It has been a rollercoaster start to the season for Newcastle United, and fans are having plenty to talk about. Seventeen matches into the campaign across three competitions, the Magpies have won eight games, drawn three, and lost six.
The November international break offers a chance to pause and reflect, and we caught up with Nat Seaton, a passionate Newcastle supporter, to get his thoughts on the season so far, the squad, and what lies ahead.
When asked whether he would prefer finishing in the top four for the next three seasons without winning any trophies, or finishing mid-table but claiming the FA Cup once, Nat didn’t hesitate. He chose top four across all three seasons.
“I know that goes against what I might have said in the past,” he admitted, “but being a regular in the Champions League would be massive. It’s a step toward a better squad, improved performances, and top-level football. Winning the FA Cup would be amazing, of course, but those Champions League nights, home and away, are special.”
On the topic of Newcastle’s infrastructure, Nat was candid about his disappointment that more than four years after the club’s takeover, there are still no firm plans for a new training ground or a significantly expanded stadium.
“I’m lucky to have a season ticket, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want a stadium that can accommodate the massive demand. Fans want to be at games, and we need facilities that reflect our ambitions,” he said.
Looking ahead to January’s transfer window, Nat feels the squad could benefit from reinforcements, particularly in central midfield and left-back. “And, honestly, you can never have too much cover up front,” he added.
Reflecting on last season’s Carabao Cup triumph, Nat said he feels content rather than desperate. “Winning something for the first time in so long was incredible. Of course, I want more silverware, but that feeling is unforgettable. It shows we can do it.”
When asked to summarise Newcastle United in three words, his response was succinct: “Could do better.”
On the topic of Alexander Isak and his difficult start to the season, Nat admitted it had made the player’s departure easier to process. “I don’t doubt things will improve for him elsewhere, but the way he left was hard to swallow. Time helps, but forgiveness? That might take longer.”
Regarding derby priorities, Nat’s loyalty to the fans was clear. When asked whether he’d prefer a win against Sunderland even if it meant losing the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham, he said,
“Having secured my ticket for the first league derby in nine years, I’d take a Sunderland win. Beating them after 14 years is too big to pass up, even at the expense of a cup game.”
Asked whether winning the Carabao Cup again this season while finishing outside the Premier League top six would count as success, he said yes. “Given our current squad and experience, a second cup win might even be a greater achievement than last season,” he said.
Nat then ranked the most impressive Newcastle players so far this season: Thiaw, Tonali, Woltemade, Bruno, Trippier, and Tino, who had been outstanding before his injury. By the end of the season, he expects the top six to be Tonali, Bruno, Thiaw, Woltemade, Tino, and Hall.
Eddie Howe’s position as manager came up next. Nat believes criticism of Howe is misplaced. “People focus on negatives, but we’ve had Champions League football, six new signings to integrate, key injuries, and Isak leaving.
Eddie is raising the standard of our football. Some players are still adapting, but this is how progress is made. I’m fully behind him.”
When asked about the six summer signings, Nat gave his predictions:
- Thiaw: Potential Newcastle hero, looks a real success.
- Ramsdale: Has done okay so far; may not get many chances.
- Ramsey: Technically solid; likely to develop into a success.
- Woltemade: “Exciting signing, something different. Leading the line for Germany and poised to do the same for us. A real success in the making.”
- Elanga: Still early days, but could become important with more game time.
- Wissa: Too soon to judge; excited to see him in action.
Nat also highlighted positives from the season so far: Woltemade’s arrival, three Champions League wins, and reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-final again. Negatives included Wissa’s injury, Gordon’s inconsistent form, and Elanga’s slow start.
Success this season, in Nat’s view, would mean finishing in the Premier League top six, advancing to the second knockout stage of the Champions League, reaching the Carabao Cup final, and winning key matches like the Fulham tie.
The minimum target, he suggests, would be top eight in the league, making it through the first knockout stage of the Champions League, and reaching the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Finally, Nat predicted the Premier League top six and the relegated sides:
| Position | Club |
|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City |
| 2 | Arsenal |
| 3 | Liverpool |
| 4 | Chelsea |
| 5 | Newcastle United |
| 6 | Aston Villa |
| 17 | Wolves |
| 18 | Burnley |
| 19 | Leeds United |
Nat Seaton’s insights show a fanbase that is both realistic and optimistic. Newcastle United has moments of brilliance but also challenges to overcome.
Fans are excited by the new signings, the Champions League campaign, and the prospect of trophies, while still aware that squad depth, injuries, and consistency remain key. For supporters like Nat, the journey continues to be thrilling, filled with hope, impatience, and unwavering loyalty.
