Number 1 - Comments

Sebastien Larsson scored a fantastic free-kick as Birmingham held Newcastle collect only their second point of the season.

It could have been even better for the Blues, as the Swedish midfielder's early strike had put the visitors ahead at St. James' Park.

Mikkel Thygesen's first Newcastle goal bought the Toon Army level, but Birmingham held out and return to the West Midlands with a share of the points.

The result also ends Newcastle's 100% winning start at St. James' Park in all competitions, after the club had won their first three Premier League games and two Carling Cup ties on home soil at the start of the 2009/10 campaign.

Birmingham gave hint they picked this fixture to end their winless start to the new season, with Steve Harper making a fine early stop to deny Larsson, before the visitors took the lead after just seven minutes.

Referee Kevin Friend awarded a free-kick 35 yards from goal after Larsson's run was illegally halted by Sebastien Bassong. The Swedish midfielder opted to go direct and it was an approach that paid off in superb style as the ball flew into the top corner, giving Birmingham the lead at St. James' Park.

The visitors then got very close to making it two, with former Magpie Lee Bowyer evading Jose Enrique and forcing a flying stop out of Harper, while Larsson was unable to get on target with an angled free-kick.

Newcastle were then close with two efforts of their own. First, Jonas Gutierrez picked up Andy Carroll's lay-off and saw a fine stop denied by Joe Hart, before the loan signing from Manchester City was also on hand to deny Mario Mandzukic.

The Magpies still had chances, with Joey Barton firing one into the Leazes End before Mandzukic did superbly well to reach Jonas' cross but didn't do quite so good with keeping his strike.

The Toon then had a great chance on 28 minutes, with a swift counter-attack seeing a long run from Carroll followed up by a shot that Hart saved, and the keeper also denied Mandzukic's rebound.

Mandzukic was having a frustrating afternoon, with the Croatian firing waywardly off target when well placed.

Birmingham then began to reduce the pace from the game, with the Blues becoming content to frustrate Newcastle's attacking attempts.

This led to a half-time chance, with Damien Duff introduced for the largely unnoticed Kevin Nolan and Thygesen pushed from right midfield to a role behind the two strikers.

Mandzukic duly wasted another effort before Birmingham got even closer, with Harper having to make the save to deny Christian Benitez.

But it was the home team who scored the game's second goal, and like the first it was an impressive hit. Jose Enrique intercepted Roger Johnson's clearance and opted to lay the ball for Thygesen. The Dane drew out from Liam Ridgewell before running back towards goal and hitting a brilliant strike beyond Hart.

It was the midfielder's first goal for the club since his summer move from FC Midtjylland, and one to help silence his critics.

But while one Newcastle summer signing was on the scoresheet, another was wasting his chances to join him. Once again, Mandzukic got into a great position and once again he wasted it on an off day for the Croatian.

Birmingham almost re-took the lead in similar circumstances to the way they grabbed their opener, but Larsson was unable to reproduce the magic he conjured earlier on in the afternoon.

Hart was then required to keep the scores level, with the highly rated keeper making a routine stop to deny Mandzukic.

The Blues were then able to keep Newcastle's attacking threat to a minimum, with the only chance of the last ten minutes a glorious one to give the Blues' their first win since returning to the Premier League in May.

Unfortunately for them, Liam Ridgewell missed it and Birmingham left with a share of the points.

They will nevertheless feel pleased with that, with the team earning one more point then many fans and pundits had expected them against a team that had started the day with a 100% home win record, and will hope that can kick-start their season.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Thygesen, Barton, Nolan (Duff 45), Jonas - Mandzukic (Ameobi 76), Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Edgar, Ryan Taylor, Smith, Wilshere

Scorer: Thygesen (50)

Birmingham: Hart - Carr, Roger Johnson, Ridgewell, Quedrue - Larsson, Tainio, Ferguson (Damien Johnson 88), McFadden (Vignal 72) - Bowyer - Benitez (Phillips 88)
Subs not used: Taylor, Espinoza, Dann, O'Shea

Scorer: Larsson (7)

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 43,805

Thanks very much

Kevin Davies scored a 93rd minute winner to give Bolton a dramatic late win over Newcastle at the Reebok Stadium.

Newcastle had looked to have grabbed themselves a late equaliser, after Sebastien Bassong scored with 90 minutes on the clock to cancel out Danny Shittu's opener.

But Davies struck at the death to stun the visitors from Tyneside and send Gary Megson's team into raptures.

It had been a tight game from the off, with Joey Barton and Fabricio Coloccini both earning early yellow cards for offences that may have received red ones under different referees.

With this the fifth yellow card of the season for Coloccini, the Argentine defender will miss Newcastle's next league game against Birmingham City on Saturday.

Despite this, Newcastle almost took the lead on ten minutes. Mikkel Thygesen's ball infield was flicked on by Kevin Nolan to Andy Carroll, who raced past Andy O'Brien and forced a firm save from Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The game then quickly descended into niggly farce, with neither side looking remotely like scoring or even creating chances.

The nearest Bolton got to finding the opening goal came through Sean Davis when the midfielder saw a free-kick deflected wide, although this was more than Newcastle managed to muster.

Bolton then picked up a blow when full back Gretar Steinsson had to leave the field injured before half-time, after the Icelandic international had come off worse from a challenge with Jonas Gutierrez.

The Trotters managed their first shot on target moments after half-time when a long cross from the back by Paul Robinson picked out Davies, who headed straight at Steve Harper.

Jaaskelainen was then called into action, with the Finnish goalkeeper required to make a decent save to deny Jonas' fizzing effort.

A poor Gavin McCann effort was the nearest Bolton came in the moments after but they came much closer on 67 minutes when Muamba intercepted Harper's poor clearance and found Davies. The striker hit a sweet effort on the volley that crashed against the bar on its way out.

The game then began to heat up, with Davies beating Bassong to Ricardo Gardner's effort but heading wide, while at the other end a fine Jaaskelainen save saw him deny Mario Mandzukic a seemingly certain goal.

Bolton then took the lead with 15 minutes to go. An initial attack was cleared for a throw-in that Gardner took. Robinson returned the ball to the Jamaican wide midfielder, whose cross picked out Shittu. The defender rose high in the penalty box to find the back of the net.

Newcastle felt they should have had an immediate penalty for a tackle by Shittu on Mandzukic that felled the Croatian striker but the referee ignored the appeals as the Toon tried to chase a point.

But Bolton almost secured three points when Jose Enrique tripped Sam Ricketts and Davis' firm free-kick smacked the base of the posts.

With 90 minutes on the clock, Newcastle then stunned the Reebok Stadium with an equaliser.

Peter Lovenkrands' corner was only half-cleared to Carroll, who hit a fine volley that Jaaskelainen could only parry to Bassong, and the defender couldn't miss.

Newcastle felt they had their share of the points but there was a late sting in the tale for the travelling Geordies as Bolton struck back in the 93rd minute.

The Trotters won the game with a goal as simple as it was decisive. McCann picked up the ball in the middle of the pack and hit out wide for Ricketts, who ran down the flank before sending in the cross. Up jumped Davies, who rose above Coloccini to bury the header and win the game.

It continued a decent start to the new campaign for Bolton, with Megson's side now unbeaten in five league games and staying above Newcastle in the Premier League table. By contrast, it was frustration for the Magpies, who are yet to win away from home this season, although they will take solace in the fact they now have three consecutive home games.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen - Steinsson (Hunt 40), O'Brien, Knight (Shittu 69), Robinson - Lee Chung-Yong (Ricketts 69), McCann, Davis, Muamba, Gardner - Davies
Subs not used: Al-habsi, Samuel, Taylor, Elmander
Booked: Muamba

Scorer: Shittu (75), Davies (90+3)

Newcastle: Harper - Ryan Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Thygesen (Duff 76), Barton, Nolan (Ameobi 82), Jonas (Lovenkrands 76) - Mandzukic, Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Smith
Booked: Ryan Taylor, Coloccini, Barton

Scorer: Bassong (90)

Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 26,986

Shola Ameobi scored the only goal as Newcastle beat Middlesbrough to progress in the Carling Cup.

Newcastle's veteran striker scored in first half injury time to ensure that the Magpies held off the challenge of their Teeside opponents and secured passage to Round Four, where they will take on Liverpool at Anfield.

Sven-Goran Eriksson will be pleased at his side's progression, and will be mightily relieved Middlesbrough's shooting was wildly inaccurate in an even game.

The Teesiders' last visit to Newcastle in May this year proved a pivotal game in both side's 2008-09 campaigns, with a 3-1 comeback win for the Tynesiders ultimately helping them stay up and Middlesbrough go down.

Middlesbrough almost had a chance for early payback when Marvin Emnes ran clean through but his poor shot went off target.

Newcastle's first chance saw a poor Danny Guthrie strike held by Brad Jones but the home side thought they had taken the lead after six minutes when Ameobi raced onto Alan Smith's throughball, rounded the keeper and scored.

Unfortunately for the striker and his club's fans, Ameobi had strayed offside in his eagerness to reach the pass.

Undeterred, Newcastle began to pile on the pressure, with a superb double save from Jones seeing him push away an Ameobi strike and a seemingly goalbound Ryan Taylor rebound.

The visitors did try to create stuff, but found a stubborn Newcastle defence hard to crack, with Leroy Lita seeing a run on goal denied by Steven Taylor's saving challenge and the same defender turned away Adam Johnson's cross.

Julio Arca came closer when his drive just skimmed the top of Steve Harper's goal, before Middlesbrough keeper Jones was again called into action as he denied Peter Lovenkrands.

Jones was also needed to turn away a Lovenkrands drive after the Dane had been teed up by Ameobi, while David Edgar could only head over when picked out by Damien Duff's corner.

Duff also came close when he was picked out by Ryan Taylor but fired wide.

Newcastle suffered an injury blow on the half-hour when on loan full back Danny Simpson had to leave the field injured. This saw Eriksson instigate a reshuffle, with Joey Barton introduced to play alongside Smith in midfield. This meant Ryan Taylor went to right back and Guthrie was moved to right wing.

Middlesbrough did force a few corners while the home side were adjusting to their new formation, but it was their goalkeeper who had to make the save, with Jones denying the newly-arrived Barton.

The game's opening goal came with one of the final kicks of the half. Ryan Taylor picked up the ball in his own half and laid off a simple pass for Smith, who fired a direct ball up to Ameobi. The striker ran clear of Emmanuel Pogatez before firing curtly into the top corner.

It was Ameobi's first goal since scoring against Sunderland on February 1st and is a perfect reminder of his talents at a time Eriksson has predominantly used him as a substitute.

Middlesbrough thought they should have had a penalty five minutes after half-time but referee Kevin Friend ruled Sebastien Bassong's challenge legal, before Emnes couldn't direct the ball goalward after being played through by Didier Digard.

This was his last act before substituted, but with only defenders on the bench, it left Lita as the only striker still on the pitch for Gareth Southgate's side.

Newcastle almost put the game to bed moments later when they won a free-kick but Ryan Taylor couldn't make the most of his effort.

Middlesbrough came close with two efforts of their own. However, Lita and sub Johnathan Franks couldn't direct strikes on target.

A similar problem befell Gary O'Neill, with the winger doing well to rise above Duff to meet Arca's delivery only to head a strike well over the top of the goal.

The visitors could only offer wayward efforts in their attempts to get back into the action, and as a result they crash out of the tournament in round four. They now look to focus on bouncing back up to the Premier League.

In contrast, another home win for Newcastle keeps up a good start to the campaign and they will now hope to follow it up with their first away win of the season when they travel to Bolton on Monday night.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson (Barton 30), Steven Taylor, Edgar, Bassong - Ryan Taylor, Smith, Guthrie (Kadar 90), Duff (Wilshere 84) - Ameobi, Lovenkrands
Subs not used: Krul, Coloccini, Mandzukic, Carroll

Scorer: Ameobi (45+3)

Middlesbrough: Jones - Hoyte (Taylor 45), St. Ledger, Wheater, Pogatez - O'Neil, Digard, Arca, Johnson (Shawky 45) - Emnes (Franks 56), Lita
Subs not used: Coyne, Riggott, Grounds, Williams

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 52,387

Thanks. There'll be more coming up.

Thanks.

I'm using the default database of FM10 (patched the game but still using default), but with a modified file that swapped round Newcastle and Hull and changed around a few deals that had happened. Obviously, Hull wouldn't have been able to afford a number of the players they bought after relegation so those deals had to be cancelled.

Mario Mandzukic scored twice as Newcastle secured a rampant victory over Fulham at St. James' Park.

Two goals inside the opening ten minutes from the Croatian striker - taking his account up to seven for the season already - set the Magpies on their way to third home win of the campaign.

Andy Carroll scored inside the opening 12 minutes to secure a miserable beginning for the Cottagers, and summer transfer target Damien Duff then made things worse for them when he sealed victory in 50 minutes.

Bobby Zamora secured some pride for Fulham late on but it was a poor afternoon for the Londoners, who followed up their fantastic 2-2 draw with Lazio on Thursday night with a horror show in the North East.

There had been speculation as to whether or not Fulham would suffer a European hangover following their heroics against the Italian giants earlier in the week, and Roy Hodgson's hopes of defying this were not helped when they conceded the opening goal inside four minutes.

Newcastle were given a free-kick when Danny Murphy tripped Kevin Nolan. Steve Harper's long punt down the pitch picked out Mandzukic, who beat ex-Magpie Aaron Hughes to the ball and headed it beyond Pascal Zuberbuhler to open the scoring.

Things then got worse for Fulham when Newcastle scored again soon afterwards.

Danny Simpson picked up possession of the ball and hit the ball inside to Joey Barton, who was able to lash a firm through ball up top to Mandzukic. The Croatian ran clear of Hughes before firing a firm right-footed effort past the Fulham goalkeeper for 2-0.

Zuberbuhler was swiftly required inside eleven minutes when he was able to push Kevin Nolan's firm free-kick onto the crossbar and out of play, but he was beaten for a third time moments later.

A pacy run down the right flank from Simpson then saw him pick out Mikkel Thygesen, who switched play inside to Mandzukic. This time, the highly rated Newcastle striker turned provider, with his excellent pass picking out Carroll. The Geordie striker was able to firmly strike his effort into the back of the net as Newcastle began to run riot.

Fulham felt they should have had a way back into the contest when Andy Johnson turned home Erik Nevland's through ball but unfortunately for the striker, the offside flag was raised.

Nevertheless, the visitors began attempts to restore some pride in the contest with Harper making a firm save to deny Diomansy Kamara.

Fulham did curate a number of opportunities to try and test the Newcastle defenders but struggled to find efforts on target.

Their best was blasted high and wide by Kamara, while at the other end a similarly placed effort from Duff was Newcastle's best chance to a fourth.

Nevland and Murphy were both unable to find the target as Fulham began to look more likely to find the game's next goal, but they struggled to find attacking momentum.

Newcastle then made a painful afternoon for Fulham worse five minutes into the second half. A firm through ball from Nolan was collected by Carroll, and the striker was able to cue up Duff. The Irish winger - only playing due to an injury to Jonas Gutierrez - was able to deploy a firm drive into the bottom corner.

It was almost five for the jubilant Geordie faithful when Carroll rose like a salmon to meet Thygesen's cross but his finish lacked accuracy.

The arrival of Zamora from the subs bench allowed Fulham to attack a bit more, with the striker seeing an effort held by Harper moments before the Newcastle goalkeeper had to save Kamara's strike.

Nevertheless, Fulham were still in danger on the back foot, with Zuberbuhler having to make a brilliant save to deny Jack Wilshere's firm half-volley.

But Fulham were able to get one goal back late one. They struck when a long ball from Paul Konchesky was flicked on by Zamora to Johnson. The former Everton striker laid it back off for Zamora, who controlled and then finished the strike into the goal.

Mandzukic wasted two late chance's to restore Newcastle's four goal cushion, but ultimately it didn't matter as the Magpies were able to register a firm victory that keeps up their fine home start to the campaign. In a week where the club have confirmed their board takeover attempts failed, the club showed the uncertainty has not affected their on-pitch form.

In contrast, Fulham's good start in Europe was immediately counteracted by a poor league showing and Hodgson will hope this is not a recurring trend for their campaign in the Europa League.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique (Steven Taylor 79) - Thygesen (Wilshere 63), Barton, Nolan, Duff - Mandzukic, Carroll (Guthrie 76)
Subs not used: Krul, Edgar, Lovenkrands, Ameobi
Booked: Coloccini, Wilshere

Scorer: Mandzukic (4, 9), Carroll (12), Duff (50)

Fulham: Zuberbuhler - Kelly (Pantsil 45), Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky - Gera, Murphy, Etuhu (Greening 45), Kamara - Nevland (Zamora 56), Johnson
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Baird, Stoor, Kallio
Booked: Murphy, Etuhu, Pantsil

Scorer: Zamora (76)

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 52,090

Newcastle United have confirmed Mike Ashley remains owner after a deal to buy the club collapsed.

It is thought board member and London-based businessman Michael Murray had agreed a deal to buy the club, which has a current estimated valued of £55M by football finance experts. It is believed part of the intended deal was to repay the club's reported £95M debts.

However, the deal for the club's ownership collapsed and the club have confirmed that Mike Ashley will remain owner of Newcastle United for the moment.

In a statement on the club's official website, Ashley said: "It is true that we had been in discussions to make the transaction. Mr. Murray was invited onto the club's board of directors and had been interested to complete the purchase.

"However, it appears that me and Mr. Murray were far apart on our valuation of the football club and as a result we were unable to conclude a deal that would have seen the club sold.

"Mr. Murray is free to remain on the Newcastle United board but I will remain owner at this time.

"I would like to thank the playing and coaching staff of the club for their patience during this period."

It is unknown whether or not Ashley is still interested in offloading the club but it is believed that he is still open for offers.

Ashley bought Newcastle United in 2007 for £134M from the club's previous owners Freddy Shepherd and Sir John Hall. He has been a controversial figure on Tyneside, with Ashley having attempted to sell the club in 2008 after a row between Dennis Wise and Kevin Keegan led to the then-manager resigning and fan protests.

Ashley has guaranteed financial resources for Newcastle this season but the businessman, who made his money through the SportsDirect chain, is said to be awaiting the right buyer.

Thanks very much for your kind words.

I'm about 9/10 games behind in updates so more will be coming along, don't worry about it.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Pablo Zabaleta were among the goals as Man City were able to beat Newcastle at the City of Manchester Stadium.

It wasn't a plain-sailing evening for City, who had taken the lead through Adebayor but conceded the advantage when Mario Mandzukic equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Jonas Gutierrez gave Newcastle a shock lead in the opening stages of the second half, but the home team regained parity within moments through Shaun Wright-Phillips.

A Sebastien Bassong own goal put City back in front before Pablo Zabaleta wrapped up the points for Mark Hughes' side.

With two home wins from two, big spending City knew their fans were expecting further points against a Newcastle team with only one point and two goals to their name since Man City's move to their current stadium in 2003.

The home team attempted to get the early opening when Stephen Ireland headed over and Adebayor was denied by a firm Harper save. But a quiet opening was livened up after 20 minutes when City took the lead.

Danny Simpson was able to clear a cross at the expense of a corner. The delivery from Ireland picked out Carlos Tevez, who cued up Adebayor to convert the opening goal.

Newcastle's first real chance was a wayward drive from Ryan Taylor, but City came close moments later when Adebayor rose high to meet Robinho's cross but couldn't find the target.

Adebayor was again denied - this time by Harper - and Newcastle's goalkeeper also made a good save to deny Tevez, as Man City searched for a second.

They came close again when Kolo Toure rose to meet Ireland's delivery but saw his effort touch the bar on the way out.

City did look as though they would enter the half time period ahead but against the run of play, the Magpies grabbed the equaliser with one of the last kicks of the first half.

An offside flag allowed Harper to take a long free-kick which bounced through for Mandzukic. The striker rose above the indecisive Wayne Bridge to head the ball beyond former Newcastle keeper Shay Given and into the net.

The August Player of the Month increased his burgeoning reputation with his fifth goal of the season, and within two minutes of the second half his team were celebrating again when they took the lead.

Jose Enrique picked up a loose ball down the left flank and was able to race clear of Wright-Phillips. He kept the ball in before cueing up Jonas, who was able to fire home from a tight angle.

It was a joyful scene for the visitors from the North East, but their joy was short lived as Man City grabbed a second goal of their own moments later.

A ball forward from ex-Citizen Joey Barton was picked off by Joleon Lescott who headed the ball out to Wright-Phillips. The winger raced away from Jose Enrique before letting fly from 25 yards. This proved to be the right decision as his strike flew from his foot into the top corner.

Although both sides felt they could then get the game's fifth goal, profligacy began to become a factor as Adebayor and Barton both missed seemingly takeable opportunities.

Newcastle were almost in for the goal on the 68th minute when Andy Carroll laid off a pass for Jonas, but despite being in acres of space the Argentine winger couldn't hit the target.

Man City almost made the Toon pay within an instant, with a superb Harper save deny Tevez's firm right foot hit. But City did get a goal moments later, albeit in more fortuitous circumstances.

Tevez was able to run out wide and evade his Argentine compatriot Fabricio Coloccini, before finding Bridge on the flank. The England full-back's deliver was met by Jose Enrique but his clearance hit the unfortunately placed Bassong and trundled into the empty goal.

Newcastle's best chance at an equaliser came moments from the end when Peter Lovenkrands saw a great volleyed effort rattle the crossbar, but it was City who ultimately wrapped up the destination of the points in injury time.

A firm interception from Nedum Onouha picked out Ireland, who was able to slide the ball across to Zabaleta. The Argentinean attempted a banana shot that duly flew home into the top corner, giving him a first goal since January and his team confirmation of the three points.

It was harsh on Newcastle, who contributed much to an entertaining afternoon's viewing, but ultimately City will feel vindicated to have earned themselves three points as they seek to justify their incredible financial outlay.

Man City: Given - Richards, Toure (Onuoha 60), Lescott, Bridge - Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Zabaleta (Jovetic 90), Tevez - Adebayor (Kompany 75), Robinho
Subs not used: Viera, Santana, Aimar, Bellamy
Booked: Ireland, Lescott

Scorer: Adebayor (20), Wright-Phillips (49), Bassong (og 74), Zabaleta (90)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Ryan Taylor (Duff 58), Barton, Nolan (Ameobi 77), Jonas (Lovenkrands 87) - Mandzukic, Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Wilshere
Booked: Coloccini, Bassong

Scorer: Mandzukic (45), Jonas (47)

Referee: Steve Tanner
Attendance: 47,405

Newcastle striker Mario Mandzukic has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for August.

The Croatian striker won the award for his impressive performances for the Magpies in the opening month of the 2009-10 season. He scored four goals during the month and looked like a very smart investment for the club.

Mandzukic told nufc.co.uk: "It is a high honour to get this award. Obviously it'll take time to get used to life in a new country but I am happy with my start. I'm enjoying my football here in England playing for such passionate supporters, and I'm hopeful for more success throughout the season."

Mandzukic is a summer signing for Newcastle United. He joined the club for £4.5M from Dinamo Zagreb, and has so far started all of Newcastle's Premier League matches.

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "I am obviously delighted. We knew we were signing a quality player in Mario, and we are only happy for him that he has started so well for us. We hope it can continue for as long as possible."

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill finished second, while Liverpool stalwart Steven Gerrard finished third.

Newcastle also had a player in contention for the Young Player of the Month award, with Andy Carroll finishing runner-up to Manchester City full back Micah Richards in the running.

Mario Mandzukic scored twice as Newcastle secured a third win in a week as they eased past Wolves.

Two goals early on in the second half ensured that Sven-Goran Eriksson's side were able to brush aside fears of a second half comeback and secured their second Premier League win of the season.

Sebastien Bassong's first Newcastle goal set them on the way to victory, and although Wolves had a few opportunities they were unable to make the most of them.

Early pressure ensured that Bassong would get his goal, although it came after a moment of controversy when Cristophe Berra challenged Andy Carroll - a move which Newcastle thought should have yielded a penalty.

Instead, the referee gave a corner but Newcastle were celebrating soon enough. Jonas Gutierrez's flag-kick picked out Bassong, who turned and struck a sweet half-volley past Wayne Hennessey to open the scoring and his account for the Magpies.

Hennessey was the busier of the two keepers during the first half, with the Welshman called into action to deny Mandzukic.

He was then called into action again after 22 minutes when Mandzukic rose to meet Kevin Nolan's cross, with the striker denied. A superb block from Greg Halford was also needed to stop Jonas' volleyed rebound.

Newcastle were still searching, with Ryan Taylor seeing a free kick go wide and Mandzukic see another effort jump skim the top of the crossbar.

Wolves' first effort came after 33 minutes when a corner met Michael Mancienne but the centre back's header was firmly held by Steve Harper.

A curler from Mandzukic was the last action of a first half that saw Newcastle ahead, but worried Wolves could strike back.

The visitors intent was made clear when they replaced holding midfielder Segundo Castillo with striker Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, but this attacking intent was outweighed by a second Newcastle goal two minutes into the second half.

A surging run down the flank from Jonas saw him make the cross which was only half-cleared by Mancienne to Nolan, whose firm header back into the box picked out the run of Mandzukic. This allowed the Croatian to make a header that flew over the keeper and under the bar for a goal.

Hennessey was still being kept busy when he had to deny a half-volley from Mandzukic, but Harper needed to make a save of his own to deny a great run and shot from Michael Kightly.

Harper again made a crucial save to deny Nenad Milijas as Wolves begun to show attacking intent, but the game was killed off with 22 minutes to spare when Newcastle bagged their third.

Patient possession football from Newcastle saw the ball worked from one flank to the other, and Barton cued up the run of Danny Simpson down the right flank. The full-back's eventual cross picked out Mandzukic, who controlled the ball and lashed it home.

It was a fourth goal in two games for the striker, who is already proving a hit with the club's fans after his £4.5M move from Dinamo Zagreb.

Newcastle felt they should have had a penalty for a challenge by Mancienne on Mandzukic, although the impressive accuracy of the defender's challenge meant any award would've been harsh.

Wolves did have some attacking runs, with some attacks well halted by Newcastle defending before Stefan Maeirhofer was unable to head an effort on target.

Andrew Surman was also unable to get an effort on target, but Newcastle still came closer when two late Shola Ameobi efforts were unable to find the target.

But Newcastle fans will be pleased to register yet another victory to their name, with the team going into the international break on the back of three straight victories. It will also stand them in good stead ahead of a tricky fixture at Manchester City in their next outing.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Ryan Taylor (Thygesen 75), Barton, Nolan (Ameobi 84), Jonas - Mandzukic, Carroll (Wilshere 60)
Subs not used: Krul, Steven Taylor, Edgar, Duff

Scorer: Bassong (8), Mandzukic (47, 68)

Wolves: Hennessey - Halford, Mancienne, Berra (Mouyokolo 54), Olsson - Kightly, Henry, Castillo (Ebanks-Blake 45), Milijas, Hunt (Surman 47) - Maeirhofer
Subs not used: Hanhemann, Zubar, Stearman, Heubach

Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 50,558

Peter Lovenkrands scored a brace as Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest in the Carling Cup second round.

The Danish striker was making his first start of the season and showed manager Sven-Goran Eriksson his talent with two first half strikes that ultimately ensured the Magpies beat their Championship opponents.

It could have been a more comprehensive scoreline, with the visitors failing to register a single shot on target in the whole game. But ultimately, the Magpies' progression with please Eriksson more.

They will now take on Championship side Middlesbrough in the 3rd Round of the competition.

There was also a further boost to the manager's night, as Sebastien Bassong and Danny Guthrie returned as substitutes and suffered no further injury worries ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Wolves.

In truth, this was not the most testing afternoon for Newcastle, although it could've been one if Dexter Blackstock had not fired wildly off target when he tried the rebound after his initial attempt had been blocked by David Edgar.

Wes Morgan was also off target early on, but Newcastle had the first shot on target when Lee Camp denied Joey Barton, and the Magpies were ahead after just eight minutes.

It was classic route one stuff for the home side. A long goal kick from Tim Krul picked out Lovenkrands, who raced clear of the Forest defenders and deftly finished the ball past Camp.

Lovenkrands was denied a quickfire second when he saw an effort tipped away by Camp, and the Forest goalkeeper also put in a firm stop to deny Damien Duff's curling free-kick.

The home side thought they should have had a second goal when Shola Ameobi laid the ball off for Mikkel Thygesen to finish, but the referee ruled the Danish midfielder had strayed offside.

Nevertheless, with 22 minutes on the clock, it was the Magpies who grabbed the game's second goal.

Duff's wing work allowed him to play the ball inside for Barton, and the midfielder's superb through ball weighed the ball up beautifully for Lovenkrands. The Danish striker duly dispatched his and Newcastle's second goal.

It was almost three very quickly, with Luke Chambers' late intervention denying Shola Ameobi shooting room and Camp making a fine stop to keep out Jack Wilshere.

Wilshere, who is on loan from Arsenal, then put an effort wide while Duff was denied by Camp as Newcastle tried to hunt down a third strike.

By contrast, the Toon Army played at a slower tempo during the second half, with wayward efforts from Ryan Taylor and Ameobi the best they could offer in the opening quarter of an hour.

This almost gave Forest a way back but Chambers could not direct his header on target from Paul Anderson's corner.

Forest had another attempt like this when Blackstock ran free of Fabricio Coloccini but hit a strike hopelessly high and wide, while the closest Newcastle got saw a Morgan block deny Lovenkrands.

Newcastle almost got a third goal in second half injury time when substitute Mario Mandzukic saw a firm effort denied by Camp, but ultimately those two first half strikes from Lovenkrands were enough and ensures progress to third round for Sven-Goran Eriksson's side.

Newcastle: Krul - Ryan Taylor, Coloccini, Edgar (Bassong 87), Kadar - Thygesen (Guthrie 62), Barton, Wilshere, Duff (Mandzukic 87) - Lovenkrands, Ameobi
Subs not used: Harper, Tozer, Jonas, Carroll

Scorer: Lovenkrands (8, 22)

Forest: Camp - Gunter (Wilson 74), Chambers, Morgan, Lynch - Anderson (Darnet 87), McKenna, Moussi, Cohen - Adebola (McCleary 56), Blackstock
Subs not used: Smith, McCashin, Diagne, Majewski
Booked: Moussi

Referee: Carl Boyeson
Attendance: 29,378

Mario Mandzukic and Jonas Gutierrez scored braces as Newcastle beat Burnley to secure their first Premier League victory of the season.

The Magpies took the lead after an even opening quarter when Jonas was first to the rebound, and they doubled their lead within ten minutes when Mandzukic scored his first Newcastle goal on the counter-attack.

Mandzukic then grabbed a second goal when he was first to a corner, before Jonas buried any prospect of an unlikely Burnley comeback when he turned home a cross after half-time.

It was a deserved first victory for the Sven-Goran Eriksson era at St. James' Park, while it was frustration for Burnley who followed up their first Premier League win in midweek with a disappointingly comprehensive defeat.

The game had kicked off to an even start, with Mandzukic and Steven Fletcher both unable to get strikes on target inside the first ten minutes.

Ryan Taylor had also tried to find the goal but couldn't get a strike cleanly on target, but the Newcastle midfielder would be involved in the game's opening goal moments later.

Taylor was picked out by Danny Simpson and he was able to cut inside and lash a strike that Diego Penny did well to keep out. However the ball fell straight to Jonas, who tucked the ball home for his second goal in two games.

Newcastle's second came ten minutes later and just after Fletcher had been denied by a combination of Harper and the offside flag.

A bit of midfield bouncing around saw Andre Bikey's pass intercepted by Joey Barton. The Toon midfielder moved the ball out to the recalled Kevin Nolan, who was able to find Mandzukic with a crisp forward ball. The Croatian held off the Burnley defenders and buried a smooth strike home.

It was his first goal for Newcastle since joining the club from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer and the Toon fans were delighted at the impact of their new striker.

His impact was increased ten minutes later when he grabbed his second and Newcastle's third goal.

The home team were awarded a corner when Michael Duff headed Andy Carroll's cross into touch. The resulting corner from Jonas picked out Mandzukic, who rose above Stephen Jordan to head the ball into the net.

Frustration for Burnley was shown in the closing stages of the first half, with a pointless kick from Fletcher on Nolan earning the Scottish striker a yellow card.

Any hope the Clarets had of registering a comeback victory were rendered moot eight minutes after half-time when Newcastle scored their fourth of the afternoon.

It came when Jose Enrique strode down the flank and picked out Nolan. The midfielder hit the ball out to Carroll, and the Geordie striker's cross was headed home by Jonas.

Joey Gudjonsson came through the middle and was denied by Steve Harper in Burnley's first effort on target, but even the most ardent visitors from Lancashire would have conceded at this point that their team was unlikely to gain anything from this encounter.

Danny Simpson came close to registering a fifth for the home side when his cross went wide, while Fletcher was denied by a David Edgar block and Harper denied Wade Elliott as Burnley attempted to find a way back.

But in the end, the game fizzled out and Newcastle were able to toast a comprehensive first victory of the new season. It was no more than Sven-Goran Eriksson's side deserved, and they will be mightily happy to have got their season off and running at last.

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson (Wilshere 74), Edgar, Coloccini, Jose Enrique - Ryan Taylor, Barton, Nolan, Jonas (Thygesen 89) - Mandzukic (Lovenkrands 89), Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Kadar, Tozer, Duff
Booked: Jonas

Scorer: Jonas (17, 53), Mandzukic (26, 36)

Burnley: Penny (Jensen 53) - Caldwell, Bikey, Carlisle - Duff, Alexander, Elliott, Gudjonsson, Paterson (Jordan 18) - Nugent (Thompson 61), Fletcher
Subs not used: Mears, Eckersely, Easton, Eagles
Booked: Fletcher

Referee: Chris Foy
Attendance: 48,861

Robbie Keane scored a hat trick as Spurs secured a comprehensive win over Newcastle and made it two wins from two.

Newcastle had actually struck first at White Hart Lane when Jonas Gutierrez scored his first goal for the club after 11 minutes, but Spurs equalised seven minutes later through Keane.

Spurs took the lead through Tom Huddlestone but the two teams entered the half-time break level when Andy Carroll scored a penalty.

The game was decided in Spurs' favour after half-time when they were controversially awarded two penalties, both of which Keane scored. Wilson Palacios then scored his first Spurs goal to add some gloss to the scoreline in the 94th minute.

It was a further tonic for the Spurs fans, who saw their heroes triumph 2-0 over North London neighbours Arsenal on the opening day amid claims Harry Redknapp is now assembling a squad that can challenge for the Champions League spaces.

This squad rotation was required in the opening stages of the game, with Jermain Defoe taken from the field early on in proceedings after being injured in a clash with Fabricio Coloccini.

Newcastle were then able to stun the Lane when they broke through to score in 11 minutes.

The ball was rolled to Jack Wilshere in the middle of the park, and the loan signing from Arsenal was able to play the ball through to Mario Mandzukic. A well played ball from the Croatian forward cued up Jonas, and the Argentine midfielder was able to clear the defence and fire home.

Spurs attempted to find a way through and get a quick equaliser. Both their attempts fell to Keane, who saw one effort go way off target and another saved fairly easily by away goalkeeper Steve Harper. But it was the home team with the game's second goal moments later.

It all began from the back when Ledley King dispossessed Mandzukic. He sprayed it out to Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who slung a quick ball forward to Luka Modric. The midfielder was able to race clear of Danny Simpson and put in a low ball that was met by Keane's diving header, who was able to place his header beyond Harper.

It was a first goal of the season for the Irish striker, and he almost made it two on 29 minutes but he couldn't turn Niko Kranjcar's ball into the goal. Huddlestone was also unable to get the ball home, while Newcastle's best chance was wasted by Mandzukic.

With ten minutes to go before half-time, it was Spurs who grabbed a second goal. They won a free-kick for a foul by Coloccini on Keane, and Huddlestone superbly dispatched the free-kick beyond Harper into the top corner.

But Spurs' couldn't keep Newcastle out and the visitors were able to grab an equaliser four minutes after going behind. A long ball forward from David Edgar was flicked on by Carroll to Jonas, who was tripped by Palacios.

Referee Martin Atkinson awarded the Magpies a penalty kick, and it was Carroll who stepped up and placed the penalty beyond Gomes.

Huddlestone's inaccuracy cost him the chance to give Spurs a third first half goal, while with the first attack of the second, only a superb intervention from Edgar denied Roman Pavyluchenko a shooting opportunity. Palacios then also tried his luck when he met the clearance but Harper was able to make the save.

The Toon Army came very close to grabbing the goal when Mikkel Thygesen saw his free-kick just skim the top of the crossbar, and Carroll was also inaccurate, while Palacios was only able to strike the ball into the crowd.

Spurs were then awarded a penalty kick after 59 minutes, much to the agitation of the away team. It was awarded when a long ball was flicked on by Keane towards Pavyluchenko, who the referee ruled was pulled back by Jose Enrique.

The Newcastle full back was booked, despite protests which saw Joey Barton vociferously argue his teammate's case. But the referee was not interested and soon enough, Keane stepped up and scored the penalty.

Newcastle's annoyance with the referee was compounded moments later when Spurs were awarded a second penalty. This time Assou-Ekotto's low cross picked out Keane, who was felled by Coloccini and this incident led to the award of a spot kick.

The visiting players surrounded Atkinson as they felt the penalty should not have been awarded and the kick did look debatable but once again, Atkinson ignored the protests.

For the second time in four minutes, Keane's penalty went beyond Harper and this gave Spurs a two goal lead.

The away team's mood was even further darkened on 69 minutes when it appeared Vedran Corluka had fouled Jonas, but the referee was unmoved despite further protests from the Magpies faithful.

They did get close to a third goal when substitute Damien Duff was denied by Gomes, while Payvluchenko and Emmerson Boyce were a bit more wayward with their efforts to kill the game off.

Much closer was Luka Modric, who stepped up to take a free-kick after a foul by Mandzukic and his superb effort hit the post.

Spurs had lost Keane at this point, after he also went off following a tangle with Coloccini. The defender was booked for his part in the scuffle.

Newcastle did have some efforts to restore some pride, with a superb Boyce intervention denying sub Peter Lovenkrands room to shoot and Gomes made a brilliant stop to turn Jonas' effort off target.

Duff saw two efforts to score a third Newcastle goal denied, with one held by Gomes and one going fractionally off target.

But in second half injury time, it was Spurs with the game's seventh goal. Modric won a corner off Simpson, and his resulting corner picked out Palacios, who buried his header home.

Once again, Newcastle felt they had cause for complaint, with Coloccini feeling Palacios had handled the ball, and once again their protests were ignored and Spurs' goal stood.

A miserable evening for Sven-Goran Eriksson's team duly finished there, with the team clearly annoyed with the referee's handling of the match. But it was a good afternoon for Spurs, who felt their play warranted such a comprehensive victory that continues a great start for the North London team.

Spurs: Gomes - Corluka, Boyce, King, Assou-Ekotto - Palacios, Kranjcar (Lennon 45), Huddlestone, Modric - Keane (Zenden 70), Defoe (Pavyluchenko 3)
Subs not used: Walker, Dervite, Naughton, Bentley

Scorer: Keane (18, pen 59, pen 62), Huddlestone (36), Palacios (90+4)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Edgar, Coloccini, Jose Enrique - Thygesen (Duff 60), Barton, Wilshere (Lovenkrands 71), Jonas - Mandzukic, Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Ryan Taylor, Kadar, Smith, Ameobi
Booked: Jose Enrique, Coloccini, Wilshere

Scorer: Jonas (11), Carroll (pen 39)

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 35,602

James Beattie scored but missed various chances as Stoke drew with ten man Newcastle on the opening day.

Newcastle's task had looked a tricky one when Steven Taylor was sent off for a ill-timed lunge on former Magpie Andy Griffin before half-time.

But to the home crowd's surprise, it was the visitors who took the lead when Andy Carroll finished up a swift counter attacking run with the finish.

Beattie scored an equaliser when he turned home Salif Diao's through ball but he couldn't bag a winner and as a result the two teams ended the afternoon all square.

The two sides both missed chances, with Newcastle's better chances coming earlier on in the afternoon's play.

However, they weren't chances Thomas Sorensen will have had nightmares about. Alan Smith and Carroll both saw efforts fly hopelessly off target, before Smith saw an effort firmly held by Stoke's former Sunderland goalkeeper.

Sorensen had a very firm save to make after 18 minutes when he was able to beat away Carroll's effort after the Geordie striker was first to Mario Mandzukic's pass.

Carroll also saw a volley deflected wide in an even game that had seen Matthew Etherington and Fuller both unable to find the target.

But although Newcastle had the best of the opening exchanges, their afternoon became a troublesome one when they were reduced to ten men seven minutes before half time.

Stoke had just been awarded a free-kick following a challenge by Fabricio Coloccini, which was played short forward to Griffin. The former Newcastle full back was met by a two footed lunge from Newcastle centre-half Taylor, who was dismissed from the field by referee Lee Mason.

Newcastle undertook re-organisation, with Nolan the unlucky sacrifice. He was replaced by Ryan Taylor, with Danny Simpson sent into centre back.

The Potters almost got themselves in front, with Beattie seeing an effort deflected wide and Etherington seeing a powerful effort clatter the bar.

Stoke entered the second half hopeful to take the lead against the Magpies. But with 14 minutes of a quiet second half gone, it was the visitors who took the advantage with a swift movement.

It came when a poor ball forward was intercepted by Simpson, who sprayed the ball out to wide right. He picked out Mandzukic, who raced clear down the right flank before pulling in a cross. His cross picked out Carroll, and the striker rose above former teammate Abdoulaye Faye to power home the opener.

It was a second goal in consecutive visits to the Britannia Stadium for Carroll, and the young striker increased his burgeoning reputation.

The afternoon was almost made sweeter for the Magpies when Ryan Taylor's free-kick was just fractionally off target.

But Stoke were able to equalise within six minutes. It came through some firm build up play that picked out Glenn Whelan. He laid it off for his fellow central midfielder Diao, who fired the ball up to Beattie. The former Sheffield United striker was able to make space before placing a crisp finish past Steve Harper.

It was Stoke's first shot on target in the whole afternoon. It also gave them a platform to attempt to find a winning goal.

Within four minutes of the equaliser, Beattie was close to grabbing a second goal. A perfectly weighted cross picked out the striker, who tailed away from Coloccini, but his header floated off target.

Whelan had two opportunites in the final few moments when he had a go from long range but couldn't find a way home.

But a firm Newcastle defensive display prevented them from creating opportunities. Indeed, the Magpies almost won it themselves ten minutes from time with a similar goal to their earlier strike when Mandzukic picked out Carroll. However, this time, the Newcastle striker's attempt went off target.

In the final moments, Beattie had two attempts to find a winner. On both occasions, he rose above Jose Enrique to meet swinging crosses but on both occasions, he was nowhere near finding the net.

As a result, Tony Pulis' men were left frustrated by terrible attacking and a failure to cash in on their man advantage. Meanwhile, it was a reasonably satisfactory start to the Sven-Goran Eriksson era for Newcastle United, who will feel pleased to have taken a point from a difficult away ground and will be pleased to have survived with ten men.

Stoke: Sorensen - Wilkinson, Faye, Huth (Shawcross 72), Griffin (Dickinson 83) - Tuncay, Diao, Whelan, Etherington (Pugh 65) - Beattie, Fuller
Subs not used: Walker, Higginbotham, Collins, Kitson
Booked: Huth, Diao

Scorer: Beattie (64)

Newcastle: Harper - Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Jose Enrique - Thygesen (Kadar 90), Smith (Barton 81), Nolan (Ryan Taylor 39), Jonas - Mandzukic, Carroll
Subs not used: Krul, Wilshere, Ameobi, Lovenkrands
Booked: Nolan, Coloccini, Smith
Sent Off: Steven Taylor (38)

Scorer: Carroll (59)

Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 27,000

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Danish midfielder Mikkel Thygesen from FC Midtjylland.

The 24 year old is Newcastle's fourth new signing of the transfer window and moves to St. James Park for a fee of £2.6million. He will wear the number six shirt for the club and could make his debut for the club's season opener at Stoke City on Saturday.

Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "The club ha been looking for additional options we feel could strengthen our squad for the new campaign and I am delighted we have concluded the signing of Mikkel.

"We needed an additional right sided midfielder. Our options there were a full back, a central midfielder and two left midfielders, and I felt a right sided midfielder would restore balance. Luckily we also have a talented option at our disposal now in the form of Mikkel and I am looking forward to see him play for us."

Thygesen left after two seasons with Danish side Midtjylland. He was in his second spell with the club, having rejoined the club in 2007 after an unhappy six month spell with German side Borussia Mönchengladbach.

He played 131 Danish SuperLiga games for the team, and scored 22 goals in his time there.

Thygesen was part of the Midtjylland side that came close to victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Cup last August, where he set up the winner in the Danish side's 1-0 first leg win at the City of Manchester Stadium.

With the Premier League about to return this weekend, The Daily Telegraph is running the rule over your team ahead of the new campaign. Here, we take a look at Newcastle United

Last Season In A Sentence:
Absolute disaster that looked increasingly bleak before Super Alan Shearer came in to save the day by the skin of his teeth.

This Season Will Be...
An unknown quantity. There is no denying the appointment of Sven-Goran Eriksson shows ambition, and they have been shrewdly clever in bringing in young talent to replace their expensive duffers. But with Mike Ashley looking to sell, it remains to be seen if they are cutting them too fast to quickly, and letting go the likes of Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins could be a decision that backfires.

Manager: Sven-Goran Eriksson
The one-time England and Manchester City manager rocks up at St. James' Park looking to prove his worth after his failure with Mexico. There is no denying he has tactics and a full season in charge should see him prove his worth, but this is a place where anything can happen, not least with Alan Shearer in his backroom waiting in case thing go cock-eyed.

Key Player: Sebastien Bassong
Having rejected bids from Spurs and so far shielded him from European interest, Newcastle know they have found a gem in this French centre back. The challenge is keeping him at the club and then fit - Bassong will miss the first three games with injury.

New Boys:
Mario Mandzukic is so far the club's only permanent signing, although the club are reportedly close to signing Danish midfielder Mikkel Thygesen. Nevertheless, Mandzukic is a highly rated player that had suitors across Europe, and should be a fabulous player, but its a question to see if he can replace three strikers at once. Danny Simpson and Jack Wilshere are good young talents on loan and could have big seasons.

What They Still Need:
With Owen, Martins and Mark Viduka having all left St. James' Park, a new striker is still needed - calls that will grow louder if Mandzukic, Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi fail to contribute. A further full back is also a possible requirement, although its unknown what if any transfer kitty is still left.

Big Season For: Joey Barton
A number of well-renumerated under-performers could fill in this category but Barton fits this more than most. Having been suspended by the club for fighting with Shearer after his sending off at Liverpool in May, Barton is in the latest of last chance saloons. Anything less and it looks like he'll be out of a club.

Prediction:
The team have the manager and players to steer well clear of the relegation dogfight, and should be enough for a midtable finish. But where abouts is always debatable, plus you can never to be sure if and when Newcastle can pick a moment to implode. 11th

New Signings:
Mario Mandzukic (Dinamo Zagreb, £4.5M), Danny Simpson (Manchester United, loan), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal, loan)

Outgoing:
Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, £9M), Michael Owen (Manchester United, free), Habib Beye (Aston Villa, £2.5M), Geremi (Ankaragucu, £1M), Mark Viduka (retired), Cacapa (Cruzeiro, free), Fraser Forster (Norwich, loan), Xisco (Racing Santander, loan), Ryan Donaldson (Chesterfield, loan), Darren Lough (Darlington, loan)

Predicted Eleven:
Harper - Ryan Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique - Jonas, Nolan, Smith, Duff - Mandzukic, Carroll

With the season about to start, we look back at the pre-season results for Newcastle United.

18th July 2009
Jaguares 1-1 Newcastle (Jaguares win 4-3 on penalties)
Newcastle's first pre-season commitments saw them travel to south-eastern Mexico to take on a four team tournament. The four team tournament included host team Jaguares de Chiapas, Serbian side Partizan Belgrade and Portugese team Maritimo. Against Jaguares, Newcastle took a very quick lead when young striker Nile Ranger met Shola Ameobi's knockdown to finish. Jaguares equalised when Baltazar Martinez evaded Steven Taylor to equalise. The game eventually went to penalties. With both sides having missed one penalty each, a miss by Fabricio Coloccini proved vital and Jaguares progressed to the final.

19th July 2009
Maritimo 0-6 Newcastle
One day later and a much changed Newcastle starting 11 played a third placed play-off against Maritimo. The Magpies took an early lead through Kevin Nolan turned home the rebound after Peter Lovenkrands had been denied. Nolan then turned provider for the Dane, who finished with aplomb. Newcastle were 3-0 up at half-time when Andy Carroll raced onto Joey Barton's through ball and tucked home. A dominant display for Newcastle saw Maritimo fail to register any shots on target in the whole match and second-half strikes for Carroll, Jonas Gutierrez and Damien Duff wrapped up a smooth victory.

23rd July 2009
Bochum 2-1 Newcastle
Four days after their exploits in Mexico, Newcastle travelled to Germany to take on Bundesliga outfit VfL Bochum. The Magpies took the opening goal on 20 minutes when Shola Ameobi turned home Kevin Nolan's through ball, but the Germans hit back seven minutes later when Anthar Yahia scored from a corner. Bochum took the lead with 16 minutes to go when Stanislav Sestak held off Steven Taylor to score, and the hosts held on to secure the victory.

27th July 2009
Newcastle 1-0 Cagliari
Newcastle's first pre-season friendly in England saw them welcome Serie A side Cagliari to St. James' Park. Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti made two smart saves to deny Andy Carroll and home debutant Jack Wilshere. The only goal came 13 minutes after half time when Carroll was tripped by Luca Spina, and Joey Barton scored the penalty. Spina conceded a second penalty in the 89th minute when he tripped Steven Taylor, but Ryan Donaldson hit the bar with his penalty. Nevertheless, Newcastle held on to win.

29th July 2009
Peterborough 0-0 Newcastle
A much changed Newcastle team that included debutant Mario Mandzukic travelled to London Road to take on Championship new boys Peterborough United. A brilliant Tim Krul save denied Aaron McLean early on, while Mandzukic saw one effort held by Joe Lewis and one go over. Lewis made a pair of firm late saves to deny Mandzukic and Andy Carroll, and the game finished goalless.

5th August 2009
Newcastle 1-0 Inter Milan
The final game of Newcastle's pre-season calendar saw them take on Inter Milan at home, and the fans were expecting a difficult occasion against Jose Mourinho's Italian giants. The best chance of the first half saw a well-placed Diego Milito somehow head over, while Newcastle were able to take the lead shortly after half-time. Kevin Nolan's effort from distance hit the bar and the unfortunately-positioned Viera turned the ball into his own net. Aside from one brilliant save to deny Samuel Eto'o, Steve Harper was rarely troubled and Newcastle held on to secure a morale-boosting victory.

Bit of a shame he left us really - he was our star man when he pissed off and a HBA-Ba-Remy combination would've been fantastic to watch. Almost top 6-worthy in its own right.

But then I suppose that's what you get for balancing low wages with a stupidly low release clause. Reap what you sow and all that bollocks.

Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong will miss Newcastle's first three Premier League games with a twisted ankle.

The 23 year old defender was taken off with the injury ten minutes after half time during Newcastle's final pre-season warm up fixture against Inter Milan at St. James' Park.

As a result of his injury, Bassong will miss Newcastle's first three Premier League games when the season gets underway on August 15th.

He will miss Newcastle's opening match against Stoke City, and further games against Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley. The club are saying he should be available for the club's second round tie in the Carling Cup.

Bassong was signed by Newcastle in summer 2008 for a nominal fee from French side Metz. He proved to be a key player for the club during the 2008-09 season, making 30 Premier League appearances and winning the Fans Player of the Season award.

Newcastle's final pre-season game saw them register a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan. The only goal of the game saw former Arsenal player Patrick Viera score an own goal after 47 minutes when the French midfielder inadvertently turned the ball home after a Kevin Nolan drive had hit the bar.

Turkish side Ankaragucu have confirmed the signing of Cameroon international Geremi from Newcastle United.

The 30 year old utility player has made the move to the Turkish Super League for a fee of one million pounds.

The midfielder has been allowed to move after being informed by manager Sven-Goran Eriksson that he is not in his plans for the club's upcoming Premier League campaign.

Geremi, formerly of Real Madrid, Middlesbrough and Chelsea, joined Newcastle in 2007. He made 42 league appearances in two campaigns at St. James' Park, and scored two goals.

He had previously played in Turkey for Genclerbirligi, who he represented over two seasons lasting 1997-99.

It concludes a busy week for the club, with Newcastle sending out defender Darren Lough and midfielder Ryan Donaldson on loan to Darlington and Chesterfield respectively.

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic from Dinamo Zagreb for four and a half million pounds.

Mandzukic, 23, had interested a few other clubs but has elected to move to Tyneside on a four year contract. He will wear the number 10 shirt for the club.

The Croatian striker joins after two seasons with Dinamo Zagreb, where he scored 44 goals in all competitions.

He has also been capped seven times by the Croatian national team, and scored once, with that goal coming in Croatia's 4-1 defeat by England in September 2008.

Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "We have been very interested in strengthening our forward line, with three players all leaving the club. We scoured for quality options on our budget, and Mario was a great player we scouted.

"He had many attributes we were looking for and I feel he is a player the fans will love to see playing for us."

Mandzukic is Newcastle's first permanent signing of the new season, and their second in two days after the loan signing of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Eriksson had been looking for a striker, with Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins all leaving the club. The club had already been outbid by Chelsea in the pursuit of striker Demba Ba, and it is also believed the club had a bid rejected for Ajax striker Luis Suarez.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will join Newcastle United on a season long loan deal.

The highly rated 17 year old will move from the Emirates Stadium to St. James Park, with a loan fee believed to be around £2.4million being paid to the Gunners for his spell on Tyneside.

Newcastle manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "Jack is a talented, young, hungry player who I think has got a bright future ahead of him.

"He has got an abundance of quality and he will enhance our squad.

"The deals suit all parties concerned if the boys go and deliver on the pitch."

Wilshere has made three first team appearances for Arsenal, scoring in a League Cup victory over Sheffield United. He also became the club's youngest ever league debutant when he appeared as a late sub for Arsenal against Blackburn last year.

Wilshere signed a new five year deal at Arsenal in the summer. He will wear the number 19 shirt at St. James' Park.

Newcastle United manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has said the club are working on transfers that need to join the club.

Amid rumours Mike Ashley has blocked new signings as part of his efforts to sell the club, Eriksson denied the rumours and said the club are looking to bring players to St. James' Park.

The Swedish manager, 61, was speaking after a 6-0 win for his team in a Friendly Cup Third Place play-off match against Portuguese side Maritimo in Mexico.

Eriksson said: "I have heard these rumours the chairman does not want to spend money but I have talked with him and he has said the money raised through player sales will go on some new players.

"We have targets that we want to sign in mind. Obviously we were disappointed not to sign Demba Ba but he is not the only player we are interested in signing and we have been in contact with potential targets to strengthen the squad."

Eriksson also said to be keen to strengthen in attack after Obafemi Martins, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka all left the club. He had been beaten to the signing of Demba Ba by Chelsea and had been rebuffed in an inquiry to sign Luis Suarez from Ajax, but said he has earmarked possible targets.

He added: "Obviously we know we need new players in the attack. Although we do have options we could use one or two additional players in this area of the pitch, hence why we made attempts to sign players but ultimately couldn't find them.

"We know players we want to sign and we have made inquiries to sign these players. I think we could confirm one signing soon, but we will see."

Newcastle's first pre-season friendlies saw them play in a Friendly Tournament in Mexico. After a 1-1 draw with host side Juaguares de Chiapas, they were beaten on penalties, but the club bounced back with a resounding 6-0 victory over Maritimo in the third place play-off.

It is rumoured Newcastle have made a bid for Nice striker Loic Remy, but Eriksson would not confirm or deny the rumours.

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Demba Ba from German side Hoffenheim for a reported thirteen and a half million pounds.

The Senegalese international striker, 24, was a key player in the German team's promotion to the Bundesliga and first season in the German top flight, where he scored 14 goals in 33 matches.

Ba had interested fellow Premier League club Newcastle United, who had a seven million pound bid rejected by the German side.

In a statement on the Chelsea website, Ba said: "It is an honour to interest a team with the quality and standing of Chelsea Football Club.

"It has been a fantastic ride with Hoffenheim and I will remember the fine memories of my time with them in the Bundesliga, but when one of the biggest names in England wants you to play for them, then I am happy to be ready to move to the club.

"I am aware other clubs had wanted to sign me and I am flattered by the interest that was shown in me but when it was clear this club was linked, I knew I wanted to move here."

Ba joined Hoffenheim from Belgian team Mouscron in 2007 for three million euros. He had previously played for French side Rouen, having had unsuccessful trials with Watford, Barnsley, Swansea and Gillingham.

Newcastle winger Damien Duff has declared he wants to stay at the club.

The Irish winger, 30, scored at both ends as Newcastle secured Premier League survival on the final day and had been linked with a transfer away from Tyneside, with Fulham reportedly interested.

But Duff said he is not interested in the speculation and wants to stay with the club.

He said, "I'm aware speculation has been linking me with a move but I'm not interested. I like playing for the club and am looking forward to working with the new managerial team alongside Sven (Goran Eriksson) and Alan (Shearer), and there is optimism that things are set to improve at the club after a season we know did not go well.

"They know as much as we do that we did not reach our potential last season for whatever reason but I feel happy to be involved with this projection and am really looking forward to this."

Duff signed for Newcastle from Chelsea in 2006 for a reported five million pounds. He has been deployed as a left back and a striker at times for the club, although he is prominently a left winger.

He has two Premier League titles to his name from his time with Chelsea, who he joined in 2003 from Blackburn Rovers.

Duff played 33 times in all competitions for the Magpies last season - the most he has played in a single season for the club so far.

Newcastle have rejected a bid of six million pounds from Spurs for defender Sebastien Bassong.

Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester City had been linked with the defender, 23, and the North London club have been the first to make an offer for the player but had their bid rejected by new Newcastle manger Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The North East club are understood to view Bassong as a key player and want to keep him on as they seek to improve on last season's disappointing 17th place.

The defender had hinted he would leave Newcastle United if they had been relegated but the club's survival means the club feel confident about keeping him on the books.

Newcastle manager Eriksson said, "We are aware Seb attracted interest. After all, he had a good season and we knew people would be interested. But unless we get an offer we feel meets his valuation we won't be interested in selling him.

"The offer Spurs made was not good enough so consequently we turned it down. Simple as that."

Bassong joined Newcastle from French side Metz in the summer after impressing in a trial appearance away at Doncaster Rovers. He made 30 Premier League appearances despite earning two red cards and was voted the club's player of the season.

Good run and dink to get the ball over Lloris so I would say it was a very nice goal.

Not quite so sure how Spurs have managed to get a home mauling by a team who have only scored in one game since opening day but since when has football been known for its predictability. And I say this as someone who regularly gets results wrong in the Prediction League, naturally

Newcastle have signed full back Danny Simpson on loan from Manchester United until January.

The 22-year-old is a right-sided full-back who is expected to replace the departed Habib Beye and will wear the number 5 shirt at St James's Park.

Manchester United loaned Simpson out last season for spells at Blackburn and Ipswich, and he also enjoyed a spell with rivals Sunderland in 2006-07.

He becomes Newcastle's first signing this summer.

The defender, who joined the Reds' academy in 2003, has had eight first-team appearances at Old Trafford.

He had two loans spells at Belgian club Royal Antwerp before making his Manchester United debut in a Carling Cup fixture against Coventry City in September 2007.

In other news, Newcastle have confirmed defender David Edgar has rejected interest from Burnley and has signed a new four year contract at St. James' Park.

The Canadian-born centre back joined Newcastle in 2003 and had been out of contract, but has elected to extend his spell on Tyneside.

He will be hoping for better luck in 2009-10, with Newcastle winning none of the 11 league games he played in during 2008-09.

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of full back Habib Beye from Newcastle.

The Senegal right-back arrived at Villa’s training ground on Friday morning for talks with the club, and has later passed a medical and signed on a three-year-contract for a fee believed to be worth £2.6 million.

Martin O’Neill, the Villa manager, moved faster than Everton and Stoke in their interest in the defender, inviting Beye to Villa to begin talks once Newcastle had accepted their offer.

Talks progressed slowly through the day, with Beye’s salary thought to have been a particular sticking point.

Now that he is on board, Beye, who is also able to play in the centre of defence, brings a versatility that would hugely benefit O’Neill bearing in mind the small size of his squad.

Beye’s presence with give O’Neill some much needed experience in the back line, following the retirement of Martin Laursen at the end of last season.

It was something that O’Neill was particularly keen to address: "The Premier League is particularly difficult,” he said. “To give us a chance this season, I not only want some promising players in but also established players.

"The squad is essentially young so I'd like to add a bit of experience to it.”

Beye signed for Newcastle on transfer deadline day 2007 from French giants Marseille. He made 52 appearances for the North East club and was voted the team's player of the season in his first campaign at the club.

His only goal for Newcastle came in December 2007, which was a late winner in a Premier League match against Birmingham City.