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  1. Who have been Newcastle's best managers? published at 12:36 BST 10 July

    Stan Seymour with his team after winning the FA Cup Image source, Getty Images

    Throughout Thursday, we will be revealing who former Magpies captain Lee Clark thinks are the top five managers in the history of Newcastle United.

    At number five, Clark has gone with Doug Livingstone. He was in charge of the club from December 1954 and led the club to an FA Cup win in 1955.

    "This is someone who the older fans will remember," Clark said. "And why he is in there is because he won silverware for our club.

    "It's not an easy thing as a Newcastle manager!"

    At number four, he chose Livingstone's predecessor at St James' Park, Stan Seymour, who was in charge of the club on three different occasions between 1939 and 1958.

    Under his stewardship, the club won back-to-back FA Cups in 1951 and 1952, making him the first person to win the trophy with the same club as a player and a manager.

    "This was quite a tough one, and the only reason I have put him at four and not higher is because it was before my era.

    "Seymour led us to two FA Cup wins and to do that in any era is tough. He could have easily been higher."

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  2. A flash season or can Gordon find form again?published at 08:52 BST 10 July

    Anthony Gordon on Newcastle's bus paradeImage source, Getty Images

    As Anthony Elanga prepares to race down the Newcastle right flank, likely competing with Jacob Murphy for a starting berth, it seems the Magpies now have depth in wide areas.

    On the left, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes should vie for a place in the XI and, while reputation and links to other clubs seem to give Gordon a certain glow in the footballing world, it would be fair to say he has to produce than he did in 2024-25.

    Last season, Gordon offered a combined 11 goals and assists. It meant he scored or created a goal every 222 minutes. In his previous campaign, he scored or created every 138 minutes, offering a combined 21 goals and assists.

    By comparison, last season Harvey Barnes scored or created every 135 minutes. These basic numbers alone point to Gordon having a fight on his hands and - as the graph above displays - they point to a slide in form.

    In truth, 2024-25 saw Gordon slip in several key output metrics. He underperformed his xG of eight goals, scoring six. He created fewer chances, his shot conversion fell from 14% to 10% and his dribble success percentage fell too.

    Naturally, some figures fell given he played over 400 minutes less across the Premier League season - down from 2,898 in 2023-24.

    But there has been a clear decline.

    Within all this, perhaps spare a thought for Barnes. Should he be more nailed on as a starter? A goal or assist every 135 minutes in 2024-25 and every 99 minutes in 2023-24. He has been a model of efficiency.

    Will he start more? Could Elanga even switch flanks?

    There are many questions for boss Eddie Howe to ponder. Perhaps the most telling will be whether Newcastle get Gordon of 2023-24 or the 2024-25 version?

    This image is a graphic from the BBC, likely published in June 2025, discussing whether footballer Anthony Gordon can rediscover his 2023-24 form for the upcoming 2024-25 season. 
The chart compares Gordon's performance in key metrics during the 2023-24 season (yellow bars) with the 2024-25 season (black bars).
It highlights areas where his performance has declined, such as goals, expected goals, assists, and chances created.
The graphic also shows a decrease in his shot conversion percentage, successful crosses, and dribble success percentage.
While his possession won has decreased, it remains significantly higher than other metrics.
  3. The Premier League's best ball carrier?published at 17:22 BST 9 July

    Noel Sliney
    BBC Sport

    Anthony Elanga runs with the ball past a prone Alejandro GarnachoImage source, Getty Images

    Anthony Elanga demonstrated just how good he is at moving the ball up the pitch at pace when he did so from his own half to score Nottingham Forest's winner against Manchester United in April.

    The average distance of his ball carries last season was 14.3 metres, the most in the Premier League among the 306 players who spent at least 1,000 minutes on the pitch.

    As noted on this page on Tuesday, only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and-mate Jacob Murphy, who is Newcastle's current first choice on the right of their attack, provided more assists than the 11 by Elanga last season.

    Murphy was directly involved in 20 of Newcastle's 68 goals in 2024-25 but Newcastle may feel they need more options. Forest were the only side to use fewer players in the Premier League last season and the Magpies face a minimum eight additional matches after qualifying for the Champions League.

  4. 'It was fun talking to him and it was fun watching him'published at 15:18 BST 9 July

    Colin Fray
    BBC Radio Nottingham reporter

    Nuno Espirito Santo and Anthony ElangaImage source, Getty Images

    Watching Anthony Elanga play is a lot of fun!

    As they always, and quite rightly say "there's no substitute for pace", and if you have end product after the run, it is a dangerous combination.

    That is why Newcastle want Elanga, and that is why Forest have been reluctant to part with him.

    Ultimately, though, Forest will feel that they have a good deal financially, and for them it is about how they spend to replace the Sweden international. That is going to be crucial going forward for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, because Elanga was excellent for the Forest head coach.

    When he was going through a lean spell, Nuno publicly backed him, and was proved right as Elanga bagged six goals and 11 assists last season – improving both from the previous campaign.

    With Newcastle, he will have a Champions League campaign to look forward to, and Eddie Howe will be hoping he can provide the assists for compatriot Alexander Isak in the Magpies' forward line.

    Always smiling, his bubbly enthusiasm is infectious, and he fitted perfectly into the Forest dressing-room spirit that took them so far last season.

    It was fun talking to him, and it was fun watching him... and if you want to know how much fun, just have a look at his winning goal against Manchester United last season – a solo run from his own half, holding defenders off and then finding a finish.

    Classic Anthony Elanga.

  5. Last Pundit Standing - finding the BBC's next football expertpublished at 17:47 BST 8 July

    Media caption,

    The BBC's search to find a new football expert is under way, with 12 content creators competing in Last Pundit Standing to win a role as BBC Sport's next football content creator.

    The first two episodes of the show - co-hosted by former Watford captain Troy Deeney and YouTuber and football presenter James Allcott - are available to watch on iPlayer, as well as BBC Sport's YouTube channel and TikTok account, with new episodes every week until 11 August.

    The contestants, who were chosen from more than 400 applicants, will be whittled down through a series of tasks staged at iconic football locations as the creators are challenged by some of the biggest names in the game.

    Read more about the show here

    Watch the first two episodes of Last Pundit Standing now on BBC iPlayer

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  6. Howe finally gets his man published at 15:37 BST 8 July

    Sami Mokbel
    Senior football correspondent

    Anthony Elanga in action for Nottingham ForestImage source, Getty Images

    The attraction to Anthony Elanga for Newcastle is clear. Pace, skill and power from wide.

    He is a player Magpies boss Eddie Howe has tracked for 12 months and now he has successfully got his man.

    For the time being, Elanga will supplement the quality Newcastle already have in that area of the field in Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes.

    With Newcastle back in the Champions League next season, Howe needs quality options so he can rotate.

    Elanga certainly provides that.

    Whether the Sweden international's arrival indicates anything towards a departure out wide remains to be seen, but the club have been adamant none of their top players will leave this summer.

  7. Is Elanga a natural fit for Magpies?published at 15:37 BST 8 July

    Noel Sliney
    BBC Sports journalist

    Anthony Elanga plays for Nottingham Forest against Newcastle and runs with the ballImage source, Getty Images

    It is little surprise that Newcastle have renewed their pursuit of Anthony Elanga, after a failed move last summer, as the winger's profile suits their high-energy and counter-attacking style under Eddie Howe.

    Most obviously, Elanga provides pace and intensity. The 23-year-old recorded the third quickest top speed in the Premier League last season, while only Newcastle's Anthony Gordon sprinted more per 90 minutes than the Nottingham Forest winger. Gordon and Elanga on opposite flanks would be a daunting scenario for opposition full-backs.

    The Swede provides an end product too, with 17 top-flight goal involvements last season – only Mohamed Salah and Jacob Murphy, who is Newcastle's current first-choice on the right of their attack, provided more assists than the 11 by Elanga. Five of those were from set-pieces and the other six from open-play crosses – both league highs.

    Nonetheless, Elanga's crossing accuracy from open play last season was a lowly 17% and his dribbling stats were unremarkable: 71 attempted, with a 35% success rate. Which is not to accuse Elanga of being an ineffective dribbler – he demonstrated just how good at it he can be when carrying the ball at pace from his own half to score Forest's winner against Manchester United in April.

    Elanga's physical attributes
  8. 'Statement signing' - fan views on Elangapublished at 13:48 BST 8 July

    Your views banner
    Elanga in action for ForestImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on Newcastle United moving close to signing Anthony Elanga for a fee of £55m from Nottingham Forest.

    Here are some of your comments:

    James: A statement signing for us. Another top international player that should be European competition ready.

    Rob: Great first summer signing. Eddie Howe will get the best out of him. I hope there is more to come. The small squad needs beefing up. It's going to be a long season. The more bodies, the better, if they want to progress in the cup competitions. Players seem to be reluctant to come this far north. Newcastle need to change that perception by having a stellar season.

    Davey: At 23 years old, it's clearly very good business again. Lots of assists and some goals to add to an already effective front three. I can see him and Isak forming as good a partnership as Isak and Murphy did last season. More attacking options are always welcome. He's direct and fast, which is something we occasionally lack, so it's another way to break down defences.

    Harry: Vital signing. Last season could have been so so different if Murphy got injured. Only having three wingers at the club left us so thin on the ground I don't think fans of other clubs fully appreciate. Always one or two injuries away from a crisis. Elanga will help with the extra Champions League games and we can go for a cup run hopefully!

    Robert Z: He's a great young prospect: pacey, good dribbler and crosser of the ball. And he and Isak can speak Swedish to each other. Good addition up front.

    Andrew: It's another big fee. So far, the big fee players have really paid off. But Elanga will know the pressure to achieve. I hope he has the personality and mentality of the other Newcastle players. If he trusts and listens to Eddie Howe, our front three will be unbelievable.

  9. Elanga fee agreed - send us your thoughtspublished at 08:50 BST 8 July

    Have your say banner
    Elanga in action for Forest Image source, Getty Images

    With Newcastle United having now agreed a £55m fee with Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga, we want your views on the Magpies' likely next signing.

    Will you be excited to see the 23-year-old Sweden international join the squad after his impressive season at Forest, or do you have doubts about the price tag?

    Where will he fit into Eddie Howe's team and is he the right addition to push the side forward, especially with Champions League footballin 2025-26.

    Get in touch with your thoughts here

  10. Why Newcastle are signing £55m Elangapublished at 08:33 BST 8 July

    Karan Vinod
    BBC Sport Journalist

    Anthony Elanga in action for Nottingham ForestImage source, Getty Images

    Newcastle United's pursuit of Anthony Elanga underlines just how far the Swedish winger's stock has risen after a stellar 2024-25 campaign with Nottingham Forest. Having now agreed a £55m fee, the Magpies are set to add his pace, precision, and end product to their ranks going into a crucial season.

    Elanga's statistical profile paints the picture of a player not just improving, but excelling in some of the most important attacking metrics. The radar chart below, provided by Opta via FBref, shows Elanga ranking in the top percentiles among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers across multiple categories.

    A percentile score reflects how a player compares to his positional peers - being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions means Elanga outperforms 80% of similar players in that key attacking measure. His high percentile for shot-on-target percentage signals not just an eye for goal but efficiency in making goalkeepers work - he doesn't waste chances.

    Elanga's radar for 2024-25 season

    His crossing output sits near the top of the scale, a vital asset for any team relying on width and delivery. For comparison, none of Newcastle's current wingers - Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Gordon - averages more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, whereas Elanga averages 6.65.

    Meanwhile, his progressive carries - how frequently he moves the ball towards goal - highlight his directness and willingness to take on defenders, adding dynamism to Forest's attack. Even his goals-per-shot ratio reflects a sharpness in front of goal that is increasingly rare among wingers.

    For Newcastle, these numbers represent everything they need: pace, efficiency, and creativity in the final third.

    Their recent transfer frustration stems from failing to make these kinds of decisive moves early. Elanga, who can play wide or centrally, fits the profile of a player who could unlock defences both at home and in Europe.

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  11. Gossip: Magpies interested in Grealish and Elanga set for medicalpublished at 07:07 BST 8 July

    Gossip graphic

    Newcastle United, Tottenham and Napoli are all monitoring England midfielder Jack Grealish after Manchester City set an asking price of £40m for the 29-year-old. (Sun), external

    Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is set to travel to Newcastle for a medical after the Tyneside club agreed a £55m fee to sign the 23-year-old Sweden international. (Sky Sports), external

    The Magpies remain hopeful of winning the race to sign Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, 24. (GiveMeSport), external

    Meanwhile, Newcastle have held fresh talks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with manager Eddie Howe a long-term admirer of the 28-year-old England striker, who left Everton after his contract expired last month and has interest from Manchester United. (Talksport), external

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

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  12. 'Did the number-nine shirt proud' - fans praise Wilsonpublished at 16:14 BST 7 July

    Your views banner
    Callum Wilson applauds fans at St James' ParkImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your favourite memories of striker Callum Wilson after he left the club following the conclusion of his contract.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Matt: He was magic on the pitch when Newcastle were hobbling around the bottom end of the table. But the one memory that stands out the most is Wilson responding to an emergency in the crowd when they played Tottenham and almost singlehandedly alerted all medical staff at the ground to it. What a guy. He has done the number-nine shirt proud.

    Rod: Thanks Callum… always put in 100% but just cursed by constant injuries. A great natural goalscorer and definitely appreciated by all fans. Good luck for the future!

    Peter: Wilson was part of a special group of players who kept us going in the "not so canny" days. He's been fantastic and I wish him all the best.

    Richard: At the cup final this year when he came on, I remember thinking: "Good move. Experienced and steady - he won't do anything silly." Straight away he took the ball right into the Liverpool corner and let them kick him for 30 seconds before letting it out for a throw. Not the most spectacular, but it was exactly what we needed. We'd have been in the Championship again if it wasn't for his goals before Alexander Isak came along.

    Bobby: Generally just his robust, yet composed, style of play was always nice to watch. I wish there were more strikers like him.

    Greg: What a servant to the club. He alluded to it in his message, but there really were some lows! To have such a quality player during those times was a rare spark of joy. I'm sure I can confidently say that the Toon army wishes Wilson the best of luck with whatever he chooses to do moving forward. Burnley and Leeds wouldn't go far wrong by looking to add Wilson to their line-ups for next season!

  13. Wilson at Newcastle - prolific but injury pronepublished at 16:01 BST 7 July

    Tom McCoy
    BBC Sport journalist

    Callum Wilson celebratesImage source, Getty Images

    Despite failing to score a Premier League goal in 2024-25, when he only started two games, Callum Wilson netted 47 times in 113 top-flight appearances during five seasons at Newcastle.

    He averaged a goal every 143 minutes, the fifth-best record of any player with at least 15 goals during this period, bettered only by Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane.

    His shot conversion rate of 23.7% also stacks up alongside the league's elite finishers, exactly the same as that of Newcastle team-mate Isak.

    Where Wilson has clearly struggled is with availability. A series of injuries, including calf, hamstring and back issues, meant he only started 71 of 190 league matches for the Magpies, equivalent to 37%.

    While the arrival of Isak in 2022 has contributed to limited opportunities, fitness problems have meant he has only been in the matchday squad for half of Newcastle's Premier League matches over the past two seasons.

    Champions League qualification means manager Eddie Howe will surely now be on the lookout for a more physically robust centre-forward to provide back-up for Isak in 2025-26.

  14. Newcastle 'need to start doing deals quickly'published at 15:55 BST 7 July

    Chief football writer Phil McNulty byline banner
    Callum WilsonImage source, Getty Images

    On the day Callum Wilson confirmed he will depart the club, Ralph from Lancaster asked: Hi Phil, when might we see Eddie Howe's "early signings"? Newcastle are the only top-six side still to join the market and surely need more strength in depth for the Champions League campaign?

    Phil answered: Eddie Howe sat in front of us at St James' Park on the final day of the season after qualifying for the Champions League and stated very clearly the importance of getting deals done quickly.

    It will be hugely frustrating for him and Newcastle's fans that this has not happened.

    Joao Pedro, a prime target, went to Chelsea and Liam Delap – another player on Howe's list - did the same. The attempts to sign Antony Elanga from Nottingham Forest are dragging on.

    Howe will really want some movement soon because, for all the success of last season in winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the Champions League, his squad was thin beyond his main first-choice team.

    Newcastle need to start doing deals quickly or those frustrations will grow.

    Follow the rest of Phil's Q&A here

  15. Wilson says goodbye after five years at Newcastlepublished at 13:08 BST 7 July

    Callum WilsonImage source, Getty Images

    Callum Wilson has penned his goodbye to Newcastle fans as his departure from the club is confirmed.

    The 33-year-old striker scored 49 goals in 130 appearances, during an injury-hit five years on Tyneside.

    His contract expired this summer.

    "It's time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years in the Toon," he wrote on X. "Thank you for everything.

    "We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights.

    "I am so proud to have worn the iconic number nine shirt and to have added a little more history to it. Scoring at the Gallowgate End really is as special as they say.

    "All good things come to an end but there's no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my family's hearts.

    "Thank you for the memories."

    What are your fondest memories of Wilson?

    Perhaps you met him, or you can remember a specific goal that stands out?

    Let us know here

    Have your say
  16. 'Not having Schar or Burn on that list is criminal' - fans on top-five CB debatepublished at 14:06 BST 4 July

    Your views banner
    Dan Burn and Fabian Schar Image source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on Steve Howey's list of the top five Newcastle United centre-backs of the past 50 years (scroll to 14:39 BST on 3 July to see his choices).

    Here are some of your comments:

    John: Howey was decent but lacked pace. Peacock wasn't great. Albert was silky but not a great defender. Coloccini did develop into a decent player. Woodgate was class. How these are the greatest of the last 50 years is beyond me. Glenn Roeder was probably better than most we have had.

    Nick: Fabian Schar deserves to be in the top three - great composure and a mean shooter too. Always reliable.

    Mark: I love Howey, but he's miles off with his list. The only list that should feature him and Woodgate near the top is injury-prone players. The top five should be 1. Coloccini 2. Albert 3. Schar 4. Burn 5. Woodgate.

    Carl: You have to include Roeder, probably above Howey, for best defenders in the past 50 years

    Liam: Not having either Schar or Dan Burn (or both) on that list is criminal. Howey putting himself at two is arguably even worse. I'd also be tempted to disqualify Coloccini after publicly expressing his desire to leave while he was our captain.

    Jim: I agree with Howey's first choice. Woodgate was indeed the best centre-back I have seen in the black-and-white shirt as he could read a game like I can read a book. His ability to do this and not to break into a sweat was always a pleasure to watch. It was just unfortunate his time with us was too short.

  17. 'We are not making the right early moves' - Clarkpublished at 08:23 BST 4 July

    Clark in action for Newcastle Image source, Getty Images

    With Newcastle United's transfer business under the spotlight, former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark has called for sharper decision-making as the club looks to strengthen ahead of a pivotal season.

    Newcastle United have Champions League football to offer in the upcoming season, but so far they remain inactive in the transfer market, with only speculation and rumours linking them to potential signings.

    "It's a game of chess, isn't it, from the buying club to the selling club," Clark said on BBC Radio Newcastle. "The frustrating thing from Newcastle's point of view is that we seem to go in and have to do it three or four times.

    "And when I say go in, I mean go in and get a bid rejected, whereas our rivals in the top six get close, maybe with the first offer and go smash it with the second.

    "And with the type of players we are looking to bring in now, we are looking at the real elite level.

    "Just seems to be that we are not making the right early moves in terms of making things happen. Obviously, you don't want to be paying over the odds. But we've gone three windows without really signing anyone in terms of seniority to help the team, and this summer is crucial for us - we've got to learn from the last Champions League campaign. Certainly got a terrific squad, but not big enough."

    Listen on BBC Sounds

  18. 'It was effortless for him' - Newcastle's best ever centre-back? published at 14:39 BST 3 July

    Jonathan WoodgateImage source, Getty Images

    The centre-back Steve Howey believes is the best to wear the white and black of Newcastle United over the past 50 years is Jonathan Woodgate.

    The former England defender only played for the Magpies for 18 months after signing from Leeds in 2003 for around £9 million.

    The following summer, Real Madrid came calling but for Howey, he left a lasting impression.

    "Good defender who read the game very well - a good footballer," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle.

    "I have to be honest, there were times when I didn't see what everyone else saw when everyone raved about him [before he moved to St James' Park].

    "But when I watched him at Newcastle, it was effortless for him. It didn't look like he was flustered. He looked comfortable all the time!"

    A recap of Howey's five-best centre-backs to play for Newcastle:

    1. Jonathan Woodgate

    2. Steve Howey

    3. Darren Peacock

    4. Philippe Albert

    5. Fabricio Coloccini

    Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

    What do you make of Howey's choices?

    How would you rank these five? Have a go here.

    But who is missing from the list?

    Let us know here

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