It was another successful night for Premier League clubs in the Champions League with wins for Manchester City who beat Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle who got the better of Athletic Club at St James Park – and a draw for Chelsea away to Qarabag in Baku.
Kelly Cates has all the reaction and is joined by Premier League legends Michael Brown, Leon Osman and Tim Krul. They start at the Etihad where Phil Foden and Erling Haaland dazzled again for Manchester City on bonfire night – and Pep Guardiola even pops on the pod to chat to John Murray after his side’s 4-1 victory.
Tim gives his thoughts on Joelinton and Dan Burn after they scored for his former side, giving Newcastle a 2 nil win.
And Chelsea came from 2-1 down to draw two all with their opponents, after Alejandro Garnacho got Chelsea’s second and proved that he was indeed the impact substitution that manager Enzo Maresca needed.
Timecodes:
00:40 – Manchester City section.
10:25 – Pep Guardiola with John Murray.
14:30 – Newcastle section.
18:08 – Eddie Howe interview.
22:35 – Chelsea chat.
29:53 – Enzo Maresca audio.
Thursday 6th November
EUROPA LEAGUE: Midtjylland v Celtic 1745 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA
CONFERENCE LEAGUE: AEK Larnaca v Aberdeen 1745 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA 2
EUROPA LEAGUE: Rangers v Roma 1945 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA
Saturday 8th November
PREMIER LEAGUE: West Ham v Burnley 1500 KO – LIVE ON 5 LIVE
PREMIER LEAGUE: Everton v Fulham 1500 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA
PREMIER LEAGUE: Sunderland v Arsenal 1730 KO – LIVE ON 5 LIVE
WSL: Arsenal v Chelsea 1200 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA
Sunday 9th November
PREMIER LEAGUE: Nottingham Forest v Leeds United 1400 KO – LIVE ON 5 LIVE
PREMIER LEAGUE: Brentford v Newcastle 1400 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA
PREMIER LEAGUE: Aston Villa v Bournemouth 1400 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA 2
PREMIER LEAGUE: Crystal Palace v Brighton 1400 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA 3
PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester City v Liverpool 1630 KO – LIVE ON 5 LIVE
This was Newcastle’s first European campaign since 1977.
It was also their first since the ban on English clubs playing on the continent after the Heysel Stadium disaster had been lifted in 1990.
There was still a reasonable police presence in Bilbao on what was a national holiday.
Supporter Karl Pedley recalled how Newcastle fans were accompanied into San Mames by “full riot police, some of whom were armed”.
However, just a few minutes into the game, he noticed how “a number of them had sat down with their helmets and pads off, and were enjoying what we were doing”.
There was no edge, even after Newcastle were defeated 1-0, and Athletic fans invaded the pitch and sprinted towards the away end to applaud the travelling support.
Newcastle supporters responded by chanting “Athletic! Athletic! Athletic!” – but that was not the end of the matter.
“The police held us back for a short while and took us down a long concrete staircase into the main road,” Pedley said. “All we could see at the bottom was this mass of red and white.
“They brought us down in single file and let us go. We thought ‘oh, here we go.’ But all the Athletic fans wanted to do was shake your hand, pat you on the back and take you to a bar. It was as if they were like ‘adopt a Geordie’.
“I don’t think there was anyone in a Newcastle United shirt who didn’t get fed and watered that night. They were just really appreciative that we were enjoying their city.”
Chants were exchanged as Newcastle fans taught Athletic supporters – among others – “walking in a Keegan wonderland” and “he gets the ball and scores a goal, Andy, Andy Cole”.
Shirts and scarves were even swapped and this remains, possibly, the only occasion where a number of Newcastle supporters wore red and white, which are also the colours of bitter rivals Sunderland.
One such Athletic shirt remains a cherished memento from an away day that Newcastle fan Philip Long will never forget.
“It’s still in the wardrobe with a couple hundred of my Newcastle tops,” he said. “I’ll never let go of it.”
Manager Eddie Howe says it was a “relief” that forward William Osula did not leave Newcastle United on transfer deadline day because he now looks like the “complete package”.
The 22-year-old was close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt last month, only for the move to fall through.
Osula has since gone on to make an impact for Newcastle in the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Champions League, and played a key role in Bruno Guimaraes’ 90th-minute winner against Fulham on Saturday.
Although record signing Nick Woltemade remains first-choice striker, Osula’s contributions have been welcomed by Howe after Yoane Wissa suffered a knee injury while on international duty with DR Congo.
“The next step was for Will to try and play regularly, so that was the aim [with the Frankfurt move], especially with us bringing two strikers in,” Howe said.
A Canadian man living in the UK recently travelled to Newcastle for the first time and was blown away by the city and the surrounding area
The man believed he’d stumbled onto a gorgeous Greek beach(Image: palliki via Getty Images)
Discovering new parts of the UK can reveal some truly stunning sights, from hidden forests to quaint villages boasting top-notch independent coffee shops. However, one Canadian man’s first visit to Newcastle has left locals scratching their heads after he likened a part just outside of the city to the sunny beaches of Greece.
Matt Giffen, originally from Canada but now residing in the UK, recently embarked on his first-ever trip to Newcastle and the surrounding Tyne and Wear area. Keen to explore beyond the city limits, Matt sought out a beach, and his social media followers directed him towards Tynemouth.
Located just eight miles from Newcastle, Tynemouth is easily accessible via the Tyne and Wear Metro, which is precisely how Matt travelled. Within half an hour, he was soaking up local attractions, including the Tynemouth Market, held at the station every weekend.
In a TikTok video documenting his journey, Matt praised Tynemouth for its “wholesome vibes” and suggested it seemed like a “very nice place to live”.
Before hitting the beach, Matt indulged in a classic British dish of fish and chips from Longsands Fish Kitchen, accompanied by a pot of curry sauce.
He remarked: “Can I just say, everyone here is so friendly. It’s like a little pixie fairy town here, it’s not a real place.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
When Matt finally reached King Edward’s Bay, he was taken aback by the tranquillity and cleanliness of the beach. Despite the overcast skies, he even compared the sandy shore to Greece.
He questioned: “Why has nobody told me that the UK has beaches like this? It’s probably so busy here in the summer.”
While enjoying the beach, Matt savoured three oysters from Riley’s Fish Shack, a local eatery perched on the edge of the bay that serves food all year round.
But King Edward’s Bay isn’t Tynemouth’s only beach, and Matt took a brief stroll to Long Sands Beach to give his followers a glimpse of the larger seafront. Capturing footage of surfers, he likened the beach to the renowned Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia.
He exclaimed: “It’s giving the British version of Bondi Beach.”
Viewers were astonished to learn that Matt, a frequent traveller around the UK, had visited Newcastle and Tynemouth. Many expressed delight that he was sampling local cuisine.
One individual commented: “Thank you, pal! Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are what make us proud of the North East. To be literally 30 mins on a metro near the beach and a city and have the diameter of Newcastle United fans is why we are proud of where we are from. Thank you for putting this on your platform.”
Another chimed in: “I am loving Americans discovering UK food and realising that it isn’t bland and horrible!”
“As a younger coach, I really admired the teams he built at Chelsea, in particular.
“He is definitely a visionary – someone that broke the mould in terms of how you manage in different ways to do things, and then following his success through different clubs, leagues. Incredible, really, what he’s achieved in his career.
“It’s always a great opportunity for any club to go up against one of his teams. I’m looking forward to the challenge immensely and I think it’s going to be a great game.”
Mourinho considers himself “a little Magpie” on account of his bond with former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson.
The Portuguese shadowed Sir Bobby at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona as an interpreter and assistant in the 1990s.
Mourinho has spoken glowingly about Newcastle over the years and said he “loved” the club before this game.
“I have heard Jose’s words about Newcastle and I absolutely echo them myself,” Howe said.
“They are great words about Sir Bobby and the role he played in his career. That’s really nice to hear, but the line stops tomorrow.
“When the game kicks off, we want to win. We are desperate for the points. It will be a competitive game between two great clubs.”
Newcastle lost 2-1 to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday and will run a late check on influential midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is suffering from illness.
“We will give him every opportunity,” Howe said. “He wasn’t there at training today and he’s such an important player, so we will use all the hours we have.”
Those at the top at Barcelona initially wanted someone with club connections to be Sir Bobby’s assistant, but he insisted it had to be Mourinho.
For good reason.
Sir Bobby was walking into a divided club following the departure of legendary manager Johan Cruyff and needed someone he trusted implicitly, who could help get his message across in another foreign language.
By this stage, Mourinho’s role had long since evolved.
He helped out on the training ground. He produced scouting dossiers on the opposition that Sir Bobby rated as the best he had ever seen. Crucially, he was used to dealing with international players.
In a testing environment, the pair complemented each other once again as midfielder Guillermo Amor explained.
“They managed to create a good atmosphere and make a very strong team,” he said.
“Jose had more contact with the players due to his fluency in the language and his age, which was very similar to ours.
“He had great respect for Bobby and Bobby had great faith in everything Jose could do on the field and in the locker room.”
Sir Bobby went on to win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, the Copa Del Rey and the Spanish Cup in what proved to be his final season with Mourinho before the Barcelona manager was moved upstairs and replaced by Louis van Gaal.
Mourinho told Sir Bobby he wanted to leave out of loyalty but his mentor convinced him to stay, having already briefed van Gaal about the merits of keeping his assistant.
Had Mourinho not spent three further three years at the Nou Camp under van Gaal, the Portuguese could well have followed Sir Bobby to Newcastle in 1999.
Instead he went it alone – but Sir Bobby’s influence lives on.
To this day, Mourinho cherishes those moments the pair’s families shared in Sitges, the meals Sir Bobby never let him pay for and the lessons he taught him about life.
It is why the 62-year-old considers himself a “little Magpie”.
“The club up there know how much love and respect I have for them,” he told CBS earlier this month. “I learned that love from Mr Robson.”
That is not meant as a slight on the community Shelvey has left behind.
Though Shelvey has uprooted from the UK, the 33-year-old said the north east was “the only place there he would want to live”.
“There’s this debate about whether Newcastle are able to attract the big players compared to the Manchester clubs and the London clubs but, until you go there, you don’t understand what it does to you,” he said.
“There are loads of things to do. I don’t care what anyone says. If players are going to listen to this, it’s a no-brainer to go there and play football.
“You will not find love at a football club like I found at Newcastle, with how they take to their players and how much they back you.”
Shelvey spent longer at Newcastle than any other side – seven years in total following his move from Swansea City – and said he was “honoured” to have represented the club and worn the captain’s armband on occasion.
As well as sticking around following relegation, in 2016, and playing his part in taking Newcastle straight back up, Shelvey also helped ensure the club then stayed in the top flight.
He even scored what proved to be a “massive” goal against Leeds United as Newcastle started to pull away from danger three and a half years ago.
It ended up proving a turning point in head coach Eddie Howe’s reign.
“If I had not scored that, the club would have gone down!” he said. “I’m joking. Looking back at it, you don’t realise how big a goal it was and, to be fair, the keeper [Illan Meslier] chucked one in for us. I scuffed the life out of it.
“But I’ve only got good things to say about my time at Newcastle. I loved it. Even when I first got the call about going there, I drove 12 hours from Swansea because of the traffic. I just wanted to get up there, get my medical done and get signed.
“I had experienced playing against Newcastle at St James’ Park and you get a real buzz, but you never understand how big the club is until you are there.”
Eddie Howe was just a couple of days into an end-of-season break when the Newcastle head coach’s phone “exploded” last summer.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell had just announced that he was departing.
While there were initial tensions between the pair, Howe was the first to recognise that such a figure “protects the manager from a lot of things”.
That is why the arrival of Ross Wilson is so significant for Newcastle.
Rather than rushing into the appointment – despite the need for a sporting director during a draining transfer window – Newcastle have been keen to recruit the right person.
In Ross Wilson, who already has a good relationship with Howe, they feel they have that man.
It will fall to Wilson to help plot the medium to long-term strategy of the club.
And, after a period of boardroom upheaval, Newcastle will hope the Scot will stick around long enough to see that vision through.
He knew what could happen if Howe “got hold of them” and “had some firepower”, after previously working with the manager at Bournemouth.
“When I first arrived, I would talk about Eddie Howe and Bournemouth,” said the 36-year-old winger, who played for Newcastle between 2016 and 2024 and now at Reading.
“The lads would say, ‘come on, drop it, he can’t have been that good’. But I’d tell them there was no stone left unturned.
“I was so pleased that they got to sample it. Until you actually see it and feel it, you don’t truly believe you have never worked like that before. It’s the attention to detail, the preparation and the desire to improve – all the things that make Newcastle what they are now.”
It has not all been plain sailing, of course, since Howe’s appointment or the takeover a few weeks prior.
Newcastle, currently 15th in the Premier League, missed out on a number of targets during a draining summer window and lost striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record £125m.
The club do not have a sporting director after Paul Mitchell left in June, following less than a year in the post.
And the wait continues for announcements concerning the future of St James’ Park and construction of a new state-of-the-art training ground.
But this is a side that ended a 70-year drought to win a major domestic trophy back in March after lifting the Carabao Cup by beating Liverpool.
They have qualified for the Champions League in two of the past three seasons – recording their biggest win in the competition against Union Saint-Gilloise this week – and only Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have picked up more points in the Premier League since Howe took charge.
“A lot has changed just in terms of the general feeling of the club,” added Howe. “Of course, the team has changed. Naturally, teams progress and change over time.
“The way we’re working behind the scenes as a football club is totally different but, also, if you look around the training ground here, there have been big improvements. That’s what the club needed and still needs.
“We need more, but things will change and gradually evolve over time. It’s exciting times for the football club.”
IT is often a shock when celebrities suddenly find themselves sprayed orange and squeezed into a skimpy outfit for Strictly.
But for proud Geordie Vicky Pattison it is not a problem, because that is how she has spent most Saturday nights since she was as a teenager.
5
Vicky Pattison says that getting dolled up for Strictly is the least of her worries on the showCredit: Radio Times / Immediate Media Company London Ltd
5
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky says the show’s tanning and glamour makes her feel at homeCredit: Alamy
5
Vicky says she feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders with high expectations on the showCredit: PA
For the TV star, getting dolled up to the nines every weekend is not being Strictlyfied, it is just being a lass from Newcastle.
Vicky, 37, said: “Everybody knows I’m super nervous about this entire process, I’m just a gobby girl from the north east doing her best.
“The dancing, the being out my comfort zone, learning something new, being judged by the public is also terrifying.
“But the one element that made me feel really excited and I had no reservations about at all was definitely being Strictlyfied.
“I’m sorry but the tan, the hair, the glam! I’ve been preparing for this for like 25 years.
“Like, I didn’t even have to change my fake tan routine at all — this girl was ready.”
Although Vicky, who is partnered on this series with pro Kai Widdrington, admits she likes a party her blind spot is actually the dancing.
She said: “I’ve joked that this is the first time I’ve danced sober but it’s probably not that far from the truth.
“You normally see me at people’s parties at the bar or chewing someone’s ear off in the kitchen. Definitely the last place you’d find me is on the dance floor.
“Everyone is gonna think I’m a novice — and they’d be right. But I am ready for a challenge and desperate to prove myself and some people wrong along the way.”
Vicky Pattison breaks down in tears as she reveals secret battle ahead of Strictly Come Dancing debut
‘Reality TV scum’
Vicky admits people constantly underestimate her and in the 14 years since she shot to fame on MTV series Geordie Shore, has always been a bit of an underdog.
Cynics would do well to remember she won that contest after a substantial public vote.
She said: “Winning the jungle was the best moment of my life, maybe tied with the day that I got married to Ercan.
“Everybody just wanted us out initially. Obviously I was in there and in me bubble and I’m actually really grateful for that, you know.
“But I learned afterwards everyone was like: ‘Get her out. We don’t want her in here. Reality TV scum blah, blah, blah.’
5
Vicky emerged as the winner on ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’Credit: Rex Features
I’ve joked that this is the first time I’ve danced sober but it’s probably not that far from the truth. You normally see me at people’s parties at the bar . . . not on the dancefloor
“I don’t know what they thought I was gonna do like, go in there and down a Jaegerbomb and punch a kangaroo or something?
“I just wanted a chance to prove myself, to show people that I could be something different than what they’ve seen before.
“I just want to put my best SELF forward and within about 24 hours I was the favourite to win. I’m so proud of me achievement there.
“This is a very different ball game. I’m totally aware of that. But, like I say, I have always been the underdog and if people wanna get behind us, that is really nice.”
Although the public have yet to be fully won over by her dance on last week’s first live show, she finished in fifth place on the scoreboard — which is pretty impressive given she is one of 15 celebrities competing.
Meanwhile bookies Ladbrokes have her as favourite to win at 5/1, ahead of West End star Amber Davies and ex-footballer Karen Carney whose sensational jive saw her top the scoreboard last week.
Vicky said: “I can’t believe anyone would have us down as favourite in the lasses to win. I mean, have you seen the women in this competition? They’re all incredible.
“Amber’s amazing, did you see Kaz Carney’s jive on Saturday night? I mean, come on, that’s my winner right there!
“Bal is beautiful inside and out and just has so much rhythm. Alex is so theatrical and emotional when she dances it’s so beautiful.
“Ellie’s energy is infectious, just don’t even get us started on La Voix, you can’t look anywhere else when she’s on the stage.
“Maybe there’s a mistake there with those odds.”
Despite being up against the likes of Amber, who has appeared in 9 to 5 The Musical and stage show Back To The Future, plus Lewis Cope who was in the stage version of Billy Elliot, she feels no resentment.
Instead she adopts a more philosophical approach to the issue which pops up each series.
I don’t know what people thought I was gonna do in the jungle . . . like go in and down a Jaegerbomb and punch a kangaroo?
Vicky said: “Every year Strictly has people of different abilities, doesn’t it? Some people who have never danced before, totally inexperienced, and some people maybe did ballet before as kids, some people a bit more.
“I don’t think it’s a big problem.It’s part and parcel and there’s loads of different styles of dance isn’t there?
“Just because someone’s experienced in one, doesn’t mean they’re experienced in another.
“Also, I do think it’s nice for the viewers at home that they get to watch some really good dancers early doors, like you know when maybe the rest of us are just learning. There is some still really brilliant performances to watch and everyone goes on a journey.”
5
Vicky says marrying husband Ercan Ramadan was one of the best days of her lifeCredit: David Dyson – Commissioned by The Sun
Vicky sees her journey continuing after she has completed Strictly, whether that is after this weekend’s first eviction, or after potentially making her way to the final.
But she admits wherever her career goes, it won’t be in dance. She said: “I honestly haven’t thought past getting through the first week.
“Like if I managed to stay in on Saturday I’ll be shocked and over the moon.
“I certainly haven’t got any Grand Designs on being a West End star or, you know, pivoting into the world of performing. There’s far more deserving and better people than me. I’m a big fan of Strictly, I’ve watched it since I was a kid.
“I watched it with me grandma — it was me grandma’s favourite. I think that’s why I’m doing it, great big tick off the bucket list.
“But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping it would take us to different opportunities.
“The BBC is British institution, it’s a great channel. I would love to make more TV with them so, yeah, maybe I am hoping it will lead to more things but probably not in the dance space to be totally honest.”
Vicky and Kai will be dancing a foxtrot to the track Rein Me In tonight, which has special meaning as its by Sam Fender who she describes as “a Geordie legend.”
She added: “I feel like I’ve got the weight of the world on my shoulders trying to do, like, all the Northeast proud, Ercan proud, Kai proud, myself and my family proud.
“I’m absolutely terrified. Everyone keeps saying like, ‘Oh do you feel a bit better now you’ve got the first show and the first live dance done?’ I’m like, no I’m not.
“I’m still nervous. I can actually go home you know. It’s just like we’re dancing for fun. It’s not even a pre-record, we’re live and I’m just not ready.
“I’m not ready to say goodbye to people. I’m not ready for this journey to be over so I actually feel sick to my stomach about it.
“By nature, I’m not a very confident person, despite appearances.”
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One today at 6.20pm.
Postecoglou’s other two games saw him draw against Burnley and Real Betis.
However, he maintains he is not thinking about an exit and is hopeful of getting a result against Newcastle.
Ange Postecoglou jokingly makes dig at Marinakis as new boss opens up on Nottingham Forest trophy hopes
Postecoglou said on Friday: “I get it. It’s a valid assumption in modern football there’s always a manager under pressure, that’s part and parcel of what we do.
“I don’t think that way. I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham three or four months before I did.
“It didn’t stop me winning something. It doesn’t enter my head. If I start worrying about what’s going to happen next week, I’m not performing the role I’ve been given.
“It’s not helpful to anyone. The things I control are the environment training, the way we play. I am strong in my belief we are not too far away.”
Howe has rotated his team while fighting on multiple fronts in the opening weeks of the season.
But it was rather telling that the Newcastle head coach only made two changes for this game – and one was enforced after Tino Livramento suffered a knee injury.
The Premier League’s joint-lowest goalscorers needed to catch fire.
“There has been a lack of good football in general,” Gordon told TNT Sports. “We have defended really well, been organised, but have lacked that spark and creativity. We really wanted to put emphasis on getting that back tonight.”
There was certainly no chance of Newcastle underestimating Union as the visitors looked to bounce back from the weekend’s painful defeat against Arsenal.
The Belgian champions may be newcomers in this competition, but they beat PSV in their first ever Champions League game last month and had not lost any of their opening nine top-flight fixtures.
Such has been Union’s progress in European competitions in recent years, they actually have a significantly higher coefficient than Newcastle.
It was hardly a surprise, then, that the visitors left no stone unturned before facing a side who had an extra day to recover and prepare.
As well as personally reviewing his opponent, as always, Howe familiarised his side with their new surroundings by training at Lotto Park on the eve of the game.
That did not go unnoticed by Union manager Sebastien Pocognoli.
“Maybe the opponent sometimes can be condescending, to look down on you,” he said. “They didn’t. They paid us full respect. They played a big match with their skills and qualities.
“They played top level, all the Newcastle players played top level, so it shows that they had great respect for us.”
It is very hard to pinpoint a player’s true value.
The bottom line, like anything, is what someone is willing to pay.
So Woltemade is worth what Newcastle paid for him: £69m.
One of the only reference points publicly available in football to assess valuations is the comprehensive database of website Transfermarkt, which provides transfer data for BBC Sport.
Now there is a catch in this case. Woltemade’s last valuation €30m (£26.1m) was at the start of June.
What happened next? He had a breakout few months.
His last Transfermarkt valuation came a day after winning his first senior cap with Germany.
He then spearheaded Germany’s front line at the Under-21 Euros, winning the Golden Boot and being named in the team of the tournament.
Undoubtedly that would add to his value, but would those exploits add £43m?
Among other players to feature in England’s win over Germany at the Euros, Nottingham Forest signed Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee for a combined £67.5m, while Bayer Leverkusen signed Jarell Quansah for £35m from Liverpool.
Woltemade was the seventh most expensive arrival to the Premier League in the summer.
But of the 26 most expensive new signings by top-flight clubs, Woltemade’s valuation was the lowest on Transfermarkt.
The same website values striker Nicolas Jackson, signed by Bayern on loan from Chelsea, at €50m (£43.5m). Bayern signed Jackson for a £14.3m loan fee with a conditional obligation to buy for £56.2m.
Wissa, 29, who was signed by Newcastle from Brentford in August, joined Eddie Howe’s side for £55m and has a €32m (£27.8m) valuation on the site.
Released by Arsenal as a youth player, Burgess went to university before he was offered a trial at Championship side Middlesbrough during his second year of study.
He earned a two-year professional contract, but was encouraged by then-manager Tony Mowbray to continue his education.
“It was something you couldn’t turn down,” he said of his first professional deal. “So I took it and finished my degree at Teesside University. They allowed me to transfer my first two years.
“Mowbray told me to make sure I finished it because the contract was a foot in the door, not a guaranteed career. I listened to his words and thankfully, I’ve been able to carve a career out with the game as well.”
Burgess enjoyed spells in League One with Peterborough and Portsmouth, before taking the plunge with a move to Belgium in 2020.
And, remarkably, he is not the only English centre-back who has swapped life in the third tier for a crack at the Belgian top flight.
Defensive partner Ross Sykes was picked up from Accrington Stanley in 2022 after Union “took a chance” on him.
The pair went on to help Union win their first league title in 90 years last season after Sykes, like Burgess, overcame adversity in his formative years.
Sykes may be 6ft 5in now, but he was previously released by Burnley because he was deemed to “too small” as a kid.
It ended up proving a turning point in his career.
“I didn’t want to keep going with academy football,” he said after he was let go at the age of 11. “But my mum and dad persuaded me to go on trial at Accrington Stanley one or two weeks later. I didn’t look back after that.”
Sykes and Burgess have gone on to make 318 appearances between them for Union on a journey that has taken the Belgian league leaders to Europe’s top table for the first time.
And Union’s 3-1 win against PSV in their first Champions League fixture did not come as a surprise to Sykes last month because his side are “not afraid to come up against anyone”.
Burgess certainly looked at home at Europe’s top table. The Union captain was rated 9.39 out of 10 by BBC Sport readers, finishing the match as the top-ranking player.
An Englishman who has only played one league game in the top two tiers of English football might not seem the most obvious to lead a European campaign – but Union have always taken the road less travelled.
“It’s a club built on the profile of bringing youngsters through from unknown leagues,” Burgess explains. “We have players from the Estonian, Latvian, Croatian, Austrian leagues and Union will give them a chance to shine if they see potential.
“My role is to help them and keep demanding high standards and usher them through, and then they get big moves all over Europe, which is a pleasure to see.”
ARSENAL make the trip up to the North East to take on Newcastle on Super Sunday.
Both sides are wearing black armbands at St James’ Park in memory of former Gunners academy striker Billy Vigar.
2
Arsenal and Newcastle are wearing black armbands in tribute to former academy star Billy VigarCredit: Getty
Why are Arsenal and Newcastle players wearing black armbands?
Arsenal and Newcastle players are wearing black armbands this afternoon in tribute to the late Billy Vigar.
The 21-year-old died following a horrific brain injury suffered when he tragically hit his head during a match while playing for Chichester City at Wingate & Finchley last Saturday.
2
Billy Vigar came through the Arsenal academyCredit: Getty
Vigar received lengthy treatment on the pitch after hitting his head before being airlifted to the hospital and placed in an induced coma.
He then underwent surgery but tragically died from his injuries on Thursday.
Vigar joined the Gunners academy at the age of 14 and went on to represent the North London outfit at under-18 level, in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.
Arsenal released the following statement regarding Vigar’s death: “Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away.
“All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
“Rest in peace, Billy.”
Last Saturday’s awful incident at Wingate & Finchley’s Maurice Rebak Stadium has sparked calls for brick walls surrounding football pitches to be outlawed in the UK.
A petition has gathered more than 12,000 signatures, with the FA confirming on Friday that they are launching a review.
Hayden, 30, was not in Eddie Howe’s plans but his circumstances were slightly different.
He told SunSport: “I have sympathy because footballers want to play — but everyone’s got different reasons as to why they find themselves in a so-called ‘bomb squad’.
“It happened to me because I couldn’t find a solution during that summer window which fitted in with what Newcastle also wanted.
“But I had constant contact with Eddie and was given nothing but support.”
Hayden made 187 appearances for Newcastle, won the Championship title in 2017 and had five seasons playing in the Premier League.
But a knee injury in December 2021 sidelined him for 5½ months and Howe later told him he was surplus to requirements.
“And the team had been transformed from one fighting relegation to having top-six form.
“Eddie was honest and said he had five players in front of me. You think to yourself, ‘I know where I stand’. I’d rather that than the manager not talking to me.
“You hear people talk about bomb squads where they isolate you, and that’s horrible — but Eddie and Newcastle didn’t do that.
“We had the conversation as to why he couldn’t name me in the 25-man squad.
“And it’s not as simple as, ‘Why not let him train with the first team?’. If you’re doing an 11 v 11 game and everyone’s fit, you’re not going to be able to train with the group because there are too many players.
So Eddie’s solution for me to train with the Under-23s was better. It meant I could train normally every day — and not by myself.”
Hayden actually embraced that period and even did some coaching.
He said: “The bottom line is you’re getting paid good money by the club as a professional footballer. So you give 100 per cent to them in whatever role you’re in.”
After spending the second half of last season on loan with Portsmouth, Hayden joined QPR permanently in the summer.
And now he is hoping to play for Jamaica at next summer’s World Cup.
He said: “One of the huge blessings to come out of that period was I was able to go to Jamaica for a few days to sort my passport out so I could play for them.
“Had I been playing first-team football every week I’d have not been able to.
“Now I have a chance of making the World Cup. It goes to show you can make everything work out in the end.”
Joelinton says it was troubling to see Newcastle United team-mate Lewis Miley “get stick” after a landmark moment, but the Brazilian believes genuine supporters are firmly behind the teenager.
Miley chose to limit replies to a post he made on X to mark his 50th first-team game for Newcastle at the weekend. It is understood this was a precaution as he is still young.
The 19-year-old put in an accomplished display in the goalless draw against Bournemouth – his first Premier League start since February – but he still came in for criticism from a small minority of social media users who questioned his first-team credentials.
Miley’s course of action on the social media platform was noticed, and fans have since sent messages of support, while captain Bruno Guimaraes hailed his fellow midfielder as a “top player and guy”.
Joelinton played alongside academy graduate Miley in Newcastle’s 4-1 win against Bradford City on Wednesday night and said the youngster has a “great future in front of him”.
“It’s always difficult when you see your team-mate get stick,” Joelinton said following the Carabao Cup third-round tie. “I have had a difficult time here, too. I know how it is.
“I know the fans are behind the team and a really good young player. He played really well on Sunday. The team has to get better and everyone has to look on the mirror and get better.”
Miley praised Newcastle’s “amazing” travelling support in his post on Sunday, saying he was “very proud” to have hit the milestone for his boyhood club.
The midfielder broke a number of records during a breakout campaign at Newcastle a couple of years ago, including becoming the youngest player in Champions League history to provide an assist for an English side by doing so at the age of 17 years and 226 days.
Miley went on to suffer back and foot injuries and has faced intense competition for a starting berth while competing with fellow midfielders Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
But Miley, tellingly, kept his place in Eddie Howe’s starting line-up for the visit of Bradford.
“I thought Lewie was excellent,” the Newcastle head coach said. “In part, I think he really helped us in the first half. He played some lovely little deft touches and short passes into midfield using Joe and Bruno as a springboard, really, to control that midfield area.
“He’s come back into the team and produced two really good performances back-to-back. I thought he was really good against Bournemouth in maybe a slightly different way to tonight, but he’s developing his experience all the time and I’m really pleased with him.”
Williams said it was “an exciting time to be joining Newcastle” as they enter a period of new ownership, reflected in their team name.
“I came up to speak to [director of rugby] Steve Diamond, to see the set-up and hear his plans for how it is all going to evolve, and I’m just keen to get into it,” Williams said.
Williams is the 14th player signed by Newcastle since energy drinks company Red Bull became involved with the club.
They begin their league campaign on Friday with a home match against Saracens.
Williams has featured in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions and made 93 appearances for his country, and he remains hopeful of reaching his century of Test caps.
Woltemade had scored what proved to be decisive goal in the 1-0 win against Wolves at the weekend before coming off with cramp on his debut.
So, with striker Yoane Wissa sidelined with a knee injury, Gordon got the nod to lead the line.
And Howe refused to dwell on his decision not to start the towering Woltemade on Thursday night.
“I can’t live in that world,” he said. “I have to make decisions for the benefit of the players sometimes.
“It was a really difficult one for Nick. Any player would want to start the game, but I have got to try and manage him into the team and try and make sure he stays fit. That was always at the heart of this decision.”
Howe, as a result, recalled Gordon, who is currently serving a three-match domestic ban.
The rapid Anthony Elanga also came into the side in place of Jacob Murphy, who is nursing an Achilles issue, in a bid to try and exploit the space behind Barcelona’s high line.
Elanga and Gordon very nearly linked up in the opening stages.
However, Gordon could not connect with Elanga’s pullback before Harvey Barnes saw a curling effort comfortably saved by goalkeeper Joan Garcia just a few minutes later.
Barnes then had a huge opportunity to open the scoring midway through the first half after the lively Elanga slid the ball across to the back post but the forward could only fire straight at Garcia.
It brought back memories of the opening weeks of the season, when Newcastle fired blanks against Aston Villa and Leeds United.
No wonder Howe had his hands on his head on the touchline at one point.
In a game like this, Newcastle had to be ruthless in front of goal – just as they were in a 4-1 win against PSG a couple of a years ago.
To prosper in this competition, they are going to have to be clinical.
Starting with the trip to Brussels to face Union Saint-Gilloise next month.
“There was no lacking in terms of heart and courage,” Howe said. “We can be critical of a couple of things we could have done better but, ultimately, we will analyse it, try and improve and try and grow from this experience.”
