that's kind of the
00:34:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, no.
00:34:29
Iain
That's kind of the choice in every game last year, wasn't it? Who's playing on the left? It'll be Barnes or it'll be Gordon.
00:34:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:35
Iain
im
00:34:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think um last season when we were doing some sort of practice podcasts, we were talking about them pre-season. I picked Jacob Murphy to do really well in pre-season last year and I think he ended up being top goal scorer. I genuinely have the same feeling that Harvey Barnes will do the same.
00:34:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
And don't be wrong, you'll probably not get any minute to get injured first game and not to score one. But it he feels like the kind of player who this pre-season is just going to take it by the scruff of the neck um and get a number of goals for us. But the other player that I wanted to mention who needs a a big pre-season and maybe it's to move away from Newcastle rather than stay ah is Joe Willock.
00:35:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I
00:35:18
Iain
Right.
00:35:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we're long staff going. I don't think Willick leaves. um I did think Willick would be the one to go over long staff. Maybe it ends up being both. But I think from what he was, the highly touted prospect when we first signed him, broke a record for us, scoring most consecutive games while he was on loan, 25 million.
00:35:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Had a great season when we finished fourth the first time. Hasn't really done anything since. And with that injury record, I think someone will come in for him.
00:35:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
But the quality of that team, I think, is going to depend on how he starts preseason. What do you think?
00:36:00
Iain
I think that player is still in there. We saw flashes of it. When he came on against Forest, he was excellent.
00:36:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:36:05
Iain
He was excellent, aggressive, running down the left, carrying the ball. But we didn't see enough of that last year.
00:36:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nah.
00:36:14
Iain
um so yeah, I would agree with you. He needs a good pre-season to force himself into the reckoning every game.
00:36:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:36:23
Iain
You don't want to be ending up
00:36:27
Iain
as a Matt Target who was sitting on the bench in training, but you know, it was never going to be called up unless there's an injury crisis.
00:36:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:36:33
Iain
um So, yeah, think I think that was ML Craft at the start of last year as well, although he came on and performed well enough to be, to actually be in consideration as ah as a substitute most of the games.
00:36:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's been incredible.
00:36:50
Iain
I mean, he was picked as a ah substitute a lot um and Target wasn't.
00:36:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:36:57
Iain
But yeah, I agree.
00:36:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
and so
00:36:59
Iain
like that They've all got... all of the All the guys who we might be getting rid of need to be bloody good in in pre-season in order not
Concluding Predictions and Reflections
00:37:08
Iain
to be and the down payment on an upgrade, if you see what I mean.
00:37:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:37:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:37:13
Iain
It's a harsh way and of talking about these guys who I love. All of them.
00:37:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:37:18
Iain
Willick's such a good player. You watch the... <unk>s There's there's a YouTube reel of all Newcastle's goals from that Champions League season and Willock is involved in he scores a lot of them and he's involved in so many of them but I remember that ball with the outside of his foot through for Isak to score the fourth against against Spurs in that 6-1 victory brilliant brilliant but we haven't seen it we haven't seen it for or enough of certainly enough of it for a long time
00:37:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:37:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Tottenham.
00:37:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Greatest assist of all time. Yeah.
00:37:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
No way.
00:37:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it is unfortunate because there is a real player in there and that's a great example of it. Now, just to finish up, obviously it's difficult to pick an 11 or a prediction for what's going happen in the game because it's a first preseason game. No one really knows what's going to happen. But I want you to give me one prediction ahead of the game. It could be anything. doesn't have to be the scoreline, so it might not be a free one.
00:38:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
um it could be an adventure in the game um i'll start off my example is i generally think we'll see john ruddy play for newcastle in a game for the first time second half comes on for who were hurt probably pope who'll start the game and we will finally see that beautiful bald head in a newcastle shirt on the pitch what do you think
00:38:37
Iain
I hope you're right. I hope you're right. And there's a chance, isn't there? Because Odysseus and Dubravka are back pretty late.
00:38:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:38:46
Iain
But um ah yeah there's a chance. imagine goalkeeper, do they need a lot of training to get up to match fitness, particularly if they've been away with their national team?
00:38:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Probably not, but I can dream.
00:38:58
Iain
I think it might be Pope and Dubravka, personally. at My prediction, but I'll go bolder.
00:39:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Probably.
00:39:03
Iain
I'll go bolder, Michael.
00:39:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:39:05
Iain
I think we'll see Anthony Alanga score. and assist.
00:39:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
On a debut.
00:39:11
Iain
There you go On debut.
00:39:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
There you have it. John Ruddy and Alanga making their debuts. One getting a goal and assist and, well, I guess Alanga will have to do something as well. ah and I kid, I kid.
00:39:25
Iain
no
00:39:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Thank you for joining me in. That's all we have time for on today's Daily Newcastle podcast. ah Newcastle and Celtic's previous two games have had five goals combined in each game.
00:39:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Will we see another Goal Fest on Saturday? It'd certainly be a good way to start pre-season. And as long as we don't get B5-0, we'll have still done better than Sunderland did. See later.