Newcastle United

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

Newcastle's season can't have much more than a 5/10 really, and many of my friends would consider that generous. We made it to a cup semi-final and to the last 16 of the Champions League, but at what cost? Almost being sucked into a relegation conversation, injuries and a 13th-place finish?

Best moment and why?

Being in Cologne - but that had nothing to do with the football, which we lost, and everything to do with following my team in Europe and being with my friends. When performances and results are bad, friends and community become the answer to the question: why am I doing this to myself? So that was my highlight.

Player of season and why?

Bruno Guimaraes is my player of the season. We don't win without him. He spent some of the season out injured - had he not, then we'd have finished in the top 10. He had the most goal contributions of his career so far this season (even with the period out of the team) and he understands what it means to the fans. My king.

Unsung hero and why?

Jacob Ramsey because he has quietly been getting better in a team that has loudly been getting worse. There is a lot of potential there.

Biggest disappointment?

Yoane Wissa. He came to us and then immediately got injured so has been playing catch-up ever since, but I simply cannot watch him fluff another one-on-one with the keeper. He's a striker, for heaven's sake. I'm sure he's lovely but he was a terrible waste of money.

What needs to change this summer?

So much. If no shake-ups are going to happen at management level, then an enormous amount of movement must be committed to at squad level. We need fresh legs, raw talent and players who want to play for the manager. If we don't get that, the beginning of 2026-27 is going to be very bumpy.

Major hope for next season?

That we look like Newcastle United again. That we go back to playing exciting football. We saw hints of it at the back end of this season; it's possible. I want a unified, intense, game-playing team. With no European football to deal with, there are no excuses.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

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Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes Lewis Miley penning a new six-year contract to extend his time at St James' Park is "a good bit of business".

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle about the deal, Howey said: "I'm pleased for the lad. It has been difficult for him recently.

"Initially, when he first got into the first team, he looked a bit lightweight. He was tall, a bit too slim if you like, but obviously the ability was there.

"Then he picked up an injury, but on his return he looked bigger, stronger, better.

"He excelled in the full-back position, he was absolutely outstanding. I don't think he would thank you for playing him there, but he was excellent. Nobody could really get around him and he used the ball brilliantly as well.

"It has been a stop-start season, but there is no doubt the boy has potential and ability. It is a good bit of business from Newcastle's point of view. It also gives Miley stability and allows him to put this season behind him with the injuries.

"Hopefully he can get himself strong and ready to go for next season.

"Touch wood, we will see a very good and more regularly playing Lewis Miley."

Listen to the conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.

Prediction: 6th

A season of turmoil on Tyneside, undermined by the 11th-hour sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

Eddie Howe, rightly, will be at the helm to turn things around in what looks like a transitional summer, with Anthony Gordon looking set to leave and speculation continuing to surround Sandro Tonali.

Simply an unsettled, unsatisfying campaign after the glory of Newcastle's first domestic trophy in 70 years when they won the 2025 Carabao Cup.

What I said in August: "Why such an optimistic prediction? Newcastle have a fine side when everyone is fit."

Check out the rest of my review here

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon is on Liverpool's list of potential replacements for Mohamed Salah. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Gordon is also wanted by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who could use 29-year-old Germany goalkeeper Alexander Nubel as a makeweight in any deal for the 25-year-old winger. (Bild - in German), external

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes as they prepare for the Champions League next season. (Mail), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson being "well beaten" by Fulham on the final day of the season was "probably fitting" the way the campaign has gone for Eddie Howe's side.

Anderson said a League Cup run and participation in the Champions League perhaps "papered over the cracks" of a frustrating season in which the Magpies finished in their lowest position in the Premier League since 2020-21.

"I'm pleased that the season is over - you want to write it off and get it out of the way," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

Hit play above to hear the whole clip, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Newcastle United forward Sean Neave has been speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle about the feeling of making his Premier League debut for his boyhood team.

The England youth international came on in the 77th minute of the Magpies final game of the season at Fulham and he said he wasn't expecting it to come so soon.

You can listen to the full chat with Neave above or here on BBC Sounds

Meanwhile, team-mate Malick Thiaw believes his side need to improve their Premier League form after a disappointing campaign ended with a 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

Sunday's loss was their 17th of the league season and left Eddie Howe's side in 12th, outside of the European places in a campaign in which they made the last 16 of the Champions League.

Hit play below to hear more from Thiaw, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley has vowed to "repay the faith that has been shown in me" after signing a new six-year contract with the club.

Miley previously penned a long-term deal with Newcastle in 2024, but the club wanted to offer him improved terms in recognition of his impressive progress since then.

"I'm really pleased to sign this new contract and commit my future here," he said. "It's a dream to be representing Newcastle United, so this is a proud moment for me.

"I'm really grateful to everybody who has played a part in helping me get to where I am today, especially the support of my family and the trust that the club has put in me from such a young age.

"It's been an amazing journey so far and I'm so excited for what's ahead. I'm now working hard every day to get back on the pitch even stronger next season and start to repay the faith that has been shown in me."

Miley is currently sidelined with a broken leg, but no other English teenager played more minutes in the Premier League before his 20th birthday earlier this month.

The academy graduate flourished in a new position at right-back and head coach Eddie Howe said "his willingness to try new roles is a reflection of his selfless approach to the team".

"Lewis fully deserves his new contract as recognition for everything he has achieved over the past few years," he added.

"It's also a reflection of the potential for further growth that we all see in him. He's earned every opportunity and has proven himself to be more than capable of performing at the highest level.

"Players like Lewis are a dream to work with – not only is he immensely talented, he's keen to learn and approaches everything with a brilliant attitude."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your as a disappointing Newcastle season ended with defeat at Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Samuel: When Newcastle were taken over in 2021 we were promised change. You can't deny that we've been very successful since the days of Mike Ashley, but taking 17 defeats in a season is very bruising. The ambition to compete at the top level exists at the club, there's just something missing. This will be an interesting summer…

Gareth: Eddie Howe has took us as far as he can, thanks for the trophy but it's time to go.

Richard: It was an entirely predictable result and probably good in that recent results have been a little better and it wouldn't be helpful for the enormity of the rebuilding task needed this summer to be fudged by a few almost half decent performances. This season was a disaster before it even started and although I don't want a change in manager (just yet) I will expect things to be very much improved next season. This game typified our turgid, guileless and insipid season and, frankly, I'm just glad it's over.

Rollo: A miserable season right to the end. Howe's teamsheet, at times, has been bewildering to say the least. Last summer's buys have been damp squibs, totally out of their depth and what quality is in the team will be moving on. My opinion is a whole new back shop is needed as we seem to be out-thought every game tactics- wise.

Kevin: Absolutely shocking again. In my opinion, Eddie is responsible for this mess and should be held accountable. The team look like they have no idea what's happening and how to fix the mess. Eddie is the one person who's responsible for this situation. He bought the majority of the players in and has no idea what's happening.

E Walton: The pressure is ramping up for Howe. We need to hit the ground running next season or I'm afraid Eddie could be an early managerial casualty. Being beaten twice by the Mackems is not acceptable.

Decka: Sunderland rub salt into the self-inflicted Newcastle wounds. Well done to them. We will fight another day. No more panic buys. No more players holding a team - no, a whole city - to ransom.

Gary: Absolutely pitiful display from Howe's team - clueless, lacklustre, disinterested, I could go on. It's been a shambles of a season from start to finish and I'm pleased it's over. It feels like Eddie has come to the same point as he did at Bournemouth - he's relying on the same team around him, no new ideas or thoughts. Keep on doing exactly the same things you get the same results time after time.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-0 Everton

• West Ham United 3-0 Leeds United

• Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

• Brighton 0-3 Manchester United

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a disappointing performance from us. For a whole host of reasons we weren't quite at the level we needed to be. There were some promising bits but by and large I think Fulham deserved to win.

"We weren't a big enough goal threat in the game, I don't think we defended with enough solidity, we weren't quite right. We tried to change things numerous times in the game but I think it was more of a mental problem than anything else.

On whether Anthony Gordon has played his last game for the club: "I don't know. You can never predict what is going to happen. He obviously goes to the World Cup now so we wish him well."

Did you know?

• Newcastle United suffered their 17th Premier League defeat of the season, with the Magpies last losing more matches across a single campaign in the competition in 2017-18 (18).

• Only relegated pair Burnley (14) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (13) lost more away games than Newcastle in the Premier League this season (10), while the Magpies last failed to win more matches on the road than their 15 this term (D5 L10) in 2015-16 (17).

Here more from Eddie Howe below or find it along with more Newcastle United content on BBC Sounds here

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This was a very different final day for Newcastle.

Whereas Eddie Howe's side were playing for a place in the Champions League a year ago, 12 months on they already knew they were out of the race to qualify for Europe.

However, Howe had warned before the trip to Craven Cottage that "this game will live long with us" going into the summer break.

Those reasons will not be positive and the defeat will be especially bitter given rivals Sunderland qualified for the Europa League on the final day.

With an eye on next season, Howe changed systems once more, fielding a back five and curiously taking Harvey Barnes - who had scored two goals in his previous two games - and the departing Kieran Trippier out of the side.

The extra centre-back - in the shape of Dan Burn - should in theory have given Newcastle added stability, but this leaky side have only kept a single clean sheet since February for a reason.

They were far too casual when Kevin stepped up to take the free-kick that led to Diop's opener.

Joe Willock, who was a late addition to the starting line-up after Sandro Tonali was injured in the warm-up, nonchalantly stuck out a leg only to join a number of his sleepy team-mates in watching Diop head home.

As good as Cairney's second was, no-one was close enough to him and the midfielder had the time he needed to unleash a rocket past Nick Pope.

If this side are to bounce back next season, they desperately need to rediscover some semblance of solidity - and more besides.

A rollercoaster Newcastle season ended with defeat at Fulham.

There will be no European football for the Magpies next season, and with Kieran Trippier's departure potentially one of several, there is a big summer ahead at St James' Park.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Fulham manager Marco Silva makes one change for the visit of Newcastle United.

Kevin replaces Sasa Lukic in the side following last week's 1-1 draw against Wolves.

It remains to be seen if this proves Silva's final team sheet. The Portuguese is to make a decision on his future in the coming days.

Fulham XI: Leno, Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson, Berge, Iwobi, Bobb, Smith Rowe, Kevin, Muniz.

Subs: Lecomte, Tete, Cuenca, Sessegnon, Reed, Cairney, King, Wilson, Jimenez.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe makes two changes for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy come in for Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes, who both drop to the bench.

This will be Trippier's final involvement before he leaves the club at the end of his contract next month.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Hall, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Tonali, Murphy, Woltemade, Ramsey, Osula.

Subs: Ramsdale, Trippier, Wissa, Gordon, Barnes, Elanga, Willock, A.Murphy, Neave.

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This will be a very different final day for Newcastle United.

There will certainly be no repeat of the jubilant scenes when the Champions League anthem rang out at St James' Park after Eddie Howe's side secured a fifth-placed finish a year ago.

It felt like the club was ready for lift-off.

But Newcastle missed out on a host of first-choice targets, and ended up doing the bulk of business late in the window.

The club tackled the most important summer in their recent history without a sporting director and chief executive.

Having held firm for so long, Newcastle ultimately buckled and sold striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day.

Yet the dye was by no means cast.

Newcastle still went on to reach the last 16 of the Champions League and a third League Cup semi-final in four years.

However, it has been a bruising affair domestically.

Although Newcastle could still end up finishing in ninth - if they defeat Fulham on the final day and results elsewhere swing their way - Howe's men have missed out on a place in Europe.

In theory, then, there is little to play for at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

But Newcastle will be desperate to finish the campaign with another victory and go into the summer with some positive momentum.

"We hope to continue the upturn in our recent performances, the upturn in our in-possession play," Howe said. "We want to end the season on a real high.

"It was great to win our last home game [against West Ham]. That left us all with a great feeling so it's an important match."

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Eddie Howe has overseen some painful defeats this season, but none stung more than the meek derby losses against bitter rivals Sunderland.

"They really hurt our season," the Newcastle United head coach said at his final pre-match news conference of the campaign.

"They hurt the feeling around what we were doing and they were the results that really changed perception.

"We only have ourselves to blame for that."

After being beaten 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in December, Newcastle suffered a 2-1 loss in the return fixture in March.

St James' Park had rapidly emptied by the time Howe and his players embarked on their traditional lap of appreciation.

There were some supporters who stayed behind to clap the team off, but others showed their displeasure by booing.

A bruising run went on - Newcastle suffered nine defeats in 12 games in the league - but Howe's side have since recovered.

The upturn in results has come too late, however.

Newcastle have missed out on a place in Europe and there is little riding on the final-day trip to Fulham other than ending the campaign with some positive momentum.

That being said, if results swing their way, there is still a chance for Howe's side to finish in ninth - and above Sunderland.

"We would love to finish above anybody in the Premier League for loads of different reasons," the head coach said.

"But, of course, Sunderland means so much to everyone in our supporter base. That would be something we would look to do if we could."

This is another tough one to call. These two sides are level on points in mid-table and, while Newcastle have beaten Fulham twice already this season, both those victories came through last-gasp goals in the 90th minute or later.

The Magpies did get a big win over West Ham at the weekend and have finished the season strongly, which is important for Eddie Howe's future.

Marco Silva's had another solid campaign with Fulham too, though, and I think his side will get something here - although admittedly I have been awful at predicting their results all season.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham host Newcastle, with both clubs out of the running for European football next season.

Fulham's chances of qualifying for Europe have now been extinguished, which could mean that the odds on them having a new manager in charge for next season have shortened.

Marco Silva's contract expires at the end of June and he says he has not yet decided whether he will stay on and be in charge next season.

The club is reportedly keen to keep him, with a three year deal understood to be on the table, but if he has ambitions of immediate European action, then he could be more open to offers from elsewhere.

It's no surprise Fulham want to hang on to Silva, given his record in west London. Since steering the club to promotion from the Championship in his first season five years ago, he has firmly established them in the top flight, guiding them to 10th, 13th and 11th.

The Cottagers were on course to finish even higher this season but failure to win their past three games has cost them.

In fact, tailing off at the end of the season has been a Fulham habit under Silva, with his side's performances dropping off in the final third of the season.

Were it to end up being Silva's last game, it would be fitting to mark it with a win at Craven Cottage but history isn't on their side - Fulham have won their final league match just once in the past eight seasons.

Like Fulham, Newcastle's faint hopes of Europe next season disappeared in midweek but they are at least ending the season in good form.

After losing five in a row in all competitions, they have bounced back to take seven of the past nine points on offer in the league.

The return to form has meant speculation about Eddie Howe's future has died down but it is still likely to be a summer of change on Tyneside.

Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are both leaving, with Anthony Gordon rumoured to be following suit.

However, Howe has unearthed a new source of goals in the shape of William Osula, who has suddenly hit a rich vein of form, scoring six goals in his last eight league matches.

Europe is out of reach but a victory on Sunday would be a high note on which to end the season. And perhaps more important for Magpies fans is that Newcastle must win to have any chance of finishing above north-east rivals Sunderland.

Newcastle will be represented in England's World Cup squad.

Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn are in, but there's no place for Lewis Hall.

That surprised ex-Magpies defender John Anderson.

• Find Newcastle audio on BBC Sounds

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is in full motion in the North East!

Sunderland's Herrington Country Park is hosting the annual three-day event, so we asked you to choose one Magpies player - past or present - to be your festival plus-one.

Here are some of your picks:

Graham: It has to be big Dan Burn. We've all seen that man can move with the best of them.

Sandra: David Ginola. A fabulous player and sexy Frenchman.

Jon: I would take Joelinton with me as he would bring his samba class to the party.

Judith: I would bring Bruno Guimaraes because he's lush and he holds the team together, never lets us down and he sets the standard in all respects. A true role model for the players, for the fans and for the kids who look up to him.

Sue: Has to be Kevin Keegan.

Follow all the action at this year's Big Weekend in Sunderland on BBC Sounds, just download the app and listen live to Radio 1 wherever you go.