🎧 Listen to North East Anthems - and pick your festival plus-onepublished at 18:13 BST 21 May
18:13 BST 21 May
If you're looking for something to get you in the groove before Newcastle's final Premier League game of the season, BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend has you covered.
The annual three-day festival will take to Sunderland's Herrington Country Park, which is just a 22-minute drive from St James' Park, with chart-toppers Fatboy Slim, Olivia Dean and Zara Larsson ready to take to the stage.
BBC Radio 1's Maia Beth has been spinning back-to-back north east anthems to warm-up to the ultimate 'Big Weekend' for sport and music fans. What's not to like?
Magpies 'increase footprint' but stadium work still 'very difficult'published at 13:45 BST 20 May
13:45 BST 20 May
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck says any development of St James' Park will still be "very difficult" despite the announcement of the purchase of Grade 1 listed Leazes Terrace next to the stadium.
"Leazes Terrace is directly opposite the East Stand of St James' Park and is part of the Leazes end of the stadium," Raisbeck explained.
"It's location is a key reason why expanding St James', particularly the single tier East Stand which is the oldest part of the stadium, is so difficult.
"It's restrictive, they are quite hemmed in on that side.
"It has not been a cheap deal to do but it is clearly seen as important and it could make expanding the East Stand - if they want to go down the route of St James' Park expansion and development - an option and make it easier to do so.
"It would still be very difficult because the road between Leazes Terrace and that part of St James' Park is narrow and there just isn't much space.
"Newcastle have increased their footprint on that area near to St James' Park and have more control of it to whatever extent they van do something with it. But, to recap, it doesn't mean they will be redeveloping St James' ahead of building a new stadium which has always felt like the plan. We just don't know what the final decision will be."
'You just wish he was 10 years younger' - Anderson on departing Trippierpublished at 08:41 BST 20 May
08:41 BST 20 May
Media caption,
Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson says Kieran Trippier's impact and importance to the Magpies since signing for the club in January 2022 "cannot be exaggerated".
The right-back, who is set to leave St James' Park when his contract expires at the end of the season, joined the Magpies when they were in the relegation zone and has played a big role in the rebuild under Eddie Howe.
"He was a major coup four years ago," said Anderson on BBC Radio Newcastle. "When you look at the position the club was in, it looked like they were staring relegation in the face.
"He was the first one that came in and you cannot exaggerate the impact he has made.
"As Eddie Howe said, it isn't just about how he performs on the pitch, it is about his leadership qualities off the pitch as well.
"Captains and leaders wear armbands, but some players don't need to wear armbands and he is one of them because he just leads. He pulls people about and he sorts people out. He is just one of those figures.
"When he is on the pitch, he pulls people into position, he tells people where to go, he isn't afraid to have a go at people as well. Sometimes there isn't enough of that.
"From that point of view, he will be a big miss. There is no doubt about that.
"After seeing what he has done in these past four years, you just wish he was 10 years younger."
Newcastle make 'strategic' purchase for stadium planspublished at 15:40 BST 19 May
15:40 BST 19 May
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United have made a significant move as the club looks to construct a bigger stadium, purchasing a sizeable portion of the Grade 1 listed Leazes Terrace next to St James' Park, including all areas facing the ground.
A final decision is yet to be made on whether Newcastle build a new stadium or expand their current home, but the club acknowledges this deal provides "greater flexibility".
A statement read:, external "This strategic purchase is part of the club's long-term planning as it continues to assess all credible and feasible options for the future of its home stadium."
Newcastle have made it clear they are committed to the preservation of a building with "historic and architectural significance", which cannot be demolished.
There are no plans to change the current use of Leazes Terrace, which is currently let for student accommodation, and the club will retain the building's existing property management operator.
However, this still feels a notable step in at least giving Newcastle more options.
Owning the majority of Leazes Terrace could, in theory, make the expansion of the problematic East Stand a little more feasible if the club chose to change the building's use as right to light objections from tenants opposite would no longer be such a barrier.
However, by the same token, if Newcastle were to move, the club would have greater control of the footprint of the original site.
'All is not fixed' - but 'exciting sparks' before summer rebuildpublished at 11:33 BST 19 May
11:33 BST 19 May
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Doesn't it feel like the end of term? The sun is shining and the homework you have doesn't matter quite as much, so you can just have fun all the time. Or was that just my approach to the end of term (and, also, most of the rest of term)?
Maybe it doesn't feel this way to fans of other clubs who are really gunning for a big finish to their season, but to me at St James' Park this weekend, watching us dominate (a terrible) West Ham felt like maybe everything will turn out all right.
Our last home fixture of this season had everything. Kieran Trippier's goodbye to the home fans, the correct line-up, goals from our younger players, a win, Will Osula doing a little Michael Jackson tribute with a sparkly glove. If only it hadn't been the 37th league game of the season.
The thing I liked most was the team selection and subsequent attacking football we were able to play. All is not fixed at Newcastle United, and the summer will prove pivotal, but it was buoying to see the team work together smoothly and dominate in attack for the majority of the game.
Problems we've seen over the season - dropping points from leading positions, form failing after half-time - were problems no more this weekend.
Additionally, we saw Nick Woltemade back on the scoresheet after a dip in confidence (not helped by some media outlets insisting he doesn't work at Newcastle).
There were exciting sparks in this, our penultimate game of the season. We needed that.
We need to take the same sparks to Fulham this weekend, and into the summer if we truly are to rebuild.
I know there will be movement of players this summer - but if we can hold on to the bulk of Sunday's starting XI, then next season has so much potential.
Phil: Howe has been very clever the past few games to build for the future with team selection and tactics. He's trusted the players that want to be at the club and it's paid off. The future looks a lot brighter and hopefully anyone that doesn't want to stay can leave quickly for a good price.
Richard: What was most important was that we signed off at St James' for the season in a positive manner. The team seemed to have a spring in their step and, although we had to have a mad 20 minutes as always, we were definitely the better side. They played with flair and creativity and, most importantly, got the ball forward rather than this dreadful square/backwards play that's haunted our season. Nick Woltemade looks a different player in the proper '10' role as well. I might even be looking forward to next season if we beat Fulham next week!
Simon: This was a great win and the determination was brilliant. All the goals were top-notch and from open play, so nothing to complain about. This is perhaps a glimpse of the future so lots of positives and I know if we play like we did on Sunday, we will definitely take all three points at Fulham.
Gordon: Great result but the nerves kicked in yet again when West Ham scored. Fortunately, this time we held on and took the three points deservedly. Thanks Kieran Trippier for your significant contribution over the years you wore the black-and-white shirt.
Chatnoir: Good win for Newcastle, but the horror of Sunderland finishing above Newcastle and being the only North East team in Europe next season is all too real now.
Eric: Against a poor West Ham side our performance was mediocre. Woltemade doesn't look like a Premier League player - poor touch, poor decision-making, no appetite to take a shot. Additions desperately needed from goalkeeper to striker if we're going to make any impression next season.
Ritchie: Square pegs in round holes - simple. Played well, but went to pieces after West Ham scored!
'If Gordon wants to go, let him go and get it done early' published at 09:55 BST 18 May
09:55 BST 18 May
Media caption,
Anthony Gordon's future needs to be sorted "very quickly" to avoid another Alexander Isak saga this summer, says former Newcastle defender John Anderson.
Gordon has been linked with a move away from the Magpies and after head coach Eddie Howe hinted about the forward's departure this month, it is looking increasingly likely that he will exit once the season is over.
After last summer's transfer saga where striker Isak refused to rejoin the Newcastle squad for pre-season as he felt the club were "breaking promises" by not letting him join Liverpool, Anderson believes Newcastle will do better this time around.
"That was never, ever going to happen again; they were never going to allow that situation to arise again," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"If Anthony Gordon wants to go, let him go. Get it done early, stop messing about and don't get ourselves into a situation last year where you're waiting and waiting and waiting and all of a sudden it happens at the last minute and you're chasing your tail trying to get players in.
"Is he going to be here next season? No, the answer to that question is no. He's going to be elsewhere, where that will be we do not know but it needs to be sorted out very quickly come the end of the season."
Click play above to hear more, including reaction from Newcastle's 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday, or listen on BBC Sounds here
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:59 BST 18 May
07:59 BST 18 May
Pundits Dion Dublin and Mark Schwarzer join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday's and Sunday's Premier League fixtures.
Analysis: Past, present and future combinepublished at 20:20 BST 17 May
20:20 BST 17 May
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
This felt like a celebration of the past as well as a glimpse of the future for Newcastle.
It was an afternoon when St James' Park bid farewell to stalwarts Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth, who are leaving the club following the expiry of their contracts this summer.
Trippier was saluted by the Wor Flags supporters' group before his final home game with a banner which fittingly read: "Forever a Newcastle United legend. Thank you for the memories."
Such was Trippier's impact, after swapping life in the Champions League with Atletico Madrid for an immediate relegation battle with Newcastle, in 2022, it is hard to think of a more transformational signing in the club's recent history.
However, this win will have also whetted the appetite of supporters for what's to come after a bruising domestic season.
Newcastle have struggled for goals following the painful departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer.
But Eddie Howe may have found a belated solution up front in William Osula, who has scored six goals in his last seven league games.
The red-hot Dane is in the form of his life and will not want this marathon season to end.
Newcastle 3-1 West Ham: What Howe and Trippier saidpublished at 20:11 BST 17 May
20:11 BST 17 May
Media caption,
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, speaking to BBC Sport: "It was a strong performance from us. I was really pleased with a lot of aspects of our game today.
"Our attitude to the game [allowed a fast start] - it would have been easy for people to look at this and say Newcastle had nothing to play for - but we have a duty to be at our very best and I'm pleased with how we went about it. We have a lot of players who play with pride and would never want to let the club down."
On Kieran Trippier: "Delighted for him personally. Knowing Kieran as well as I do now, he is brilliant on the pitch but it's off the pitch as well, the stabilising effect he has in the dressing room, positivity in difficult moments and the way he inspires the players - he's a really inspiring leader and, wherever he goes, the club will be very lucky."
Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "The most important thing today was the win, of course it was, we need to start getting wins fast. West Ham were fighting for different reasons. My last ever game at St James' Park, so it was emotional, especially more so now, my children were here and the supporters were fantastic.
"Like I do in every game since I joined the club I always try to do my best. it doesn't always happen, but I am an honest guy and player. The first half we did very well. Most games this season we have started the second half slowly but the most important thng was the three points."
On helping his former club Tottenham: "We beat West Ham but I don't want to get into any politics in that side. Whatever happens at the other end of the table happens."
On the reception he got from the fans: "Bruno [Guimaraes] was top. He's captain but he wanted me to lead the team out. It was a bit emotional before I walked out. My oldest son is 10 and he could see all the pictures of me on the other side [behind the goal], and he understands more. I had my three children with me and they all noticed the flags. You have to try to be professional and focus on the game at hand.
"I'd just like to thank the fans for everything they've done for me since I've been at the club. They supported me through good performances and bad performances, unbelievable people. A great city."
Did you know?
Aged 22 years and 286 days, William Osula became the youngest player to score a brace for Newcastle United in a Premier League match since Kenedy against Southampton in March 2018 (22y 30d).
William Osula has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League appearances, having scored just twice in his first 50 top-flight games before this for Sheffield United (none in 21 games) and Newcastle (two goals in 29 games) combined.
Nick Woltemade scored his first Premier League goal since December against Chelsea, ending a run of 17 league appearances without a goal.
Newcastle are unbeaten in their last 20 home Premier League games against sides starting the day in the relegation zone (W13 D7), since a 1-0 loss to West Brom back in April 2018, winning each of the last six in a row.
Newcastle v West Ham: Team newspublished at 16:34 BST 17 May
16:34 BST 17 May
Kieran Trippier makes his final start for Newcastle United at St James' Park against relegation-threatened West Ham.
The defender, who is leaving the club this summer, following the expiry of his contract, has been recalled for Newcastle's last home game of the campaign.
Jacob Ramsey and Harvey Barnes also come back in as head coach Eddie Howe makes three changes to the side who drew at Nottingham Forest last week.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle United v West Hampublished at 11:02 BST 17 May
11:02 BST 17 May
I don't feel sorry for West Ham after their defeat by Arsenal last week.
It was a foul on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya for their goal which was disallowed, and the fact they are in the relegation zone is because of the way they have played all season.
Now this is an enormous game for the Hammers, and it is an absolutely 'must-win' for them.
Newcastle were very poor when they lost at London Stadium in November and you wouldn't say they are in much better form at the moment.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe realises the importance of finishing the season strongly for his own future, and I don't see his side losing this.
West Ham will be absolutely desperate to get the win, but I am going for a draw and, if anyone does win it, it will be Newcastle.
Newcastle United v West Ham United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:18 BST 16 May
12:18 BST 16 May
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (17:30 GMT), with West Ham needing a win to move out of the relegation zone.
Newcastle's draw at Nottingham Forest last weekend followed a frustratingly familiar script. Harvey Barnes' 74th-minute strike put them ahead at the City Ground but former Magpie Elliot Anderson equalised with just two minutes remaining.
Eddie Howe's team have now dropped 27 points from winning positions this term, at least seven more than any other Premier League side, while their total of 20 goals conceded from the 75th minute onwards is also the highest figure in the top flight.
Magpies' mediocre home form
This is Newcastle's final home game of the season and it appears increasingly doubtful the Toon Army will see reported Bayern Munich target Anthony Gordon in a black and white shirt again. Howe admitted on Friday that the winger is not being picked "with a partial view to the future".
The head coach also stressed it is important Newcastle "finish the season with a positive feeling". Strong home form has been the foundation of the Magpies' improvement under Howe but there has been a noticeable drop-off in the current campaign.
They are averaging 1.61 points per game at St James' Park, comfortably lower than in any of his previous full seasons in charge, losing seven times. The last time they lost as many as eight league matches at St James' Park was in 2020-21, under Steve Bruce.
Wasteful finishing hurting Hammers
West Ham felt aggrieved that VAR denied them an equaliser in Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal, with the Hammers finishing empty handed in a game they could conceivably have won. Mateus Fernandes missed a golden chance to put his side ahead in the 78th minute, with his close-range shot saved by David Raya.
As a result, they trail relegation rivals Tottenham by two points with two games remaining. But with Spurs' match against Chelsea not until Tuesday, Nuno Espirito Santo's side can move out of the relegation zone – and pile pressure on their London rivals – with a win on Tyneside.
The Hammers' form has picked up notably in the second half of the season but they continue to find goals hard to come by, failing to score in four of their previous six league games.
That includes each of their past three away matches, during which they have attempted 31 shots, hitting the woodwork four times.
The last time West Ham failed to score in four consecutive away league fixtures was 11 years ago. Coincidentally, the fourth game in that streak was a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle in May 2015.
The Hammers have to win to guarantee their fate is settled on the final day. Otherwise a midweek victory for Spurs would end their 14-year stay in the top flight.
