Newcastle United head into the international break with three points on the board after a tense 2-1 victory over Hull City at St James’ Park, and this week’s The Mag Pod looks back on a game that started comfortably before becoming far more nervy than anyone would have liked.

The panel discuss Newcastle’s impressive opening, Joe Willock’s performance, Sean Steur’s influence in midfield and what happened after his departure as Hull piled on the pressure. There’s also a look at Lewis Miley’s afternoon, the impact of injuries and whether the vertical style of football is beginning to take shape despite the squad still adapting to a new approach.

From there, the conversation moves into something much bigger than one result. After Jamie’s son Blake attended his 100th Newcastle match, the panel reflect on football, family and the importance of passing a connection with Newcastle United through the generations. They discuss the difficulty younger supporters now face getting into St James’ Park, the importance of keeping that match-going culture alive and why Newcastle United’s identity is tied so closely to the city and its community.

Simon also explains his own journey from supporting Newcastle outside the region to moving to the city and becoming part of that community, while the discussion considers whether the increasingly global and commercial nature of football risks losing some of what makes the English game special.

Finally, it’s time to revisit some pre-season predictions. Five Premier League games in, the panel look back at their expectations for Newcastle, revise their predicted finishing positions and reconsider the top six and relegation battle before looking ahead to the international break and Newcastle United Women’s excellent start to the season.

Key Moments

00:18 – Introduction and Hull City reaction

04:47 – Sean Steur, Lewis Miley and Newcastle losing control

12:33 – Is Newcastle’s vertical football working?

16:46 – Joe Willock and the standout performers

20:37 – Football, family and 100 Newcastle games

27:15 – The challenge of getting the next generation into St James’ Park

30:39 – Football culture, the Super League and Newcastle’s community

34:31 – Simon’s journey as a Newcastle supporter

41:20 – Revisiting the pre-season predictions

55:11 – Newcastle United Women and the international break

59:12 – Closing thoughts

Total time – 59:12

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