Newcastle Utd News

The Lads In Riyadh Ain’t Lookin’ Half Bad

|

Yesterday the official Newcastle United Twitter was awash with photos and videos of the squad arriving in Saudi Arabia for their warm-weather training camp.

The squad will spend the next six days in Riyadh and will also play a friendly against the Saudi Champions, Al-Hilal on Thursday afternoon. Kick-off will be 5pm UK time and you can watch the game on NUFC TV for free.

Dan Burn didn’t fly with the squad but is expected to join up with them today after overcoming an illness.

This is the second year in a row that Eddie Howe has taken his boys to the home nation of our majority shareholders with last year’s training camp marking the turning point in our season. The lads came back from Saudi Arabia last year, refreshed, recharged and ready and as a result went on a run of magnificent form that ultimately saw us rise from the bottom of the league to mid-table safety.

This time around the script is very different, with Newcastle sitting third in the league and hoping that they can continue their blistering form and stay in the mix for Champions League qualification.

Speaking to NUFC TV, Eddie Howe said: “The break for the World Cup gives us the opportunity for a mini pre-season ahead of a crucial part of the season.

“Our trip to Jeddah in January was pivotal for us last season. It galvanised the group, and the hard work the players put in was rewarded in performances and results on our return.

“We will have access to world class facilities as refurbishments at our own training ground continue, and we look forward to facing Al-Hilal and playing in front of our growing numbers of supporters in the region.”

Al-Hilal are Asia’s most decorated club and are reigning Saudi Pro League Champions, so they should provide a decent test for the lads.

Share this article

Life-long Newcastle United sufferer and avid writer of words combining two passions into this site.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *