Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Thursday, October 6.
Al-Rumayyan's fans letter
Newcastle United supremo Yasir Al-Rumayyan has written an open letter to Newcastle United fans ahead of the one-year anniversary of the takeover. In it, the PIF chairman has spoken about the club's plans for the future and how the club remains focused on long-term success.
The United chief said today: "To all the fans of Newcastle United Football Club. Thank you for your incredible support. I am very conscious of the contributions that you all make – on and off the field.
"Football clubs are driven by their fans. And this Club’s fans are more passionate and more committed than any others.
"I have seen for myself on many occasions how Newcastle fans have lifted our team. As we mark the first anniversary of our takeover of the Club, it seemed appropriate to take the time to say thank you – on behalf of the Newcastle Board."
The United supremo's first game was the 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. And he reflected on that day by saying: "The first game after the takeover will live long in my memory. The feeling of pride at holding the black and white scarf as I entered the stadium. The collective roar of 52,000 of you and the unrivalled, electric atmosphere of St. James’ Park on match-day.
"I will never forget the warmth of your welcome to my fellow board members and me on that October day."
Newcastle star Kieran Trippier handed potential World Cup boost
Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier's prospect of a World Cup call-up may have been boosted by an unfortunate setback for Kyle Walker. The Manchester City defender has undergone surgery for a groin injury suffered in the derby-day victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola admitted he did not know whether the veteran full-back would return in time to feature for the Three Lions in Qatar. Gareth Southgate's side begin their campaign in Group B with an opening fixture against Iran on November 21, ahead of clashes with the USA and Wales.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Take part in our Big Newcastle survey as year anniversary of PIF takeover nears
Walker started for his country in the recent defeat in Italy, before making an appearance from the bench during the home draw to Germany. Reece James started both fixtures in a right wing-back role, while Trippier was an unused substitute on both occasions.
The big Jacob Murphy call as recharged Newcastle United aim high against Brentford
Eddie Howe afforded his players two days off after they comfortably beat Fulham on a glorious autumn afternoon on the banks of the Thames last Saturday night.
The usually composed Howe even punched the air in front of the travelling Geordie support as he celebrated his biggest away victory as Toon boss since being appointed last November. But now the Magpies must gear up to face a Brentford side who are proving to be difficult to predict.
Yet Newcastle will feel they have enough to beat Brentford if things can click as well as they did against 10 men last weekend. With or without Allan Saint-Maximin, there is still plenty to trouble Frank's troops.
It is the three-pronged attack which Newcastle fans hang their hat on and Howe has plenty of options even if his French star is only fit enough for a bench role. Howe threw Jacob Murphy a chance last weekend at Fulham and he's probably done enough to keep his spot on the wing.
The £200m pledge, January warchest and Mike Ashley rule Newcastle United owners instantly abolished
Newcastle United were still sat in the relegation zone when Eddie Howe and his staff held some serious but relatively relaxed meetings with Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the plush and air-conditioned business rooms of a PIF complex in Jeddah back in January.
United had boarded a flight to the Middle East in January straight after a hard-earned but vital 1-0 win at Leeds with Howe summing up the stance within the club on his way out of Elland Road, saying: "We have belief that we're not dead and buried and there's more to come."
Howe was bang on the money but knew that further signings would be required to help steer Newcastle to safer waters. With Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood already signed, three more additions arrived in the shape of Matt Targett, Dan Burn and the significant game changer for Newcastle - the £40million acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes.
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