Newcastle United ‘outcasts’ to thrive amid ‘massive’ pre-season claim – pundit
Newcastle United fans could see a “completely different side” to some of the club’s players after a first pre-season under Eddie Howe.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ pre-season plans.
Newcastle’s pre-season began with a 5-1 win over Gateshead in a behind-closed-doors game at their Benton training ground on Saturday (9 June).
On 17 February, Callum Wilson revealed on the Footballer’s Football Podcast that he and his teammates “weren’t fit enough in terms of being ready for a Premier League fixture” on the first day of the 2021-22 campaign.
Kenny insists there is no chance of this happening before the 2022-23 season and claims some players will be playing for their futures.
“You never know which players will thrive after a pre-season that’s massive,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“This is the first pre-season with Howe so the players will look different on the first day of this season compared to the first day of last season.
“Some players, even the outcasts, will have the chance to impress and they could change Howe’s mind. Almost everyone there is playing for their future.
“You never know which players could go out and change what people think of them. You could see a completely different side of some players.”
Newcastle lost the first game of the 2021-22 Premier League season to West Ham.
After taking a 2-1 lead into half time Steve Bruce’s side collapsed in the second half, resulting in a 4-2 loss.
In other news, Newcastle United have been told a ‘top transfer fee’ is needed to sign Anthony Gordon after source’s bid reveal.