Three months into the season, Newcastle United fans have had plenty of reasons to feel both excited and frustrated. With 17 matches played across three competitions, the team has managed eight wins, three draws, and six losses, a mixed bag that sums up a start full of highs and lows.
As the November international break ends, supporters are reflecting on what has been achieved so far and what lies ahead for the club. I spoke with Newcastle fan Mark Jankowski, a regular contributor to The Mag, to get his thoughts on the season, the team, and the wider situation off the pitch.
When asked about the lack of progress on a new training ground or stadium, Mark was more puzzled by the absence of a new training facility than the stadium itself.
“While it’s clear that the current facilities have been significantly improved, it feels almost mad that a brand new training complex hasn’t been developed,” he said. With the growth of the academy and the women’s team, the need for top-tier training infrastructure is obvious.
The stadium, however, presents a more complex challenge. “Stadium development is tricky. The owners are likely stalling to make sure they get it right. They want a facility that can host multiple events and generate income beyond football.
It’s not just about building bigger; it’s about building smarter.” He cited examples from other clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham, where differences in stadium revenue are staggering due to event versatility. Negotiations for St James’ Park, the neighboring Leazes Park, and the Town Moor are undoubtedly complicated and require patience and precision.
Mark summed up his feelings as a fan in three words: frustrated, pragmatic, and confident. Frustration comes from inconsistent performances, pragmatism stems from finishing fifth last season despite dropped points against weaker teams, and confidence arises from a strong squad capable of delivering more under Eddie Howe.
Turning to individual players, Mark admitted he still harbors some resentment toward Alexander Isak for forcing his summer transfer, but he recognizes the need to move on.
“Players leave clubs all the time. The way Isak engineered his exit wasn’t ideal, but it’s behind us now. The focus should be on upcoming challenges, especially when he returns to St James’ Park in an opponent’s shirt.”
When weighing priorities in cup competitions, Mark said beating Sunderland in the derby would be more important psychologically than progressing in the Carabao Cup if he had to choose between the two.
Yet, he believes Newcastle has a chance to achieve both with the right mindset. Regarding the balance between domestic cups and league placement, Mark is clear: securing a top-five finish and Champions League qualification is the absolute priority.
“Top five matters more than winning a cup this season. Champions League football drives growth, commercial success, and stability. Anything less risks amplifying media scrutiny and fan disappointment exponentially.”
Looking at realistic outcomes for this season, Mark expects Newcastle to finish fifth in the Premier League. He believes the squad is stronger than last year and capable of holding its place, even against teams with greater depth.
In the Carabao Cup, Newcastle has a strong chance to reach the later stages, while the Champions League should see them progress to at least the quarter-finals. “Any knockout game is a measure of the club’s growth,” he added.
Mark ranked the most impressive players so far this season as Malick Thiaw, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Woltemade, Sven Botman, and Matt Targett’s replacement, Livramento.
Looking ahead to the end of the season, he expects the same names to shine, with Yoane Wissa potentially breaking into the list once he fully settles.
When asked about Eddie Howe’s performance, Mark acknowledged that while Howe has made occasional questionable decisions, the manager has substantial credit built up from his success last season, which included the first trophy for Newcastle in 56 years and a second Champions League qualification in three years.
“Howe has always found solutions when things get tricky. Similar concerns arose last December, and he adjusted tactically to produce an unbeaten run. I trust he’ll do it again.”
Reflecting on the summer transfer window, Mark praised the club’s business but admitted it was conducted at a frustratingly slow pace. Many players who arrived late still need time to adjust to Howe’s methods.
He expects the squad to hit its peak performance after Christmas. The absence of a CEO or sporting director likely contributed to this sluggish transfer process, he believes, as the lack of off-field stability made long-term planning difficult.
Evaluating the six summer signings Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga, and Yoane Wissa Mark is optimistic. He believes all will ultimately be deemed successes, though Ramsdale’s status is less certain due to his loan situation.
Positive developments this season include Thiaw’s seamless adaptation, smooth progress in cup competitions, and strategic appointments behind the scenes, including CEO David Hopkinson.
Negatives, Mark highlights, include inconsistent league form, injuries to young full-backs, and insufficient depth in those positions. While Trippier and Dan Burn have performed admirably, the lack of mobility compared to Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall has limited team options. Competition in left-back will likely be a January transfer priority, along with creativity in the final third and additional depth in central midfield.
Regarding rivals, Mark pays little attention to Sunderland, believing their strong start has not yet positioned them as a genuine threat. He considers finishing in the Champions League places, a deep domestic cup run, and at least the Champions League knockout stage as markers of a successful season. The absolute minimum target, in his view, is Champions League qualification, with silverware being secondary but desirable.
Mark predicts the Premier League top six as Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Aston Villa, with relegation spots falling to the bottom three yet to be fully determined.
Despite Newcastle’s recent Carabao Cup victory, he emphasizes the long-term importance of consistent Champions League participation for the club’s growth and commercial development. For the next three seasons, he prefers consistent top-four finishes over mid-table positions with occasional domestic cups, valuing sustained European exposure above isolated success.
Finally, Mark’s expectations for January are clear: bolster left-back competition, add flair and creativity in attack, and strengthen central midfield depth. He believes Newcastle should always aim higher, never settling, and that fans should expect ambition from the club. The aim is continuous progress, more trophies, and a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
In summary, Newcastle fans like Mark balance frustration with pragmatism and confidence. While they are aware of the challenges posed by stadium negotiations, transfers, injuries, and tactical adjustments, they remain optimistic about the team’s trajectory. The emphasis remains on top-tier league finishes, strong European campaigns, and strategic, patient growth both on and off the field. The club is positioned to continue building its reputation, but every decision—whether on players, infrastructure, or management—will be scrutinized as the season unfolds.
