Newcastle United

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This will be a very different final day for Newcastle United.

There will certainly be no repeat of the jubilant scenes when the Champions League anthem rang out at St James' Park after Eddie Howe's side secured a fifth-placed finish a year ago.

It felt like the club was ready for lift-off.

But Newcastle missed out on a host of first-choice targets, and ended up doing the bulk of business late in the window.

The club tackled the most important summer in their recent history without a sporting director and chief executive.

Having held firm for so long, Newcastle ultimately buckled and sold striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day.

Yet the dye was by no means cast.

Newcastle still went on to reach the last 16 of the Champions League and a third League Cup semi-final in four years.

However, it has been a bruising affair domestically.

Although Newcastle could still end up finishing in ninth - if they defeat Fulham on the final day and results elsewhere swing their way - Howe's men have missed out on a place in Europe.

In theory, then, there is little to play for at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

But Newcastle will be desperate to finish the campaign with another victory and go into the summer with some positive momentum.

"We hope to continue the upturn in our recent performances, the upturn in our in-possession play," Howe said. "We want to end the season on a real high.

"It was great to win our last home game [against West Ham]. That left us all with a great feeling so it's an important match."

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Eddie Howe has overseen some painful defeats this season, but none stung more than the meek derby losses against bitter rivals Sunderland.

"They really hurt our season," the Newcastle United head coach said at his final pre-match news conference of the campaign.

"They hurt the feeling around what we were doing and they were the results that really changed perception.

"We only have ourselves to blame for that."

After being beaten 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in December, Newcastle suffered a 2-1 loss in the return fixture in March.

St James' Park had rapidly emptied by the time Howe and his players embarked on their traditional lap of appreciation.

There were some supporters who stayed behind to clap the team off, but others showed their displeasure by booing.

A bruising run went on - Newcastle suffered nine defeats in 12 games in the league - but Howe's side have since recovered.

The upturn in results has come too late, however.

Newcastle have missed out on a place in Europe and there is little riding on the final-day trip to Fulham other than ending the campaign with some positive momentum.

That being said, if results swing their way, there is still a chance for Howe's side to finish in ninth - and above Sunderland.

"We would love to finish above anybody in the Premier League for loads of different reasons," the head coach said.

"But, of course, Sunderland means so much to everyone in our supporter base. That would be something we would look to do if we could."

This is another tough one to call. These two sides are level on points in mid-table and, while Newcastle have beaten Fulham twice already this season, both those victories came through last-gasp goals in the 90th minute or later.

The Magpies did get a big win over West Ham at the weekend and have finished the season strongly, which is important for Eddie Howe's future.

Marco Silva's had another solid campaign with Fulham too, though, and I think his side will get something here - although admittedly I have been awful at predicting their results all season.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham host Newcastle, with both clubs out of the running for European football next season.

Fulham's chances of qualifying for Europe have now been extinguished, which could mean that the odds on them having a new manager in charge for next season have shortened.

Marco Silva's contract expires at the end of June and he says he has not yet decided whether he will stay on and be in charge next season.

The club is reportedly keen to keep him, with a three year deal understood to be on the table, but if he has ambitions of immediate European action, then he could be more open to offers from elsewhere.

It's no surprise Fulham want to hang on to Silva, given his record in west London. Since steering the club to promotion from the Championship in his first season five years ago, he has firmly established them in the top flight, guiding them to 10th, 13th and 11th.

The Cottagers were on course to finish even higher this season but failure to win their past three games has cost them.

In fact, tailing off at the end of the season has been a Fulham habit under Silva, with his side's performances dropping off in the final third of the season.

Were it to end up being Silva's last game, it would be fitting to mark it with a win at Craven Cottage but history isn't on their side - Fulham have won their final league match just once in the past eight seasons.

Like Fulham, Newcastle's faint hopes of Europe next season disappeared in midweek but they are at least ending the season in good form.

After losing five in a row in all competitions, they have bounced back to take seven of the past nine points on offer in the league.

The return to form has meant speculation about Eddie Howe's future has died down but it is still likely to be a summer of change on Tyneside.

Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are both leaving, with Anthony Gordon rumoured to be following suit.

However, Howe has unearthed a new source of goals in the shape of William Osula, who has suddenly hit a rich vein of form, scoring six goals in his last eight league matches.

Europe is out of reach but a victory on Sunday would be a high note on which to end the season. And perhaps more important for Magpies fans is that Newcastle must win to have any chance of finishing above north-east rivals Sunderland.

Newcastle will be represented in England's World Cup squad.

Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn are in, but there's no place for Lewis Hall.

That surprised ex-Magpies defender John Anderson.

• Find Newcastle audio on BBC Sounds

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is in full motion in the North East!

Sunderland's Herrington Country Park is hosting the annual three-day event, so we asked you to choose one Magpies player - past or present - to be your festival plus-one.

Here are some of your picks:

Graham: It has to be big Dan Burn. We've all seen that man can move with the best of them.

Sandra: David Ginola. A fabulous player and sexy Frenchman.

Jon: I would take Joelinton with me as he would bring his samba class to the party.

Judith: I would bring Bruno Guimaraes because he's lush and he holds the team together, never lets us down and he sets the standard in all respects. A true role model for the players, for the fans and for the kids who look up to him.

Sue: Has to be Kevin Keegan.

Follow all the action at this year's Big Weekend in Sunderland on BBC Sounds, just download the app and listen live to Radio 1 wherever you go.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Fabian Schar may have tapped his chest as Newcastle United supporters sang his name at St James' Park last week.

But the scenes which followed the club's final home game of the campaign against West Ham did not necessarily feel like a farewell.

Newcastle previously announced that fellow long-serving defenders Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth were leaving.

But there has not yet been such a statement regarding Schar, who has also entered the final weeks of his contract.

Head coach Eddie Howe has spoken to Schar about a new deal and sporting director Ross Wilson is now handling discussions with the centre-back's representatives.

"We hope to come to a successful conclusion," Howe said on Friday.

Schar has been sidelined in recent months through injury, but keeping hold of the Swiss would certainly spare Newcastle a job this summer given the additions required elsewhere.

Big-name departures are on the cards - even if there is currently a gap in valuation between Newcastle and Bayern Munich for Anthony Gordon - but Howe feels the club are set up to have a "smoother" window one year on.

First, Newcastle have a chief executive, David Hopkinson, and sporting director, Wilson, in place.

Secondly, as much as the club will only sell key players on "our terms", they do not want a repeat of the Alexander Isak saga, which dragged on until deadline day.

Finally, after missing out on a host of first-choice targets last summer, including Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko, targeting players who are "desperate" to join the club is Howe's non-negotiable this time around.

"The big thing for me is they have to want to come and play for this great football club," he said. "That's number one.

"In my experience, if the player has any doubt, and isn't totally sure this is the right place for them, it doesn't work.

"If I look back at the most successful signings here, every player has been desperate to come and put that black and white shirt on."

The latest news and views on the Magpies in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

BBC Radio Newcastle's Magpies commentator Matthew Raisbeck had been discussing the potential for Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to sell some of their stake in the club.

• Listen to more Newcastle audio on BBC Sounds

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Fulham at Craven Cottage (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Sandro Tonali will be assessed on Friday to see if he will be available after going off against West Ham last weekend. Howe added that he doesn't think "it was anything too serious".

• Howe confirmed he has had "a few discussions" with Fabian Schar - whose contract expires this summer - and is hopeful "it can come to a successful conclusion".

• On William Osula's recent form: "It's been a great boost for us all. He's deserved the opportunity and he's taken it really well. It helps to have players in form and he's only going to get better."

• He said Sunday's an "important match" as he wants to "to end the season on a high" and "continue the upturn in our recent performances and in-possession play".

• He described this season as one with "huge ups and downs" with "lots of sways of momentum and lots of different feelings".

• On having no European football next season: "There's no point being negative for too long. You've got to come out with a clear head. We've done well in the Premier League when we've had no European games. It makes it a little simpler for us in what our aims are. We have to go about achieving it."

• He said he would "love to get players through the doors early" for the start of pre-season, but how the transfer window will play out is unknown because of the World Cup. He added: "Things could be stagnant and move quite late."

• On what he wants this summer to look like: "We need to be ready to twist and turn, depending on what happens. We certainly want a smoother one than last summer."

• He would like "a stronger, tighter squad that's ready to fight next season for the football club" and added: "As long as I have that, I'm happy."

Hit play above to hear Howe speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck and BBC Look North's Mark Tulip, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Newcastle? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Manchester United are confident of sealing the transfer of 26-year-old Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer. (Sky Sports Italy - in Italian), external

Newcastle will target 21-year-old Porto forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo if 25-year-old Anthony Gordon leaves the club this summer. (Mail - subscription required), external

Manchester United view Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall as a leading option for next season, while Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also interested in the 21-year-old England international. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

If you're looking for something to get you in the groove before Newcastle's final Premier League game of the season, BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend has you covered.

The annual three-day festival will take to Sunderland's Herrington Country Park, which is just a 22-minute drive from St James' Park, with chart-toppers Fatboy Slim, Olivia Dean and Zara Larsson ready to take to the stage.

BBC Radio 1's Maia Beth has been spinning back-to-back north east anthems to warm-up to the ultimate 'Big Weekend' for sport and music fans. What's not to like?

To hear the 30-minute mix listen on BBC Sounds

But all of this chat has us wondering: which Magpies player - past or present - would you take as your festival plus-one?

Let us know your pick and your reasoning here

Newcastle are interested in 20-year-old Hoffenheim and Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure, who is also a target for Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck says any development of St James' Park will still be "very difficult" despite the announcement of the purchase of Grade 1 listed Leazes Terrace next to the stadium.

"Leazes Terrace is directly opposite the East Stand of St James' Park and is part of the Leazes end of the stadium," Raisbeck explained.

"It's location is a key reason why expanding St James', particularly the single tier East Stand which is the oldest part of the stadium, is so difficult.

"It's restrictive, they are quite hemmed in on that side.

"It has not been a cheap deal to do but it is clearly seen as important and it could make expanding the East Stand - if they want to go down the route of St James' Park expansion and development - an option and make it easier to do so.

"It would still be very difficult because the road between Leazes Terrace and that part of St James' Park is narrow and there just isn't much space.

"Newcastle have increased their footprint on that area near to St James' Park and have more control of it to whatever extent they van do something with it. But, to recap, it doesn't mean they will be redeveloping St James' ahead of building a new stadium which has always felt like the plan. We just don't know what the final decision will be."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson says Kieran Trippier's impact and importance to the Magpies since signing for the club in January 2022 "cannot be exaggerated".

The right-back, who is set to leave St James' Park when his contract expires at the end of the season, joined the Magpies when they were in the relegation zone and has played a big role in the rebuild under Eddie Howe.

"He was a major coup four years ago," said Anderson on BBC Radio Newcastle. "When you look at the position the club was in, it looked like they were staring relegation in the face.

"He was the first one that came in and you cannot exaggerate the impact he has made.

"As Eddie Howe said, it isn't just about how he performs on the pitch, it is about his leadership qualities off the pitch as well.

"Captains and leaders wear armbands, but some players don't need to wear armbands and he is one of them because he just leads. He pulls people about and he sorts people out. He is just one of those figures.

"When he is on the pitch, he pulls people into position, he tells people where to go, he isn't afraid to have a go at people as well. Sometimes there isn't enough of that.

"From that point of view, he will be a big miss. There is no doubt about that.

"After seeing what he has done in these past four years, you just wish he was 10 years younger."

Listen to the full conversation above or catch up on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Newcastle United have made a significant move as the club looks to construct a bigger stadium, purchasing a sizeable portion of the Grade 1 listed Leazes Terrace next to St James' Park, including all areas facing the ground.

A final decision is yet to be made on whether Newcastle build a new stadium or expand their current home, but the club acknowledges this deal provides "greater flexibility".

A statement read:, external "This strategic purchase is part of the club's long-term planning as it continues to assess all credible and feasible options for the future of its home stadium."

Newcastle have made it clear they are committed to the preservation of a building with "historic and architectural significance", which cannot be demolished.

There are no plans to change the current use of Leazes Terrace, which is currently let for student accommodation, and the club will retain the building's existing property management operator.

However, this still feels a notable step in at least giving Newcastle more options.

Owning the majority of Leazes Terrace could, in theory, make the expansion of the problematic East Stand a little more feasible if the club chose to change the building's use as right to light objections from tenants opposite would no longer be such a barrier.

There are, however, planning considerations - particularly with its status as a Grade 1 Listed structure.

If Newcastle were to move, of course, the club would have greater control of the footprint of the original site.

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Doesn't it feel like the end of term? The sun is shining and the homework you have doesn't matter quite as much, so you can just have fun all the time. Or was that just my approach to the end of term (and, also, most of the rest of term)?

Maybe it doesn't feel this way to fans of other clubs who are really gunning for a big finish to their season, but to me at St James' Park this weekend, watching us dominate (a terrible) West Ham felt like maybe everything will turn out all right.

Our last home fixture of this season had everything. Kieran Trippier's goodbye to the home fans, the correct line-up, goals from our younger players, a win, Will Osula doing a little Michael Jackson tribute with a sparkly glove. If only it hadn't been the 37th league game of the season.

The thing I liked most was the team selection and subsequent attacking football we were able to play. All is not fixed at Newcastle United, and the summer will prove pivotal, but it was buoying to see the team work together smoothly and dominate in attack for the majority of the game.

Problems we've seen over the season - dropping points from leading positions, form failing after half-time - were problems no more this weekend.

Additionally, we saw Nick Woltemade back on the scoresheet after a dip in confidence (not helped by some media outlets insisting he doesn't work at Newcastle).

There were exciting sparks in this, our penultimate game of the season. We needed that.

We need to take the same sparks to Fulham this weekend, and into the summer if we truly are to rebuild.

I know there will be movement of players this summer - but if we can hold on to the bulk of Sunday's starting XI, then next season has so much potential.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Everton and Aston Villa are interested in Newcastle's 22-year-old Denmark forward William Osula. (The I, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

We asked for your views after the 3-1 win over West Ham United.

Here are some of your comments:

Phil: Howe has been very clever the past few games to build for the future with team selection and tactics. He's trusted the players that want to be at the club and it's paid off. The future looks a lot brighter and hopefully anyone that doesn't want to stay can leave quickly for a good price.

Richard: What was most important was that we signed off at St James' for the season in a positive manner. The team seemed to have a spring in their step and, although we had to have a mad 20 minutes as always, we were definitely the better side. They played with flair and creativity and, most importantly, got the ball forward rather than this dreadful square/backwards play that's haunted our season. Nick Woltemade looks a different player in the proper '10' role as well. I might even be looking forward to next season if we beat Fulham next week!

Simon: This was a great win and the determination was brilliant. All the goals were top-notch and from open play, so nothing to complain about. This is perhaps a glimpse of the future so lots of positives and I know if we play like we did on Sunday, we will definitely take all three points at Fulham.

Gordon: Great result but the nerves kicked in yet again when West Ham scored. Fortunately, this time we held on and took the three points deservedly. Thanks Kieran Trippier for your significant contribution over the years you wore the black-and-white shirt.

Chatnoir: Good win for Newcastle, but the horror of Sunderland finishing above Newcastle and being the only North East team in Europe next season is all too real now.

Eric: Against a poor West Ham side our performance was mediocre. Woltemade doesn't look like a Premier League player - poor touch, poor decision-making, no appetite to take a shot. Additions desperately needed from goalkeeper to striker if we're going to make any impression next season.

Ritchie: Square pegs in round holes - simple. Played well, but went to pieces after West Ham scored!