A disappointingly average season for Eddie Howe’s men, it looks like they will end their 2023/24 campaign trophyless and without European football next year. A tough December saw Newcastle finish fourth in their Champions League group and a League Cup exit at the quarter-final stage, after losing to Chelsea on penalties. March saw Newcastle’s final chance of silverware slip away, following a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The friendly fixtures in Australia will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Marvel Stadium and will be the Magpies' first trip to the country since 2014, where they comfortably beat Sydney FC 4-0 and Wellington Phoenix 1-0. With many of the squad returning from injury, the friendly fixtures will provide an opportunity for players to get some game time after quiet Premier League seasons.
Eddie Howe was keen to support the club’s decision to travel down under, stating: “This is a great opportunity to showcase Newcastle United at two iconic venues in an iconic city as the club continues to grow globally.”
The post-season tour also sees Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou returning to the country he was raised in. The majority of Postecoglou’s playing career was spent with South Melbourne Hellas, making 193 appearances between 1984 and 1993. His managerial career began at the same club. A brief spell at Melbourne Victory was followed up by four years managing the Australian national football team – taking them to the World Cup in 2014.
With the tour taking place so close to UEFA Euro 2024, question marks remain over whether Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon will make the journey to Australia. Both have been named in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary squad and therefore, may be forced to sit out of the friendly tour.
What is certain is that the tour will provide a great opportunity for all clubs involved. The chance for players to get some more game-time under their belts will be beneficial and, additionally, Australian fans will get the viewing pleasure of seeing English teams perform on the pitch. Newcastle fans worldwide can now look forward to seeing whether their beloved team will be able to repeat their 2014 successes and do the double Down Under.
