Newcastle United fans preparing for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Less than two weeks to go now until Liverpool travel to St James’ Park.
An ‘interesting’ summer so far…
So many talking points.
An ideal time to get a snapshot of views from Newcastle United fans on their thoughts.
So we sent out questions to a number of regular/irregular contributors to The Mag, varying to a degree the questions that different fans received to answer.
Next up answering some questions is Rea I:
Some time ago Yasir Al-Rumayyan said the intention was to make Newcastle United number one in the world, how far along the road to that do you think we are?
We are just pulling out of the garage, the engine is humming, the car sounds smooth, the driver has recently passed his test so there some challenges ahead and lots of rapid learning to undertake. The car is full of passengers, all hopeful the driver knows what he’s doing and all enthusiastic about the journey ahead. However, the tank is almost empty and despite great intentions to have a good trip, there isn’t enough fuel to get across the Tyne Bridge! In essence, we’re a long way from being the best in England never mind the world. Last season we weren’t even the best in the North East.
Do you think the Newcastle United owners have a strong long-term plan for the club, or are they making it up as they go along?
I would hope they have a strong long-term plan. At times it feels impulsive and random but hopefully going forwards fans get to hear more about the strong and ambitious plan.
What do you think of the choice of Matthias Jaissle as the new NUFC boss?
I’m intrigued by what he may bring to the city, club, team and the season ahead. I’m hopeful for new ideas and exciting football. We (club, press, fans) can’t afford to put too much pressure on him, and he and his backroom staff need to be given time to establish themselves.
Three words to describe how you currently feel as a Newcastle United fan?
Sad, ready, optimistic
Three words to describe Newcastle United now?
Uncertainty, transitional, intriguing
Do you see it as good news or bad news that Eddie Howe resigned?
Both, on a personal level I liked and rated Eddie, he had humility and a strong professional demeanour and because of that I feel he managed to retain respect from the people who genuinely understand the complexities of the world of football and the premiership. However, his job was made increasingly harder by the constraints placed on him and the emerging pattern of NUFC selling their better players. I do feel positive about the future, it will take time and it would be foolish to expect immediate success (but I’d take it if it happened!)
Hand on heart, what position do you currently believe Newcastle United are most likely to finish in the 2026/27 Premier League season?
6th or 7th if it’s a good season
Do you see a potential lack of leadership on the pitch next season as Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier have left?
Yes, I see Dan Burn as an automatic choice for club captain but currently I can’t identify a natural captain on the pitch. Hopefully now Bruno has departed someone will step up and command that role. Who knows, we may have a hidden captain ready to grab the honour of wearing the armband.
The opening six league games are Liverpool home, Spurs away, Bournemouth home, Leeds away, Hull home and Coventry away. How many points will be the reality?
10 – 3 home wins and a draw away.
What do you see as the biggest priorities in the remainder of the transfer market this summer?
Retention of all our current squad and some defensive bolstering.
Sandro Tonali leaving, your thoughts?
I liked Sandro but never quite felt he really ‘belonged’, we enjoyed moments of brilliance but also watched him remain hidden in games. I feel the club looked after him exceptionally well when he was in a difficult and dark place, but I never expected or believed that would keep him at NUFC. There are many influences on players; we know desirable and valuable players are always likely to be tempted by the more successful clubs, the attraction of bigger wages and easier accessibility to places (EG London providing international players with the increased facility to return to their home country).
What would represent success now in the 2026/27 season for Newcastle United?
1. Finish in the top 10
2. Qualification for a European competition
3. A good run in either cup
Predict the top six in the Premier League (in order) in 2026/27.
Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool
Which eight current Newcastle United players (in order) are going to be most important for the 2026/27 season?
1st choice goalkeeper, Hall, Livramento, Thiaw, Ramsey, Miley, Wissa and Woltemade
How would you rate your optimism for next season at Newcastle United from 0-100?
My optimism is never an issue, I always think we’re going to play well and win and we know that doesn’t happen, so I’m inclined to throw in a cautious 75%.
How important (or not) is a huge new stadium for Newcastle United?
If we really do intend to be competitive at the highest level, we don’t have an alternative but to build a new and state of the art stadium.
When the takeover happened on 7 October 2021, if somebody at that point had told you then what would happen by August 2026, would you have taken it?
Yes, we’ve survived a tumultuous period, we’ve had stability in leadership, cup success and enjoyed European games. I feel initial statements from the club were too ambitious, and sadly this has caused disappointment and for some a sense of failing. I don’t feel we’ve failed, in fact I think we’ve over-achieved at times in view of the players and the lack of depth in the squad.
Did England have a successful 2026 World Cup finals?
No, I felt we flattered to deceive.
Bruno Guimaraes wanting to leave Newcastle United after four and a half years, has that changed your opinion of him as a person?
No, it’s a brutal game which requires brutal decisions. In the time Bruno was at Newcastle, he gave his all, he led from the front and he made us all believe we could be successful.