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Newcastle United 2025 Review: Cup Glory, Controversy & What Comes Next
2 Playsin 7 hours
What a year it’s been for Newcastle United.
In this end-of-year special, Michael Grahamslaw is joined by Kevin Esther to look back on Newcastle United’s 2025 — a season packed with unforgettable highs, frustrating lows, and huge talking points.
We break the year down into key categories, including:
- The best moment of the year, featuring cup final glory
- The worst moment, including the Tyne & Wear derby disappointment
- Game of the year and the highest-quality performances
- Stand-out, breakthrough, and most improved players
- The Alexander Isak saga and other defining talking points
- Whether 2025 could be Eddie Howe’s final year at the club
- Rating the season out of 10
- And what realistic expectations should be for 2026 and beyond
From silverware to controversy, optimism to frustration — this episode captures everything that made 2025 such a defining year for Newcastle United.
🎙️ Have your say: What was your moment of the year?
⚫⚪ Follow The Daily Newcastle on Spotify and across social media.
🎄 Have a belta Christmas — turrah!
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Transcript
Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:00:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Daily Newcastle podcast. Today we're wrapping up Newcastle United's 2025. A year full of big, big moments, strong opinions and a few rats.
00:00:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
But there's plenty to talk about and fortunately I'm not joined by any rats today. Instead I am joined by Kevin Estar. How's it going buddy?
00:00:21
KEV
Hello, as you're talking, my dog's just trying to jump up. so Sorry, pup. um I'm good. It's Christmas. It's absolutely mental. Well, it's Christmas Eve. um It's carnage, isn't it? I look around my room and there's boxes and bags and my goodness gracious me, what a
Match Predictions: Newcastle vs. Manchester United
00:00:37
KEV
time to be alive. However, ah think it's going to be a good week for Newcastinated fans.
00:00:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, we'll get to that maybe in a bit. We do have a preview for the Man United game going out. But you tell you what, before I even get to what we're going to go through today, you think it's going to be a good week? Give us a prediction for Newcastle Man United.
00:00:54
KEV
I think by the 7th of Jan we'll be in the top 8 and I think the reason for that and I think we'll beat Man U I think we'll win 2-0 maybe 2-1 and the reason I think this is because for the first time in the entire season we are playing teams where we've had more rest of them So we play Man United.
00:01:13
KEV
Man United played day later than us.
00:01:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:14
KEV
So we've had a day extra than Man U. When we play Burnley, we've had a day extra than Burnley when we go away to them. So for the first time in the season, Michael, we've got more time in our opponents to prepare.
00:01:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow.
00:01:24
KEV
And therefore, we are going to get 12 points from the next four and we'll be sat in the top eight to come the first week of January.
2025 Highlights: Cup Win and Fan Joy
00:01:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, some decent games in there as well, obviously after my United Burnley, Crystal Palace and Leeds United. So I love the way that you're thinking, very positive indeed. And hopefully we're going to have some more positivity in today's episode as we're going to be going through some key categories wrapping up 2025, the highs, the lows and what it means going forward.
00:01:42
KEV
Shock.
00:01:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
So to start you off, I'm going to start positively, which is weird for me. um Every season has, well, every year, should I say, has one moment that stands out above the rest. And I've probably gave you the easiest question first.
00:02:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
What was your best moment of 2025 for
00:02:12
KEV
Thank God you'll give us the easiest question first. You have no preparation. You're springing on us, which will get better reactions. The best moment's got to be the cup win. I mean, something I never thought I'd see, especially before the takeover, it was like, we are nowhere near cups.
00:02:25
KEV
We were nowhere near quarterfinals, never mind even a final. um
00:02:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I agree,
00:02:30
KEV
So, yeah, what a moment. And you know what? It couldn't have happened for a better coach. If there was anybody going to break my duck, I would have sold my soul for it to beat Eddie Howe. um
00:02:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah great yeah
00:02:39
KEV
So, I'm so happy and it was nice to see him relax. It was nice to see him run up to the fans with the trophy. You hardly ever see him celebrate like that. So, yeah, what ah what a moment. And we had two weeks to milk it, Michael.
00:02:50
KEV
It was an international break afterwards.
00:02:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:02:52
KEV
So, we just milked being cup winners. And I remember seeing a thing being, oh my God, it's been 12 days since Newcastle won a cup. What a shambles.
00:02:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:02:59
KEV
What a time to be alive. Like, what a time to be alive. um Yeah, cup win. Can't
Worst Moments and Fan Reactions
00:03:04
KEV
get better than that.
00:03:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's got to be in it. As I say, with that moment where Dan Byrne puts the ball in the back of the net, I think genuinely I'll remember yeah i'll remember that until the the day I die, 100%. But course, as a year, it hasn't exactly all been smooth sailing. There's a couple of moments that could be in this, I think, so it'll be interesting to get your take. What has been the lowest point of the year for you as a fan, the worst moment?
00:03:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, well, just let me know how you felt about it.
00:03:32
KEV
I think the easy option is losing at the Sunderland, but you can win and lose a football game, and it's never guaranteed to win a derby, and they wanted it more, so I'm not going to go with a derby.
00:03:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:40
KEV
I've got two moments which stick out, I think. And it both revolves around fans. One's Liverpool fans when the whole Ezek thing was going up. Free Ezek and stuff. was just like That was an awful time to be a fan in 2025 because we idolised him. I know we can talk about him now because he's done hopeless and it turns out that it was Eddie Howe's masterful coaching and setting him a team up for him, which made him a good player. So it's nice to talk about now.
00:04:03
KEV
But at that time when we were just getting bombarded by Liverpool fans of free him, let him go, he wants to come to a big club and all this stuff and it's the football food chain and I was just like, he's went on strike, it's got nothing to do with that.
00:04:17
KEV
We are fuming because he's refusing to do anything for us.
00:04:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:20
KEV
and So that's up there and also the Eddie Out Brigade, they seem to come out around like October, November every year. m
00:04:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:29
KEV
And it's just, it's always the same crap. It's like he's took us as far as he can. Oh, hang on a minute. We've won 10 in a row. That was nice last year. um This year, sorry. But then again, it's happened again recently where I think we won seven of 10 and there we're still seeing he's took us as far as we can.
00:04:48
KEV
And it was like, really?
00:04:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:49
KEV
Like, I get we're not doing well in the league, but we've still got a cup quarterfinal and we were still doing really well in the Champions And there were still, like, again, it's a minority. It's probably the ones who don't set foot in St. James' Park. We've only been fans for the last couple of years. Probably who it is.
00:05:04
KEV
m But yeah, I have a Liverpool fans or Newcastle fans. But since I've got such a bad relationship with Newcastle fans, even I am a Newcastle fan, and It's going to be Newcastle fans, but Eddie Albregred is a disgrace and it should never ever exist.
00:05:16
KEV
That's the worst moment of 2025.
00:05:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nobody in this on this planet is more critical of Newcastle fans than Kev.
00:05:23
KEV
Can't stand them.
00:05:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And to be honest, I appreciate it. I agree to an extent. My perspective always been every fan base has that 5% of idiots.
00:05:33
KEV
Yeah, you're right. Yeah.
00:05:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Our idiots are just
Loyalty and Criticism of Eddie Howe
00:05:35
KEV
ah Louder. You know what?
00:05:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
worse than normal idiots.
00:05:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're up there with Arsenal.
00:05:37
KEV
It's Yeah, it's not even like criticising. You can criticise Eddie Howe. He got it wrong against Sunderland. It's fine to say he got it wrong against Sunderland.
00:05:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Massively wrong, yeah.
00:05:44
KEV
It's fine to say that he makes mistakes. He's a manager. He will make loads of mistakes. And we'll lose loads of games from now in the future because that is part of the sport.
00:05:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:05:53
KEV
However, to instantly turn on somebody who literally came to us when nobody else would, Emery emy turned us down. No other manager wanted to touch us because we looked like were dead set for relegation.
00:06:04
KEV
And he probably took the job thinking this is going to be a rebuild in the championship. But... It's an opportunity. he took He chose us when nobody else wanted to. And then what he did for us that first season, we finished 11th somehow, even though we didn't win a game in the first eight.
00:06:16
KEV
um And then the Champions League, two qualifications off, the but well, not off the bounds, but two and three year. Even the season when we didn't qualify, we still finished something like sixth or seventh, but got done over by cups and all that rubbish.
00:06:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Man United in the cup. Yeah.
00:06:30
KEV
um And it's a case of how can you criticise somebody who loves the club as much as he does? And do you know, when we lose and he's honest and he's nice about the other team, but we criticise Klopp and Arteta all the time for making excuses about the ball.
00:06:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:44
KEV
But then we don't want the gentleman. It's just, it does me not in. So yeah, I don't know how anybody can ever, I get you can be critical and you can absolutely say Eddie got things wrong because he has and he will.
00:06:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
He has, yeah.
00:06:54
KEV
But you cannot just turn on them and say we want them out because of what you've done for the club.
00:06:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:58
KEV
I've never seen any other manager have this impact on a club.
00:07:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. I think the the closest one, Zunai Emery with Aston Villa, and let's be honest, September, Morgan Rogers was getting booed. The Emery out-brigade had started to come out for Villa, so it's exactly that.
00:07:09
KEV
Yeah. Yeah, exactly. football It's just football fans in general. They're awful, Michael. They're horrendous.
00:07:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:16
KEV
The ones who are listening to this, thank you very much.
00:07:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are, aren't we?
00:07:19
KEV
Thank you very much.
00:07:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:07:20
KEV
I'm part of
Best Matches of 2025: Barcelona Game
00:07:21
KEV
being a football fan. So, yeah, we're all awful.
00:07:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
At least the people listening to this have good taste. But to be honest, I keepe i completely agree.
00:07:26
KEV
Good one.
00:07:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tying and weird derby, you kind of have to take it the equation because that is the clear one.
00:07:32
KEV
Yeah.
00:07:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for me, the lowest I've felt was, you know, when the news broke that Benjamin Seshko had rejected us for Man United and it was like, we've been rejected by about six strikers in a row.
00:07:41
KEV
Yeah.
00:07:44
KEV
That was tough. That was tough.
00:07:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Izak is going to leave. We're going to be stuck there with William Asula for the full season. And I was sitting there.
00:07:51
KEV
Yeah.
00:07:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
pre-season's usually when I'm at the most positive and it certainly wasn't there at that point exactly except from Dominic Calvert-Lewin
00:07:54
KEV
Yeah. ah killed this It killed that one one moment of positivity. But we got the German Prince. He's who's outscored every other striker we were linked with, I think, other than Eke Tiki.
00:08:07
KEV
Nah, he hasn't outscored. He's outscored Calvertum, hasn't he?
00:08:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
they've got I think they've got the same amount Calvert-Lewin's been on fire
00:08:11
KEV
The same. He said, that's all right. Well, no other striker we've been linked with has scored more than him other than Eke Tiki, I think.
00:08:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But away from the negatives and let's go.
00:08:20
KEV
I think gone.
00:08:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah the one I'm going ask you for next is a bit of a brighter note. We've had some excellent matches of football over the course of the year. It might be one where it's just the same as the best moment in the cup final.
00:08:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
But what is the guest best game that you've seen, including Newcastle United this year? Not necessarily your favourite, but the highest quality. So, yeah, the cup final was pretty high quality.
00:08:47
KEV
um
00:08:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
That will suffice, but...
00:08:49
KEV
probably Barcelona at home. That was a bit of a lesson as a Newcastle fan because we got a goal back.
00:08:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. ah
00:08:55
KEV
was eight minutes. Get into them. And then Pedri just put his foot on the ball and I'm like, we can't get near these. three These are unbelievable.
00:09:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it was mental, wasn't it?
00:09:02
KEV
This is different. This is like a next step up from anything we've played. Even when we played PSG with Mbappe a couple of years ago, they didn't look that good. Barcelona were just popping it around and I was a bit like, yeah, we're not even going to get the ball for these eight minutes.
00:09:15
KEV
We got a goal back, but
00:09:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:09:17
KEV
These are unbelievable. And it was mainly like, it was just Pedri. What a player Pedri is. I always thought he was good, but mainly because of like highlights on YouTube and then probably football
Standout Player: Bruno's Influence
00:09:26
KEV
manager in FIFA probably swaying us a little bit.
00:09:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:28
KEV
And now he's probably a good player. But when seeing him live was just next level. In a way, I kind of wish Yamal was fit. So I could have witnessed because he could turn out to be like my next Messi in summer.
00:09:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:40
KEV
I saw him it's in St. James's Park. Yeah. But yeah, probably probably the Barcelona game. The highest quality game has to be Newcastle-Barcelona. It was just, they were so good.
00:09:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. 100%.
00:09:51
KEV
Even the goal we scored, by the way, probably our best team goal of the season.
00:09:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great goal. Yeah. rachel
00:09:54
KEV
We had to be that good to score. It was like, pop into the middle, pop it back, little triangle, out wide, early cross, and Gordon gets a tap in. And even then, we keep it almost covered. The other side of the goal to make a save from Gordon.
00:10:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:06
KEV
So even then to score, we had to score like a goal of the season contender. So yeah, highest quality game, Barcelona at home.
00:10:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think it's one of those Barcelona was probably the most even game as well. I think Barcelona is definitely up there for me. I think Premier League-wise, you'd think you'd maybe be talking your Arsenals, your Liverpool, stuff like that. I actually think the Nottingham Forest game was up there, you know, when we beat them four three We scored four goals in 20 minutes.
00:10:29
KEV
Oh, yeah. That was mental.
00:10:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
and their But Forest were just really, really good.
00:10:34
KEV
Yeah, they came back.
00:10:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was sitting there going, actually, you know what?
00:10:35
KEV
They almost came back.
00:10:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
They nearly got a result, yeah. was nearly Newcastle-Arsenal over again.
00:10:41
KEV
Arsenal.
00:10:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know they took the lead, but it was one of those where ah we executed the game plan to perfection.
00:10:43
KEV
Yeah.
00:10:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Both teams were excellent. But yeah, I do agree. Barcelona just to does tip it a little bit. But for Premier League, I just thought I'd have to give that shout-out.
00:10:54
KEV
Definitely, yeah.
00:10:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then... We've spoken about the game of the year, moment of the year. What about player of the year? Who has been your standout player for Newcastle United in 2025? And tell me what separates them from everybody else in the squad.
00:11:10
KEV
Bruno. Bruno is the man.
00:11:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're in agreement, to be honest.
00:11:13
KEV
The reason why, so Tonali's come in and he's been amazing. I love big Joe Linton, but again, he's kind of up and down form-wise.
00:11:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:21
KEV
Bruno, there was a period he was getting quite a bit of stick, but he's the one who drags us through games. There's been three or four games a season where you've just seen him get on the ball. And absolutely, by the scruff of the neck, a little bit like what Gerrards and Lampards used to of the 90s and 2000s, drag the team, force them through, desperation almost, like be will The will to win of Bruno is unbelievable.
00:11:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:43
KEV
And I think the start of the 25-26 season has been his best I've seen him.
00:11:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I'd agree. Mm-hmm.
00:11:48
KEV
It's not Newcastle's best start, but individually in terms of...
00:11:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah degree
00:11:51
KEV
I'm not just talking statistically here because his goals and assists are very good for the first games of the season. But...
00:11:59
KEV
Just the way he's constantly getting on the ball, the way he's having to go at others when we take the lead. His honesty in post-match interviews after the Sunderland game, not with him and Howe had a fallout, but he was like, we were a mess.
00:12:09
KEV
Like, it's embarrassing.
00:12:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:11
KEV
He's the one for me in the entirety of 2025 who, it's almost like picking a guy from like, Jarrah, our biker, and put him as Newcastle captain with a bit of Brazilian flair because he cares that much and he's so desperate to get us through some games.
00:12:27
KEV
um I think the Fulham game is one of them in the Cup. the
00:12:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:31
KEV
Who else did we beat? It was Fulham in league as well. think Fulham in league 2-1. He dragged us through it since the Heimov League.
00:12:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, the last minute goal.
00:12:37
KEV
The Liverpool game, even though we lost 3-2 with 10 men, he's the one who got us back to 2-2. You could just see he still believed. I looked around the pitch and I said to the person next to us, out of them lot out there, who's the one the body language who was going to drag us through with 10 men at 2-0 down and Bruno was still going and he's the one who got us back in.
00:12:54
KEV
Yes, we lost the game, but yeah, for 2025, nobody for me has been more consistent than Bruno.
00:12:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah du percent
00:12:59
KEV
He's still our best midfielder despite Tenardi being fantastic.
Breakout Players: Malik Chow and Nick Valtomar
00:13:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i completely agree. i think just ah I said the same player, to be honest. um and I think the the game most recently that sticks out to me is the 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham.
00:13:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
In first half, I thought we weren't great. Second, we were a better team but it was a team, but it was two poor teams.
00:13:21
KEV
Yeah.
00:13:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Bruno comes on for Tsunali and just completely changes the game.
00:13:24
KEV
Oh, so good.
00:13:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I know we didn't win it in the end. But absolutely fantastic. And then, to be honest, the derby as well. I thought he was the only player, maybe maybe Hall as well, maybe, who could come out with, maybe Bairn as well, actually, because you know he did go off with a punctured lung and try to pri try to play a yeah But only players who get really any credit from that because it was atrocious all around.
00:13:31
KEV
He was the only one.
00:13:40
KEV
And he tried to play on, to be fair.
00:13:47
KEV
Mm.
00:13:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But we spoke about the standout player. We'll go into a few more after this little ad break from Bionique.
00:14:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've got a third member of the pod on today. Kev, who's the lovely, lovely woofer?
00:14:39
KEV
It's Lera. She's a massive Newcastle fan and she wants to be part of it. So there she is. Look, look, she's very photogenic. She makes me look a little bit more, a little bit less handsome than normal because she's so pretty.
00:14:49
KEV
So,
Player Development: Miley and Barnes
00:14:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Impossible, man. Impossible. Lovely to have you, Littlin. But let's talk about the emerging players. So we've had a few decent players who've come out who maybe we didn't expect to be as good this season. Kev, who for you has been the breakout player this year? And has it been a ah breakout that surprised you or has it been one that you thought, yeah, that was coming?
00:14:51
KEV
yeah.
00:15:14
KEV
I think breakout, the easy option Malik Chow because we didn't exactly know how good he was going to be.
00:15:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's what I've gone for.
00:15:21
KEV
I mean, everyone talked about Botman in the same regard as Woodgate for a long time. And I obviously was very lucky to see Woodgate. And I thought, he's nowhere near Woodgate.
00:15:31
KEV
He's not as fast. He's not as good on the ball. He's not as good in the tackle. Botman's a good defender, but I always felt like Newcastle fans overrated him. I think that season when we finished fourth, that first one,
00:15:42
KEV
He was so good that he was just like, he was amazing, but he's never really reached them heights since. and So, ciao probably for the obvious breakout.
00:15:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:51
KEV
In terms of surprise, probably Valtemar. I know when we signed him, I was excited, but I did think at one point, I was like, he's like sixth choice striker, seventh choice striker.
00:16:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:04
KEV
He's not the one we wanted. How on earth is he going to come in and adapt? And honestly, i' probablypped i like I haven't fell in love with a footballer since I was about... 15.
00:16:14
KEV
I have probably fell head over heels with Nick Valtemar.
00:16:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:17
KEV
The way he plays, his height, the way he looks, his German-ness. He's 6'7". He's unbelievable with his feet. He can skin players, which is just so strange.
00:16:28
KEV
um He's got proper weird style. So i just I fell in love with him. i've just went on rant about Nick Valtemar.
00:16:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:33
KEV
But he's probably my surprise because genuinely didn't expect him to have...
00:16:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's alright.
00:16:37
KEV
How many goals he got now? Eight, nine?
00:16:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Something like that, yeah. I can't remember off the top of my head.
00:16:41
KEV
something like nine goals and we're not even kind of it well we're we're about to come to Christmas and I just think what a great adaptation that is and the pressure put on him by the way because when he came in there was no other real striker Isaac's always kind of had I know they've been injured at times but Isaac had Wilson behind him they keep pushing him Wilson had Isaac that season we finished fourth for first time ro Wilson got 18 because Isaac was on the bench Nick's come in Brand new country, brand new style of player, brand new teammates in a team which was built for an early crossing, Alexander Izak or Izak running in behind to then get nine goals and adapt really well is just being amazing. I know he scored the own goal against the Matins, but look, I'd rather him try and get on the end of our header and stop it than just let it go past him and a sudden play a tap it in. So, yeah, Nick Baltimore is the biggest surprise, but our best breakout player is probably Chow.
00:17:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think the only thing I can say about Malik Chow is obviously that header against the against Sunderland from Volta Mata. He realistically should be shouting and saying, I've got that covered, because he is right behind him.
00:17:41
KEV
yeah definitely he's for class yeah
00:17:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But that's, again... eight doesn't he doesn't fit me as the the commander in the back line. He's the ah he the athletic one. Yeah, he's the class. So a little bit of miscommunication there, but Chau has been absolutely fantastic this year, and i completely agree.
00:17:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nick Valtomar, I don't think anyone expected him. I just checked there.
00:18:01
KEV
definitely not that's insane in In a team which isn't used to him.
00:18:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
He has got nine goals. So absolutely fantastic, Chau. Yeah,
00:18:06
KEV
In a league which... You've got to think it took Isaac a full season to adapt, didn't it? and when When we first signed Isaac for 60-something million, I think he got injured, of course, but I think he got something like nine goals or eight goals in his first season for Newcastle.
00:18:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah.
00:18:21
KEV
And you think, that's a lot of money. Hopefully he comes good. And he did come good. And we obviously... you turned into a massive superstar in the Premier League. Volton Mara's come in with that expectation. think he's better at Isaac's first season already, so...
00:18:35
KEV
Yeah, big shock.
00:18:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, big call. Big call indeed. And to be honest, it's not one that I disagree with. But I do completely agree. i think when you see a man that big, you do not expect him to have the feet that Nick Vultomar has.
00:18:48
KEV
I love
00:18:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And ever it reminds me a bit of a Peter Crouch, but genuinely think he's got better feet than Peter c Crouch did.
00:18:54
KEV
ah Definitely. I call him Berber Crouch.
00:18:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:18:57
KEV
He's got the heading ability Crouch and the touch of Berbertov.
00:18:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, you do.
00:19:00
KEV
That's how good he is.
00:19:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Honestly, and so i couldn't have put it back.
00:19:00
KEV
so Fernando Berber Crouch because I love Torres and I want a Torres in there somewhere.
00:19:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Torres will fit in there somewhere. I just hope it's not Chelsea Torres' finishing at one point.
00:19:08
KEV
The hair.
00:19:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, the hair will go.
00:19:10
KEV
Nah. The hair.
00:19:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
The hair will go.
00:19:12
KEV
The hair in the boots.
00:19:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lovely stuff. Probably could have um mixed these two together, but just let me know if the answer is the same. Most improved player of 2025.
00:19:20
KEV
Hmm.
00:19:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who you going for?
00:19:26
KEV
Oh.
00:19:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And if you need time to think, I can give you mine.
00:19:30
KEV
Gotta be Jacob. I mean, Jacob Murphy, when you hear most improved, you just think of Jacob Murphy because he couldn't get a game of chef wet on loan a couple of years ago.
00:19:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:19:38
KEV
And now he's like, Arnie Slott's coming out and saying we haven't got a player of his calibre. And you think, is this right? Like, is this for actual Jacob Murphy? We see just absolutely turning into David Beckham.
00:19:48
KEV
um But I think he's been good for a while now, so I'm not going to give him more stim.
00:19:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:52
KEV
You go yours first, I'll have a think.
00:19:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
i've I've gone Lewis Miley because I think last season, well, 2024, I thought I was sitting there thinking, and right, Lewis Miley is just going to be another Elliot Anderson.
00:19:57
KEV
Yeah.
00:20:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
2023 and 2022, I was sitting there going, this kid is the next big thing.
00:20:05
KEV
Hmm.
00:20:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's going to be absolutely fantastic.
00:20:09
KEV
Yeah.
00:20:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then 2024 came around. He bulked up a little bit. it didn't really know It didn't really look like he knew how to use that extra bulk, in my opinion.
00:20:18
KEV
Yeah.
00:20:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I actually thought he was quite poor. um And then this season, he's come back in. And it's one of those where he looks like a superstar. And it he looks like the player we thought he was in 2022, 2023 and 19.
00:20:27
KEV
Yeah.
Alexander Ezek's Departure: Biggest Talking Point
00:20:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
So he's looking like a complete midfielder for me. I think that is most improved because he's learned how to play with that physique that he's got now.
00:20:40
KEV
Yeah, I think my most improved is going to be in a comedy if I'm saying this because this is the one player would have cashed in on and sold, but it's got to be Harvey Barnes.
00:20:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:48
KEV
Barnes, this is actually a period before that last game against Chelsea because Gordon had a blinder against Chelsea. He was excellent. But before that game, I'd be saying start Barnes ahead of him because Barnes has been fantastic when maybe others haven't been.
00:21:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I agree.
00:21:03
KEV
So I'm probably going to go Barnes mainly because probably at the start of 2025, back then at 24, I'm thinking...
00:21:11
KEV
that's time to cash in. Can we get 35 mil? Can we just lose 5 million on him and we'll upgrade? And now I'm sat there thinking he's arguably the best finisher at the club, potentially.
00:21:21
KEV
we haven't seen Whistler properly, but if I was to pick one player to go through one-on-one with a goalkeeper it in an important part of a game right now, I'd probably pick Barnes.
00:21:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
hundred percent
00:21:30
KEV
So, Yeah, he's went from me wanting to cash in on him to me saying I'd pick him as the one who would be running through on goal if I had to pick somebody. So, yeah, Harvey Barnes probably most improved for 25 for me.
00:21:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's a great shout. That game against Benfica came on, changed the game. Great against Manchester City.
00:21:46
KEV
Yeah.
00:21:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Biggest win of the season. I thought games against like Brentford and stuff, he was one of the only players that actually stood out.
00:21:49
KEV
Yeah. Exactly.
00:21:53
KEV
Exactly.
00:21:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So great shout, great shout. And then one of the last ones, the biggest talking point of 2025 for you. And how do you think the Newcastle United fan base reacted to it as a whole?
00:22:09
KEV
um Pretty well, Ezek, innit?
00:22:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tailored for you, this one.
00:22:14
KEV
It's got to be Ezek. The Ezek situation was horrendous. And I remember, actually, I probably look like more the deep than most Newcastle fans.
Fan Emotions: Ezek's Departure and Injuries
00:22:21
KEV
If I'm going to be fair in criticising Newcastle fans, I should probably criticise myself.
00:22:25
KEV
Because when the Ezek story came out, was for once saying, nah, it's a whole lot of rubbish, Liverpool trying to unsettle him, we're not going to unsettle him, he's happy here, he's in the form of his life.
00:22:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was the same.
00:22:34
KEV
Stop being so bloody doom and gloom. Why did Newcastle fans get so emotional and over top? And actually, it turned out all of them were right. All of them were bang on.
00:22:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:43
KEV
Isaac did want to be away. He did want to go. And he didn't want to play for Newcastle anymore. So I was wrong. and But it was a big talking point when Newcastle fans got that one right on that occasion. And I got it massively wrong. But again, I still disagree with some of the stuff which was being said. I mean, even some things said on this podcast about like,
00:23:01
KEV
I hope he rots and stuff. I was a bit like, I mean, that's harsh. I mean, i was upset and I was a bit hurt by it because I loved he's like, we all did, if we're honest.
00:23:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:09
KEV
and But yeah, I mean, I don't want any bad to come. I mean, he's broke his leg at the minute. and that I still don't feel sorry for him when he's broke his leg, but I wasn't willing it to happen. So I'm still in that middle breakup phase at the minute where I'm probably over him because I fell in love Big Nick.
00:23:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I'm exactly the
00:23:25
KEV
but I still don't want him to actually do well for Liverpool yet. But I'm also not happy he's hurt because, I mean, you don't want to see any footballer hurt, do you?
00:23:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
Speculation: 2026 Departures
00:23:32
KEV
um
00:23:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's exactly what I said yesterday i'm on the pod that's gone out this morning. and It's pretty disgusting the way some people have been talking about it for Izak.
00:23:36
KEV
Yeah.
00:23:39
KEV
Yeah. Yeah, we don't want to see people break legs and stuff. No, absolutely not.
00:23:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, but I enjoyed it when he was doing absolutely terrible up front for Liverpool.
00:23:47
KEV
So did I, yeah.
00:23:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not enjoying the fact he's doing the Michael Owen role now.
00:23:51
KEV
Yeah, um yeah, I love seeing him play for Liverpool when he's playing horrendously bad and and not fitting in. There was one game, I can't remember who it was, but the ball came to him and rather like track the ball and move towards it, he just let it bounce over his head.
00:24:03
KEV
And I was like, oh, his confidence is shot.
00:24:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:06
KEV
That's nice to see. And I think the day after, Valtemar had scored as well. So I was like even even better. We were like, yes, what a piece of business.
00:24:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Looks like we got the better of the deal, yeah.
00:24:15
KEV
But yeah, we don't we don't want him injured.
00:24:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's it's a... No, I think it's a funny one because you look at it and that whole striker saga in the summer. Obviously, Trent left Liverpool beforehand, whether you agree with how it does was done or not.
00:24:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it was fine. Run down your contract. you know you've You've let your contract go. That's fine in my opinion.
00:24:33
KEV
Yeah.
00:24:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But Trent got injured. Wissa got injured. Isaac all got injured. All controversial.
00:24:39
KEV
Karma.
00:24:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly that. I think it's one of those karma as a way of you know getting around things. And we're seeing it now. Now let's just sort of move on. Wissa's back.
00:24:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's going to bang in the goals.
00:24:52
KEV
yeah
00:24:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Isaac will probably play next season. And, well, who cares about Trent? He's playing for Real Madrid. um But hopefully, yeah.
00:24:58
KEV
You'll win the World Cup.
00:25:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
You can check out a World Cup podcast if you want to talk about that, part the GSPN network. But...
00:25:07
KEV
I love England, mate. I know.
00:25:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, we might not talk about it in the summer. We'll see how it goes. But looking ahead to 2026, Kev, who do you think at Newcastle United has completed their final year with Newcastle and this time next year will not be with the club?
00:25:23
KEV
Oh, no.
00:25:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:25:28
KEV
Right, Kieran Trippier.
00:25:31
KEV
Definitely his last year, I think. Not because I want it to be. He's been an unbelievable servant, but I just think the wages he's probably on. um And the age he's at, and there is a slight decline, if we're honest, in terms of what he was like when he first came. But I'm not going to come on here and say anything negative about Trippier because... he's one of the ones who started all but I think it's trippy as last year just through age age and wage um the next one probably Emil Kraft again good servant done his job but I think it's time to probably upgrade to a point where a someone who's fit a little bit more because he has had some injury problems in the last two
Eddie Howe's Future and Impact
00:26:06
KEV
three years and again as much as I love him and I love calling him Kraft who um and I'll probably always overrate him if I'm honest
00:26:14
KEV
um
00:26:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, same.
00:26:15
KEV
I think it's probably time again he's on a good wage he's at an age where he's probably not as reliable as he was so I think it'll be an upgrade I also think it's probably the last year of Joe Willock I think it might be cashed in on he's looked good recently coming in but I think the club might be clever
00:26:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
He
00:26:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
has. I've liked him.
00:26:35
KEV
and think, all right, now he looks like he's in half-decent form. Can we get maybe 20 million and get a little bit back for him?
00:26:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:43
KEV
um And then this one's going to absolutely tear my heart out, but it's probably Fabian Charles last year the club.
00:26:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah, to be honest, agree.
00:26:52
KEV
contract hasn Contract hasn't been agreed yet. For me, he's still our he's in the top two. I don't know how good Chau is always going to be, But in terms of consistency, if I was going to start two centre-halves for Newcastle United in a cup final tomorrow and everybody was fit to pick from, I would pick Chau and Shaw.
00:27:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh huh.
00:27:09
KEV
Without a doubt.
00:27:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
OK.
00:27:10
KEV
Wouldn't even hesitate. um But not signing my new contract, him was set now recording this on the 23rd of December, um I'm a little bit worried that he's either going to go in January or it's going to be run down.
00:27:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:24
KEV
Probably not going in January because we've got a lot of and unavailable centre-halves. But...
00:27:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
There.
00:27:29
KEV
Yeah, 34, 35 years old. still a bit least You know what? He's probably, apart from Woodgate, in terms of longevity and consistency, the best centre-half ever seen at Newcastle.
00:27:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh, massive shout-out, and not one disagree with, to be honest.
00:27:41
KEV
If he was 10 years younger, Michael, Man City would be paying $110 million for him. He's that good on the ball. His passing range is amazing.
00:27:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Probably.
00:27:49
KEV
He's good in Yeah, he doesn't get enough credit for how good he is in defensive duels. He used to be so poor under Bruce in previous management.
00:27:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:56
KEV
used to think, oh, he's got to play in a back five because he's dodgy defensively. And since Hull come in, he's been fantastic defensively.
00:28:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:03
KEV
The odd mistake, of course, he has, like every defender. But when the start of a season, I think it was was at Wolves at home. or was at Fulham at home. One of them's got a massive striker. Huge. didn't even know who he was.
00:28:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wolves.
00:28:13
KEV
thought, who's that?
00:28:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's wolves.
00:28:14
KEV
And Schar won almost every duel against him. And I was thinking, my God, Schar's so improved, so good. And his ability on the ball, we just attack differently when he's in the team.
00:28:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:24
KEV
Like I say, if he was 10 years younger, City, Madrid, Barca would all be interested in him.
00:28:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
All in for him. Fares, fares.
00:28:31
KEV
That's how good he is.
00:28:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think as well with Fabian Scherr under Steve Bruce in training, they're launching the ball up to Andy Carroll and Andy Carroll's just going, trying to punch him in the face instead of getting the ball.
00:28:40
KEV
Yeah. Boom. Yeah.
00:28:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's going, I don't like these. I don't like these English strikers.
00:28:46
KEV
I don't like this English style of play. Not for me.
00:28:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
But now he's a he's a little bit... um But yeah, I think, to be honest, I agree with all of them, and I actually think, just to add on one that will probably break you a little bit more, I actually think it's Eddie Howe's final year with Boo, you know.
00:29:02
KEV
no, no. no
00:29:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think it's... I think it's mutual. I think it's one of those where... I don't know why, you can just feel it. He's not going to be sacked.
00:29:10
KEV
Nah
00:29:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
He ain't going to be pushed. But he's just going to quietly go, you know what? I think I'm ready to move on.
00:29:16
KEV
Nah Nah He's going to get a 10 year contract He's going to win the f FA Cup
00:29:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
And...
00:29:21
KEV
might finish 8th or 7th, the league might not be rescuable, but we'll finish 7th, we'll win the f FA Cup, we'll defend the League Cup, um you'll get a 10-year contract, you'll get a stat you just in between Sir Bobby and Alan Shearer, and I'll be happy, and and I'll be happy forever, and there'll be no talk, I honestly think, on a serious note, right, if Howe does go, think in first two or three games afterwards, I think I'll just have to like, I'll have to like, offer my ticket to someone, I don't think, I'll be mourning, Michael,
00:29:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you should get a statue to be fair
00:29:50
KEV
I haven't loved, i loved Bobby, but I was a bit younger. I am obsessed with Eddie Howe.
00:29:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:54
KEV
There's no chance could. I even think of a new cast night without him at the minute. So I hope you're wrong.
00:30:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I do as well, if I'm completely honest. um But every cycle has to end. And I'd rather that the Eddie Howe one ends on a good note before, let's say, we lose six games in a row and there's a you know there's a mob after his head.
00:30:06
KEV
It's true.
00:30:14
KEV
That would be awful, yeah.
00:30:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because there already is to a degree. But i I want him to go out and be remembered as the man that transformed the club, lifted expectations and delivered nights that people will never forget.
00:30:21
KEV
And
00:30:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah it's just one of those where if it goes after this season, I can't see it ending like that. And I think at the end of this season, I think how our Newcastle will just go, you know what? It's been absolutely brilliant.
00:30:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
But you go your way. We'll go our way.
00:30:41
KEV
I guess if it was going to happen, if it was going to happen, i would want it to be on house terms, I guess, because I love the bloke that much.
00:30:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
And let's end on happy. Yeah.
00:30:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:50
KEV
But I just, I don't know. I think it could happen. And if it does happen, expect a two-hour long morning podcast solo of me.
00:31:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:31:01
KEV
which I will repeat in post every day for the rest of the time.
00:31:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll get it booked in.
00:31:06
KEV
um But yeah, if it does, I guess if Eddie Al ever does have to go, which he does, obviously all good things come to an end at some point. I do want it to be on
00:31:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Of
Reflecting on 2025: A Joyful Year
00:31:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
course.
00:31:14
KEV
his terms.
00:31:14
KEV
I want him to make the decision of, I've won you the Premier League. It's now time for me to step down. um so maybe that'll be the 26-27 season when he wins the Prem. Who knows?
00:31:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe, just maybe.
00:31:24
KEV
Get that clipped. imagine if we're Imagine if we're in the runoff of a Premier League in 2027 and that gets clipped.
00:31:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:31:31
KEV
I'm from a future.
00:31:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll get James to put it on standby. It's going to happen.
00:31:33
KEV
I'm like the Simpsons. Yeah.
00:31:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we'll finish off. We've done some categories right there. I want you to give the year of 2025 as a Newcastle United fan a rating out of 10. Obviously, we've had some massive highs. The Carabao Cup win ending that drought. Some brilliant wins as well. And then the lows, such as the Alexander-Izac debacle,
00:31:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
and the recent Tyneway derby. But to summarise, 2025 has saw Newcastle win 28 games, 29 after Boxing Day, 7 draws and 16 defeats in 2025.
00:32:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
What are you giving it out of 10, Kev?
00:32:12
KEV
20. Has to be.
00:32:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, it's been that good.
00:32:15
KEV
i mean i mean, look, for you, we we we sometimes lose touch, don't we? Because we win a trophy and then we get caught up in not having a great league campaign or Isaac leaving.
00:32:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
do.
00:32:25
KEV
Players have always come and gone from any club. Look, the club survived losing and Andy Cole. It survived losing Davide Ginola and all the other legend, Les Ferdinand, who everybody we we all loved and they were amazing and it survived losing Johan Cabai even after that and players like CC and Denver Bar went to Chelsea and
00:32:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:32:42
KEV
and Ben Arthur went to PSG. we we This is part of football, so I'm not going to take into account transfers. You expect it. At some point, there'll be a player who we love now who will leave and it'll be really sad, but that doesn't matter.
00:32:55
KEV
If you could have said we'll win a trophy at the end of 2024, say 2025 Newcastle will win a trophy and it's not the Intertotal Cup and it's not the Audi Cup, right, or the Seller Cup, it's a proper trophy.
00:33:10
KEV
And you'll have 300,000 people on the streets of Newcastle celebrating with the manager.
00:33:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:33:17
KEV
And there'll be like a huge Eddie Howe poster on the Sandman signature. I would have sold my kids for that. I'm not going to lie. I would have said it. Yeah, have them both.
00:33:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
See ya!
00:33:29
KEV
Yeah, get rid of him, actually, because I'll take that. I'd love to see Eddie on the side of a sandman. um But, yeah, look, it's unbeatable, I think. Even if we go on with Nefe Cup and the Premier League will beat it, and if we ever win the Champions League, we can dream that'll beat it.
00:33:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:45
KEV
But that's the first one. It'll never feel like that again, Michael. Never, ever, ever feel like that again.
00:33:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nah, it won't.
00:33:50
KEV
Even if it is the Prem and it's more prestigious. That was the first one. That was the everybody on the streets that day.
00:33:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:59
KEV
That'll be getting talked about for like the next 100 years. That makes everybody who was there immortal. That makes
Conclusion and Holiday Greetings
00:34:05
KEV
us almost immortal because we will remember that forever and we were talking about that.
00:34:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:34:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:09
KEV
And yeah, it's got to be a 10 out of 10 or 20 out of 10. Give it what you want, but nothing can take away that feeling of A beating Liverpool in the final. With Dan Burnhead, it was magic.
00:34:19
KEV
Even the Ezek goal. Look, I haven't fully forgiven him, but I can talk about his goal at Wembley again.
00:34:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
The
00:34:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
volley is brilliant, isn't it?
00:34:25
KEV
and the scenes at Wembley are full time playing Sam Fender at Wembley Geordie's taking over London again for the second time sticking with the team it being Eddie Howe the 300,000 on the streets of ah of Newcastle the 50,000 at the Town Moor and the event and Bruno singing ridiculous songs and swearing saying he's a and legend so look that'll never be beating that no matter what we win it'll never feel that good again so yeah 10 out of 10 has to be
00:34:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I couldn't have said it better myself. And it's just, you know what? That is a perfect positive end to a couple of months that have been pretty downbeat. It's a perfect end and a nice reminder to exactly what Newcastle fans have gone through this year and just how good the highs have been. So thank you very much for joining me there, Kev. Thank you everyone for listening. Let us know your best moments, although I think I know already.
00:35:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let me know your worst and just basically answer the categories below.
00:35:18
KEV
Thank you.
00:35:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh, Check us out on Spotify, wherever you get your podcasts, on the social medias. Have a belt at Christmas, and I'll see you on the other side. Ta-ra.