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The Mag Podcast
Episode 3: Spurs Away, David Hopkinson’s Vision and Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup Hopes
Newcastle United have enjoyed a big week on and off the pitch, and episode three of The Mag Pod looks back on two wins, a memorable away day and some intriguing signs about where the club could be heading.
The panel begin with Newcastle’s 2-0 victory away at Tottenham, as Jamie reports back from the trip with his son Blake and reflects on another successful visit to Spurs. The conversation moves from the result itself to Tottenham’s struggles, Sandro Tonali’s role following his move away from Newcastle, and whether Spurs’ spectacular stadium is really providing the home advantage such an arena should.
There’s also a look at Newcastle’s developing commercial ambitions following a meeting with Knox Hydrate before the match and, more significantly, David Hopkinson’s appearance at the All-Star podcast event earlier in the week. The panel discuss what they heard from Newcastle’s CEO about the stadium, investment, growing the club commercially and his ambition for Newcastle to be competing across the major competitions by 2030.
Alan Shearer’s appearance at the same event leads into a discussion of the Alan Shearer Foundation and its Move A Mile campaign, which is raising funds for a second hydrotherapy pool at the Foundation’s facilities.
Elsewhere, a new Mag in a Minute feature picks out some of the week’s standout articles on The Mag, before attention turns back to the football. Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory over West Brom brings plenty of debate about Sean Sturr’s eye-catching performance, the absence of VAR and some controversial refereeing decisions.
Finally, with Millwall awaiting in the next round, the panel consider how seriously Newcastle should approach the Carabao Cup and whether another cup run could provide an early highlight of the club’s new era.
Key Moments
00:18 – Introduction and Newcastle’s win at Spurs
07:14 – Tottenham reaction and Sandro Tonali discussion
17:22 – Nox Hydrate and the Newcastle fan community
20:56 – David Hopkinson and Newcastle’s future plans
29:59 – Alan Shearer Foundation and Move A Mile
33:14 – The Mag in a Minute
39:11 – Newcastle beat West Brom in the Carabao Cup
41:50 – VAR and refereeing debate
46:14 – Can Newcastle win the Carabao Cup again?
52:11 – Closing thoughts
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2. Episode 2: Liverpool Thriller, Newcastle United’s Future and Remembering Kevin Keegan
56:54||Season 1, Ep. 2The Mag Pod Episode 2: Liverpool Thriller, Newcastle United’s Future and Remembering Kevin KeeganEpisode SummaryNewcastle United’s Premier League season is under way and this week’s The Mag Pod reflects on a dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool at St James’ Park. The panel discuss the frustration of conceding a late penalty, but also the many positives from a performance full of energy, commitment and attacking intent. There’s praise for Newcastle’s younger players, the impact of the summer signings and Yoane Wissa’s display, as well as debate over what the result might tell us about the season ahead.Attention then turns to the bigger picture at Newcastle following the announcement of plans for a new £190 million training facility. The panel consider what the investment says about the owners’ long-term commitment, how the club is attempting to increase commercial revenues and why the development could prove important when attracting players. There’s also discussion about Newcastle United 2.0, the player trading model and what the next few years could look like both on and off the pitch.The episode finishes on a more emotional note following the tribute to Kevin Keegan before the Liverpool match. Jamie, Simon and Hutch reflect on the extraordinary influence Keegan had on Newcastle United, from transforming the club as a player and manager to helping establish the Magpies as one of the defining teams of the early Premier League era. They also discuss his wider impact on the city, the supporters and generations of fans who fell in love with Newcastle because of the team he created.It’s an episode that moves from the excitement of the new season and Newcastle’s ambitions for the future to a heartfelt celebration of one of the most important figures in the club’s history.Key Moments00:17 – Introduction and Newcastle 2 Liverpool 223:06 – Newcastle’s new training ground and long-term plans41:05 – Remembering Kevin Keegan55:17 – Looking ahead and final thoughts
1. Episode 1: A New Era, Pre-Season Concerns and Life After Eddie Howe
01:00:21||Season 1, Ep. 1The Mag Pod makes its debut as Jamie, Simon and Hutch get together to discuss Newcastle United from the perspective of supporters in the stands, combining the latest events around the club with opinions and talking points from The Mag.With pre-season drawing to a close, the panel reflect on an underwhelming set of friendly results and performances against Strasbourg, Bayer Leverkusen and Everton. They discuss some of the early signs from the squad, concerns over creativity and defensive organisation, and how much can realistically be read into results before the competitive action begins. A trip to Murrayfield also prompts a wider conversation about the matchday experience and whether Edinburgh could ever provide Newcastle with a temporary home if redevelopment work at St James' Park made it necessary.Attention then turns to a turbulent summer and the biggest change of all: Eddie Howe's departure. The panel look back on his achievements, debate whether the timing was right for both manager and club, and consider what Newcastle might now expect from his successor. With a new manager, significant changes to the squad and plenty of uncertainty surrounding the transfer window, opinions differ over just how difficult the 2026/27 campaign could prove to be.The lads also make their predictions for Newcastle's finishing position, opening run of fixtures and what would constitute a successful season, while reflecting on whether supporters would have accepted everything that has happened since the 2021 takeover.Finally, thoughts turn to the Premier League opener against Liverpool at St James' Park, the prospect of facing Alexander Isak and an emotional Kevin Keegan tribute as Newcastle begin another new chapter.Key Moments00:18 – Introducing The Mag Pod02:13 – Newcastle's pre-season performances12:25 – Everton at Murrayfield and the matchday experience20:36 – Could Newcastle temporarily play at Murrayfield?27:19 – Eddie Howe's departure and the new manager37:46 – Predictions for Newcastle's 2026/27 season52:31 – Reflecting on five years since the takeover54:23 – Liverpool preview and Kevin Keegan tribute59:20 – Final thoughts