Newcastle United fans preparing for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Less than three 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 Matthew Chase Whittemore:
Three words to describe how you currently feel as a Newcastle United fan?
Defeated. Rudderless. Fated.
Three words to describe Newcastle United now?
We will see.
Do you see it as good news or bad news that Eddie Howe resigned?
Bad, with a silver lining.
I think Howe wanted one more shot to end on a high note and I’m happy he decided he didn’t have it in him. We need a coach that believes and it’s a testament to him that he knew he didn’t and stepped away.
Hand on heart, what position do you currently believe Newcastle United are most likely to finish in the 2026/27 Premier League season?
14th. It’s all feels. We will see how the first weeks go. But I don’t think we’re going to come out swinging and I also think the first few weeks are going to be key for the fans and the players.
If Eddie Howe had stayed would your 2026/27 prediction have been different (up or down…)?
Up, but not a lot higher to be honest. It’s a tall order to craft this many new players.
Do you see a potential lack of leadership on the pitch next season if Bruno Guimaraes follows Kieran Trippier out of the club?
Someone will need to step up. Burn might do it. But I don’t get the sense of intensity from him that will push the team week in and week out. I’m not sure can bring that reach higher attitude on the squad right now.
The opening six league games are Liverpool home, Spurs away, Bournemouth home, Leeds away, Hull home and Coventry away. How many points would Newcastle need to take for you to be happy and what would you predict will be the reality?
8. Liverpool we drop all 3. Spurs the same. Bournemouth always gets the one over on us. Maybe we get a point there. We tie Leeds away and win the next two. This all assumes we are feeling good in the first few. The Spurs game could go the other way.
What do you see as the biggest priorities in the remainder of the transfer market this summer?
Midfield and someone to set the tempo with a bit of age. We need a mentor or two.
Sandro Tonali leaving, your thoughts?
None really. Seems like old news at this point. It’s a bit worrying that he appears to have wanted to be anywhere else than Newcastle. I mean, Spurs?
What would represent success now in the 2026/27 season for Newcastle United?
Top 8 would be amazing. But beyond position, I think we need to see a team happen. New players. New coach. My hope is that at the end of the year we know what this new phase looks like and can start cheering for it with joy beyond dedication.
Credit: Newcastle United FC
Predict the top six in the Premier League (in order) in 2026/27.
Man. I also suck at this.
1. Liverpool
2. Man City
3. Arsenal
4. Aston Villa
5. Chelsea
6. Bournemouth
Which eight current Newcastle United players (in order) are going to be most important for the 2026/27 season?
I’m struggling to name 8 these days. So much to learn about the new signings.
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?
Roads are common metaphors for planning, but the fact is we have no clue how long this journey is. Until we start hearing updates on the training ground and stadium, I’d say we are where we are.
How would you rate your optimism for next season at Newcastle United from 0-100?
Hmmm, idk. My main hope is we have good games and that we show up and win a good amount. As pessimistic as I’ve been, we also just don’t know the team. There are a lot of unresolved variables.
How important (or not) is a huge new stadium for Newcastle United?
I think a clear answer is key, not the outcome. The red socks have figured out how to make an old stadium work in Boston time and time again. The fans bought into keeping it once the owners committed to keeping it and had a clear plan to improve it so I’ve seen big teams not just depend on stadium growth.
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?
I mean. The cup. I don’t think I would have believed that. So, it’s still a dream world here in 2026. Just, a less dreamy one.
Did England have a successful 2026 World Cup finals?
Pass on conflict of interest (as an American).
Bruno Guimaraes wanting to leave Newcastle United after four and a half years, has that changed your opinion of him as a person?
Nah. He wants ambition. That has always been clear. He has proven himself many times over.
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?
Making. It. Up. As. They. Go.
What do you think of the choice of Matthias Jaissle as the new NUFC boss?
I really hope it’s not just PIF implant. I do like that he seems to have some experience with needing to grow and sell players. I do think that will be our MO these next couple of years.