Fabian Schär has signed a new one year extension to his contract at Newcastle United that will keep him at the club until the end of next season.

The Swiss defender made clear he was “really pleased” to be adding another 12 months onto his deal, especially given that he missed the second half of the previous campaign with injury.

Schär, who has made 251 appearances in black and white, added that “I’m proud to call Newcastle home. Everybody knows how happy I am, both in this and with this club”.

This new deal for Schär likely means that Newcastle will not be in the hunt for a new centre back this summer, with many other positions needing to be strengthened. Furthermore, the Magpies’ defensive drop off in the final months of last season coincided with Schär’s absence.

This was noted by Head Coach Eddie Howe, who said “Fabian’s form was really strong until injury ended his season. His creative distribution, defensive mentality and huge experience was a big miss towards the end of the last campaign.”

There was some uncertainty over Schär’s future in recent months, but Sporting Director Ross Wilson made clear that despite “complex discussions”, he and Newcastle are happy to have clarity over the situation.

Certainly, for a player who has contributed so much to the club, to not receive a fitting farewell at the end of the previous campaign would have felt unjust. Schär has been part of relegation battles, two Champions League qualifications and a Carabao Cup triumph during his time on Tyneside.

The centre back has also scored 22 times for Newcastle, and despite him being 34-years-old, those at the club still believe he has an important role to play in the coming season.

Schär made clear that he wants to help the team achieve their goals for next season, which will almost certainly include a return to European competition as well as possibly further domestic success.

With Anthony Gordon’s departure, Lewis Miley and now Schär seeing their contracts be sorted, the Magpies are moving fast this summer, but now must start to bring in new faces to increase the competition and quality within the squad.

They did thanks to a final day victory over World Champions Chelsea, a side who despite that label, looked flat and uninspiring. Sunderland, however, were the complete antithesis of that. They were strong, powerful and full of determination, bullying Chelsea for large parts of the encounter. Both sides on the pitch could have qualified for Europe, but only one looked like they wanted to.

“With talent, with hard work, something can happen”, said Régis Le Bris following the full time whistle, praising the collective effort his players had just put in to achieve the priceless 2-1 victory. Of course, Sunderland were relying on other results to go their way in order to get into this position, but, as Le Bris said, “something can happen”. And it did.

The combination of a Trai Hume strike, Malo Gusto own goal, along with Brighton’s loss against Manchester United and Brentford’s draw with Liverpool, meant the euphoria of a seventh place finish for the Black Cats. Le Bris made clear that he and his players “trust the process, work hard [and] keep the same routine”. Whatever they had done, it had worked.

From the first whistle, there was only ever going to be one winner of this match. Sunderland were hungry, as they had been all season. Their relentless press hustled and harried Chelsea, to the point where something had to give eventually.

Quite fittingly for Sunderland, the opening goal was orchestrated by a pair of players who have been with the club since their days in League One. Luke O’Nien found Trai Hume, whose shot sailed past Robert Sánchez at his near post. For all of the new players that arrived at Sunderland last summer, the fact that it was those two who pushed them towards the finishing line made that goal extra special.

O’Nien and Hume could not win the game on their own though, so up stepped Granit Xhaka, Sunderland’s very own manager on the pitch, so to speak, to guide them toward the continent.

He made sure that Sunderland did not rest on their laurels, and instead attacked the start of the second half in the same way they had attacked the start of the first. Predictably, within minutes, the Black Cats had a second.

It was not the most aesthetically pleasing goal, given that Brian Brobbey’s scuffed shot deflected into the net off Cheslea’s Malo Gusto, but it was enough.

“His influence has been massive”, Le Bris said of Xhaka. “He’s a great player, first of all, because the way he plays on the pitch, it’s brilliant for a team - composure, always smart, with the belief that we can press and adapt in real time and he’s a great leader as well.”

Sunderland then did have to adapt in real time, as from nothing, Chelsea pulled a goal back - Cole Palmer finding the bottom corner from range with a shot that Robin Roefs will have been frustrated to have not kept out. Naturally, there grew a nervousness in the air, as Cheslea’s tails went up, but the subsequent sending off of Wesley Fofana for a second yellow card, allowed Xhaka and his men to steady the ship.

When the final whistle blew there were tears aplenty. Football is all about emotions, and this was Sunderland’s moment to savour in the sun, where every supporter, young and old, had to take a moment to grasp what they had witnessed.

Whatever happens after this point, no one of a red and white persuasion will forget how that moment and how it made them feel. What’s more, Sunderland’s players, from the old stalwarts O’Nien and Hume, to Xhaka, to local lad Chris Rigg all felt exactly the same as those in the stands. This had been a collective effort.

“We don’t need to change the attitudes”, Le Bris made clear, and no one will disagree with him on that.

Before Saturday’s Play-Off Final, Boro had never won at the home of football, a record that was devastatingly maintained after 100 minutes of football in the sweltering heat of London. Their only major trophy, the 2003/04 League Cup, was at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, with the new Wembley still under construction.

Watching on in the stands was Steve Gibson, Boro’s owner, who had led their claim to be reinstated in the Play-Offs after Southampton intern analyst, William Salt was spotted spying on the Teessiders’ training session. His passion for his club, along with all of those in red in the stands created a cauldron inside of Wembley. But it was not enough.

Ollie McBurnie’s 95th minute strike came as a result of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn, trying, but ultimately failing, to push away a cross. The ball instead fell to McBurnie, who could not miss. The net rippling naturally brought about an outpouring of noise from the Hull City end, and yet, from the Boro fans, there was a wave of silence, which was louder still.

Kim Hellberg said that football “is a game of small margins”, and he was right. His side had been the better of the two for the majority of the match, but the game followed a narrative which had shaped Boro’s season - plenty of possession but nothing to show for it.

“We are not good enough creating big chances from our chances and I think we have a lot of those moments where we are driving the game forward but don’t use those chances good enough to create those big chances”, Hellberg said.

Hull meanwhile, were happy to concede the ball, and struck when it mattered. “That is football”, Hellberg made clear, and there is only one statistic that truly matters.

There was a nervous excitement oozing out of Boro supporters on Wembley Way. Inside the stadium, their players had the better of a largely uneventful first half, although it was a slow game given the sweltering heat in the capital. Kim Hellberg’s side sustained good amounts of pressure in the Hull final third, but their delivery was lacking each time.

The best chances in the first period both came right at the end. Hull’s Ollie McBurnie crashed a header off the crossbar, before David Strelec of Boro steered a low shot just wide of the upright minutes later.

The second period did not see the tempo increase, although the tension did. A strange phenomenon grew in which neither side really looked like scoring and yet it felt like the game was on a knife edge. Could anyone take a game that was destined for extra time by the scruff of the neck?

Middlesbrough hoped it would be Hayden Hackney. He had missed both legs of the semi-final against Southampton through injury but he sat on the bench at Wembley waiting to enter the action. The Redcar-born lad entered the pitch with 20 minutes to go, and was met by a roar as if he were a gladiator walking out into the arena.

He showed flashes of why he was named Championship Player of the Season, but given his lack of match fitness he was unable to impact the game in the way he would have wanted.

Therefore, instead of Hackney it was McBurnie, who had been on the pitch from minute one, who determined the outcome. The striker snubbed by Scotland for this summer’s World Cup left his mark at Wembley, and left the red wall of Middlesbrough desolate and downtrodden.

Next season will mark Middlesbrough’s tenth without Premier League football. For all of the battles won in the boardroom of late, they now must win on the pitch. “Small margins”, as Hellberg put it, must now go in their favour.

Lewis Miley has signed a new long-term contract at Newcastle United that will keep him at his boyhood club until 2032, with the Magpies already attempting to begin their summer in fruitful fashion.

Miley has put pen to paper on a six-year deal after what has been a largely successful season for the 20-year-old, despite missing much of the final stretch through injury.

On signing the deal, Miley was delighted, making clear that “it’s a dream to be representing Newcastle United, so this is a proud moment for me.”

“I’m really grateful to everybody who has played a part in helping me to get to where I am today, especially the support of my family and the trust that the club has put in me from a young age.”

Equally pleased was Head Coach Eddie Howe, who praised Miley’s versatility, given his minutes played at right back this season. Howe said that “players like Lewis are a dream to work with - not only is he immensely talented, but he’s keen to learn and approaches everything with a brilliant attitude.”

In signing this new deal, both Howe and Miley himself will hope that he can become one of the first names on the team sheet for Newcastle in the years to come, although the main focus now will be recovering from a fractured fibula sustained in training earlier this month.

On that subject, Miley commented “I’m now working hard every day to get back on the pitch even stronger next season and start to repay the faith that has been shown in me.”

In tying down Miley with such a lucrative deal, the club will hope to keep ahold of a young player they clearly rate very highly, something which Sporting Director Ross Wilson revealed has been worked on for some time now.

He made clear that despite Miley already having a long-term deal with the club, they felt it was important to reward his recent progression and development.

Furthermore, it highlights that there is a pathway from Newcastle’s Academy to the first team, with Miley following in the footsteps of Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson. Both have since left the club, with Anderson’s departure still a sore topic on Tyneside.

Everyone associated with the club will hope that with Miley lessons have been learnt from a financial perspective, meaning that another Academy graduate does not have to be sold to satisfy the regulations.

In a hurriedly arranged press conference on Thursday afternoon following Boro’s reinstatement into the final, Hellberg said that “everyone knows and everyone feels how big it is and how important it is”.

“I think you could see in the games against Southampton how much it means to everyone, and how tough it was”, he continued, before adding that there will be various players in the dressing room who will contribute to the pre-match talk, not least Hayden Hackney and Dael Fry.

The prize on offer is a return to England’s top flight, where Middlesbrough have not been since 2016/17, when they spent one solitary season competing against the best, before they returned to the second tier.

Ahead of Boro’s Play-Off semi-final first leg, Hellberg said that he had not yet thought about whether he is Premier League ready. Now, after all of the drama that has unfolded regarding ‘spygate’, as he prepares to lead his team out under the famous arch, he said that thoughts of the top flight have still yet to register.

“I haven’t spent many thoughts on that”, he said, “but I think it’s difficult to be Premier League ready.”

He then drew a comparison to his role at home, “it’s like being a father, maybe I felt that would be a big problem, but when you become a father you are ready, and that’s what I think you have to do with the Premier League.”

“You’re going up against the best teams in the world, the best players in the world if you get there, and unbelievable stadiums, and players, and qualities. So, you just have to make sure you’re ready when you get there.”

Getting there, means defeating Hull City, a side Middlesbrough won handsomely against at the MKM Stadium, but then lost narrowly to, at the Riverside. The advantage for Boro, of course, is that they have known that if they were to be reinstated in the Play-Offs, that Hull would be the opposition. The Tigers, meanwhile, have been preparing for two different opponents.

Hellberg did make clear, however, that training for his side has been practically impossible until the last couple of days. To add to that, Boro will be without Tommy Conway, who sustained an ankle injury at St. Mary’s. He will miss both the Play-Off Final and the World Cup with Scotland.

There was encouraging news about Hayden Hackney though. He has trained and should be ready to take his place in the starting eleven at Wembley. Boro will need him. He, of all people, can be the key to their potential success, given his ability and his roots. He, along with Hellberg, and fellow Teessiders Dael Fry and Sol Brynn, will give it everything to win.

Southampton have been thrown out of the Championship Play-Offs, with Middlesbrough reinstated and now set to take on Hull City in the Play-Off Final at Wembley on Saturday.

The decision was issued by an Independent Disciplinary Commission on Tuesday evening, after the Saints admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations, related to spying on other clubs.

The EFL statement reads: “Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season. Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.”

“Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.”

The Saints have also been given a four-point deduction, to be applied at the start of the 2026/27 Championship season. They do however, have the right to appeal, and already have done, in the hope of having their punishment softened. Whether that bears fruit remains to be seen, but an outcome should be known within 24 hours.

The situation arose when Middlesbrough staff spotted and photographed Southampton analyst intern William Salt filming their training session on Thursday 8 May, less than two days before the two sides were due to meet in the first leg of their Play-Off Semi-Final at the Riverside.

Salt then escaped the premises via the nearby golf club, having refused to identify himself, but Middlesbrough matched his face to a picture on the Southampton website and subsequently reported the incident to the EFL.

The first leg ended goalless, before Southampton won the second leg at St. Mary’s by two goals to one, thanks to a winning strike in extra time from Shea Charles. That result has now essentially been declared null and void, with Boro progressing to the final.

In addition to that, the statement revealed that Middlesbrough were not the only victims of Southampton’s spying during the 2025/26 Championship season, and there is the potential that other clubs may seek compensation, although at present that is yet to be determined. What is more likely, is that the Football Association may investigate any wrongdoing by those who were involved at Southampton, which could incur bans from football.

Boro are now preparing for a trip to Wembley on Saturday, although whilst the appeal takes place (with reports suggesting that Southampton’s boardroom are confident of the punishment being reduced), there is still no absolute certainty as to who will line up against Hull City in the showpiece event.

An era that started in the dark days at the end of 2021 and peaked at Wembley last March, with two Champions League qualifications and campaigns in there too. Of course, there is no denying that in recent months it has become sour, frustrating and even toxic, if online forums are to be believed, but it seemed fitting that it ended with a win, a glorious habit for the majority of the last four and a half years.

Howe agreed that “it possibly could be” the end of an era, following his side’s straightforward win against relegation-threatened West Ham. He added that “one or two players can define an era. There was almost an end of one type of Newcastle team when Alex [Isak] left in my opinion, and a new team was forming.”

That new team has not quite yet taken shape, highlighted by the issues of this season, but the upcoming transfer window, Howe will hope, allow it to fully form in the style he would like.

“I think our team has changed slowly over the last four years for various reasons. This summer possibly might see a different speed in terms of that change”, Howe said, clearly hinting at a summer of change and upheaval.

What remained of this era was good enough to tear apart a lacklustre West Ham side for large parts of the encounter. Newcastle had looked threatening in the opening exchanges. It felt almost like an exhibition match with some of the liquid football on display, with quality moments from Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali and William Osula, to name a few. It felt inevitable that a lead would soon arrive.

It came before the quarter hour mark, thanks to a well-placed volley from Nick Woltemade, someone who certainly would have been happy to return to the scoresheet. His goal came as a result of Harvey Barnes winning back the ball on the right, before delivering a deft cross straight to the big German.

As if freed from the pressures of this season, Newcastle soon made it two. William Osula, who has been in fine form of late, calmly slotted home underneath Mads Hermansen in the West Ham goal, having been released by Jacob Ramsey. Out came a Michael Jackson-style sparkly glove, as the young Dane celebrated by showing off some impressive moves. There was certainly no doubting his thriller credentials.

The Magpies were able to add a third midway through the second half, much to Nuno Espírito Santo’s displeasure, given that it came direct from a West Ham throw in. The ball was stolen by Newcastle who pressed forward with Osula in possession. He found Joe Willock, who then returned it to Osula in the middle, allowing the forward to slot home for his second.

The West Ham Head Coach was measured in his assessment post-match. A “bad performance” he described it as. He wasn’t wrong.

His side looked devoid of ideas until a moment of inspiration came from Taty Castellanos caught out most inside St. James’ Park, including Nick Pope. The Argentine’s long range effort looped over Pope and into the net, and injected some life into the Hammers, albeit not enough to change the result.

West Ham could be relegated on Tuesday, if Tottenham defeat Chelsea. “Even though it’s difficult it’s still alive”, he continued, trying to keep the fire burning, but he was under no illusion that West Ham’s fate is not in their hands.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are a club whose fate is in their hands, with improvements desperately needed next season.

“I want to see entertaining, attacking, intense football”, Howe said. “I want to see us take the game to the opposition and I want to see them [the supporters] off their seats enjoying what they see.”

That was the rallying cry of a man who knows next season must be better. The traits he mentioned have all been seen previously during his reign, but have largely gone missing this season. If this is to be the end of an era, the next one must be even more emphatic than the last.

Noah Sadiki failed to score despite being one-on-one with Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens during the Black Cats’ goalless draw on Saturday at the Stadium of Light.

Three weeks prior, Habib Diarra saw an effort saved in a similar situation away at Aston Villa, where a goal would have likely won the match for Sunderland. Instead, Villa went on to score a winner moments later.

Following the draw with the Red Devils, Le Bris said that taking opportunities of that nature comes down to “instinct”, but added that work can be done to help improve that split-second decision making.

“You have to work more before to adjust the decisions in a short period of time like this”, Le Bris explained.

However, Le Bris was quick to point out the respective ages of those two midfielders who squandered their chances. “Habib is 22, Noah is 21. [This is their] first season in the Premier League, so they need to experience difficult situations to be frustrated.”

He continued, “then they will go on the training pitch during the week with extra motivation to develop these skills.”

When it comes to scoring, Sunderland have had their struggles this season. Sadiki and Diarra are not alone in lacking cutting edge in front of goal, with none of the Black Cats’ squad demonstrating the ability to be consistently clinical.

It is therefore likely that Sunderland will look to improve their striking options ahead of next season, with some of their current forwards perhaps set to depart the club during the summer. Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda have not enjoyed too many minutes since Brian Brobbey became the first choice striker, and one or both could be on their way.

Le Bris is continuing to keep his cards close to his chest regarding incomings and outgoings, but did admit that this season, despite the lack of goals, has been “a good platform for the future”.

“Now it’s a question of adjustment. Stability will be key. We want to be stable and if we can add three or four adjustments, it will be helpful”, he said, highlighting that the upcoming summer transfer window will not be as transformational as the previous one.

Le Bris believes that the core of his team is there, and given their youthful determination, will continue to develop, and that it is now a case of polishing the edges to make Sunderland a more well-rounded and potent team, especially in attack.

Middlesbrough were knocked out of the Championship play-offs thanks to a late Southampton goal in extra-time at St. Mary’s, despite having led early on in the match.

Shea Charles’ cross-come-shot with less than five minutes left of the additional period was missed by Dael Fry, leaving Sol Brynn rooted to the spot in his goal as the ball crept into the net.

It was a brutal way for Boro to see their Premier League dreams disappear in front of them, but they had been on the back foot for much of the second half, as well as during extra-time.

“Cruel” was how Kim Hellberg described his side’s defeat following the full time whistle. He held back tears in his post-match press conference, citing how much he and his players had put into this game, whilst continuing to make clear his feelings that they have been wronged as a result of Southampton’s alleged spying actions.

Away from the off-field issues, Middlesbrough had been dominant in the first leg at the Riverside, but were frustrated by the goalless draw. On this occasion however, they did in five minutes what they had failed to do in over 90 on Saturday - opening the scoring thanks to a low shot from Riley McGree.

Boro were again showing their Premier League potential, but an incident towards the end of the first half involving Luke Ayling and Southampton captain, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, in which discrimatory language was allegedly used by the latter, seemed to knock them off course.

The Saints’ equaliser came from a Ross Steward header after a scramble in the box, but there was certainly evidence of Southampton fouls on Boro players in the build up. Given the precedent set by VAR ruling out West Ham’s goal for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya on Sunday, Southampton were perhaps fortunate as a result of the EFL’s lack of technology.

This was not an isolated officiating controversy though, with Andy Madley waving away a Boro penalty appeal in the second half by making clear that the ball had struck the shoulder of Kuryu Matsuki. Replays showed it quite clearly hit the inside of his arm, which was away from his body.

As the clock ticked on past the full time whistle and into extra-time, Boro grew more tired and Southampton more determined. There was sloppiness from several players where they really should have done better. The home side’s winner came after Middlesbrough again failed to clear their lines, and the majority inside St. Mary’s went wild.

Despite the win, Saints’ boss Tonda Eckert knew he still had questions to (not) answer, and was asked whether he was a cheat in his news conference, which angered the club’s press officer, who brought proceedings to an abrupt halt.

Of course, however, proceedings are not coming to a half off the pitch, and whilst Southampton will be busy booking their second trip to Wembley in the space of a month, whether they actually make it there is still yet to be decided. The independent commission will continue to deliberate over their verdict regarding ‘spygate’, which if guilty will leave the EFL with a huge call to make.

For those not fond of Newcastle United, the less-than-affectionate nickname ‘barcodes’ has long been thrown at those adorning the famous black and white stripes of the club, whether that be players or supporters. It has largely been ignored by those associated with the Magpies because firstly, the stripes on Newcastle home shirts have never really resembled the inconsistent stripes found on packaging (1990 to 1993 aside), and secondly, Geordies have never let such a pre-school remark cut deep.

In 2026 however, the description may finally, and unfortunately, have some accuracy to it, if leaked photos of Newcastle’s 2026/2027 home shirt are to be believed. Given the prestige of those reporting the images, they would appear to be genuine, which for Newcastle United, would be an absolute travesty. Not only does the mix of thick and thin stripes draw resemblance to actual barcodes, the design in its entirety looks like a dreadfully amateurish attempt at doing something radical with stripes. If Adidas wanted something bold and fresh, there were are many other ways of designing black and white stripes, demonstrated by fan mock-ups of kit designs, that would have at least been respectable.

In truth though, the idea of radical is not what was required, nor has it ever been. Such is the historic nature of Newcastle’s black and white identity, that classy, uniform stripes, slightly varied each season would please the vast majority of supporters. Trying to reinvent the stripe is like trying to reinvent the wheel. Take for example, some of Juventus’ home kits in recent years, all designed by Adidas. Simply horrific. What was wrong with having bold stripes that proudly showcased the heritage of a club?

Admittedly, next year Adidas are reportedly returning Juventus to a more classic design after years of tacky and rancid home kits. Why though, do they have to start messing around with Newcastle’s famous stripes? If it wasn’t for Adidas’ massively successful retro merchandise ranges released in collaboration with the club, then more supporters would be calling them out. You would think that given Adidas have been happy to look back on bygone eras with such fondness, that they would take a bit of inspiration from the shirts that were so popular back then when designing in the present.

It must be said that last season’s Newcastle home shirt was good, and will now be remembered forever as being the kit that the Magpies wore to end their long trophy drought. Even this season’s home shirt is relatively decent, but it certainly is not controversial to say that both were not as aesthetically pleasing as the final two kits made by Castore, the previous kit suppliers of the club. Their efforts in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 were both simple and yet hugely effective. Both featured stripes of appropriate thickness, allowing for a good number of them to appear on both the front and back. They represented the club well, and highlighted what Newcastle United should look like.

Now I know what you might be thinking at this point. Yes, Castore had some reported issues with quality when their shirts were purchased by supporters, as well as their home kit for Newcastle in 2021/2022 not being brilliant (mostly because of the very noticeable, and most likely unintended ‘number 4’), but I do believe that their two following home designs more than made up for that, and that they should be cut more slack given how they compare in terms of size to an industry giant like Adidas. If anything, it actually shows that Adidas, given all of its history of great football kits and the money it will undoubtedly pump into design, should know better.

This issue is especially prudent given that Newcastle United are constantly looking at ways to increase their revenue. CEO David Hopkinson has made very clear in recent interviews that bringing more money into the club will go hand-in-hand with success on the pitch. Shirt sales will always be a reliable source of income for Newcastle. Geordies love their club and love wearing its kits. However, I am fairly convinced that there will not be the usual eagerness from some to get their hands on it when released.

Of course, many will still buy it. Geordies are loyal to their club and will want to be wearing the latest merchandise come the start of next season, but a significant part of me thinks that it will not be terribly well received. Its design, as I have stated above, is very poor, but perhaps more worryingly, the fact that such an effort is said to be liked by the club is a sad reflection of modern football. Instead of promoting the history and heritage of the club by having a smart and classy design that loyal supporters will adore, they are happy with one that does the exact opposite. One that will stir up discussion and create clicks online, and be bought perhaps as a souvenir by those on a one-off visit to the club. Yes, those factors will likely help with increasing club revenue, but surely that could also be done with a kit that the club and its supporters could be proud of?

The reality is that not much can be done at this point, given the fact that the kit will have already had its rubber stamp approval. It is just a shame that Adidas believe that this type of thing is in some way wanted or desired by supporters of a club like Newcastle United, and that the club themselves are happy to accept it. This new home kit is black and white, but it looks, as rival supporters have long proclaimed, like a barcode.

Those on Teesside will still have fond memories of their club’s continental adventures in the mid-noughties, and were able to conjure up some of that magic to welcome the Middlesbrough team coach to the Riverside for their play-off semi-final first leg against Southampton. The red mist descended, literally.

The red mist also came down in the press room following the goalless draw that played out on Teesside. After it emerged that a member of Southampton’s staff had been caught spying on Middlesbrough’s training session on Thursday, the post-match questioning was only going to go in one direction, despite the entertaining match, which Boro really should have won.

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert was very reluctant to answer questions on the matter, before he and the Saints’ press officer stormed out of the room following persistent questioning. Middlesbrough Head Coach Kim Hellberg described it as cheating, and was clearly incredibly angered by the whole situation.

Despite this, Hellberg was keen to point out the welcome created by the Boro fans when asked about what fuelled the performance, saying “you see how the supporters meet us up before the game, you see in here there was a lot of fuel created by them.”

“I don’t want to give any type of credit to what those people have done. All the fuel comes from what we do together, how we play football, and that was a dominant performance”, he added.

Hellberg was right. Boro really should have been ahead at half time. The fact that they were not was as baffling to them as it was to Southampton, who looked like rabbits in the headlights in the first half. The ball was like a hot potato for the away side, who were hunted in packs by Boro with breathless energy.

Chances came and went, the best falling to Tommy Conway, who, have been played in by Riley McGree, curled his low shot off the post to the huge groans of the majority inside the Riverside. Would Boro go on to rue those missed opportunities?

It almost appeared that way, as for significant periods of the second half it was Boro who were the ones breathing heavy sighs of relief, as the Saints finally came to the party. The tension was palpable and the game much more open than it had been in the first 45. Taylor Harwood-Bellis saw a header crash off the crossbar with less than five minutes of normal time left - a big warning for Boro.

The game ended nil-nil, with all to play for at St. Mary’s on Tuesday, as things stand. There is no word yet on what punishment, if any, will be given to Southampton.

What is certain is that Middlesbrough are a good side away from home, but they will have to learn lessons from this encounter, especially in front of goal. After all of the build up it was a frustrating afternoon, but crucially it is far from over.

When asked whether he is ‘Premier League-ready’, Hellberg said that “I haven’t thought about [the] Premier League that much”, before adding that “I have so many other problems in life!”

His second comment was made in jest, but given the size of the task he is about to undertake with Middlesbrough, even the concept of being in England’s top flight would appear to be at the bottom of a long list of thoughts.

“I’m just trying to, every day, be here and do everything I can for the team to start with, for the players, for the supporters, for the club”, Hellberg made clear ahead of the Teessiders’ Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Southampton.

If Boro manage to navigate a way past the Saints over two legs and reach the Wembley final, perhaps then will thoughts of the Premier League start to work their way up the ladder in Hellberg’s head.

Plotting that route to the capital will not be easy, and Southampton have recent experience of winning a play-off campaign, defeating West Bromwich Albion and then Leeds United on their way to the promised land in 2024. To that end, Hellberg admitted that their upcoming opponents having that know-how as a club will benefit them.

He stated that “they have a lot of players that played in the Premier League, that played in those situations. Of course, I think it’s important to have experience from it, in terms of being in it.”

Despite that though, Hellberg was keen to talk up the knowledge and expertise of those around him at Middlesbrough, and using them to his, and the club’s, advantage. He was adamant that he will “stay true to my own way of doing it, but also listen to the people that have been experienced from different things in terms of that.”

It could also be argued that Boro’s inexperience in situations such as these could be to their benefit. Their most recent entry into the play-offs was in 2023, which saw them lose at the semi-final stage against Coventry City, with the squad much changed since then. With no previous scars, Boro’s players can approach these fixtures with freedom.

Hellberg agreed with that assessment, saying that “it could also be good not to understand how big it is, and just go in with a free mind”.

Getting the approach right for the two legs against Southampton will be forefront in Hellberg’s mind, “then I try to leave minutes that are left for my daughter, and for my kid and for my wife”, he said with a smile.

His young family moved from Sweden earlier in the season as Hellberg joined Middlesbrough with the aim of taking them up. Now they will hope to support him as he tries to finish the job.

Of course, given how poor Newcastle have been in recent weeks, supporters have been looking down the table rather than up it, a sad indictment of just how uninspiring the Magpies’ league campaign has become. That made the victory that followed both sweet and relieving in equal measure, but it was one that came about thanks to a return to Newcastle’s “old warriors”, as one journalist described them, to which Howe agreed.

“I went with players I can really trust and can handle the pressure”, Howe made clear, with the likes of Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock all picked from the start. The selection paid off as Newcastle won 3-1, with grit shown by those players.

In attack, Howe had again opted for William Osula, someone who the Head Coach stated he would “definitely like to keep” at the club.

Howe commented that Osula is “a player of really rich promise”, adding that “a lot of work and time has gone into his development”, which in the last few weeks has started to shine through. It was his opener that ultimately set the tone for Newcastle to claim the three points.

Prior to that, there was definite tension inside of St. James’ Park in the opening minutes as Brighton moved the ball around in comfortable fashion. Carlos Baleba’s effort that struck the top of the crossbar did nothing to calm the nerves, although Osula was starting to show glimpses at the other end.

A glimpse was all Osula needed to make it one-nil. The ball was switched towards Jacob Murphy, with Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen charging out in an attempt to dispossess him. Instead, Verbruggen made a complete mess of things, allowing Murphy to pick out Osula in the middle, who headed into the empty net. Such is the erratic nature of the young Danish forward, as the ball flew through the air towards him there was trepidation even in that split second, but Osula proved he had ice in his veins.

Soon it was two, when Dan Burn headed home a Bruno Guimarães corner from the left. Burn’s inclusion at left back over Lewis Hall had been questioned by some prior to Arsenal the week previous, and again against Brighton, but Burn perhaps justified his place in the team with that header.

Of course nothing is ever straight forward with Newcastle United. Whether that is trying to win a cup, qualify for the Champions League, announce plans for a new training ground or stadium, or more recently, keep a clean sheet. Given all of that, Brighton pulling a goal back just after the hour mark felt like an inevitability. It came from Jack Hinshelwood, who darted into the box to score with a great finish past Nick Pope, with the Newcastle keeper having distributed a poor kick out just moments earlier.

The final exchanges were nervy. Brighton came forward and should have equalised when Yankuba Minteh blazed over the bar at the back post with the goal gaping. That was a let off.

There were certainly tired legs starting to show in black and white, but as if energised by the crowd who were ready to erupt at the sound of the final whistle, Newcastle started to attack themselves. Yoane Wissa had a chance, as did Joelinton, but it took Wissa to dispossess Jan Paul van Hecke, before squaring to Harvey Barnes to seal the deal.

On the touch line there was relief from Eddie Howe as he was swamped by coaching staff and players. He has needed that moment, that feeling for so long now.

Brighton may have “dominated” in stages according to Head Coach Fabian Hürzeler, who was frustrated that his side did not take more of their chances, but sometimes football comes down to small moments of emotion, which is exactly how it felt as Barnes’ shot hit the net.

Eddie Howe will sleep well tonight, he said so himself following the match. He also revealed that he had woken up the night before with anxiety, simply hoping that his players delivered a good performance against Brighton. Overall, it wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. Enough for Newcastle United, and enough for Eddie Howe, for now.

However, despite Régis Le Bris’ insistence that Sunderland are remaining focused and persistent, based on the simply damming evidence of the events that unfolded at the Stadium of Light, it would appear that his players have their sun-hats on and sand between their toes, perhaps sipping a cool drink in a glass with a mini umbrella.

Nice for some, but certainly not nice for Régis Le Bris. The quite astonishing 0-5 loss left him visibly hurt, frustrated and annoyed - all in equal measure. He said that “it wasn’t the face we wanted to show” following the full time whistle.

“This is not Sunderland” was his next sentence, which felt right. Knowing what to say after such a heavy defeat is not easy, but Le Bris picked his words well.

He let his players unpick their wounds in the dressing room post match, with “responsibility” being the key word used. Once the dust had settled, Le Bris made clear that he “set the narrative, to say where we are, who we are.”

There was no such soul searching in the dressing room next door, however. Nottingham Forest Head Coach Vitor Pereira described his side’s display as “fantastic”, before repeating the adjective to fully hammer home just how pleased he was with his players.

He said that safety in the Premier League still required more points, but that result has certainly put huge pressure on Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. With the ability to put in performances like that though, Forest should not have anything to worry about.

Admittedly, the away sides’ opener was fortuitous, but not necessarily undeserved. Both sides had had chances in what had been an end-to-end first quarter. Following a short corner, Omari Hutchinson delivered a ball to the back post, where Igor Jesus looked to head back across goal. Instead, the ball ricocheted off his marker Trai Hume, and past the helpless Robin Roefs and into the net.

The goal, whilst unfortunate, will not have angered Le Bris as much as what followed. Sloppiness in possession, coupled with the defence being more open than the Red Sea with the influence of Moses, will certainly not have made for pleasant viewing on the touch line.

That was when it was still at one-nil. Twenty minutes after the first, Forest were four goals to the good. Yes, four. Chris Wood grabbed the second after a poor pass from Roefs fell to Morgan Gibbs-White, who picked out Wood to finish. Then Gibbs-White himself got in on the act, lashing home unmarked, after Sunderland failed to clear a corner. Finally, Jesus got his goal, with this one being less of a miracle than Forest’s first. A well-struck side-footed volley was dispatched after the ball fell sweetly to him in the box.

There were quite a few empty seats visible by the start of the second half. Those who remained in situ were perhaps dreaming of an improbable comeback, regardless of unlikely that may have been.

Dan Ballard thought he’d pulled one back, only for VAR to recommend an on-field review to referee Darren England. Nordi Mukiele was adjudged to have fouled Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels just before Ballard headed home, and the goal was chalked off.

The game fizzled out and became a non-event, as is often the case in matches where the first period has seen such one-sided dominance. Forest did manage to add a fifth right at the death, thanks to a strike from boyhood Newcastle fan Elliot Anderson. After what has been an incredibly difficult period for him after the loss of his mother, that goal will have tasted sweet.

The only taste in the mouth of Régis Le Bris was a sour one. Nine goals have been let in by his side in two games, and he conceded that the “first signs” of this calamity against Forest came the previous weekend away at Aston Villa.

He finished his answer by stating that “it’s important to reset and to accept that the level is high, and it’s always a big challenge to win games in the Premier League, and today we are not at that level.” Reset Sunderland must, and for now at least, put the passports away.

Ahead of last weekend’s abject performance away at Crystal Palace, Head Coach Eddie Howe had looked flat, his body language telling the story of the season. And yet, before the visit of Bournemouth to Tyneside, he was reinvigorated, with no ambiguity in his answers when questioned about his future. Of course, talking is one thing and actions are another, and Howe needed his words to rub off on his players. In short, they did not.

Another two-one defeat, this time not as a result of Newcastle leading and then throwing points away, but instead Bournemouth being vastly superior in the first half, and the Magpies fortuitously equalising in the second, before the inevitable. Howe described the performance as “nowhere near good enough”, which was putting it mildly.

Newcastle were poor in every area of the pitch. The system that has brought them so much success and posed teams real threats, has become as dynamic as a sloth climbing up a tree.

“Rigidity is something that we don’t coach at all - fluidity is, and I thought there were some really good bits again today up until the box”, Howe said. He may have seen them, but not many others did.

The winning goal came five minutes from time (another predictable occurrence), Adrien Truffert firing home from close range after Newcastle failed to clear their lines in the box. Even after William Osula’s equaliser, which came only because Evanilson played the ball to the Danish forward which kept him onside, Newcastle never looked like going on to win.

The Cherries’ soon-to-depart Head Coach, Andoni Iraola, was perhaps too complimentary of the Magpies, although he did admit that his side “played well”. He told his players “not to panic” after Newcastle drew level, ironic given that the home side were the only ones who looked unsure.

It had been the case from minute one. Bournemouth’s opening goal came as a result of Newcastle’s hapless defence. It was not a particularly impressive goal, nor was it hugely well worked. Cherries winger Rayan managed to take the ball to the byline, and deliver a low ball across the face of goal, with Lewis Hall not able to prevent the cross. Arriving at the back post was Marcus Tavernier to bundle the ball home.

Opponents scoring with such ease has become customary for Newcastle of late. The harsh truth is that teams do not have to play well to come up trumps against them. Prior to this match, Sunderland and Crystal Palace were effective in using a target man with runners off him, and Bournemouth utilised their strength in midfield and pace out wide to subdue the Magpies.

“I can assure everybody that’s not what we work on, but it’s happening”, Howe conceded. He continued “whether that’s a lack of confidence, whether that’s a lack of feel in front of goal, it could always be those things. We’ve got some very good attacking players. I don’t doubt the quality.”

Howe may not doubt the quality, but it remains absent, and whilst it does, Newcastle are on a slippery slope to disaster. Five games remain but it feels like fifty. Something has to change.

Eddie Howe has said that he is the right man to take Newcastle United forward into the next stage of their Saudi-backed project.

In what was a clear contrast to Howe’s slightly tired demeanour ahead of the Magpies’ clash with Crystal Palace last week, he was focused and bullish, and made abundantly clear that that he will “fight harder than I’ve ever fought before.”

Given Howe’s perceived negative body language last week, he was asked whether he still has the determination within him to lead the club through what will be a transitional summer, and into a new era. His response was clear.

“My fire is burning very, very strongly”, Howe said, leaving no doubt in the room.

He did admit that there was “no guarantee” from his side as to what will happen in the future given how quickly football can change, but doubled down on his initial declaration, stating that “my fire is there, there’s loads of wood stacked up and I’m ready to put it on it.”

It was certainly a statement of both assurance and intent from Howe, but whilst his internal flame may be burning bright, Newcastle United’s season needs reigniting. Heading into the weekend, they sit 14th in the Premier League, with European places slowly slipping from their reach.

To that end, and with the ambition of the club set out by CEO David Hopkinson in mind, should Howe not be able to improve results and secure another continental campaign for the club, he risks tarnishing his stellar reputation on Tyneside.

As the man who brought the first major trophy back to St. James’ Park since 1969, whilst also returning the club to the Champions League twice during his tenure, he will undoubtedly go down as a Newcastle United legend. However, boos have been heard in recent weeks, especially after the home loss against Sunderland. It would be a great shame if the situation was to become toxic.

On that subject Howe made clear that he just wants “to serve the club.”

“I just want to do what’s right for the football club and that’s always been my aim. If that’s me leaving to help the club, then, of course, that’s something I’ll do.”

There have been some online who have called for Howe to do just that because of recent performances and results, but having said that, Howe then echoed his belief that he is still the right man for the job.

Therefore, with his fire raging, Howe must transfer his energy to his players, to make sure that the club at least turns a corner on the pitch, before any thoughts of Europe, the summer transfer window, and next season occur. This, he will hope, starts against Bournemouth.

An upturn in performances and results would change the mood on Tyneside heading into the summer, and may restore the belief of some, and allow them to back Howe and his claims. It all feels very much on a knife edge. Howe believes he is the man, not just for this season, but for the seasons to come, but it remains on him to make sure that fire is not extinguished.

Despite the victory, the Black Cats lacked composure in the final third, with their goal coming thanks to a deflected effort from Nordi Mukiele. They dominated proceedings but only won thanks to a slice of fortune.

“It’s a question of execution”, Le Bris said, adding that “the last choice, the last pass, probably the presence in the box as well, we still have room for improvement”.

Only two sides have scored fewer goals in the Premier League than Sunderland this season, with the Black Cats level with relegation bound Burnley on 33.

This points to Sunderland’s defence having been strong enough to help them grind out results, which is true, but ultimately, struggling to score will be unsustainable.

The lack of goals is clearly an issue Le Bris recognised, as he made clear that “we are working hard behind the scenes. It’s about small adjustments, but small adjustments at that level make the difference.”

However, the Frenchman was also keen to point out that Sunderland “still have a young squad”.

“They are intense, strong energy”, he continued, backing his players for the performances they have put in throughout the season, including in the win against Spurs. Despite the winning goal being fortuitous, for Sunderland to outplay and defeat one of the so-called ‘big six’ as a newly promoted side is certainly impressive, regardless of Spurs’ current relegation fears.

It demonstrates again just how willing to fight Sunderland are, a trait which now sees them sitting in tenth place in the top flight table. There is no doubt that for a club who have returned to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs after eight seasons away, it has been a remarkable campaign.

Le Bris and the club also have an upcoming transfer window to bolster their firepower, which may ease concerns about Sunderland’s goal scoring going into next season. Le Bris though, being the critical thinker he has proven himself to be, will want to solve the issue before then with the players he currently has at his disposal.

If he is able to do that, then whatever attacking talent he adds to the squad will be better able to bed in to what will be a fluid and capable forward line.

Le Bris said last week that it was too early to be thinking about the summer transfer window, but preparations will undoubtedly be occurring. Therefore, Sunderland will hope that both their on and off-field activity provides a higher strike rate next season.

Not long ago there was a fear that Sunderland’s season had fizzled out. Safety in the Premier League had been confirmed for another season, which was the club’s main target at the beginning of the campaign. The Black Cats had lost their previous three home fixtures in succession, when at one stage they had been the only club left unbeaten at home in the top flight. However, it is amazing what a win in a derby can do for a team.

Such was Sunderland’s spirit as a result of their away win at Newcastle prior to the international break, there was only ever going to be one winner when Tottenham Hotspur made the trip to Wearside, with Spurs sat, rather uncomfortably, in the relegation zone. One-nil it finished, but it should have been more, way more.

Régis Le Bris said that Sunderland had three main objectives in this fixture, “to be adaptive… proactive… and to generate momentum early”. All three they did, and Spurs simply could not deal with them. All that was lacking was the finishing touch in the final third, but instead of displaying composure, Sunderland were lacklustre.

The Black Cats were fortunate that their opponents were so devoid of confidence and quality, because other teams may have punished them, despite putting in stellar performances in other key areas of the pitch.

Even the winning goal came with a huge slice of fortune. Nordi Mukiele marauded forward and stuck a effort which appeared to be rather tame until a huge deflection off Micky van de Ven sent it shooting in another direction. Antonín Kinský was left helpless as the ball dropped into the net, and for Spurs, it felt like another nail in the coffin.

Roberto De Zerbi believed that his side did well in the first half, but apart from a penalty that was awarded to them (and then correctly overturned, owing to Omar Alderete getting a toe to the ball), they did not look like a team with any fight.

De Zerbi was keen to back his players though, making clear that “the players of Tottenham are all good guys, they are suffering in this moment”. That won’t do much to appease supporters, who want to see grit and determination on the pitch, not sulking off it.

They should take a look at their opponents on this occasion, who for the majority of the season have shown just how far unity and togetherness can take a team. Once again Sunderland were stronger, and first to every second ball. They were composed, confident and streetwise.

Of course, Le Bris will have concerns that only one goal came from such a display - Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey both going close in the first half, but the Sunderland Head Coach did point out that “the knowledge of the team is getting better”. The fact of the matter is that even without scoring a barrage of goals every game, they are very effective at getting results.

And so, with the dust settled on another win, once again comes the question of Europe. Sunderland are very much in the mix, and although Le Bris said that “it’s not on my mind”, he was slightly more open to the possibility of such an achievement.

He continued, “the main objective was to stay in this league, now it is achieved. The ambition is to be a top ten club in the Premier League. If you are consistent you can reach another level.”

Whether Sunderland can reach their ‘next level’ will depend on whether they can continue to be effective in grinding out results without that clinical edge in front of goal. This victory against Spurs would suggest so. Therefore, with six games remaining this season, the Black Cats are still very much on track to doing something very special under Régis Le Bris.

When asked by North East Football TV, Le Bris initially outlined that it was “a bit early” to talk about the upcoming summer window, but then made clear that “the club wants to grow”.

Le Bris added that “the final result in the league we don’t know, but it’s about the next game, do your best, try to win, after that we’ll have another one, another exciting challenge, and so on, and we’ll see at the end of the season.”

Whilst not an explicit admittance, Le Bris’ words convey that if Sunderland were to be playing in an extra competition next season, their summer business would be conducted with that in mind. Furthermore, it would appear that the club view qualification for another competition, say it quietly, a European one, as a distinct possibility given how the table lies at present.

“It’s not the end of the cycle”, Le Bris said, referring to the summer window, and for Sunderland, it will instead be a chance to expand their squad further in terms of depth and quality, especially if they have more games to contend with.

Whilst supporters of Sunderland will relish the chance to see their club attack the transfer window because of the need to improve to compete in Europe as well as domestically, those ambitions should be tempered with some caution.

Sunderland are certainly not guaranteed to qualify for a continental competition, with other teams around them also harbouring the same ambitions. As a result, should the Black Cats only have domestic football to look forward to next season, their transfer policy will be different.

To that end, Le Bris revealed that another key factor in influencing the club’s summer business, which will gain more prominence without Europe, will be taking into account some of the injuries suffered this season.

“Every game, every part of the season is useful for the next transfer window, how we want to build the squad.”

During this campaign, Sunderland have endured prolonged periods without some of their key players. Forward Brian Brobbey, midfielders Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra, defenders Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo Mandava and Dan Ballard, as well as goalkeeper Robin Roefs, have all spent time on the sidelines because of injury.

When those players were missing, Le Bris’ side was undoubtedly weaker, which was showcased by some of their performances and results. Therefore, even without Europe, Sunderland must strengthen those areas, especially given the fact that those below those aforementioned players in the pecking order are clearly not fancied by Le Bris.

Sunderland navigated the summer transfer window well last summer, and even though Kristjaan Speakman is no longer at the club, with Florent Ghisolfi now pulling the strings as Director of Football alongside Le Bris, the Head Coach said that despite the market being unpredictable, “the strategy is clear”.

The end to the season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Sunderland, beginning with the visit of a struggling Tottenham side to the Stadium of Light. There is clearly ambition, and a plan for if Sunderland do qualify for Europe in terms of incomings, supporters will certainly be appeased at the club being ready for the market regardless of the situation.

Alex Murphy and Leo Shahar, who are both full backs, played for the first time in Europe’s elite club competition last month at St. James’ Park, as Newcastle defeated Azerbaijani side, Qarabag FK.

Murphy described Howe as “brilliant”, adding that despite the difficulty of not making many appearances, the support given by Howe and his staff has been extremely beneficial.

“I’m still learning and training every day, and they’re always trying to help me”, Murphy made clear, highlighting the attention to detail that Howe has whilst coaching.

Shahar, who has more recently made the jump into the first team picture, stated that he decided to sign for Newcastle United to experience “moments like this, making my debut in the Champions League”. For 19 year old Shahar, the chance to grasp such an opportunity was one he simply could not turn down, and one that would not have been possible if not for Eddie Howe.

Since that victory against Qarabag, Howe has endured what has been without doubt, the most difficult period of his time in charge of Newcastle so far, following a 7-2 (8-3 on aggregate) loss at the Camp Nou against Barcelona, before a humiliating home loss against Sunderland, with the Black Cats completing a Premier League double over their North East neighbours.

The full time whistle at St. James’ Park following Sunderland’s triumph brought many audible boos inside the stadium, with some on social media calling for Howe to be relieved of his duties.

It is no secret that Newcastle’s Premier League form this season, has been below the standards set by Howe himself during the previous years of his tenure. The Magpies currently sit 12th in the table and are facing an uphill battle to qualify for any European competition. They are aided by those above them still being within touching distance, but Howe knows that he must find immediate solutions to the problems that have plagued Newcastle all season.

Following that, comments made by the club’s CEO, David Hopkinson, have, to some extent, changed the narrative regarding Howe’s future at the club. Newcastle could move in a different direction in the summer, and if so, they must find a coach willing to develop and give opportunities to young players, as Howe and his staff have done with Murphy and Shahar.

“All the support, all the individual coaches I have just push me on to be a better player”, Shahar said. “That’s boosted me to get the appearance tonight.”

Again, glowing praise for Newcastle’s youth setup, suggesting that Howe has created a clear pathway for those in the Academy to feed into the First Team. Whilst the long term project at the club may be coming to a crossroads, this system will undoubtedly be seen as a success, with maintaining and enhancing it likely to be a priority.