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Lee Ryder

Newcastle notes: The hush hush 'Major League' signing United made when all eyes were on the pitch

Newcastle United's 3-0 win over 1860 Munich means it's eight goals in two matches for Eddie Howe's side in pre-season.

The Magpies may have only played fifth tier Gateshead and a German third tier side but their goalscoring confidence has been done no harm with some good finishing in both matches, encouragingly enough three midfield men got on the scoresheet on Friday afternoon in Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock.

It's another German opponent next in Mainz 05 where the standard goes up a notch against a Bundesliga team. For now, here's this weekend's note boo after the win in Austria.

READ MORE: Howe hopeful Newcastle United can sign player who 'will make a difference'

Major League appointment took place quietly behind the scenes

Given it was match day Newcastle chiefs did not want the focus to swing from events on the field. And so it was agreed to keep the appointment of Darren Eales until after the game.

His arrival won't go through until August 8, but Dan Ashworth now has his man and the pair who worked together at West Brom will be able to get to work. It means the executive team will still include Amanda Staveley. Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben but the off-field operation now has football figureheads, drive, ambition and excellent business acumen all on board.

It can only be deemed a good move as Newcastle move on to the next phase of development. As the news was confirmed, incoming Atlanta chief Eales was able to celebrate his first win as part of the team.

Two injury withdrawals before the game

Jamal Lewis and Matt Ritchie were missing from the team sheet in Austria on Friday afternoon but there is nothing to fear. A precautionary pull for Lewis and tightness for Ritchie meant the duo watched on from the stands.

Howe is not prepared to risk anybody in pre-season, not least after a tough week of training. Whether the pair feature against Mainz 05 is doubtful but Howe may look at youngsters like Matty Longstaff and Jay Turner-Cooke.

Don't make assumptions about centre-backs warns Howe

It's not as simple as a left-footer playing alongside a right footer when it comes to the heart of the defence. Howe believes that Sven Botman's ability to use both feet means he could yet partner Dan Burn in the middle.

Both are naturally left-footed but the way Botman breezed through the game vs 1860 suggests he can play anywhere with anyone. Jamaal Lascelles' audition for the other centre-back slot didn't go to plan as he went off with a knock and picked up a yellow card while Fabian Schar did well enough in his half hour cameo.

Botman will almost certainly start the season but it now seems it's three centre-backs fighting for the right to partner him.

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