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Pod On The Tyne: The Athletic FC's Newcastle United show

Host Taylor Payne is joined by The Athletic's George Caulkin and Chris Waugh to bring you behind the scenes at the most certifiable football club in the Premier League... Newcastle United. Subscribe for big-name interviews, unrivalled insight and copious amounts of hysterical laughter.

The Athletic

A long time ago, at an AMEX arena far, far away... Chris Waugh watched a Jason Tindall-less Newcastle United fight back to draw against Brighton.

Yankuba Minteh's goal, followed by a bizarre series of reactions, had seemingly put a dent in our Champions League pursuit, but referee Craig Pawson's third penalty award survived VAR and Isak slotted home.

Meanwhile, closer to home at Blackburn's Ewood Park,  NUFC Women rounded off an encouraging debut season in the second tier with a 5-1 win. We speak to manager Becky Langley at length on the lessons learned and what we can expect next term.
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Stark Waughs: NUFC strike back to take point at Brighton

The last month has been quite a rollercoaster for Newcastle's manager, Eddie Howe. From the ecstasy of our Carabao Cup win to the agony, and anxiety, of a brush with pneumonia. On Saturday, he returned to the dugout, and despite his admission he's not quite 100% yet, it was a huge boost for everyone.

Alexander Isak's 22nd Premier League goal of the season, plus a pair of headers from Dan Burn and Will Osula, helped see off the ten men of Ipswich, but there was plenty of debate around the performance of the match officials.

We also hear from three magnificent women, including George's mam on her birthday! The Lasses(TM), finished their home campaign with a draw against title challengers Birmingham City, and we said farewell to club captain Grace Donnelly and goalscorer Rachel Furness (at least as a player).

For more information on Mark Allison's run across America, and to donate, go to http://rungeordierun.com/
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Eddie Howe back to work as Newcastle overwhelm Ipswich

It's a tale of two Uniteds this week. First up; a magnificent demolition of Crystal Palace when everyone scored, even Isak.
And while Villa away was a Saturday to forget, the podcast team seem to have a lot more trouble remembering the details from earlier in the week.
Either way, we are shrugging it all off and looking forward to an exciting run-in. Ipswich is the first of a crucial trio of home games; will Howe return to the dugout?
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Palace home; glorious, especially compared to Villa

Eddie Howe's illness, while obviously a concern for everyone, did not disrupt Newcastle's focus on a Super Sunday. Newcastle's senior teams won 10-1 on aggregate as The Lasses put promotion disappointment behind them with six unanswered goals against Blackburn.

Manchester United, meanwhile, left St James's Park with their tails between their legs; our midfield trio bullying them into submission. Kevin Keegan wasn't there to see his Wor Flags tribute, but he must have savoured our first league double over the Red Devils in 94 years.

Two huge games this week for the boys with Crystal Palace calling on Wednesday night before a trip to Aston Villa;  Champions League qualification is now less a hope than an expectation.
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Doing the Manchester United double: now that IS delicious!

Newcastle United took six Premier League points from their first two games after winning the Carabao Cup, albeit three of them were a little easier than the others.
Brentford came to St James's Park and put up a fight, equalising through Mbeumo before Tonali's not-a-worldie saved the victory in another "game-state" triumph.
Then to Leicester, the third leg of George's relegation odyssey, and a sorry state of affairs where Newcastle only needed second gear to win (despite Fabian Schar's best efforts). Champions League football looks likelier than not now and we don't fear anyone, least of all Manchester United.
Watch Fabian Schar's teenage wondergoal for FC Wil here: https://x.com/jwhitey98/status/1909330496955584698
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Bees and Foxes dispatched: Cup final response pleases Howe

From the sublime to the ludicrous, Newcastle showed the footballing world how to celebrate properly on Saturday as the Carabao Cup winners showed off their spoils on a bus tour of the city centre.
A host of TV stars and football heroes joined the fun as the party carried on at the Town Moor with Eddie Howe in raptures (yes, really) and Bruno leading the chorus.
The Lasses are out of their title race, sadly, but the boys can still achieve a Champions League spot with a top five finish in the Premier League. Powered by the global Geordie family, anything is possible.
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Party time! Bus tour and Town Moor celebrations

Newcastle United's women completed a derby double, beating Sunderland in the home fixture at St James's Park with a crowd of almost forty thousand watching on.

Substitute Shania Hayles was the scorer, her tenth in the league this season, as The Lasses (TM) retained local bragging rights with a one-nil win which also keeps their slim title and promotion hopes alive.

Meanwhile, in order to come to terms with the end of Newcastle's trophy drought, Chris has formed a 'winners' support group'.
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The Lasses' derby double: record attendance at St James's Park

Eddie Howe's mighty Mags thrashed Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. In this extended PotT we analyse the performance and bask in the glory.

With an overwhelming response from you, the audience, we talk about the experience for those at the game, the reaction of fans around the world, and that strange feeling of what to do next?

The very first thing to do will be watch NUFC Women take on Sunderland at St James's Park. A record crowd was already in the offing, but Becky Langley and Amber Keegan-Stobbs are keen to put on s show and get themselves back in the title race...

Tickets for SJP, where the Carabao Cup will be hoisted on the pitch by Bob Moncur and Darren Eales: https://book.newcastleunited.com/en-GB/events/nuw%20v%20sunderland%20women/2025-3-23_14.00/st_%20james'%20park?hallmap
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Cup Hangover Special: sharing memories of Wembley win

We did it! (they did it!) Newcastle United are the 2025 Carabao Cup winners, and in some style...
Grab your headphones and enjoy a weekend in stereo in London. From King's Cross, to Covent Garden, to Wembley, to Dreamland.
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The Sound of Victory: 2025 Carabao Cup Winners

Here we go again! Carabao anxiety is morphing into cuppy fever at PotT towers with the mood enhanced by victory at West Ham (and Chris's negativity notable by its absence on Tuesday; something he more than balances out with one stratospheric stat).
George, in particular, while not quite upbeat, is certainly buoyed by his examination of Eddie Howe's working patterns and the after-glow of that conversation with Matt Richie. So much so that the appearance of his old boss, and the trauma it may have provoked, is taken in stride. That old boss, as it goes, is Tony Evans, former Football Editor at The Times, and now presenter of The Athletic's Liverpool podcast.
Even our correspondents are on good form, coming up with madcap ways Liverpool can have their post-PSG funk prolonged. This show should come with a health warning, to be honest. Side effects may include optimism...
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Carabao Cup Final Preview

Eddie Howe celebrated enthusiastically after the final whistle at the London Stadium. While it may not have been much of a spectacle, the 1-0 win (with a goal from captain Bruno Guimaraes) represented a real boost to the team's confidence.
The preceding week had seen gut punch after gut punch... Anthony Gordon's suspension for the Carabao Cup Final (which will not be appealed) was followed by serious injuries to Lewis Hall and Sven Botman and fans had to suffer another season ticket price rise as well.
CEO Darren Eales addressed the media on various matters and assured all attendees that Alexander Isak, Eddie Howe, and progress on infrastructure were all top priorities for a committed ownership group. Now, the club faces table-toppers Liverpool for a chance to make history.
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Hope in our hearts after West Ham win

Newcastle fans were left with a vomit-inducing case of deja vu on Sunday after the final home game before the Carabao Cup final saw another day of injury and insult.
Lewis Hall was ruled out of the FA Cup tie vs Brighton and has consulted with a specialist, leaving his fitness in doubt, while Anthony Gordon saw red, and saw red; he now faces a three-match ban which would include the trip to Wembley.
As if that weren't enough, Danny Welbeck booted us out of the FA Cup as well and we're scratching around for positives. Perhaps Isak's perfect pen, or Dan Burn collecting the Bobby Robson award, or The Lasses' home win.
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Pre-Carabao calamity: the Seagull sequel

Welcome to this BONUS edition of Pod on the Tyne, organised to commemorate the **checks notes** routine win for Liverpool at home to Newcastle...
Yes, Chris made us all get together to reflect on a dress rehearsal that definitely could have gone a lot worse for Newcastle, but equally gave us no additional reasons to expect a winning performance at Wembley in March's Carabao Cup final.
Of course, the late withdrawal of Alexander Isak through injury was the main talking point, and one that put a dagger through most Geordie hearts. We will need everyone fit and firing if we are to compete for that trophy and push on to a European place come May.
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Isak absence analysed as Anfield abstinence endures

Newcastle United were, at one time, primarily famous for being on the wrong end of a 4-3 scoreline; now, somehow, we're regretting being on the right end of one...
That might seem contradictory but the nature of Sunday's win (against one of our main Premier League rivals, remember) was a trademark burst of St James's Park energy followed by the exhale of a loose accordion.
BUT win we did, Lewises Hall and Miley were both class, and some pressure has eased off our midweek trip to the champions-elect at Anfield, a game that will have more subtext than George's last trip to see Swedish cinema (and we're not talking about Alexander Isak's 50 goals).
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Beating Forest 4-3 and why it's good, actually

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Manchester... City stuttering, Newcastle striding into the Carabao Cup final and skipping over Birmunum banana skins...Oh no!
Eddie Howe and the club both have terrible track records at the Etihad, but this goes down as one of the most disappointing performances for either. Beaten in duels, unable to make a pass, and with a distinctly buttery defence up against the hot knife that was Omar Marmoush and friends.
Everything HAS to be significantly improved for the Nottingham Forest game on Saturday or Champions League football next season will be a pipe dream.
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A Nightmare on Etihad Street: another alarming off-day

FA Cup weekend brought mixed fortunes for Newcastle United's senior teams; Eddie Howe's men emerged victorious, but by no means unscathed, from a trip to Birmingham while the women's team fought valiantly and competed but were deservedly beaten by WSL outfit Crystal Palace.
Eddie Howe rotated his squad at St Andrews, with only Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn retained from the starting eleven that beat Arsenal in midweek. Two goals from Joe Willock and one on his Newcastle FA Cup debut (!) from Callum Wilson were just about enough in what became a bruising encounter.
The Lasses(TM) don't play again until March when they'll need to get straight back to winning ways if they are to have any chance of promotion, but The Lads are off to the Emirates this weekend with their best chance of a result in an awfully long time. WE are feeling good about that, and about our chances in the FA Cup, which has opened up nicely for Howe and co.
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Newcastle: the cup specialists reborn?

Just when you thought it was safe for Arsenal to go back to St James's Park, Eddie Howe's Newcastle United delivered another performance of exquisite intensity to cast aside any nervous energy and cruise into another Carabao Cup final.
Highlights included a line-up that looked like a low block back five, but actually saw two of the three centre halves charging upfield to harangue and harass Arsenal's midfield, as well as Alexander Isak making a mockery of Europe's best defensive partnership... again.
Liverpool or Spurs await in the final, but we don't care who it is, we're the underdogs turned dead-eyed assassins of NUFC.
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Another Eddie Howe masterclass for Arteta's Arsenal

Eowyn took most of the headlines this week but our very own Swedish hurricane was southbound. Alexander Isak showed his full range of abilities as he turned Southampton's defence upside down and inside out.
Jacob Murphy is the provider-in-chief and he will become a very important player if Miguel Almiron departs in January; the Paraguayan has proved to be a popular character, a tireless grafter and, for a brief, beautiful spell in 2022/23, a scorer of some incredible goals.
Shania Hayles is having a great season in front of goal right now. The Lasses (TM) beat Portsmouth, but it wasn't without nervous moments and George certainly needed a stiff drink. Their turn for a trip to Southampton next with their promotion hopes getting real, but no easier for it.
Next up for Eddie Howe's men, Fulham, and then the small matter of the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at St James's Park. Who's confident about that two-nil lead over Arsenal?!
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Isak batters Southampton as Almiron nears exit

It had all been going so well; too well, perhaps. But, it's all over now as Bournemouth came to St James's Park and took all three points, any faint hopes of a title chase, and really rubbed our faces in it, to be honest.
Isak, who had broken the club's record scoring run against Wolves, was a mere spectator at the weekend, and the team looked deficient in every department in the face of what was a fantastic performance by the visitors.
Still, there's a pretty decent chance we'll start another winning run at Southampton, The Lasses (TM) have made some ambitious signings, and Josh from Philly is in Toon to raise our spirits with some brotherly love.
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Cherries Everywhere! Newcastle's winning run ends with a splat

It wasn't quite serene progress against Bromley in the FA Cup on Sunday, but there was a brutal beauty in the strikes provided by Lewis Miley and Will Osula either side of an Anthony Gordon penalty.
Some key questions after the weekend. Did anybody put their hand up for a first-team place 'proper'? What's going on with Martin Dubravka? Why did Chris drag George into town in the wee hours?
And, with a Jas McQuade thunderbolt, The Lasses TM also went through to the next round of the FA Cup. Attention for everyone returns to the league where opportunity knocks with some winnable fixtures on the horizon.
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Fuss-free FA Cup progress with 'winnable' league fixtures in store

This is getting ridiculous; Newcastle's run of wins, Isak's run of goals, Gordon's contributions, Murphy's assists, all continued and they will start the home leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with a two-nil lead.
The tie's far from over, with nobody keener to emphasise that than Eddie Howe, but what an incredible run of games this has been, a truly historic run, and you wouldn't bet against it continuing...
Of course, we can't forget Saturday's hard-fought league win barely ten minute's drive away at Tottenham. We'd like to praise the opposition, ravaged by injuries, for our toughest test in a good while. Instead, the manager made it all about him with a bizarre post-match performance.
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London is Ours: Toon have a toe in the Carabao Cup Final

Newcastle United don't win at Old Trafford, or at least they didn't. After last season's Carabao Cup victory, and off the back of a massive upturn in league form, we travelled to Manchester with a spring in our step and hope in our hearts.
The rest you know.
Spurs and Arsenal next. Playing like this, why not? Happy New Year everybody!
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NUFC finish 2024 in style with dominant Old Trafford win

Recorded at the magnificent Strawberry pub in the shadow of St James's Park, Pod on the Tyne (with some allowances for flu season) assembled an audience of friends, colleagues and (the Waugh) family for our traditional Christmas special.
Looking back over a magnificent seven days, a rollercoaster of twelve months, and with a glimpse ahead to 2025, there's plenty of festive cheer in supply.
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PotT Christmas Special: 2024 in review

Newcastle's problem in recent times has been getting the job done against so-called lesser teams. This Saturday, they proved they absolutely can do it against so-called Leicester teams.
From Gordon to Burn via Murphy, Hall, and Sandro Tonali there were quite a few eye-catching performances but it's impossible to know what it all means because the opposition were so feeble on the day.
Brentford will provide a stiffer test in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night, but one thing we will have now is a good win in our sails.
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What can we take from facile Leicester win?

The Premier League is a bit crazy this year. Bar one or two teams at the top, and one or two at the bottom, it's a massive bunfight with everyone beating each other week to week.
With that in mind, we should all react reasonably when we go to the team with the best home record and get turned over. Except this wasn't exactly that; this one needs some context.
Oh, by the way. Has anyone seen Chris?
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A Requiem for Chris's Dream at Brentford

Newcastle and Liverpool served up another Premier League classic, drawing three all at St James's Park on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe's side looked close to their aggressive best, pressing and harrying the league leaders, creating chances, and scoring some lovely goals.
But, there's always Salah, and that nagging sense that we can only get ourselves to 100% for the big games. Where was this intensity against West Ham?
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Black and White and Red all over the place

Jacob Whitehead was at Selhurst Park on Saturday, because of course he was. Sadly for him, Newcastle were distinctly gummy.
Masochists can read Jacob's full match report here...
In fact, the whole affair was so disheartening we've postponed this week's episode until after the midweek fixture against, **checks notes**... oh dear!
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Podsponement after 'toothless' display at Palace

What is this feeling, we all wondered... squad strength, three wins on the bounce, and a seemingly hapless West Ham trekking North on a chilly Monday night. Ah yes, confidence!
Unfortunately, confidence and Newcastle United have never been great bedfellows, and so it was again. Bruno lost another coin toss, Howe's side spurned the few good chances they managed to create, shipped two bad goals, and then slid into second half chaos.
The Lasses didn't fare any better, losing 6-1 to Liverpool in the league cup. Could that be a sharpener in a competitive season? It'll take a while to find out, the fixture list is looking very bare over the next few weeks.
More info on Run Geordie Run and his 2025 t-shirts can be found here.
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"Confident" Newcastle faceplant into a bag of Hammers

There are still five days left in what feels like an even-longer-than-usual international break. Chris is so sick of it, he's literally sick.
A few of Newcastle's players may not take quite such a dim view, though. Oli Kay drops by to consider whether Newcastle is now the place to be for England hopefuls with Anthony Gordon getting his first goal at Wembley while Hall and Livramento made their senior bows.
The Lasses(TM) didn't have it all their own way at St James's Park. In fact, Southampton had much the better of the first half and it took a 99th minute equaliser from Deanna Cooper to rescue a point in front of a loud, proud, but slightly smaller than hoped crowd.
Contribute to Wor Flags on their website
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Newcastle's England connection: better than ever?

"The best all-round away performance from Eddie Howe's side in a long, long time", says Chris Waugh. Newcastle's dominant second-half performance at the City Ground has us looking optimistically at the top four in a concertina'd Premier League table.
Joelinton was at the core of everything on Sunday, so we have to talk about him and his magnificent goal, but the defence was good again and substitutes Tonali and Barnes produced real impact as well. Shame the international break arrives now... or is it?
And, The Lasses TM will be hoping to bounce straight back from their first real disappointment of the season at Bristol City when they welcome Southampton to St James's Park this coming Sunday.
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Joelinton & Co lay waste to Forest

Grab a lazy breakfast on the way to work, stick an extra mile or two on your dog-walk, extend the timer on 'do not disturb', it's a marathon podcast to recap an epic week.
Eddie Howe's Mags are BACK. Barnstorming home wins over Chelsea and Arsenal, and the manner of our play, means the gaffer can really celebrate his third anniversary in charge.
Two red-hot alumni are up next for the lads, but Hayles and Lumsden are really on fire for The Lasses TM who got a magnificent win at Championship pace-setters Birmingham J City.
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Back to the Future 2-0 (& 1-0). Have that Arsenal, Chelsea, and Birmingham City!

It's a (very loosely) Halloween themed show this week, with most of the team blowing raspberries in foggy London town. Newcastle's defence were scared stiff by Cole Palmer in a Saturday horror show at Stamford Bridge.
Can Howe exorcise the ghost in the machine, or will the Pensioners be back to haunt us again at St James's Park on Wednesday? Meanwhile, Chris Waugh finds himself in a deserted hotel with a giant striker making the most of what time he has left playing football.
...And we revisit mutually exclusive memories of Arsenal contests past with special guest, host of The Athletic's "Handbrake Off" Arsenal podcast, comedian Ian Stone.
(Ian's tour dates, including tickets for his Newcastle date on November 16th can be found on his website.)
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Bogeyman Palmer petrifies Howe's Newcastle

It was the sort of weekend that needs an extra day to get over. Eddie Howe's men dominated the first half hour (or hour, depending on who you ask) against Brighton. They played some of their best football of the season so far, and created a hatful of chances.
Unfortunately, they didn't score any of them and lost.
On Sunday, Becky Langley's Lasses squared up to well fancied Charlton Athletic in the Women's Championship, played electric football on the break, and Shania Hayles continued her hot form streak by scoring our first ever hat-trick at this level.
Unfortunately, we lost the skipper to a second yellow and conceded twice in injury time to drop two points.
The Lasses have a week off now for internationals, while the men head to Chelsea this coming weekend. Can we find our scoring boots and get one over on our rivals for the European places at a ground where joy has been few and far between?
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F is for... Frustration

There's only one buzzword doing the rounds this week, after Beth Lumsden scored both goals to fire Newcastle's women to victory at the Stadium of Light, banishing the agony of last week's defeat against Durham.
Meanwhile, the threat of an offer to Eddie Howe from England is gone for a while, at least, with the appointment of Thomas Tuchel to the Three Lions. Might that bode well for the international prospects of some Newcastle players?
Howe's squad will reunite this week to prepare for Brighton, for whom Newcastle "old boy" Yankuba Minteh seems to be enjoying his new surroundings. He has that in common with another ex-Mag, now at Toronto FC. Matty Longstaff has been speaking to Chris.
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Absolutely buzzing! Lumsden fires The Lasses to derby victory

Highlights of our recent live show at the Gosforth Civic Theatre featuring star guests, some proper football chat, and plenty of silliness as well.
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PotT LIVE 2024 at the Gosforth Civic Theatre

Jacob Whitehead returns as the black sheep of the podcast, now a sworn enemy deep into 'Everton week'. Two draws, several missed penalties, and a bit of "pageantry" has been and gone, and we're all none the wiser. Who will be wearing opposition colours at the live show later this week?!
Eddie Howe's men dominated possession, inevitably, at Goodison Park and had some chances (albeit not as many as they perhaps should), but Jordan Pickford's penalty save and some profligacy put paid to our chances of a win on the road.
Langley's lasses got a well-earned point in the league cup in midweek (there was a penalty shoot-out which didn't matter) and then in the Championship Durham were the visitors for our first of two local derbies. A hard-fought, high octane contest ended in heartbreak as Durham nicked it at the death.
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Everton week ends all square, Durham sickener, and live show 'prep'

Taylor is OK, George is relieved, and Chris is very tired indeed. Wimbledon at home in the Carabao Cup proved to be the most arduous and mind-numbing ninety minutes of football we've sat through in quite some time.
It WAS stress-free, though, which is saying something after several nail-biters over the opening weeks of the season. Following the worrying scenes at Fulham Eddie Howe wanted to see more from his big players, not least Anthony Gordon. Thanks to a boost from Wor Flags, and a shift from the lads, we got the best performance in a decent while.
The lasses have started their season very well indeed, but they've got two big tests coming up in the shape of Durham and, first, a league cup tie against Everton. The boys will also face Everton this weekend and the newest member of our team delivers a particularly mild brand of trash talk.
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Gordon's revived... plus Wimbledon grind and Everton week!

A little earlier than planned after some seriously inclement weather in Wimbledon, Taylor Payne runs the rule over the last seven days in NUFC-land.
It's been coming, but that doesn't offer much consolation after a pretty miserable Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage. Eddie Howe's misfiring Mags finally lost a game despite the best efforts of Harvey Barnes, whose scoring stats have earned a remarkable comparison.
Where has our intensity gone, what is the strongest XI, and why are none of our big guns firing? Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead attempt to get to the bottom of a frustrating conundrum before Manchester City come calling.
No such problems for Becky Langley's Lasses. They got their first ever second-tier win, remain unbeaten, and face an already-struggling Portsmouth next. With Shania Hayles hitting the ground running, spirits are high.
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Identity crisis as Eddie's formerly intense Mags overrun by Fulham

Eddie Howe's Newcastle earned themselves another three Premier League points on Sunday with a performance at Molineux that would have had Erwin Schrodinger ordering several more boxes. Was it good, or bad, or both, or all three? Yes.
Whatever it was, we are now experiencing the club's best Premier League start since 1995 (we weren't bad back then), and Howe used the bench to great effect once again. What can we expect at Fulham? No idea, but we're strangely confident.
Nowhere near as confident, though, as Amy Andrews. She topped the scoring charts for Durham last season but very much has her sights set on bigger things, and that has to be good news for Newcastle's challenge in the Women's Championship this time round.
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Worst best start ever... or should that be best worst?

The lads are leggy; no, not Eddie's men, but our weary podcasters who are fighting DOMs and post-race bugs after the Great North Run.
But, we'll endeavour to bring you a balanced view of the last few days in Newcastle United, featuring the aftermath of a media briefing with new Sporting Director Paul Mitchell. It's fair to say it could have gone better.
The Lasses had clear channels of communication as they put on a solid showing in their first league game of the new season. How will they fare in the second tier? Pretty well, if this draw at fancied London City Lionesses is a true picture.
The club's next Premier League fixture comes at Wolverhampton, with Chris in attendance, and spirits should be high after a successful set of international fixtures for most of our participants.
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Defcon Newcastle: Mitchell's muddled messaging and Lasses' creditable draw

What a week that was! The full podcast team assemble to discuss a crazy seven days during which Newcastle United's transfer plans came to nought amid rumours of a late (panicky?) tilt at Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
That came after the lengthy pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi was finally abandoned on deadline day. The club did sign a player from Palace, though, with Becky Langley bringing in Isabella Sibley from the WSL outfit before their first game of the new Women's Championship season.
Every Newcastle fan knows, when you're having a rough time of it, there's only one solution. Spurs at St James's Park. This wasn't quite the rout of the last two years, but Harvey Barnes continued his hot streak and Alexander Isak got off the mark for an uplifting 2-1 win to take Howe's men into the international break.
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Pain of "poor" transfer window eased by pens, Spurs and Sandro, Ole Ole Ole!

Taylor Payne is joined by Chris Waugh and professional Chris Waugh stand-in Jacob Whitehead for another weekly recap in the mad, mad, mad, world of Newcastle United.
We wanted a routine result at Bournemouth, but that's hoping against hope and we got another stressful, frustrating afternoon. However, Eddie Howe was able to fix several problems with his bench and a draw is not the end of the world.
There's also the encouragement of a return for Sandro Tonali, might he start the cup tie at Forest? And, of course, there's a transfer deadline on Friday with at least one major signing expected, if not guaranteed.
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Waugh Cosplay; it's never plain sailing at Bournemouth: SOS Sandro!

Taylor, George, and Chris are keeping a lid on their rage, much like St. James's Park after Ben Brereton Diaz bought Fabian Schar a red in Newcastle's Premier League opener against Southampton.
As it turned out, a show of extreme resolution from Howe's men - especially the three-man midfield featuring stand-out performer Joelinton - delivered three precious points and we head to Bournemouth without Chris in tow, obviously, but with a united squad and another week in the legs.
When is a bid not a bid? Schrodinger's transfer saga, and that's what it is, shows no signs of coming to a conclusion with Marc Guehi taking the field for Crystal Palace amid a sea of mis- and, probably, dis-information about a potential move to the Northeast.
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Saints and Sinners: Joelinton powers indignant Mags to victory

There's a warm glow on the podcast this week after we announced another live date at the Gosforth Civic Theatre (tickets here: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/pod-on-the-tyne-live), and we're setting stress aside as we welcome the eve of a new Premier League season.
Newcastle United scored two more famous Sela Cup victories at differing stages of their pre-season prep, with Eddie Howe's men even earning a superfluous 4-0 win over Girona to boot! Alexander Isak continues to look a million dollars with his teammates chomping at the bit; Southampton beware...
Becky Langley's NUFC Women won't square up for Championship action until September, but they have recruited impressively, with one or two more to come. Add that to the talent already on Tyneside, and back-to-back-to-back promotions are under discussion.
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Sela Cup Double: the Premier League & Championship Tremble!

Pod on the Tyne returns after our summer holidays, all except one straggler; no prizes for guessing who that might be...
It's been an incredibly busy break, so we catch up on everything that went on, and didn't go on, after the stressful PSR deadline, management changes, and several transfer deals, (with more in the offing!).
And there's a rundown of the pre-season tour of Japan, not just from our man in Tokyo, George Caulkin, but with an exclusive diary from inside the squad!
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Bumper Comeback: Summer Upheaval and Gillespie's Tokyo Diary

With Pod On The Tyne on their summer break, we bring you an episode first released on The Athletic FC Podcast looking into Newcastle United's mad dash to comply with PSR ahead of the June 30th deadline.
Chris Waugh is alongside Ayo Akinwolere and The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein to discuss how Newcastle found a way to balance the books as well as looking at what the situation is at St James’ Park for the rest of the summer transfer window?
Meanwhile, Taylor, George and Chris will be back with Pod On The Tyne at the start of August ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.
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Can Newcastle spend now PSR issues are fixed?

George and Chris take to the mic without the calming presence of regular host Taylor Payne, and it's a traumatic affair after Manchester United shocked their neighbours in the FA Cup final to deprive Eddie Howe's Newcastle of a place in Europe.
With the second leg of our post-season tour in Australia landing like a gnat on a windscreen, it's been quite a rocky week for the club; co-owner Amanda Staveley even took to Instagram to make an unusual apology.
But, what does it all mean for the future? Will the lack of European football have an immediate impact on management and planning. And, why are Rafa's 2017 Mags so hot right now?
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
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Deflation Down Under and one last kick in the nuts; no Europe for you!

Blood, sweat, tears... a seemingly unending slog with torn thighs, visceral noise, and extreme emotion. But, that's enough about Chris's breakfast...
Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, after one of the most arduous campaigns in the club's history, are currently in Australia playing back-to-back friendlies. But, with the league schedule done and dusted we can look back over a season of remarkable moments, a mountain of goals, and yes, some gut-wrenching defeats as well.
As we look to the future, there's optimism about where this team and NUFC Women are headed, even if we are relying on someone else to get us one more positive result. To be fair, though, it is Manchester City.
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
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Brentford win seals European place... almost: epic send-off for the neverending season

It's the hope that kills you, and former "World's Grumpiest Man" George Caulkin, made the fatal error of going to Old Trafford to report on Newcastle United with positive expectations.
Knowing they could, and perhaps should, win the game, Eddie Howe's team created their own downfall, albeit they got some assistance from the VAR unit (is their brief reign coming to an end?)
Was it missed chances or haphazard defending that cost us the game, and potentially a European place next season? Does it matter? Why are we here? Did you leave the iron on? Big questions, vague answers.
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
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Brentford or bust: optimism pulls its own trousers down at Old Trafford

Newcastle's final home game of the season ended in a draw for Eddie Howe's men against Brighton. Slightly disappointing? Probably, but the home form overall has been pretty spectacular.
If they are to qualify for Europe, though, they'll have to take points on the road at Manchester United, where they've won one league game in 51 years, and at Brentford. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn are confident, and so are we.
With a round-up of some awards news, congratulations to Gateshead, and a birthday to celebrate, it's a bright, breezy, spring edition of PotT!
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
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St James' rocks, but Brighton don't: European dream only slightly soiled

Eddie Howe's Europe-chasing Mags have a crucial period coming up, starting with the last home game of the Premier League season as an unsettled Brighton travel to St James's Park.
Chris is worryingly confident, but with Anthony Gordon winning pens all over the gaffe and potential starts for returning players like Pope, Joelinton, and Miggy Almiron, you can maybe understand where he's coming from.
There's an update on the club's pursuit of a new sporting director. It seeems we are down to the last two candidates, with Dougie Freedman rumoured to be the front-runner... and, we reminisce about Newcastle "flops" who have flourished elsewhere, after Joselu, (Joselu!) scored twice to send Real Madrid to the Champions League final!
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
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Europe endgame; three games, eight days, two goals

A mellow bank holiday episode for you today, one that follows the most beautiful result in football; namely, a routine away win.
Callum Wilson scored the opener and lead the line with zeal as Gareth Southgate watched on, so inevitably Chris has decided to write about the prospect of him being sold!
And, it was 7 up for Sean Longstaff, and twenty's plenty for Isak (goals) and Gordon (goal contributions) in the Premier League this season. Roll on Europe*!
*fingers crossed
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Playing with Claret-y: Newcastle win away

We're taking a trip down memory lane today, inspired by Eddie Howe's goal-tastic Mags, who are on course to become the most prolific scorers in Newcastle's Premier League era.
Howe takes charge of his 100th league match as Newcastle manager this Saturday at Burnley, his former home and the team he first beat with the Toon.
And there's a fairly eclectic round-up of new stories, with plenty going on behind the scenes both football-related and further afield.
HOST: Taylor Payne
WITH: George Caulkin and Chris Waugh
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
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Goal-den Years; how do Howe's Mags compare?

When you win 5-1 and, in doing so, beat the Premier League record for goals scored against one opponent in a season. When your star striker and record signing scores for the 7th consecutive home game, matching all bar your club's legendary goal hero. When your other striker reaches a Premier League tally second only to that self-same legend.
When those things happen, you should be ecstatically happy, right? Well, we are happy, very much so. But, we also feel a strange sense of fragility, having allowed our opponents, bottom of the league and staring relegation in the face, the run of our stadium for 45 minutes.
Eddie Howe's Newcastle have been a strange beast this season, but with lots of international visitors in attendance, we re-affirmed our ambition. Thanks to Wor Flags, the Swedish contingent, The Lasses, and Burn & Co., we're looking up the table again. Can we dream of fifth?
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Not or hot?!? Newcastle blow the Blades away... eventually

None of the podcast team were at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, which in hindsight feels like a merciful stroke of luck after Eddie Howe's Spurs-destroying Mags turned to jelly in the face of an excellent Crystal Palace side.
So, what exactly happened? Was it the tactical plan (which had worked so well at home against Tottenham), was it the execution from the players, or was it the shortage of options Howe had to mix things up.
As it is, we're hunting high and low for positives. Maybe Callum Wilson's return, Sheffield United at home next. Donnez moi un break, Rodney!
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Palace Inquest: Howe was that so Eze!?!

We're suffering from football cold turkey this Monday morning; The Lasses (TM) did play on Sunday, but they were held to a goalless draw away at Halifax having sealed the league title a week earlier.
Eddie Howe's Resurgent Mags resume hostilities at Crystal Palace on Wednesday night after an eleven day break. It's virtually impossible for them to achieve back-to-back Champions' League campaigns but the other European competitions are looking very attainable.
We've a quick update on a frustrating development for our riverside neighbours Gateshead, and various other bits of nonsense in this compact Monday morning edition.
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European pursuit resumes at Palace

After our epic effort on Monday, everyone is suffering the effects of adrenaline withdrawal. Everyone except George's mam, that is, and Monday's star performer returns to get us off to a flyer.
We're scraping the barrel of Chris's new weekly Newcastle United Q&A, with second-rate questions about squad strengthening and pre-season, PSR (of course) and potential sales!
Eddie Howe's men have a week off and The Lasses (TM) have already won the league, so George has been hunting for inspiration elsewhere and found it! North-East actress Catherine Dryden drops by to tell us about her latest gig, starring in a one-woman show at the Theatre Royal about First World War munitions worker turned goal-machine Bella Reay.
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Legal Eagles and Culture Vultures: Late Season Q&A

It's an epic edition of PotT with no apologies from us as we've already bumped as much news to Thursday as we possibly can after a weekend most football fans can only dream of!
Becky Langley and Newcastle United Women are the champions of FAWNL Premier Northern Division. It's their second title, and promotion, in as many years and they will be playing Championship football next season. George was at Kingston Park to cheer them home.
Meanwhile, Newcastle's men thrashed Spurs at home for the second season running to keep alive their slim hopes of a repeat campaign in the Champions League. Watched by Chris and George, and a very special guest indeed.
HOST: Taylor Payne
WITH: George Caulkin and Chris Waugh
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
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Champions, Champions League Chasers, and the Perfect Weekend

It's another big weekend for Newcastle United with Ange Postecoglu's Tottenham looking to defy an interesting pattern among teams to win at St James's Park this season, and Huddersfield Town rounding off a punishing eight-day spell by trying to stop Becky Langley's women from sealing back-to-back league promotions.
But, there are a few off-pitch matters to catch up on as well. Joelinton's contract negotiations are picking up pace, so it looks like he's staying on. Great, but prompts the painful question: if you have to bring in money through player sales, which of our current squad would you choose to offload?
If we want to make enforced sales a thing of the past, we'll have to grow revenues. Ticket prices would be an unpopular choice, but what about lucrative tours abroad? When we have the worst injury record in the division, compromising pre- and post-season plans also seems risky.
Oh, yeah, and Cock van der Palm!
HOST: Taylor Payne
WITH: George Caulkin and Chris Waugh
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
By George Caulkin
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Off-pitch catch-up, Weekend Preview, and Cock van der Palm!

Are Eddie Howe's sh1thousing Mags back? After an abominable start at Craven Cottage, Newcastle 'keeper Martin Dubravka took an 'injury timeout', much to the annoyance of Marco Silva, and Howe read the riot act to his charges.
After that, things steadily improved and, despite a controversially disallowed goal, Bruno Guimaraes saved the day in his 100th appearance for the club. Anderson and Barnes also impressed from the bench again, and it was our first PL clean sheet away from home since beating Sheffield United 8-0 in September.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Channel, Jacob Whitehead took in two Feyenoord games on an extended scouting trip in the Netherlands. He watched Garang Kuol sit on the bench while Yankubah Minteh underwhelmed against Volendam, but then witnessed a tour de force from the Gambian as his side dismantled Ajax 6-0.
HOST: Taylor Payne
WITH: George Caulkin, Chris Waugh (aka Sausageman), & Jacob Whitehead
PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood
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Lilywhite Clean Sheet and Bruno's ton-up celebration

Full house on the podcast for this, slightly extracurricular, Wednesday recording. Unfortunately, having booked Jacob Whitehead at half-time during the Everton match, he failed to respond to seventeen messages asking him to stand down.
Yes, it fell flat in the end, and Paul Dummett's clumsy challenge on Ashley Young with the ball passing harmlessly overhead was a real frustration. But, we're actually in a decent frame of mind after Newcastle dominated the early stages, got a terrific goal through Barnes and Isak, and actually looked "in control" for the first time in ages.
Injuries continue to be the overwhelming problem and, with a remarkably strong XI stuck on the sidelines, it's anyone's guess what will happen at Craven Cottage against an equally unpredictable Fulham.
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Dummett drops a clanger as Newcastle dominate early before fading against Everton

An incredible comeback against West Ham came completely out of the blue, or did it? Newcastle had been performing well in their first game following a squad 'reset' over the international break, but some haphazard defending and yet more freak injuries had us wondering if the season was shuddering to a halt.
But, after Isak coolly slotted home his second penalty (both won by Anthony Gordon), it was Harvey Barnes to the rescue... cue pandemonium at SJP. Can the podcast team hold it together like they usually don't?
On Sunday, Newcastle's women returned to home action for the first time in 42 days and they delivered in style. With Nottingham Forest only able to draw at Derby, the Lasses (TM) are one win from back-to-back league titles.
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From the sublime to the ridiculous... and back again... at least twice

Eddie Howe's men (the ones not on international duty at least) have taken to warmer climes as management aim to 'reset' for the final stages of an arduous campaign.
The podcast team haven't had that luxury, unfortunately. We took our hopes and dreams to Kenilworth Road where things got very Newcastle cup final-y for Becky Langley's lasses. Perspective is important, though, and we take solace in meeting up with friends and the culmination of a largely magnificent season.
The men take on West Ham this Saturday lunchtime; a huge game, but one they'll have to manage without Sven Botman (knee knack) and Lewis Miley (back knack). If it's positivity you're after, best to ignore Chris.
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Cup Final Agony and Injury Agony and Legal Agony and Doorbell Agony

In an effort to recapture the magic of our (frankly) unexpectedly magnificent result at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup, Chris and George attempted to retrace their tyre-treads and summon the power of Tebay.
Unfortunately, this sequel proved to be as uninspired as many Hollywood cash grabs, and our duo returned to the North East with their very damp tails between their very knackered legs. A thorough dissection of Newcastle's FA Cup exit is attempted, but meat-based diversions abound.
As it is, we've got cup fever, and the only prescription is more from The Lasses (TM). Their magnificent comeback win at Wolves maintained their seemingly unstoppable momentum as they prepare for the FAWNL Cup Final at Kenilworth Road.
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Manchester Road Trip: 2 Meaty, 2 Furious

We're recording after Eddie Howe's pre-match press conference and everyone is excited about the FA Cup quarter final at the Etihad, nobody more than Chris Waugh it seems.
Is there any scope for optimism going into this one with our terrible record at City? George thinks so, and he mounts a strong defence of Newcastle's local lads who have been playing through the pain in a difficult season.
Whether this is the end of the road for Eddie Howe's squad in its current form is another matter, with the manager suggesting radical changes in personnel will be difficult to achieve this summer.
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Up for the cup: a rousing preview of FA Cup quarter final at Manchester City

Eddie Howe's Newcastle threw away any positive momentum they had built with the wins against Blackburn and Wolves with an abject defensive performance at Chelsea.
Chris Waugh was at Stamford Bridge covering Newcastle for The Athletic and he recounts tales of embarrassment and woe, on and off the pitch, to Taylor Payne and George Caulkin.
A daunting trip to Manchester CIty next for Howe and the boys, which we'll preview on Friday, but the lasses keep on winning (in the Midlands)
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Failing to capitalise again: familiar frailties at Chelsea

Newcastle's outgoing Sporting Director Dan Ashworth has left a hole at the centre of his metaphorical wheel. Taylor Payne, Chris Waugh, and George Caulkin mangle ananalogies aplenty as they try to shed some light on the current state of affairs in the executive lounge.
No association football for us until Sunday, when The LassesTM head to Stourbridge. The formbook says three points for the Mags in that one but it's not so clear for Stamford Bridge on Monday night. The fortunes of two fullbacks, both Chelsea Academy products, come into focus ahead of that game.
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How Now (to Replace Dan Ashworth)

What's this... a home win!? Eddie Howe's men found their SJP mojo on Saturday, inspired by the returning Joe Willock and the evergreen trio of Schar, Bruno, and Gordon... and with Isak back on the scoresheet, things are really looking up.
Taylor Payne, Chris Waugh, and Jacob Whitehead are your trio of brothers-in-arms this Monday revelling in three points, three goals, and a bench overflowing with attacking talent (alright, but you get the idea).
The Lasses (TM) were three up inside fifteen minutes at Stoke; another great result as they hunt down the FAWNL Premier North title. However, if you're trying to work out the points target, be warned; it's not straightforward.
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Howe's tactical 'tweak' serves up his 100th PL win v Wolves

The captain of Newcastle United WFC, Amber-Keegan Stobbs, joins the pod as we dissect the FA Cup Fifth Round tie at Blackburn and relive last weekend's win over Portsmouth in the FAWNL Cup.
Martin Dubravka was the undisputed hero at Ewood Park but Fabian Schar's penalty has George all confused due to its super-sexy non-twattedness and we were all mightily impressed by Elliot Anderson's first kick of a football in four months.
Confidence is in short supply for the men, though, and they were sluggish, especially in the first half. Amber helps us understand the importance of confidence, both for individuals and teams.
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Confidence and cup craziness with Amber-Keegan Stobbs!

Taylor, George, and Chris are all a little discombobulated recording on a Sunday night (!) after a strange, terrible, lovely weekend.
On Saturday night Eddie Howe's men put in one of, if not the, worst performance since he became manager. All of which left us asking various questions, like: is Sven Botman struggling with his knee, where has the 'nasty' Newcastle gone, and was there even a bus?
However, as we record on Sunday evening, there's a warm glow taking over because Langley's lasses, aka Newcastle Women, have reached the FAWNL Cup Final having beaten Portsmouth 2-1 in front of 22 thousand people at St James's Park.
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Cup Final Joy for Lasses after Miserable Night at Arsenal

It's been several years in the making (or it feels like that, anyway) but George Caulkin's long-anticipated feature on Newcastle United's women's team has finally been published.
We'll hear from some of the players on how things have changed since the takeover, their lives inside and outside football, and the excitement of playing at St James's Park (which just happens to be coming up this weekend).
...there's a quick update on Dan Ashworth's departure, and a preview of the men's game at Arsenal to boot, but it's all about the lasses today.
(for tickets to see NUFC Women v Portsmouth at St James's Park on Sunday 25th February, click here)
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Living with the Lasses: George's BTS opus arrives

So, it's official: Dan Ashworth has asked Newcastle United for permission to leave so he can take up a new role at Manchester United. We consider the possible terms of his departure with Taylor Payne, George Caulkin, and Chris Waugh.
On the pitch, Saturday's draw at home to Bournemouth showed up the deficiencies of Eddie Howe's current set-up once again. We have another sift through the big BDB debate (the BBDBD), lament VAR delays, and just generally try to get our heads around a weird season.
Less of a mystery is the position of Newcastle's women at the top of the table. Becky Langley explains why they are flying the flag for something bigger than just one club's success.
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Unhinged Melody: Ashworth asks to leave amid more madcap football

Host Taylor Payne has failed to shake off a nasty, throaty cough, for another week and is thinking he will have to accommodate it indefinitely. Meanwhile, Jacob Whitehead returns to the podcast with George Caulkin seconded to a luxury spa for some rest and recuperation.
There's no rest for Chris Waugh, though, with an approach for executive Dan Ashworth from Manchester United ruining an eagerly anticipated post-January lull.
And, of course, there's no rest at all for Eddie Howe's injury-blighted Mags. They will have to face Bournemouth without Callum Wilson after the former Cherry was ruled out for several weeks.
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Ashworth escalation: Manchester United target executive

Chris's first away game in a decade saw him at loggerheads with Eddie Howe; we comb the pre- and post-match press conferences, more for entertainment value than any solid info.
Travel is very much on the agenda today, with Bruno's smile as wide as the Trent after he and Fabian Schar delivered three more points at the City Ground.
More smiles on Sunday at Burnley as the lasses firmed up their place atop FAWNL Premier Division North, but there's one smile that George would rather forget...
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Not quite motoring, but three more points on the road... times two!

Chris Waugh has been "taking the temperature" of The Athletic's Newcastle subscribers, and the results are surprisingly optimistic given the apparent dip in performance after last season.
Eddie Howe's men travel to Nottingham on Saturday, grateful for the FA Cup replay that took Forest to extra time and penalties on Wednesday night, as well as the absence of the Boxing Day Ballon d'Or, Chris Wood. It's going to be a VERY special away game, for one important reason; listen on to find out.
...and on Sunday there's a 'hewj' game at Burnley as our women take on another title rival hoping to put clear air between themselves and their third-placed opponents.
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Emphatic Support for Howe in our Poll

Saturday's game against Luton at St James's Park was truly bonkers, and George's attempt to tame the madness with a new format is going about as well as his very audible effort to herd his cats.
So, instead, we've embraced the chaos. Get ready to understand less about that match after listening to this podcast.
Wor Flags delivered a popular message against hostile kick-off times (and, also, Chris Waugh) on Saturday, but they doubled up with a tribute to Becky Langley on Sunday to boot. Langley's lasses, featuring two debutants, duly delivered against Wolves.
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One four all, and format fun. Luton game (and this podcast) madder than Hatters

Twelve hours in a car with Luke Edwards at the end of the longest January transfer desert in living memory has put George over the top. That's bad news for all concerned, especially Chris.
Taylor tries to hold it together but with very little support, not even from Jacob, it's a case of chaos winning... much like Tuesday night at Villa Park. Have Fabian Schar and the rest of Eddie Howe's corner-turning Mags set up a season-redeeming run with this magnificent victory?
With additional love for Miggy, incoming transfers (not the senior men's team, sadly), and Langley's double-chasing lasses, it's a bumper episode... hold tight!
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Broken: Villa's Spell, George's Spirit

Taylor Payne, Chris Waugh, and George Caulkin (well, two of them) are in a very chipper mood despite some inclement weather, because Newcastle United won at Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round, something that simply hasn't happened at this football club in a very long time.
It was a great atmosphere at Craven Cottage on Saturday night, Alan Shearer in attendance, of course, and it was just the tonic with transfer window stress and a trip to Aston Villa on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the lasses booked their place in the FAWNL Cup semi-finals. With Forest beating Burnley in the league, their destiny is at their own feet once again and they'll be looking to build on their win at Fylde when they face Wolves this Sunday.
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Yes, it exists... Newcastle reach FA Cup Fifth Round!

The storm has subsided somewhat, but there are still transfer rumours swirling around three or four senior Newcastle players. Will anyone truly test Newcastle's resolve and, with injuries still rife, can we risk a sale to 'unlock' potential reinforcements.
The club have agreed a deal for a box-to-box midfielder in the shape of Manchester CIty's Alfie Harrison. However, is a prodigious 18 year-old intended to be used in the Premier League this season?
And, with the women facing Fylde in the FAWNL cup, Eddie Howe's men head to Craven Cottage on Saturday for an FA Cup tie against a good Fulham team who gave Liverpool a bit of a Carabao scare on Wednesday night.
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Relaxation of January's 'Phoney War' as Bayern withdraw

George Caulkin was absent on Monday, but rumours of his departure from Pod on the Tyne are WAY wide of the mark... or are they?! After all, football is a lie and you never know who to believe, especially in January.
Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson were both strongly linked with moves away from Newcastle in the last few days and, as we recorded, there was another story, this time connecting Miguel Almiron with a move to Saudi Arabia. Also, Miguel Almiron is reportedly on the move to Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle's women were looking for three points at home on Sunday, with an added bonus of potentially putting opponents Nottingham Forest out of the title race. Sadly, with Storm Isha raging through Kingston Park, and Albatross George in tow, it was heartbreak for the hosts and a three-team title race is a real possiblity.
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Trippier, Wilson, Almiron, and... Almiron!?! Transfer Storm (in a teacup?), & Lasses felled by Forest's second wind

Eddie Howe's men are getting the weekend off, so we've opened the floor to questions and we got plenty...
In no particular order: should Eddie Howe be adapting our style of play more drastically, who is going to help the midfield while we're without so many players, WHEN WILL THOSE PLAYERS RETURN(!), and are we really at the absolute limits of what we can spend on transfers?
...and, after George's late withdrawal, the mantle of getting on Chris's nerves is taken up by Jacob, Taylor, and most of the people sending in questions.
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Q&A: Midfield w/o Joelinton, P&S, and 4D Chess

Taylor Payne is joined by George Caulkin and Chris Waugh for a Manchester-holics anonymous meeting after our leading men and women were downed by the blue and red halves of the city respectively.
For Eddie Howe's men, it signalled a return to something like the Newcastle United of last season. Unfortunately, it wasn't so much a Pep talk as the strength of the champions' bench that told in the end.
Meanwhile, Becky Langley's NUFC Women lost their absurd unbeaten record against one of the strongest teams in the game. Players and fans did themselves proud, though, and there's a huge league game coming up to start afresh.
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Manchester Misery: So close... yet so far away!

Jacob Whitehead returns to the podcast, albeit slightly later than scheduled, which makes it an awesome foursome as we look ahead to a HUGE weekend of football. Before that, though, Chris summarises the headlines from Newcastle United's latest financial results and the consequences for the ongoing January transfer window and beyond.
A double date with destiny, then, and we're looking to the stars for some optimism as Eddie Howe's men aim to take all three points in a fixture that usually yields none; the stats prove Manchester City are our toughest Premier League opponents, but we live in hope.
Meanwhile, it feels like the women's team have real hope of progress in the Adobe FA Cup, and that's despite facing one of the real big guns. Manchester United finished second in the WSL last season but Katie Barker is confident and now, we are as well.
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No Taste for Accounting: Financial results and Double Manchester Weekend Preview

If you had designed the perfect outcome, it would have looked a lot like this. In control from the off, no dangerous moments at the back, and one-nil up at half-time before sealing it with two goals from your premium striker.
Newcastle had it all their own way on the pitch, but what does it mean for the rest of the season, future derbies, and what about the celebrations? We get into that and all the rest of it with Taylor, George, and Chris.
Let's not forget Sunday, either. Katie Barker notched a hat-trick in a magnificent 7-0 win over Halifax and Newcastle's women have their own date with FA Cup destiny next weekend in Manchester.
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Derby Demolition, Halifax Hammered: If Carlsberg Made Weekends...

In our last podcast we celebrated the successes of 2023 with family and friends, but the Christmas spirit has thoroughly worn off, especially with zero points from three festive Premier League fixtures.
January brings new hope, then, or does it? The queue in the physio's office is still pretty lengthy, and FFP could put paid to any ideas about spending our way out of trouble.
The New Year's resolution for Eddie Howe's men is as simple as it gets, win the FA Cup third round tie at Sunderland, by any means necessary.
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From Festive Misery to Derby Fever

Once again, we assembled in Newcastle for our Christmas drinks special with the magnificent Strawberry pub playing host to an elite audience of friends, relatives, loved ones, and Others.
Eddie Howe's men suffered heartbreak at Chelsea on Tuesday night, but we're banishing negativity with a look ahead to the festive fixtures and that date with Sunderland in the new year.
It seems everyone associated with Newcastle United is getting a bit tired and emotional, so we also celebrate a late Thanksgiving by remembering our personal highlights of 2023.
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End of the Year Pod: 2023? Great, actually

We're coming to you just 24 hours before Eddie Howe's men take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup quarter finals and despite the best efforts of our resident gremlin, Chris Waugh.
A three-nil win at home to Fulham would be a nice result under any circumstances, but after European heartbreak in midweek, and with an unwelcome setback in our previously relenting injury crisis, it was a magnificent effort.
Lewis Miley got his first senior goal to break the deadlock and teammate Sean Longstaff was full of praise for his junior colleague, and Becky Langley's women won 11-3(!) to round off the calendar year unbeaten(!!!).
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Smiley Miley inspires Full Ham win and Langley's lasses finish 2023 unbeaten

Taylor Payne is joined by the world's unlikeliest hoody-wearer, George Caulkin, and Nostra-doofus Chris Waugh, to look back at the last emotional rollercoaster of our Champions League campaign.
The Group of Death went to the death, but sadly it wasn't to be as our desire to stay in Europe's premier competition saw us concede to a Milan counter-attack and exit European competition entirely.
Fulham are next and, while they have some good recent form, their away record is much like Newcastle's... bad. Huge excitement for Becky Langley and the women's team, though, as they booked a trip to Manchester in the Adobe Women's FA Cup.
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Champions League or bust: Howe's men go out on their shields

Taylor Payne and Chris Waugh are safe in the North East for our weekend review, with George Caulkin making the unexpected decision to broadcast from a building site in central London.
We have another dispiriting display to look back at, with Eddie Howe's knackered Mags downed 4-1 by a Spurs side whose "injury crisis" pales by comparison. Better news from Gateshead, where Becky Langley's women made it to the fourth round of the FA Cup and a potential meeting with the big hitters of the WSL.
Next up, a Champions League Group F finale with AC Milan coming to St James's Park on Wednesday. The atmosphere should be electric, but can that re-energise the players or will Leao and co spoil the party?
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Going South: Spurs slog makes for imperfect Milan prep

The prodigal grandad returns! George Caulkin is back, which is good, because we need numbers to comfort each other with our resident Evertonian is on the smugpath. Newcastle lost at Goodison Park, deservedly so, but can we bounce back at Spurs on our own little Super Sunday?
Captain Lascelles hobbled into the changing room on Thursday: hopefully Eddie Howe can get some reinforcements soon because bare bones was about five injuries ago. Chris updates us on the rehabbers... twice.
And we celebrate the glimmer of light that was Lewis Miley, arguably Newcastle's best player in the first half on Merseyside.
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Blue Thursday: Can Trippier and Co. bounce back at Spurs?

Eddie Howe's Newcastle United side, with at most fourteen fit first-teamers, barely got out of second gear in beating Manchester United at St James's Park.
Taylor Payne, Chris Waugh, and Jacob Whitehead review what is now a routine scenario, consider the FA Cup draw at Sunderland, and celebrate the women's team topping the table.
The men's team head to Everton on Thursday night when Jacob will be watching Anthony Gordon closely and the rest of us will be hoping Isak can recreate his freakish dribble.
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Another win over Man United: no big deal

Taylor Payne is not a happy man; he's a bit less not happy than he was 24 hours ago, but not by much. Joining him to digest the indigestion of an ultimately unhappy evening in Paris are Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead.
Kylian Mbappe's penalty rescued a point for Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League Group F, but that doesn't even begin to cover the shock of a 98th minute VAR decision that seemed impossible given what had come before.
Did that moment steal the thunder of Newcastle's remarkable two-part performance? In the first half they pressed and pestered and scored a crucial goal through Isak. Then, as the eleven men tired and with no viable subs, they repelled waves of PSG attacks before that stunning final twist of the knife.
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Mardy Mardi: PSG Pick Our Pockets for Point

Newcastle's bench against Chelsea showed how many players we are missing, but that didn't seem to matter too much as Gordon, Isak and co breezed through the Blues' swiss-cheese defence at will.
Lewis Miley also showed why the club's transfer policy was adapted to give him a first team squad role this season. He becomes Newcastle's youngest ever assister of a Premier League goal.
Plus, there's news from the PL shareholders' meeting, 26 games unbeaten for Becky Langley's women, and our Champions League preview on a must-win trip to Paris.
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Three keepers, four Academy lads, and two grown-ups. No problem!

Taylor Payne hosts an international break edition of The Athletic's Newcastle United podcast with reporters Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead, plus special guests Paul Karter and Thomas Concannon.
Representing the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and the Football Supporters' Association respectively, Paul and Thomas bring their experience with fan issues to discuss the difficulties with tickets and related matters that have arisen this season.
There's also news of a terrific win for Becky Langley's NUFC women and the latest from our men away on international duty ***touchwood***.
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Trees felled, Tickets PLEASE! and International Update

Look, we're all tired. The players, the staff, the fans, even the podcasters have had enough. Defeat at Bournemouth prompted an outpouring of emotion, a cry of frustration, made more painful because the loss wasn't anybody's fault.
But, with the turning of a page, can we expect a fresh burst of energy? Unfortunately, given how crowded the physio room is, and how busy the fixture list, it doesn't look like things are getting much easier any time soon.
On the upside, the women's team keep churning out results, and the men have an international break when most of them will get a rest of some sort.
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Thrilling chapter ends with Bournemouth defeat but things aren't getting any easier!

It's the morning after the night before and Taylor Payne and Chris Waugh are in Dortmund, with George Caulkin tuning in from our London bureau.
Not the result we wanted from Signal Iduna Park; Newcastle started slowly and could never gain the upper hand against a Borussia side who showed their experience once again.
But, let's not forget (on the second anniversary of Eddie Howe's appointment), sobering results like this are now a rarity and despite the Premier League's worst list of absences, the squad will pick themselves up and take everything they've got to Bournemouth on Saturday... unlike Chris.
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Pod on the Rhine, or One Banger short of a Sausagefest

A (very) familiar face joins the crew to look back at another remarkable win for Eddie Howe's men, who defied a mounting injury list to deliver another home clean sheet and three points against Arsenal.
An intensely fought contest didn't provide much by way of chances for either side, but Anthony Gordon's second-half strike survived three VAR investigations, provoking an as post-match rant from visiting manager Mikel Arteta.
Next up, a trip to Germany and a Tuesday night teatime kick-off in a pivotal Champions League Group F fixture.
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Casualties & VAR: NUFC dropping like flies but can't stop winning

An epic road trip, a sensational performance by Newcastle's second (& third?) string, and a moment of pure catharsis for more than seven thousand geordies. Powered by Carabao, this is Pod on the Tyne!
Valentino Livramento has started two games this season and has won the man of the match award on both occasions, but with Kieran Trippier driving Newcastle forward, how can we make better use of our starlet?
There were so many magical stories, Emil Krafth's return, Gordon up top, and Lewis Hall scoring his first senior goal, and how(!), as Newcastle's seventeen fullbacks made a mockery of Manchester United on their home turf. This team continue to defy the odds, there's every chance they'll do so again when Arsenal come calling on Saturday.
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UNITED!!!

The lads are getting used to life without Jacob, which will be the case for about ten days, and Chris is less than thrilled about having to restart work with a Caulkin road trip!
Two more Callum Wilson goals brought a creditable point at Wolves but, with Eddie's Mags down to the bare bones, nerves might be jangling on the way to Old Trafford; especially if George's trip to Morrisons yields all the Carabao he's promising.
Becky Langley's lasses got "League Cup week" off to a good start, though, with a superb home win against Forest (albeit not the home home they expected).
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