Sports
Missing unsung hero evident in the loss to Aston Villa

Unsung hero Sean Longstaff was absent on Saturday in the 3-0 loss to Aston Villa.
Just a few weeks ago, Eddie Howe branded midfielder Sean Longstaff the unsung hero of the squad, with performances regularly going ‘under the radar’.
This has now been proved to be a correct claim as the midfielder had to watch from the bench due to an illness in the run up to the match.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who has been a regular this season, was reduced to just 20 minutes in the Magpies 3-0 loss at Villa Park on Saturday. By the time Longstaff had come on though, the damage had already been done and there was little he could do to rectify the result.
His energy and work rate in that midfield were a huge miss as they lacked his determination and engine in the middle and ultimately got outplayed and outran by Unai Emery’s men.
Although not as flashy as Bruno, or as imposing as Joelinton, or as highly rated as Willock, without him in the midfield, his absence is felt.
“I don’t think his absence necessarily affects where Bruno is playing on the pitch, but we maybe missed Sean’s tenacity and his legs and energy,” the Newcastle boss said at full-time. “His endurance levels are at the very highest level, and we didn’t look right in midfield.”
Longstaff’s turnaround from his future at the club being surrounded by questions and uncertainty at the start of the campaign to him now being such an asset to Eddie Howe. It is truly a testament to the local lad.
Do you think it would have been a different result if Longstaff would have been in the midfield on Saturday – let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates – https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
Featured
Karl Darlow set for permanent move away from Newcastle United

After a successful loan spell to Hull City, Karl Darlow is poised for a permanent move away from St. James’.
Hull City manager Liam Rosenior has made it clear he wants to keep a hold of Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Signing for the club in 2014 from Nottingham Forest, he went onto make 100 appearances for the magpies with his debut coming in 2015 under Steve McLaren. His best stint for the club was during the 2020/21 season making 25 appearances. He then saw himself fall out of favour when Martin Dubravka signed for the club and now with Nick Pope cementing the position as his own, Darlow saw himself drop down the pecking order.
Signing for Hull City on loan in January, he has since made 11 appearances keeping 5 clean sheets in the process, with three coming in the last four matches against good opposition in Millwall, Blackburn, and Watford.
“He’s been magnificent since he’s come in,” Rosenior said after Darlow’s clean sheet against Watford on Saturday. “I think he’s massively enjoying working here, I think he’s enjoying the club, he’s settled in with the players really really well.
“What I really like about Karl was as soon as he signed he had his young family come and join him and settle down in the area, and I think that’s helped him. Hopefully we’ll have discussions in the summer about his long-term future.”
Rosenior revealed earlier in the week his intention to keep Darlow at the club, and Hull are believed to be in discussions with Newcastle over making the goalkeeper’s stay at the MKM Stadium permanent – as his loan agreement is believed to have as an option.
Contracted at St. James’ until 2025, it seems as though a permanent move to Hull City would be the best thing for Darlow with his position at Newcastle United seemingly gone.
Where do you think Karl Darlow will be next season – let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates – https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
Featured
Our Premier League Team of the Season 2022/2023

With the season drawing to a close, we have put together our Premier League Team of the Season.
In what has been a season that is set to go right down to the very end, it has been yet another spectacular campaign of football with players breaking out on to the scene and some very memorable moments.
Lets have a look at who we have decided is in the starting 11 for the Team of the Season.
The starting 11 was chosen in terms of not only who we think has been the best in those positions, but also who has either exceeded expectations but also who has done exactly what was expected of them in their position.
Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman mean Newcastle United make up 60% of the defence in this team, but for good reason. This season, the magpies are currently bosting the best defence in the league conceding the least amount of goals, 24 to be precise.
William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko make up the remaining two spots in the defence, the Arsenal duo have had a great campaign with the gunners still sat top of the league and looking to get their first league title in nearly 20 years.
A midfield three of Casemiro, Keving De Bruyne, and Martin Odegaard, three players so vital to their clubs and all having a wonderful season, it’s hard to put anyone else in there over them.
Up top, we have a front three of Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Erling Haaland as all three players have had goals, influence, and star power in their clubs to push them to the very top this season.
The substitutes include top of the league goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, which seems harsh to leave him out of the starting squad but up against Nick Pope, either could go in and it would be a good decision, but Ramsdale just makes it onto our bench.
Ben Mee has had a cracking season with Brentford seeing them looking set to enjoy a top half finish with him at the heart of defence. Luke Shaw gets on the bench after a solid season under Ten Hag at United.
Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Harry Kane are the remaining players on the bench, all have had a fantastic season but unfortunately only make the bench for this squad.
Roberto De Zerbi is the manager of the season for us, having joined Brighton in September following Graham Potter’s departure, many thought this spelt the end of Brighton’s good fortunes in the Premier League, but not only did De Zerbi do better than expected of him, he has taken a very good Brighton and Hove Albion team and improved them navigating them to a top half finish.
Manchester City only see two players in this team, although they have had a great season, the rotation of the team sees a great team instead of individual players, which is a testament to how Pep Guardiola wants his teams to be.
Premier League 22/23 Team of the Season:
Nick Pope (GK), Kieran Trippier, William Saliba, Sven Botman, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Casemiro, Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Erling Haaland.
Subs:
Aaron Ramsdale (GK), Ben Mee, Luke Shaw, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexis Mac Allister, Gabriel Martinelli, Harry Kane
Manager: Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)
Who would you put in your Premier League Team of the Season – Let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates – https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
Featured
Newcastle United to earn big money through TV broadcasting

Newcastle United are set to receive over £120 million through TV broadcasting deal.
Eddie Howe’s men are flying this season with the club sitting fourth in the league currently and with Champions League football on the horizon, the club is enjoying its fortunes both on and off the pitch.
This has clearly caught the attention of broadcasters Sky Sports and BT Sports who have had 11 consecutive top-flight fixtures shown on TV between January 3 and April 5. Compare this to the start of the season where just three of Newcastle’s opening nine top-flight fixtures were shown live in the UK.
Although the broadcasters have benefited from some dramatic matches – from a 3-3 draw against Man City at St James’ to a last-minute 2-1 victory away at Nottingham Forest – Newcastle will also be rewarded. In fact, the magpies are set to bank more than the £126.65 million they received for broadcast and central commercial revenues from the Premier League last season.
This fee is made up of six payments: a one-off central commercial sum that is the same for every club; an equal share, facility fee and merit payment from UK broadcasters; and an equal share and merit payment from international broadcasters.
With the money being generated through broadcasting, it is even more of an incentive and an insight into what the future could be like at Newcastle if they stay on the same trajectory they are currently on. With more domestic success, the more TV deals come their way and more revenue being generated which will benefit them navigating FFP.
Are you glad that the amount of games being shown on TV have increased this season – Let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates – https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
-
Sports1 year ago
Newcastle transfer rumours as January window approaches
-
Best of North East1 year ago
Top 10: Date Ideas In Newcastle
-
News2 years ago
Local mum left with serious injuries after being spiked
-
Featured1 year ago
North-East Collection Points For Ukraine Donations
-
Featured2 months ago
Popular Restaurant forced to close – Statement released!
-
Sports1 year ago
Rumours: How could Newcastle line-up after the January transfer window?
-
Featured1 year ago
Humanitarian aid for Ukraine collection point in Newcastle
-
Sports1 year ago
Favourites to sign for Newcastle in January, according to SkyBet