Daniel Wales and Jordan Cronin host the latest Magpies’ Nest Newcastle United Podcast. On this week’s show, the pair discuss the win against Wolves, Anthony Gordon’s England prospects, Newcastle’s ever-tougher cup draws, the summer transfer window, and the trip to Chelsea on Monday night.
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00:00 [Street noise]
00:11 Hello and welcome back to the Magpies Next podcast. Myself and Jordan return once again
00:17 and after a new Astle win which we'll get into very soon. Now Jordan, firstly, how are you doing?
00:24 Yeah very well, had a little bit of sickness this morning so passed a late fitness test to do this podcast but
00:30 always a pleasure to sit down and talk to you, especially after a win which it feels like.
00:35 After a win indeed, yes, well I mean luckily Nick Lastolone is so injury strapped at the moment so you know
00:41 you passed a late fitness test will probably help them. So anyway, yeah, we'll get straight into things.
00:49 Our first topic today is signs of resurgence against Wolverhampton Wanderers. A win is a win and it was needed
00:55 for Newcastle and not only was it a win, it was a relatively comfortable win.
01:01 Three nil at St James' Park, a clean sheet, something they've not had for a little while, and three goals scored.
01:08 I think I want to talk firstly about Joe Willock because of course he'd come back into the side against Arsenal
01:14 off the bench, he then started against Blackburn, but it was really in this game that we saw him I think
01:21 show what he's all about and show what Newcastle have missed for the majority of this season, both in attack
01:27 and defence because I think going forward he was great running with the ball, you know he covered ground a lot,
01:32 helped Newcastle's attacks, but also in defence, Dan Byrne was a lot more protected because he was there.
01:38 He could get back and support him and so I think that really helped as well. So yeah, Joe Willock, your thoughts
01:44 Jordan, because I thought he was one of Arsenal's standout performers on Saturday.
01:48 Yeah, no, I can't argue with any of that. He was excellent and as you said there, just showed why Newcastle
01:55 have missed him so much. You think about that midfield, three that have played for a good few months now,
02:03 Longstaff, Bruno, Miley, and it was a midfield that just lacked a little bit of athleticism and pace, energy
02:16 and yeah, Joe Willock brought that back in abundance and I fully agree, I thought he was brilliant.
02:24 Just been a huge, huge miss and if Newcastle can keep him fit now between now and the end of the season,
02:31 I think it's a really positive thing. I think he could be potentially a difference maker, to be honest.
02:39 Because Newcastle's struggle this season have probably coincided with the midfield struggles.
02:46 I think that's why they've shipped so many goals. Obviously, we all thought of Nick Pope and the big absence
02:52 that he's been in goal, but that midfield hasn't offered much protection to the back four.
02:59 And bringing Joe Willock back in matches just makes Newcastle's midfield a totally different breed,
03:05 a completely different breed. I asked that already with the press conference after the game and he agreed with it.
03:11 Because there's no player in Newcastle's squad like Joe Willock in terms of that energy and pace that he brings.
03:19 It's a totally, totally different midfield than what they've got.
03:22 It was always compared to Newcastle of last season and the energy and, as I say, the pace they had in that midfield.
03:30 It was pretty much all through him. Obviously, you had the physicality there with Joe Linton.
03:35 You had the class of Bruno and then you had Joe Willock, the legs that will get up and down.
03:41 And they've missed that and to have him back now, I think is a real good thing.
03:46 Tim and Alexander Isak have got a real partnership as well, so it could actually bring out the best.
03:52 And Isak, I always go back to the link-up between them last season, that assist through to Isak's fourth against Tottenham.
04:01 Oh, yes.
04:02 The broadpass, it always sticks in there, sticks in my mind anyway.
04:05 But Isak and Willock are both big friends off the pitch and you can see they've got a chemistry on it as well.
04:11 So I think just having Joe Willock back on the team just gives everyone a massive lift.
04:17 And as I say, if he stays fit between now and then, that's going to be the biggest challenge.
04:21 And Achilles injury is really difficult to get over.
04:24 It's got to be managed correctly, which I'm sure Newcastle will touch wood will do, given that he broke down previously a few months ago.
04:32 So if he stays fit now, I think he could be a real difference maker in this Newcastle team
04:38 and could potentially be the difference from Newcastle finishing outside the European places to being inside the European places.
04:45 Just having some pace in midfield is something they've not had for weeks now, since Joe Linton was last in the squad against Sunderland.
04:53 Yeah.
04:56 That in turn also, his pace in midfield sort of showed a bit of a shift in tactics that Eddie Howe employed against Wolves as well,
05:07 because he knew he could sit and break on Wolves.
05:09 Now normally Newcastle at home have a lot of the ball, but they actually had the minority share of the ball on this occasion.
05:16 Wolves had more of it. They sort of, they played a lot around the halfway line, perhaps,
05:21 so they were pressing up a little bit and Newcastle were able to counter attack on that with the likes of Isaac Gordon Willock,
05:26 for example, obviously sharp playing the ball out from defence.
05:29 Now, Gary O'Neill in his press conference said that this wasn't the case and that he thought it was just because Wolves were better.
05:36 But then Eddie Howe was asked about it and then he goes on to say, no, it was an absolute ploy.
05:40 And so I presume, Jordan, you believe it was Eddie Howe getting his tactics spot on.
05:45 Yeah, I think to be fair, Eddie Howe, you know, I've probably been critical the last few weeks because I've,
05:51 I haven't said that Eddie Howe hasn't got a plan B, but I've almost said that he's persisted with the same players and same system
05:56 and got an inconsistent run of results. And I've been critical of that.
05:59 So, for it to say that's switching tactics, I've got to give Eddie Howe full praise.
06:04 It wasn't Newcastle's usual way of playing, of course.
06:07 I mean, if that game took place a couple of weeks ago, you'd probably have Newcastle trying to dominate the ball.
06:13 But change has been needed because, as I say, the results have been so inconsistent.
06:18 I'm actually really pleased to see Eddie Howe's got that tactical mouse, if you like, about him to go and change his approach.
06:26 And yeah, it worked. It worked. It worked an absolute treat.
06:31 Wolves probably bar a 15, 10, 15 minute spell in that game.
06:36 Didn't really get near Newcastle. I think Martin de Braaf got pulled off three saves in about 10 minutes.
06:40 And then apart from that, it was so, it was so comfortable.
06:44 And yeah, I think the way Newcastle set up was probably quite similar to the way they did in the back end of the season at the state.
06:51 When Eddie Howe first came in, where they would, you know, have a real solid defensive shape and then break forward.
06:57 And I think, again, go back to Joe Willock's point, they've probably been able to sit in because they've had the legs, if you like, to get up the pitch.
07:04 You've got your Joe Willock's driving up the pitch, Anthony Gorman, Alex Alayezak back in as well.
07:09 So, no, full credit to Eddie Howe for his tactics.
07:14 I say full belief in Eddie Howe for that.
07:18 I think it's a really, really positive thing to do because he hasn't always shown sort of a second tactic in your life, especially this season anyway.
07:27 It's always been, you know, for sort of the last 80 months, if you like, it's just the same way of playing.
07:33 But he's changed it. It was obviously a positive move because Newcastle got a clean sheet, a rare one.
07:39 And they also got the first Premier League, sorry, the first win at St. James' Park since December as well.
07:44 Yeah, it's good to see Newcastle, I know they always look at the opposition and see different ways to play.
07:53 But as I say, it's the first time I've really seen Eddie Howe do that for a long time.
07:56 So, yeah, the tactics work to treat.
08:00 Very much so, yes. Now, there's one little bit of the Wolves game that I want to mention before we move on.
08:07 And that is two different players, actually.
08:09 I know we've mentioned Fabian Schaub briefly there and he was very good.
08:11 But I want to mention Tino Livramento and Bruno Gimaraes.
08:14 Now, Tino, when he came on, obviously, Trippier, as we now know, is out for a little bit of time.
08:20 But Tino, when he came on, scored his first goal for Newcastle.
08:23 So I thought that's worth a mention in itself.
08:25 And he was very good, as he always tends to be when he comes into the team.
08:30 But Bruno, I think, is the most prominent one.
08:32 Obviously, we've all seen the No-Look Pass. It's been replayed in countless slow-motion angles, all over social media.
08:38 But I think Bruno shone because he had, perhaps, someone like Joe Wittek alongside him,
08:45 where he knows that he's got someone to play and look ahead for.
08:50 He hasn't got to do all the running and carry the midfield himself.
08:53 So the pressure's off him a little bit.
08:55 I mean, it's always going to be on him because he is the star midfielder.
08:58 But in the sense that he can rely on other players a little bit more, I think he has less of that burden.
09:05 And he really shone, I thought, against Wolves.
09:07 What about you?
09:08 No, I think you've hit the nail on the head.
09:11 He just strutted around the pitch, didn't he?
09:15 The second half, he was incredible.
09:17 He's just a class act.
09:20 Probably the best midfielder I would say I've seen in the Newcastle United shirt.
09:25 Just a top-class, world-class player.
09:30 And when he has days like that, where he's strutting around the pitch, wearing his magic, as they say,
09:35 it's honestly a joy to watch.
09:37 You mentioned the no-look pass there.
09:41 It looked great at the time, but then the replays back, looking at Matchday Day, Twitter, etc.
09:46 It really was an incredible bit of skill.
09:50 But we all know he's capable of that, and I think you're right.
09:53 I think because he's had that support around the midfield,
09:56 he's probably been given a little bit of space and time to do things like that.
10:02 But having said that as well, the thing about the first goal, Isaac's goal,
10:08 was actually through Bruno making a 50-yard run.
10:11 I can't heap enough praise on Bruno.
10:16 He truly is an incredible player.
10:18 Probably, for me, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, if not the best.
10:26 But he's definitely up there in terms of his position and that No. 6 role, if you like.
10:31 Although, as I say, I do think there is scope to play Bruno further forward.
10:36 But you don't need to play Bruno further forward as much as they probably needed a few weeks ago,
10:42 because they've got Joe Willock back and they've got that attacking threat,
10:45 where in the midfield previously, it was the same.
10:51 Bruno, we spoke about that game at Nottingham Forest,
10:54 when he was pushed high up and scored the two goals,
10:57 pushed high up against Luton as well at home.
10:59 He showed that little bit of magic in the final for that Newcastle didn't have.
11:03 But I think they've got that now back with Joe Willock.
11:06 Bruno can go back to being the world-class No. 6 that we all know he is.
11:13 Just an incredible player.
11:15 There'll be no words I can ever say to justify how good Bruno Gamerais is.
11:21 He's probably a Real Madrid legend in the making, if you want to say that.
11:27 But hopefully he can stay here for a lot of years.
11:31 I think that this summer is going to be a bit tense.
11:36 Everyone knows about the release clause.
11:38 But I think the positive thing is that I don't think many clubs can afford Bruno at this stage.
11:44 Probably a Real Madrid are going to go and sign him back,
11:47 so probably Bruno's there.
11:48 I'd like to see a Barcelona, etc.
11:50 I just don't have that money at the moment.
11:53 I'd like to see Premier League clubs, maybe Liverpool, Manchester City, Man United.
11:57 But I do think Newcastle would be extremely reluctant to lose him to a Premier League club.
12:03 I do think the only way Bruno leaves Newcastle is if it is to go abroad.
12:07 I think there'll be a lot of... It'll be tense in the summer.
12:11 But I'm quietly confident Newcastle might at least get another year out of him.
12:17 And that's the thing, of course.
12:20 If you get another year out of him and the team starts getting to the top of the league,
12:24 then he might not even want to move on.
12:27 You've got to hope, I guess.
12:29 Bruno Guimarães, great player, Twitch streamer.
12:34 Just for those of you who haven't already seen him, he's just a very, very funny man.
12:42 I love his little laugh. It's so charming.
12:46 Anyway, if we move on...
12:49 ♫ And the home of the brave... ♫
12:53 Now, a week today at the time of recording, this is Thursday the 7th,
13:05 England's squad for the upcoming friendlies will be announced against Brazil and Belgium.
13:11 And there's certainly been calls for a certain Anthony Gordon to be included in those squads.
13:17 Now, something he hasn't been in them before.
13:19 He, of course, shone for the England under-21 side in the Euros last summer,
13:24 and then has gone on to have this fantastic season for Newcastle.
13:27 In my opinion, he's probably been just about Newcastle's player of the season so far for his contribution.
13:34 Ten goals, five assists.
13:37 And so given that, surely Gareth Southgate can't overlook him again.
13:42 Yeah, it's always hard to know if Gareth Southgate,
13:46 we've established by now that he's got his regulars, his favourite picks.
13:52 I always go back where it was last month.
13:55 You've got a full weekend schedule of Premier League football.
13:59 Gareth Southgate goes over to Ajax to go and see Jordan Henderson.
14:02 So I think, as much as we want Gareth Southgate to change and start picking players like Anthony Gordon,
14:11 I think he's just got his favourites.
14:13 Look, he might pick Anthony Gordon, but a name that's in the back of my mind who plays directly in that position is Marcus Rashford.
14:20 And Gareth Southgate has always gone back to picking Marcus Rashford.
14:25 And look, if you're asking me now who should go to the Euros between Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon,
14:29 it is absolutely Anthony Gordon, because Marcus Rashford was great last year.
14:34 He scored a lot of goals last year.
14:35 He deserved his appearances at the World Cup as well.
14:37 Yes, but Anthony Gordon is doing what Marcus Rashford did last year in terms of his goals.
14:43 I think Rashford scored more, but Anthony Gordon has hit double figures now for the season.
14:47 It's an incredible record for a winger.
14:50 And you think about the struggles he had in his first six months on Tyneside as well.
14:53 His turnaround has been exceptional.
14:56 You know, you talk about top-level players in Newcastle's team.
15:00 He is quickly becoming a top-level player.
15:05 He is, look, the stats speak for themselves.
15:08 This season, he is one of the leading Premier League winners.
15:11 And I think that should be reflected with an England call-up.
15:14 Do I think he'll get one? He might.
15:16 Do I think he'll go to the Euros?
15:19 I want to say yes, because I think his form deserves it.
15:22 But as I say, I've just always got that little niggly feeling inside of me.
15:26 Southgate always goes back to his regular picks.
15:29 There's a lot of talent, if you like, in Anthony Gordon's position, where you've got your likes, your fill of thorns, etc.
15:36 I know, obviously, he's more of a central-base player for Manchester City, but does play out there.
15:40 You've got several different attacking midfielders, if you like, that can play on either wings.
15:46 I think he's got a lot of competition for it.
15:48 And I do think, with the previous squad that Southgate's picked, I do think he'll stick with the same players.
15:53 But having said all that, I wouldn't completely rule it out, because I think he totally deserves it.
15:58 But from a selfish point of view, do we want Anthony Gordon going to the Euros or going on international duty next week?
16:10 He's played a lot of football since last summer.
16:15 I think when he finished his season at Newcastle, he went straight to the U21s Euros, where England has barely had a rest since.
16:22 So, I think, from a selfish point of view, I'd like to see Anthony Gordon have a couple of weeks off for the international break,
16:29 and then a couple of months off for the Euros, just so he can recharge his batteries for next season.
16:35 But, of course, seeing a Newcastle player representing England, just like we've seen with Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson as well,
16:41 it's always quite nice to watch.
16:43 So, I hope he can get called up.
16:46 But, as I say, from a selfish point of view, it might not be the worst thing in the world for Newcastle if Anthony Gordon isn't selected.
16:53 Yeah, it's weighing up what you'd rather see.
16:56 Obviously, we all want to see players do well and play well for their country.
17:00 But then again, obviously, from a Newcastle point of view, a bit of rest would not do any harm whatsoever.
17:05 If we just look at who's in those left-wing positions, where he would come in.
17:11 Obviously, you mentioned Marcus Rashford, who's had a pretty poor season.
17:16 Gareth Southgate probably saw him hit that blinder into the top corner against Manchester City.
17:25 But, for the most part, in that game, he was largely quite poor.
17:28 I don't think he did a lot.
17:30 He scored one good goal.
17:32 Then you've got Jack Grealish, who's on that side as well, who's had a really stop-start season.
17:37 He's still out at the moment, doesn't really seem like getting anywhere near the man City 11.
17:43 For me, Jack Grealish often slows the player down a little bit too much.
17:48 He's obviously not got the pace of, say, a Rashford or a Gordon.
17:52 Obviously, then you've got Saka and Bowen, but they're more right-sided players.
17:56 So, you'd probably rule them out in terms of direct competition for Gordon.
18:01 Obviously, their friendlies are against Brazil and Belgium, and their ideal opportunity is to give Anthony Gordon even some minutes,
18:08 just to bleed him in against top-quality opposition ahead of the Euros.
18:13 For me, personally, I'd love to see him in that squad and just let him have a chance,
18:19 because he's proven he can do it in this season.
18:21 He's shown just what he's capable of.
18:24 Number 10, James Anderson.
18:27 Number 16, Victor Friske-Gibson.
18:31 Number 18, Daniel...
18:33 But if we move on to the FA Cup.
18:37 Now, Newcastle's Cup draws this season have been quite the thing, haven't they?
18:43 They don't get any easier.
18:45 Obviously, Blackburn's probably the most favourable tie Newcastle have got,
18:49 and even then they had to use a penalty shoot-out to get through.
18:52 But I know it's become a bit of a Twitter meme so far,
18:57 with sort of listing every time Newcastle get another tough opponent,
19:00 then everyone puts, "Oh, this is the list."
19:02 But I'm going to do it anyway.
19:04 So far, Newcastle have drawn AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund,
19:08 Manchester City at home, Manchester United away, Chelsea away, Sunderland away,
19:13 Fulham away, Blackburn away, and now Manchester City away.
19:17 So they've had one home fixture in domestic Cups, and that was Man City in the League Cup.
19:22 Obviously, the Champions League games, you play them both home and away.
19:25 The rest have all been away, and to some top sides.
19:29 So, yeah, Jordan, when that ball was plucked from the hat,
19:33 obviously it was the last two to come out.
19:35 Was your head in your hands like it was for me?
19:40 I was actually driving at the time, and I don't know if I've seen the quote from Eddie Howe.
19:45 - You crashed the car like Eddie Howe did? - Yes, I know. He swerved off the road like Eddie Howe did.
19:49 No, it was so predictable, wasn't it?
19:53 I mean, everyone predicted it.
19:55 So when it came out, yeah, you were hoping that they would get a home draw,
19:59 maybe against a Coventry.
20:02 But, yeah, Manchester City away, and I almost, you know,
20:08 we'd done this podcast before the draw last week,
20:12 and I was talking about how big the FA Cup was for Newcastle's season.
20:17 It almost feels like it's flipped again, where it's actually finishing in the top seven of the Premier League
20:22 is probably the priority now, because that Manchester City game just feels like an impossible task.
20:29 A team that's, again, going for the treble this year.
20:35 It's a tough place to go, even when Newcastle are the best,
20:40 I still think Newcastle are still, Eddie Howe admitted himself after Wolves game,
20:44 that Newcastle are still far from their best.
20:46 So it really is an impossible task, if you like.
20:50 But would it be the most Newcastle thing ever after winning Gotsham?
20:54 - Yes, absolutely. - But, again, I just can't see it.
21:02 I hate being negative about it, but it's just a tie that no one wanted.
21:06 Manchester City, if it was at home, I think I'd be feeling a bit differently.
21:12 I think they'd have a real chance at home.
21:15 That's because, as I say, the games that they played at St James' Park in recent time have been close.
21:20 It was a 3-3 draw last season, a 1-0 in the Carabao Cup,
21:24 and then a 3-2 loss in the Premier League in January.
21:29 So if it was at home, it would have been much better.
21:33 But the way Eddie had it is one of the toughest tasks in football,
21:39 not just for Premier League clubs, but literally Manchester City are arguably the best team on the planet.
21:47 And when Manchester City get to the last stages of competitions, they tend to usually say it through.
21:54 So, look, who knows? Newcastle might spring a surprise.
21:59 They have to be at their absolute best.
22:06 And also hope that Manchester City have an off-day to get a result, I think.
22:10 But who knows? Hopefully, we could do this podcast before the Manchester City game.
22:16 Next week, Newcastle went and got three points at Chelsea,
22:19 and all of a sudden, back-to-back wins against European rivals.
22:22 You might be feeling a little bit more positive.
22:25 Yeah, we'll see. But when the draw came out, I wasn't delighted, put it that way.
22:32 No, neither was I. I mean, just a little stat for you.
22:35 This is the first time since 2001 that Newcastle have reached both domestic Cup quarter-finals in the same season.
22:42 So it just shows how undervalued the Cup has been to Newcastle in recent years.
22:48 And so, despite all the issues this season, they have taken the Cup seriously.
22:53 And of course, they did last season as well, getting to the League Cup final.
22:57 Obviously, a win at the Etihad would see Newcastle reach Wembley again for the second time in the space of around a year.
23:05 Obviously, as I say, the semi-finals in the FA Cup are at Wembley,
23:08 something which I don't particularly agree with, but it is what it is.
23:11 A trip to Wembley, it would be.
23:14 But yeah, I mean, I saw someone suggest that Newcastle should sign Rolando Arons on a loan transfer,
23:21 just for the hell of it. That would be quite fun.
23:25 I think that was, I'm right in saying, the last time Newcastle won at the Etihad.
23:30 I think it's only 10.
23:31 In the 2014/15 season in the League Cup that year, goals from Sissoko and Rolando Arons to win 2-0.
23:38 I always remember that game because I was there.
23:41 Oh, were you?
23:42 Yeah, I was there. I remember the team sheet coming through and it was something like five left-backs.
23:49 He played that day, Alan Porgie.
23:52 But then when he got a result, it was an incredible game.
23:55 I remember, obviously, you mentioned there Rolando Arons.
23:58 I was trying to think, he burned someone for pace.
24:01 Yeah.
24:03 Sissoko was quite good for him, right? He sort of megged someone.
24:07 Yeah, it was a great finish. That was a great night at the Etihad.
24:10 I think Newcastle actually got the quarter-finals that year, didn't they?
24:13 And then I think they got beat off Tottenham.
24:15 Tottenham, I think it was.
24:16 Yeah, Jack Annick didn't have his best.
24:18 No.
24:19 But yeah, the Etihad hasn't been a very happy hunting ground for Newcastle.
24:26 The record there is pretty abysmal, to be honest.
24:29 As you see, I think they've only won once since the Etihad opened.
24:33 But if you want to look at it, Newcastle won in a cup competition that time.
24:38 So can they do it again? I think that's a question.
24:41 Yeah, and nearly ten years later, can they repeat history?
24:47 I don't know, to be honest, Jordan.
24:49 I'm like you. You'd absolutely love to say it, but it just seems near on impossible.
24:58 But you never know.
24:59 I mean, as you said before, it would be the most Newcastle thing ever in a season like this
25:04 to go and win that game and get themselves back to Wembley.
25:07 And then they'd probably draw Liverpool.
25:09 That would sum it up.
25:11 They would get Liverpool in the semi-finals because that is Newcastle's luck this season.
25:15 But regardless, I think it'll be an interesting game.
25:20 I think obviously if the team is looking a bit better than the way it did against Wolves,
25:24 Newcastle will give it everything they've got.
25:27 But whether that's enough or whether Man City have an off day, that still remains to be seen.
25:31 But yeah, I just love a lot of chip to Wembley because last season was so good, despite the result.
25:37 I know obviously people say, oh, you know, it shouldn't just be the going out of the day.
25:41 You go there to win, and of course you do.
25:43 But for what it was, the experience as a whole was fantastic.
25:47 And I mean, if Newcastle were to draw, let's be honest, they could get Wolves in a semi-final
25:52 because they're probably going to beat Coventry in their quarter-final.
25:57 You could come up against a Chelsea side as well, who Newcastle play on Monday.
26:03 So there are teams, if you avoid Liverpool in the semi-finals, there are teams you could definitely beat in the semis
26:09 if you avoid Liverpool to get to the final.
26:12 But then, of course, we're saying this as if we're going to wander into Manchester,
26:18 knock on the door of the Etihad, take the win and then leave again.
26:22 It's not that simple, but you never know, and it might just bring a massive surprise.
26:38 Anyway, if we move on to our penultimate topic of the podcast, a little bit of transfer talk.
26:43 And I want to know who we should be moving on in the summer, because of course January wasn't that long ago,
26:48 even though it feels like it was, and all of a sudden the summer's not too far away either.
26:53 So it's probably time to start looking as to who might be moved on in the summer.
26:59 I think everyone's tipping Newcastle for quite a busy and active transfer window,
27:04 given that they didn't do anything in January, perhaps in preparation for what's coming up.
27:11 Obviously, Callum Wilson, Miguel Alvaro and Kieran Trippier, they were all linked with moves away.
27:18 Newcastle had to sell to buy, and so they were the ones with moves away.
27:23 None of them went, so they didn't buy anyone.
27:26 Do you think those type of players will be the players who, once again,
27:31 are mentioned in terms of who might be sellable assets come the summer?
27:35 Yeah, I think them three players are going to be linked with moves away.
27:40 I think the big one, or the big two for me, actually, Kieran Trippier, probably less so,
27:45 but I think Callum Wilson and Miguel Alvaro are two players that could potentially go this summer.
27:52 We spoke about in January, Newcastle needing to sell someone to almost unlock their spending power
27:59 and PSR rules, where I don't think the summer will be as focused on needing to sell someone.
28:09 But I do think they'll probably have to if they want to spend the money that they want to,
28:13 because if you think about it, in many ways, a squad needs an overhaul, I think,
28:21 because they've got a lot of players out of contract, either this summer or next.
28:28 The Callum Wilson one, for me, he's out of contract in 2025.
28:35 Obviously, he had a really frustrating year with injury.
28:38 He's 31 years old now, or 32. He's not getting any younger.
28:43 Is it worth keeping Callum Wilson? Is there a backup to Isak?
28:50 Well, I think it would if Callum Wilson was fit, but there's no good having a backup striker
28:55 who can't come in for Isak, who has his fair share of injury problems as well.
29:00 So if it was down to me, I would sell Callum Wilson and bring in another striker
29:07 who maybe doesn't score goals like Callum Wilson, because Callum Wilson, when fit,
29:10 is an unbelievable goal scorer. But I'd rather have someone that was backup to Isak
29:16 and played when Isak couldn't, whereas this season it's been so frustrating
29:20 when Isak's got injured and then Callum Wilson either isn't fit or plays a couple of games
29:26 and then he breaks down. Obviously, I know his last injury was really unfortunate,
29:29 the one at Nottingham Forest. It was such a freak injury.
29:32 In a season of freak injuries, that was probably the freakiest one.
29:35 But it just goes back to the point, I think. I don't know the exact figure,
29:40 but there's a stat out there about how many games Callum Wilson's played for Newcastle,
29:45 how many he's missed, and the percentage of games that he's missed is incredibly high.
29:49 I think that tells a story. I think now, to see a 32-year-old striker,
29:55 if there's an off-half that comes in for him at a reasonable price,
29:58 I'd probably be tempted to do it. And then the same goes for Almaron.
30:03 I think Almaron has been a really good signing for the club.
30:08 There's a lot of fans out there that love him. He's a very likeable character.
30:13 He's smiling around the pitch, etc. But football is such a brutal industry
30:19 where the wide positions for me at Newcastle, especially that right position,
30:25 is where Newcastle really need a strength in those attacking areas.
30:29 I think they've done it with Gordon, that left-hand side. It's fine now,
30:33 you've got Harvey Barnes there, sort of, back up, if you like.
30:37 But that right side, I was seeing even last summer, I think,
30:41 Newcastle need an upgrade on the right-hand side.
30:44 And the interest from Saudi, which was there in January,
30:47 will be there again in the summer. So if there's a club that wants to come along
30:51 and pay £25-30 million for Miguel Almaron, I don't think there'd be any fan out there
30:59 that would say no to that. I think a lot of people would say,
31:01 "Snap your hands off," because you can get a lot of decent wing-eyes,
31:06 or better wing-eyes, than Almaron. Again, I'm not being disrespectful,
31:09 but for £25 million for a player that is very hit and miss for Newcastle,
31:16 had some really good spells, but also had some really bad spells as well,
31:19 I think it's a really good piece of business. And I do think in the summer,
31:22 Newcastle probably can't get a fee around that in the summer,
31:26 because the interest from Saudi will still be there.
31:29 There'll be more clubs that come in. So I think if we're talking about players to sell,
31:35 them two players for me, Wilson and Almaron are the two sellable assets.
31:40 And of course, you've got your out-of-contract players as well,
31:42 which I think there's five first-team players out of contract.
31:45 I think Jamal Lascelles may have an option, but as I confirmed,
31:48 I would keep Jamal Lascelles. I think he's excellent back-up.
31:51 But then, like I say, your Mark Gillespie, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie,
31:57 Dummett and Ritchie, great servants. But again, Newcastle need a better squad.
32:03 And when we've seen the injuries they've had this season,
32:05 Matt Ritchie scored the other week, so maybe I'm doing a disservice here.
32:08 But we haven't really been called upon. Paul Dummett started two games,
32:12 both in the Carabao Cup, probably played about three minutes in the Premier League this season.
32:17 Matt Ritchie has came on at times, but again, just isn't at Premier League level now.
32:23 And that's just natural because of his age and the lack of games that he's played.
32:26 So, yeah, a long answer there. But yeah, I think those five players that I've mentioned,
32:31 I think would be the ones that would be the most likely to go in the summer.
32:36 And all the corner flags of the Premier League can relax once again.
32:40 Yeah, no, I completely agree, Jordan. Yeah.
32:43 Wilson is just not able to stay fit anymore. And Almiron, I think Almiron,
32:49 it's sort of unfortunate because if his end product was better,
32:54 he would be the ideal winger because he's fast, he's hard-working,
33:00 he tracks back, he can beat a man with his pace.
33:03 It's just that final third that lets him down. And if that was right,
33:07 you wouldn't want to sell him because, of course, you'd be getting a handful of goals every season
33:13 and a handful of assists, but you're just not getting that, unfortunately.
33:16 Obviously, when he does score, it tends to be quite a good goal,
33:18 but he doesn't really assist enough or score enough, obviously, apart from some purple patches.
33:26 So, yeah, they're certainly sellable assets. I think you're right on, Chip.
33:29 Yeah, I think he'll probably stay now. I think the Bayern Munich interest was just in January.
33:37 I can't imagine that returning, to be honest. So, I think he'll probably likely stay.
33:41 You've then got the likes of Sean Longstaff as well. I mean, is he worth looking at moving on?
33:47 Obviously, if they all go out and bring in another midfielder, someone like him could be moved on
33:52 because it is pure profit in terms of PSOF or FFP, whatever you want to call it.
33:59 As you mentioned before, you've got Bruno, who's got that £100 million contract release clause,
34:04 but I think N'Gos would rather hold on to him. Joel Inton's contract talks seem to be going quite well,
34:10 so you'd like to think he would be remaining at the club.
34:13 So, yeah, it's some of the players who were still around in the Championship.
34:16 I mean, you've still got Ryan Fraser on the books. You've still got Jeff Hendrick on the books as well.
34:21 So, these players need to be offloaded. Isaac Hayden as well, because they're just all on loan deals at the moment.
34:26 So, Newcastle are still paying the vast majority of their wages, which is taking money off them.
34:33 So, if you can get rid of them, it helps again. Even if you don't get a massive fee for them, it's the wages.
34:39 But yeah, just before we move on to our final topic, if you were to bring in some players, therefore,
34:46 what positions do you think are the ones that need strengthening?
34:50 I thought you were going to ask us the name of the players there. I got panicky.
34:52 Don't worry, I might do that in a few weeks' time when someone's approaching, but not quite yet.
34:57 Yeah, I'd have to do my research on that one.
34:59 Just positions for now.
35:00 Just positions, yeah. So, I think they need a central defender.
35:07 They probably need another centre mid. I think they need a right forward and I think they need a striker.
35:14 I think they're five key positions. I think if you want to go further back, then I say that actually,
35:22 I'm thinking the left back position is one that's probably overlooked because the left back,
35:29 my target will return, but I don't think my target's going to be a starter, to be honest.
35:33 I think my target's barely played since he actually joined the club permanently just for injuries
35:39 and Dan Byrne going into the left back. I think we've seen, certainly over the last few months,
35:45 that Dan Byrne isn't the long-term solution at left back and I think we knew that before.
35:50 He's done such great things for the football club, Dan Byrne, but you think about the,
35:58 if you look at the Premier League teams, which teams in the Premier League has Dan Byrne started left back?
36:04 I don't think there's many. I don't think there's many. But again, Newcastle have played a certain way for so long
36:11 and Dan Byrne has almost been a left back, but he's tucked in as a third centre-half with Trippie.
36:16 I push further forward. So yeah, sorry to go back to the point. I think maybe the left back situation is one that
36:23 probably will be overlooked, but then one that they definitely do need to strengthen because
36:28 they're going to sign Lewis Hall for £28 million in the summer.
36:32 And the likelihood is that Lewis Hall is probably going to go out on loan just because he's been nowhere in the other season
36:37 in terms of game time. I think Lewis Hall's last start was November.
36:44 I'm quite convinced he started against Borussia Dortmund in Dortmund.
36:48 All the games to start him is mad.
36:51 Yeah, he did. Yeah. Well, that's another thing. So I think Lewis Hall started five games for Newcastle
36:59 and in four of those he's been subbed at half-time.
37:02 Yeah. And then obviously hasn't. Well, there's been, when was his last sub up here? I think it was January.
37:12 So Newcastle are going to be really light a left back next year because as I say, Matt Torgut
37:17 I don't think is the solution either. I think they need a proper good left back.
37:22 Quick, pacey left back. So yeah, that's another position.
37:28 I'd say the position I mentioned there, I think the centre of defence, Jamala sells a good back up.
37:33 But you've got Fabian Schär there who is not getting any younger. Great player, Fabian Schär.
37:40 Again, another one that has been incredible on Eddie Howe, but you almost need a Tino Liveramento type back up.
37:49 The Taki and Tripi are a long-term replacement. So I think they're a good deal with that.
37:53 And the summer again, Newcastle's lack of pace in defence has been exploited this summer so they can get the centre half in.
38:01 That's got a bit of pace about them. I think that'll be a really positive move.
38:07 And then, yeah, of course, I mean, the midfield is well stocked, but it just feels like they're lacking a little bit in there.
38:13 Maybe I'll change my opinion when, you know, if Joe Willock starts firing between now and the end of the season.
38:17 But the midfield has been such a weak point this season. It almost feels like they need to go and strengthen there.
38:22 But, of course, Tonali's coming back. So maybe the midfielder position is as much a priority as anywhere else.
38:28 And then, of course, I've been over the other two positions in terms of right wing Aaron and a strike out with Wilson and Alon Ron potentially going in the summer.
38:38 Yep, no, I fully agree.
38:39 Right, if we get on to our final topic, it is Chelsea away on a Monday night.
38:54 Not a great one for the travelling Toon Army or you, Jordan, going as well.
39:01 But yeah, Chelsea, of course, in that mini league with Newcastle fighting for those last European spots of sixth and seventh.
39:07 Chelsea, I believe currently, are they in the bottom half or have I got that wrong?
39:11 Yeah, Chelsea are 11th, I think.
39:13 Yeah, so they're not doing brilliantly well.
39:18 Of course, they missed out on qualifying for Europe via the Carabao Cup, of course, because they lost in the final against Liverpool.
39:26 So that opens up a space, hopefully, in the league.
39:29 And, of course, Newcastle win the reverse fixture 4-1 for the 1-1 draw in the league cup itself, which Chelsea won on penalties.
39:36 And in that game, Newcastle obviously didn't have a lot of players to call upon off the bench.
39:43 And they look like they're going to hang on, but obviously didn't in the end due to the key and trip here.
39:47 A little mistake, but Chippy will not be playing this game, as we mentioned earlier, due to a cough injury.
39:53 So Tino Livermento coming back against the club that sold him as an academy graduate.
39:58 That's a story in itself.
40:00 So, yeah, Tino coming in, obviously, at right back.
40:04 It should be an interesting enough game.
40:06 I think Newcastle certainly have what it takes to go there and win.
40:09 I mean, they nearly did in December with half a team.
40:13 So with a few more back, you'd like to think against the Chelsea side that are very hit and miss, they can go to Stamford Bridge and get a positive result.
40:21 No, absolutely. Yeah, they are really hit and miss.
40:23 You never know what Chelsea team's going to turn up.
40:26 And there's a lot of pressure building on Pochettino's shoulder as well.
40:30 I think that was seen last week that there was a couple of fans chanting for his head at the Brentford game, which drew twos each.
40:38 So I think, yeah, the Stamford Bridge crowd might be ready to turn if Newcastle can get an early goal.
40:47 It's a, yeah, I mean, going to Stamford Bridge at the best of times is usually a tough game, regardless of where you are on the table.
40:55 And again, Newcastle haven't had, at the top of the eight, they had Stadium. Newcastle also haven't had a very good record at Stamford Bridge.
41:01 I think Newcastle's last win at Stamford Bridge would have been the two Papi Sissi Wunder goals, wouldn't it?
41:07 Yes.
41:08 And that was 2012.
41:11 Yeah, May 2012.
41:12 12 years without a win at Stamford Bridge.
41:15 But if you're looking at Chelsea now, is this the best time Newcastle have ever played Chelsea in terms of going to Stamford Bridge?
41:23 I can't remember last season, but obviously Newcastle drew two, two, was it? No, one, one, sorry, with Chelsea last season.
41:31 They were already qualified for the Champions League. They were sort of in celebration mode by that point, weren't they?
41:37 Exactly, yeah. It was a nothing game, really. Final day of the season game.
41:41 Obviously, there's a lot more riding on this one. Chelsea need to beat Newcastle if they want to try and challenge the top seven.
41:50 Newcastle now seem like they're back in the driving seat after that game against Wolves, so winning against Wolves.
41:56 So if Newcastle can get three points at Stamford Bridge, then they're in a really, really healthy position heading into the final stretch for them.
42:03 European places, you know, I spoke again on the last podcast about how key these two games are.
42:09 If they get six points in these, say from Wolves and Chelsea, they're in a really, really strong position.
42:15 I would say that the view on the season almost changes a lot because they put themselves in a very good position, as I say, and the season is high.
42:22 So I've got a feeling that Newcastle might get a result of Chelsea on Monday.
42:29 Nothing to fear at all. Hopefully they can take a little bit of confidence from that Wolves game, as I say, and get another big three points.
42:39 No, I agree completely. I think Chelsea are there for the taking. I think they're a side that will give you opportunities.
42:46 I mean, they did when Newcastle had half a squad. I mean, Callum Wilson, of course, scored that goal from nothing, really.
42:51 He ran with the ball through from a one-ball play and then a Chelsea mistake let him in.
42:56 So it shows that they have issues and Maurizio Pochettino sort of failed to fix a lot of them this season.
43:04 And you have to wonder with Chelsea, no matter who they bring in, are they going to be able to get it right?
43:10 Because they've brought so many different players in for big fees. It's going to take so long for them all to gel.
43:17 And that's clearly the case. I mean, they got to the League Cup final, of course, but they beat a Newcastle side on penalties who were depleted, as we've mentioned.
43:27 And let's be honest, didn't really deserve to win that game.
43:31 I mean, never mind draw, I mean, they had a lot of the ball, but they did nothing with it in that game.
43:36 And obviously, they only got to penalties because of a last-minute mistake from Kieran Trippier.
43:41 And then, of course, they play the Middlesbrough side who are having a pretty poor season in the Championship anyway.
43:46 So Chelsea are a side who Newcastle need to be at least getting something from in this game.
43:53 I think, of course, if Newcastle have anything to go on, it's that Wolves game and just how good they were and how comfortable they were in that game
44:00 against another team in and around them.
44:02 So if they can go to Stamford Bridge and do the same sort of thing, then I don't see any reason why they can't come away with either a point or all three.
44:10 And of course, that sets them up well for the following weekend at the Etihad.
44:14 It's no better preparation for Newcastle than to go to Stamford Bridge, get a result and then go to the Etihad full of confidence.
44:21 So that might be a bit of wishful thinking from me, but you never know.
44:26 I mean, as I say, Newcastle, it's been just a mad season, but it would be so Newcastle to suddenly go on a run towards the end of the season,
44:35 get themselves back into Europe and do well in the FA Cup, given all the issues they've faced so far,
44:42 and set the summer up to be the spectacle we all think it's going to be,
44:47 and then set next season up for a challenge back towards the top four, you'd like to think at least.
44:53 But anyway, that is all we have time for on this occasion. Jordan, thank you very much as always.
44:58 Pleasure. Cheers.
45:00 Enjoy your trip to the capital on Monday night. Let's hope for three points there.
45:05 And then, of course, we'll be back next week to preview that Cup tie against Manchester City in full.
45:11 That is to come, but until then, we will see you all very soon. And so, howay the lads.