sport news NEWCASTLE NOTEBOOK: Players 'furious' over plans for a post-season trip to ... trends now
If the FA do introduce new rules banning far-flung end-of-season friendlies on the grounds of player welfare, it will be welcomed by sections of Newcastle’s dressing-room.
Notebook understands several of the squad are not happy about the prospect of the post-season trip to Australia. One source described some players as ‘furious’.
We have been told the club will receive around £3million for the tour, in which they will play friendlies against Tottenham and an A-League All-Stars XI in Melbourne. There will be long-term commercial benefits, too.
However, that has not appeased some, who believe it is unnecessary on the back of a long season ravaged by injuries. Those who will be playing for their countries this summer would have ordinarily used the week immediately after the season to go on holiday.
Eddie Howe has already expressed his concern, but he is also mindful of the need to maximise revenue to push back on PSR restrictions. He gave a diplomatic answer when asked about the subject again on Friday.
The Newcastle players are furious over plans for a post-season trip to Australia for friendlies
Eddie Howe also has concerns over the trip but is aware of club looking to maximise revenue
The club would play Tottenham and A-League All-Stars XI during their visit to Melbourne
Meanwhile, discussions have long since been taking place internally over the best plan for pre-season. Again, not everyone is on the same page. Some on the playing side believe last summer’s Stateside tour did not leave them in the best shape ahead of the new season, given the heat, travel and intensity of the matches against Premier League opponents.
But now, as revealed by Notebook last week, a summer tour of Japan is in the offing. Two friendlies against Yokohama F Marinos and Urawa Red Diamonds during a week-long stay have been mooted. The latter would be in the Saitama Stadium, north of Tokyo, on July 31.
We understand a training camp in Germany has also been explored and is not yet off the table.
Newcastle wait for reasonable offer
Dan Ashworth is set to take Newcastle to arbitration as he attempts to force through his proposed move to Manchester United.
However, we understand the Magpies have not demanded some of the figures being quoted - ranging from £15m to £20m - to release the sporting
