The Mag Podcast

Newcastle United's miserable 4–1 defeat at Coventry City takes centre stage as Jamie Smith, David Hutchinson and Simon Carhill return for Episode 10 of The Mag Pod. The trio pick apart another worrying defensive display, question Newcastle's attacking decision-making and consider whether the latest setback is a sign of deeper problems. There's also a lively debate about the most annoying habits of supporters at St James' Park, before the lads choose their Newcastle United heroes, cult heroes and villains of the 2020s.The mood is understandably bleak after Newcastle concede four goals to a newly promoted side, following another heavy defeat against Leeds. Despite enjoying plenty of possession and creating opportunities, familiar weaknesses at both ends of the pitch leave plenty to discuss. Fernandez-Pardo's finishing, Sven Botman's form, Joelinton's fitness and the performances of recent signings all come under scrutiny. But is the reaction to Newcastle's latest defeat justified, or are supporters getting carried away with early-season pessimism?Things take a lighter turn with a supporters' poll about the worst habits of fellow Newcastle fans. From leaving before the final whistle and disappearing for half-time pints to relentless negativity, questionable chanting and clapping the attendance, the discussion produces plenty of disagreements and some familiar grievances.The conversation then turns to The Mag's heroes and villains of the 2020s, with Amanda Staveley, Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy, Joelinton and Fabian Schär among those receiving praise. At the opposite end of the scale, Steve Bruce, Alexander Isak, Paul Mitchell and others come under fire as the lads reflect on the decisions and departures that have shaped Newcastle's recent history.Finally, there's a brief look towards Aston Villa and news of a special additional podcast featuring Chris Budd from My Old Man Said, exploring the challenges facing both clubs as they attempt to break into the established Premier League elite.Key Moments00:00 – Introduction and Coventry defeat reaction04:10 – How Newcastle lost 4–1 at Coventry11:42 – Defensive problems and concerns for the season15:15 – The most annoying Newcastle matchday habits22:17 – Negativity in the stands24:29 – Leaving before the final whistle27:26 – Newcastle United's heroes and villains of the 2020s28:48 – Heroes of the decade35:03 – Cult heroes of the decade45:16 – Villains of the decade52:53 – Cult villains and the impact of transfers59:36 – Aston Villa preview and special podcast announcement01:01:16 – Closing thoughts

The international break continues, but there is still plenty for The Mag Pod to get stuck into as the panel return for a mix of Newcastle United news, nostalgia and some increasingly ambitious attempts to rewrite the club's history.First up is Newcastle's updated club badge, with the panel looking back at the consultation process and assessing what has actually changed. From the streamlined design and its more digitally friendly appearance to the new secondary castle crest, they discuss whether all the build-up was necessary and why keeping the traditional identity intact was ultimately the most important thing.Then comes a new challenge inspired by Quantum Leap: if you could go back to any moment in Newcastle United history and change something that once went wrong, where would you go? The conversation revisits some of the biggest near-misses of the last 30 years, including the 1995/96 Premier League title race, Sir Bobby Robson's UEFA Cup run and a costly League Cup night at Stamford Bridge. Could one altered moment have changed Newcastle's entire trajectory?Away from football, Jamie reports back from a night watching the newly renamed Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park before attention returns to United's players on international duty. The panel round up the latest appearances, goals and injury concerns ahead of the return of club football, while Newcastle United Women continue their perfect start to the league season.Finally, there's discussion of the ongoing Manchester City situation and what it could mean for the Premier League before Newcastle finally return to action. After three weeks without a United game, competitive football is almost back and the international-break improvisation can finally come to an end.Key Moments00:17 – Introduction01:32 – Newcastle United's updated club badge10:04 – Newcastle United Quantum Leap14:11 – Rewriting the 1995/96 Premier League title race22:00 – Sir Bobby Robson and the 2004 UEFA Cup run29:06 – Changing Newcastle's 2023 League Cup exit at Chelsea37:12 – Another chance to rewrite Sir Bobby's Newcastle history43:18 – Newcastle Red Bulls and a night at Kingston Park48:59 – Newcastle players on international duty55:01 – Newcastle United Women maintain their perfect start55:42 – Manchester City and the Premier League appeal59:24 – Final thoughts

With Newcastle United taking a back seat during the international break, this week’s The Mag Pod turns its attention to some of the biggest stories surrounding football, while still finding plenty to discuss from a black-and-white perspective.The main talking point is Manchester City and the reports surrounding the Premier League’s long-running case against the club. The panel considers what an eventual punishment could look like, from points deductions and relegation to transfer restrictions, as well as the wider consequences for players and other clubs. There’s also discussion about what the situation could mean for Newcastle United and the Premier League’s financial rules in the years ahead.Attention then turns to Newcastle United Women after their 4-0 victory over Leicester City at Gateshead International Stadium. Hutch gives his verdict on the match and the experience of attending with his daughter, with Newcastle’s strong start to the season and their upcoming fixtures also coming under the spotlight.There’s a lively debate about proposals to allow supporters to drink alcohol while watching men’s football matches in England. Would being able to take a pint into the stands improve the matchday experience, or simply lead to more disruption, queues and supporters being showered in beer whenever Newcastle score?Finally, the international break gets some attention, including Anthony Gordon’s England performance and an increasingly chaotic attempt to run through Newcastle’s international contingent. With no Premier League match to send nerves through the roof, it’s a more relaxed episode, although, inevitably, things don’t remain entirely sensible for long.Key Moments00:18 – Introduction01:38 – Manchester City and the Premier League charges34:39 – Newcastle United Women beat Leicester City41:15 – Drinking alcohol in football stands51:46 – England and Newcastle’s internationals57:33 – Final thoughts

Newcastle United head into the international break with three points on the board after a tense 2-1 victory over Hull City at St James’ Park, and this week’s The Mag Pod looks back on a game that started comfortably before becoming far more nervy than anyone would have liked.The panel discuss Newcastle’s impressive opening, Joe Willock’s performance, Sean Steur’s influence in midfield and what happened after his departure as Hull piled on the pressure. There’s also a look at Lewis Miley’s afternoon, the impact of injuries and whether the vertical style of football is beginning to take shape despite the squad still adapting to a new approach.From there, the conversation moves into something much bigger than one result. After Jamie’s son Blake attended his 100th Newcastle match, the panel reflect on football, family and the importance of passing a connection with Newcastle United through the generations. They discuss the difficulty younger supporters now face getting into St James’ Park, the importance of keeping that match-going culture alive and why Newcastle United’s identity is tied so closely to the city and its community.Simon also explains his own journey from supporting Newcastle outside the region to moving to the city and becoming part of that community, while the discussion considers whether the increasingly global and commercial nature of football risks losing some of what makes the English game special.Finally, it’s time to revisit some pre-season predictions. Five Premier League games in, the panel look back at their expectations for Newcastle, revise their predicted finishing positions and reconsider the top six and relegation battle before looking ahead to the international break and Newcastle United Women’s excellent start to the season.Key Moments00:18 – Introduction and Hull City reaction04:47 – Sean Steur, Lewis Miley and Newcastle losing control12:33 – Is Newcastle’s vertical football working?16:46 – Joe Willock and the standout performers20:37 – Football, family and 100 Newcastle games27:15 – The challenge of getting the next generation into St James’ Park30:39 – Football culture, the Super League and Newcastle’s community34:31 – Simon’s journey as a Newcastle supporter41:20 – Revisiting the pre-season predictions55:11 – Newcastle United Women and the international break59:12 – Closing thoughtsTotal time – 59:12

Newcastle United are safely through to the next round of the League Cup, and Episode 5 of The Mag Pod reflects on a successful, if not entirely convincing, trip to Millwall. Jamie reports back from The Den after Newcastle's 1-0 win, with Joe Willock's goal proving enough to send United through and keep their unbeaten start under the new manager intact.The panel pick apart a performance that produced plenty of possession and attacking situations without enough cutting edge. There is debate over whether Newcastle should have made far lighter work of depleted Championship opposition, or whether the only thing that really matters in cup football is getting your name into the next round. Lewis Hall's impressive display comes in for particular praise, while Willock's performance – and whether he really deserved the official man of the match award, sparks a lively disagreement.Jamie also shares his experience of a first Newcastle visit to The Den, from navigating his way through the Millwall support to the atmosphere inside the ground – and, naturally, the important matter of a late-night McDonald's afterwards.Attention then turns to the League Cup itself and what Newcastle might need from the next draw to put together another serious run in the competition. With some potentially difficult ties elsewhere, the panel consider how quickly the tournament could open up with a little luck.Finally, there's a look ahead to Monday night's Premier League trip to Leeds United. After contrasting meetings last season and Newcastle's mixed performances so far this campaign, the panel discuss what sort of challenge awaits at Elland Road and whether another positive result can keep the early momentum going.Key Moments00:18 – Introduction and Jamie's trip to Millwall04:20 – Reaction from The Den after Newcastle's 1-0 win07:02 – Assessing Newcastle's performance against Millwall21:35 – Lewis Hall, Joe Willock and the standout performers26:18 – League Cup draw and Newcastle's chances30:31 – Looking ahead to Leeds away36:31 – Final thoughts

Newcastle United remain unbeaten, but this week’s The Mag Pod begins with plenty of frustration after a chaotic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at St James’ Park. Jamie, Simon and Hutch pick apart an afternoon dominated by contentious refereeing decisions, Bournemouth’s approach and a Newcastle performance that never quite clicked. Despite falling two goals behind, goals from Harvey Barnes and Ramsey rescued a point, leaving the panel to debate whether the comeback should ultimately be viewed as a positive result.There’s also a different perspective on the match from Simon, who swapped the usual seats for the directors’ box after landing tickets through the Alan Shearer Foundation raffle. As well as a considerably better view, there were a couple of familiar Newcastle faces along the way.Attention then turns to the end of a remarkable summer transfer window. After an early period of uncertainty, major departures and concerns over the direction of the squad, Newcastle finished the window with a very different-looking group. The panel assess the business completed under Matthias Jaisler, the importance of lowering the average age of the squad and whether the club now has enough strength in depth to get through the season without significant January additions.There’s plenty of excitement around the new arrivals, with Dedic, Hornicek, Nico Gonzalez, Fernandez-Pardo and Sean Stuer all coming under the spotlight. The lads choose their favourite signings and most sensible departures, before considering which of Newcastle’s young recruits might ultimately have the highest ceiling.Finally, attention turns to what comes next, with Jamie preparing for a trip to Millwall and the pod looking ahead to a run of Monday-night fixtures. After a turbulent summer, there’s a growing sense that Newcastle’s rebuilt squad has given supporters plenty to look forward to.Key Moments00:17 – Bournemouth draw and refereeing frustration17:32 – A different view from the directors’ box22:55 – Newcastle’s summer transfer window assessed39:01 – Best signings and most sensible departures47:12 – Which young signing has the highest ceiling?51:28 – Millwall and the fixtures ahead

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 Moments00:18 – Introduction and Newcastle’s win at Spurs07:14 – Tottenham reaction and Sandro Tonali discussion17:22 – Nox Hydrate and the Newcastle fan community20:56 – David Hopkinson and Newcastle’s future plans29:59 – Alan Shearer Foundation and Move A Mile33:14 – The Mag in a Minute39:11 – Newcastle beat West Brom in the Carabao Cup41:50 – VAR and refereeing debate46:14 – Can Newcastle win the Carabao Cup again?52:11 – Closing thoughts

The 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