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      Eddie Howe ready to hire new secret weapon as Newcastle desperate to break into Premier League top three

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      EDDIE HOWE wants to hire a new secret weapon to help Newcastle United break into the top three – of set-piece kings!The Magpies boss achieved legendary status at St James’ Park by ending their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Eddie Howe is keen to add a set piece specialist to his backroom staffCredit: PAJason Tindall is currently in charge of set piecesCredit: AlamyHowe topped off that Carabao Cup Wembley triumph by leading his team to a fifth-placed Premier League finish to also secure Champions League qualification.The 47-year-old is wasting no time basking in that glory though, and is on the look-out for a new face to add to his backroom staff.Newcastle are advertising for a set-piece coach to “work closely with the first team coaching staff, analysts and players to maximise performance outcomes from dead-ball situations”.His assistant Jason Tindall has been the lead on dead-ball situations for the past few years and has been pretty effective.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust six clubs scored more from dead-ball scenarios this season but they have been even better defensively.Only Aston Villa, Manchester City and Brentford conceded fewer goals from set-pieces than Newcastle’s tally of eight last term.But the meticulous Howe now wants more and is “looking for an experienced and innovative elite level coach to support our first team by leading the strategic planning, design, and execution of all offensive and defensive set-play routines.”The job, which Toon want filled by June 16, adds: “Collaborating with the wider analysis team you will conduct detailed video and data based analysis to identify set-piece trends and vulnerabilities, delivering high-quality, position specific training sessions to ensure high performance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“This is an outstanding opportunity to directly impact the continued growth of an ambitious Premier League club.”It also states that applicants must possess a Uefa A licence and “have significant experience of set-play coaching and development gained in an elite coaching environment” as well as needing to be “fully up to date with current global trends and innovations”.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdThere is no suggestion that Howe is not happy with Tindall and the rest of the current staff’s set-piece planning, but rather he is just chasing that extra few per cent to help his men improve at both ends of the pitch.In fact, Howe was full of praise for his No2 and the rest of those that focus on set-pieces.He said earlier this season: “There’s always a team, it’s never one person. Jason will be the first to say that.“Jason spends a lot of time on set-plays. Kieran Taylor, our analyst, spends a lot of time on set plays. We work on them individually and collectively.“Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. The goals need to come from somewhere and there needs to be a regular source.“Congratulations to everyone who does the work on them. Ultimately the players are the ones who have to do it and the staff will acknowledge that.” More

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      Newcastle’s real cup final is against Everton and the prize is keeping Isak out of Arsenal and Liverpool’s clutches

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      FOR MANY Newcastle supporters it’s been the season of a lifetime.Finally the 70-year wait for silverware is over after they beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup.For Newcastle, Sunday’s match against Everton is hugeCredit: PAA win should see the Magpies secure Champions League footballCredit: GettyHowever, as always in football, the good times rarely last and they perhaps face an even bigger ‘cup final’ this Sunday.And the prize could very well be Alexander Isak in addition to Champions League football.A few days ago it was all positivity as the confident Toon Army headed to Arsenal dreaming of a fourth-straight win over the Gunners and climbing to second.But Declan Rice’s strike not only ruined their hopes of a highest Premier League finish since 1997, it left them stuck in a tense final day shootout for a top five finish in a match that may also prove to be pivotal for the long-term future of Isak.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFirst things first, Newcastle will be desperate just to have the Swedish superstar back in Black and White this weekend against Everton.Despite their 27-goal top scorer being off form for several weeks, he was sorely missed at the Emirates.And, if anything, his reported valuation of £150m actually INCREASED despite him not even being on the field due to a “minor groin issue”.Isak, a £63m arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022, has missed four top-flight matches this season with the Magpies collecting only a point without him and failing to even score in open play.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShould Newcastle lose on Sunday, it could spell the end of Alexader Isak’s time at the clubCredit: GettyEddie Howe knows more than anybody how vital the 25-year-old is to his team and needs him more than ever against the Toffees at St. James’.Though his absence also highlighted just how much he cannot afford to lose Isak either – no matter what money is on offer.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old TraffordArsenal, who many opposition fans cheekily joked he skipped facing as they are his ‘parent club’, have held an interest in the hotshot for years.They are continually linked with a move for him but now they also face competition from Premier League title winners Liverpool.Howe recently revealed his sense of frustration that star men like Isak, captain Bruno Guimaraes and winger Anthony Gordon are constantly linked with moves away.But until Newcastle are playing Champions League season-after-season and able to compete financially with the top guns now their recent PSR constraints holding them back then the speculation and interest will not go away.And even Howe is too long in the tooth to stick his flag in the ground and declare that Isak will 100 per cent still be in the North East next term.Although he was also clear that everyone at the club knows the only way to reach the top is hang on to the striker and their other crown jewels no matter what money may be on offer.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate for an out and out striker and Isak certainly fits the billCredit: AFPHowe said: “I never make those guarantees about any player and it’s not to do with Alex’s future but I’d be foolish to sit here and do anything like that. We want to keep our strongest players, I’ve said that ever since I’ve been here and sat in this seat.“We have to try and keep our best players and bring in more good players to make us even stronger because the ambition of the club and everyone connected with the club is long-term success and that’s the only way to get that.”While the above words have been twisted, spun and even claimed to be Howe opening the door for a big-money exit, one of their top priorities is to re-open talks on a contract extension for the goal-getter.Newcastle are under no pressure to sell and have him tied down on a package worth around £130,000-a-week until 2028.But they have been expecting more noise from rival clubs to try and unsettle their talisman and are also bracing themselves for similar tactics regarding Guimaraes and Gordon.Tentative contract talks took place in the Autumn but both camps were happy to push them back until the end of the season.Liverpool romped to the Premier League title this season, but boss Arne Slot will not rest on his laurelsCredit: AlamyIsak’s goals, including the Wembley winner, have definitely pushed up his bargaining power.Now Newcastle, even with the Carabao Cup as some potential leverage, desperately need their own bargaining chips bolstered – and Champions League qualification would certainly do it.It is a stage all of the big hitters want to play on and Isak has already had a taste of it on Tyneside.After sticking around despite missing out on Europe completely last season, the idea of another campaign not being able to perform on the grandest stage will not be greeted warmly.That is why to avoid months of speculation, rumours, whispering and even potential unrest from the player himself that a potential defeat to the Blues could bring, it is vital that Newcastle take matters into their own hands come Sunday.A second Champions League qualification in three years and a piece of silverware to boot are the perfect ingredients for both camps to begin thrashing out an extended contract.A victory for Toon would be a win for everybody associated with the Mags and the forward while it would also deliver a crushing blow to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.However, if David Moyes’ men come and spoil the St James’ party, then a very different summer transfer window could lay for Howe and his recruitment plans.Read More on The SunBut rather than finish on that worrying note, at least the man himself has previously stated that he believes he can achieve his football ambitions at Newcastle.Isak declared: “That’s why I came here.”Several clubs have been considering a move for IsakCredit: Getty More

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      Watch moment 6ft7inch Prem star stunned onlookers when he helped push a stranded car of a busy roundabout

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      GEORDIE football hero Dan Burn stunned onlookers when he helped to push a stranded car off a busy roundabout.The 6ft 7in Newcastle defender — whose Carabao Cup final goal last month inspired them to their first domestic trophy in 70 years — sprang into action on Saturday.Dan Burn stunned onlookers when he helped to push a stranded car off a busy roundaboutCredit: FacebookThe Geordie football hero sprang into action on SaturdayCredit: xDan’s Carabao Cup final goal last month inspired Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 yearsCredit: GettyWitnesses said an electric BMW i3 had come to a standstill with its airbags deployed after a driver slammed on the brakes to avoid a crash on the A19, north of the North East city.Phone footage shot by fan Joeanne Collis shows new England cap Burn, 32, climbing from his own car to join two other men.Her nine-year-old son Reuben-Joh, nine, can be heard asking: “Mum, is that actually Dan Burn?” She replies: “It is, aye. Absolute legend.”Read More on SportFull-time carer Joeanne, 40, from Blyth, told The Sun: “Dan is from round here, so everyone knows him.“It just proves what a top man he is. “The car was small so he towered above it.” It was an all-action weekend for Burn — yesterday he played in the home game against Manchester United.Most read in FootballHow Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricks More

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      FA Cup to keep hated rule next season despite pleas by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer to change it after Man Utd clash

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      FA CUP fixtures next season will include extra time – despite calls for them to follow the Carabao Cup’s lead.The EFL scrapped extra time in the Carabao Cup in 2018, with all fixtures – barring the final – being decided by a penalty shootout in the event of a stalemate.FA Cup chiefs have decided against scrapping extra-time for next seasonCredit: GETTYThey have been facing calls to get rid of it to give lower league teams chances of victoryCredit: REXBut FA chiefs, according to The Times, aren’t planning to follow suit.That’s despite their recent scrapping of replays, which used to be huge money-spinners for lower league clubs.The decision to axe replays was widely condemned, with many believing it was made to cater to Premier League clubs’ fixture schedules.Lower league sides are at a clear disadvantage in terms of squad depth and fitness levels when games go to extra time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat fact couldn’t be more apparent when non-League Tamworth Town took Tottenham Hotspur the full 90 minutes in their third-round tie in January.The Lambs did extraordinarily well to hold Spurs to a 0-0 draw but conceded three goals in extra-time against the much fitter Premier League side.Extra time that day cruelly denied Tamworth a huge payday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The money generated from a replay would’ve been invaluable to The Lambs.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSExtra time cruelly denied Tamworth Town a replay against TottenhamCredit: GETTYGetting rid of extra time and going straight to penalties would somewhat level the playing field between lower league clubs and teams in the top-flight.Additionally, it would go some way to helping tackle the issue of player fatigue, with Prem clubs having far bigger and fitter squads.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inSeveral high-profile figures are keen on scrapping extra time in FA Cup matches, including Gary Lineker.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “We’ve argued many times, just get rid of extra time. Just go to penalties. It makes so much sense.”Particularly with the amount of football teams are playing now, the amount of injuries we’re getting. Just play 90 minutes, then settle it on penalties.”Because once it goes to extra time, the vast majority of us are thinking, particularly when it’s as bad as it was last night [Man Utd vs Fulham], you’re just thinking, ‘Come on, penalty shootout, a bit of excitement.'”Co-host Alan Shearer was in full agreement, saying: “Straight to penalties, I’m all for that.” More

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      How Ruben Amorim can fix Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho problem with key role vs Newcastle

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to visit high-flying Newcastle in one of their toughest tests of the season.The Toon Army have shown no signs of letting up with two wins out of two since they lifted the Carabao Cup to win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.Ruben Amorim will need to get his tactics right if United are to be successful at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyAlexander Isak headed home as Newcastle eased to a 2-0 win at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersAnd Ruben Amorim knows he will have to get his tactics spot on after being outwitted by Eddie Howe in a comfortable Newcastle win at Old Trafford back in December.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert Dean Scoggins looks ahead to the big game…TOON OF SPACENEWCASTLE are very, very brave in the press and will try to turn the game into a midfield battle which they are confident of winning.Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will be asked to press high and ensure the majority of the game is played in the final Man Utd third.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut, unlike a lot of teams, the Magpies’ back four will continue to occupy deeper positions so as not to be beaten by a ball over the top.This could leave up to 60 yards of space to be patrolled by Sandro Tonali alone, which is where Bruno Fernandes comes into the picture.Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will press high for NewcastleCredit: AlamyThere is a 60-yard space that Newcastle’s style of play leave openLEADING FROM THE FRONTIF Bruno Fernandes can occupy the space between the Newcastle midfield and defence, I don’t think the back four will follow him in.They would rather risk having space in front than behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYou could then end up with a split defence with the two players on the left sticking back while those on the right come forward.If that happens, there will be a little offside line for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho to exploit.Bruno Fernandes should have plenty of space to operate inCredit: AlamyBruno Fernandes can hurt Newcastle if he occupies these kind of spacesMan Utd’s secret weapon in Treble-winning season revealed as star who played ‘bigger role than people give credit for’GARNA GO FOR ITTHERE has been a lot of talk about Man Utd dropping out-of-form Garnacho, but I can’t see it happening in this game.Amad Diallo is still injured and they have nobody else with the pace Ruben Amorim is looking for.And if United get things spot on, I can see Garnacho having a lot of success in this game.It will be up to Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee to keep the Newcastle defenders occupied and, from there, the team will need to get the ball to Garnacho quickly.If that happens, he will be able to do a lot of damage in a one-on-one battle with Kieran Trippier.But if the build-up is slower and involves a lot of passes, Fabian Schar or Jacob Murphy will be able to quickly double up on Garnacho to cover 34-year-old Trippier.Many are expecting Garnacho to be dropped, but I think he could turn his form around in this gameCredit: GettyGarnacho hasn’t been at his best this seasonGarnacho can get at Kieran Trippier in these areasFLICKING THE SWITCHONE card Newcastle could play is to switch the full-backs around, with Livramento a natural right-back and Trippier having played for England on the left.This would allow the 22-year-old ex-Southampton star to deal with the pacey threat of Garnacho and Dorgu, and Trippier to use his experience to keep his eye on the crafty Fernandes and the more defensive-minded right-back Noussair Mazraoui.It would also give Newcastle the chance to fire in-swinging crosses towards a Man Utd defence that has struggled in the air.Kieran Trippier (above) could move to the left to allow Tino Livramento to deal with the threat of GarnachoCredit: PAHEADS, YOU WINNEWCASTLE eased to victory at Old Trafford with two early headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton, so the Man Utd defence will have to be on its toes in the North East.Though Harry Maguire is the best header of the ball in Ruben Amorim’s squad, I would like to see the Man Utd boss put Leny Yoro on dangerman Isak.The Swedish striker will normally look to receive knockdowns rather than challenge in the air, and Man Utd should try to avoid Maguire being caught in a foot race with him the way Virgil van Dijk was at Wembley.Therefore, I’d expect Maguire to play on either side of the back three and Yoro in the centre.Read More on The SunUnited will also be in with a much better chance of winning if Matthijs de Ligt is back to help Maguire deal with the aerial threat.And during set pieces, they will need to try to keep a high line to give as much space as possible for Andre Onana to come out and command his area.Harry Maguire will need to be at his best to combat Newcastle’s aerial threatCredit: GettyKieran Tripper could cause problems with crosses in from the left sideAndre Onana will have to come off his line and into the danger zone to claim crosses More

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      Major Newcastle stadium update after Carabao Cup trophy parade with new plans drawn up to boost capacity

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      NEWCASTLE’S Carabao Cup glory has revved up their dreams of a huge new stadium.The Toon’s Saudi owners would love to build a 70,000-capacity venue adjacent to St James’ Park.Huge celebrations after the Carabao Cup win have further fuelled Newcastle’s desire for a bigger venue near St James’ ParkCredit: RexA new stadium could have a spectacular lookAround 300,000 fans thronged the city’s streets last weekend to celebrate the Wembley victory over Liverpool.And that’s put a sharp focus back on plans for moving away from St. James’ Park, with an overall cost of up to £3billion already mentioned.A venue housing 65k at nearby Leazes Park – boasting its own version of Wembley Way – is understood to be a prime option.But The Telegraph reckon club chiefs would ideally like a site holding an even bigger number of fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle reportedly held an internal presentation last month.And it’s believed there’s plenty of room for change in the alternatives being looked at.The Magpies were without major domestic silverware since 1955 – until beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final on March 16.Newcastle are also a promising fifth in the Premier League – just a point behind Manchester City and with a game in hand.Most read in FootballSupporters have given manager Eddie Howe hero status after final gloryCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat means a Champions League place next season is a serious possibility.It also means there are extra reasons to come up with draft plans for a spectacular new home ground.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success St. James’ Park holds 52,000 and has been Newcastle’s home since 1892.But the club’s ambitious chiefs are set on a bigger stadium.The Telegraph believe a design for an upgrade has yet to be finalised for a variety of reasons.That includes the fact there are plenty of options to mull over.Redeveloping St. James’ Park remains an option. More

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      ‘No, that’s your party’ – Newcastle stars were BANNED from drinking during open top bus parade, reveals Alan Shearer

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED players were BANNED from drinking during their Carabao Cup celebrations last weekend.Eddie Howe’s troops paraded the trophy, which they pipped runaway Prem leaders Liverpool to last month, in front of hundreds of thousands of jubilant Geordies last Saturday.Newcastle United celebrated their Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool with an open-top bus paradeCredit: SPLASHBut manager Eddie Howe banned the players from drinking any booze during the celebrationsCredit: REXThe Magpies were the picture of happiness as they took an open-top bus around the city.But it was a sober one for the players as Howe didn’t want them nursing prolonged hangovers for their clash with Brentford tomorrow.Toon legend Alan Shearer revealed on the Rest is Football podcast: “They’ve got Brentford on Wednesday and they trained yesterday.“They’re training today, they’re training Monday, they’re training Tuesday, and they’re training Wednesday morning as well.READ MORE SPORTS NEWS”Because Eddie had taken them to Dubai and he said, ‘No, that’s your party.’“And they weren’t allowed to drink yesterday or last evening. “None of them went to the afterparty. He got them back straight in and focused.”Newcastle’s capturing of the Carabao Cup ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSToon legend Alan Shearer revealed Eddie Howe’s laying down of the law to his playersCredit: REXAnd club legend Shearer was emotional during Saturday’s celebrations as he lamented his late father, Alan Sr, not being able to see the club lift the trophy.He said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle parade”He was lucky enough to be at the [Inter-Cities Fairs Cup] final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.” More

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      ‘I’m sure he’s watching’ – Alan Shearer ‘got emotional’ over thought of his dad during Newcastle’s trophy parade

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      ALAN SHEARER has claimed he will “never forget” Newcastle’s epic Carabao Cup celebrations – but wishes his dad had been there to see it.The 54-year-old cut an emotional figure as hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Tyneside on Saturday.Alan Shearer cut an emotional figure during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup paradeCredit: GettyMore than 150,000 fans lined the streets to celebrate the Toon’s first trophy in 70 yearsCredit: GettyAn emotional Shearer was asked about the impact of his father, who died last yearCredit: GettyNewcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final on March 16 to win their first domestic trophy since 1955.After ending 70 years of hurt, over 150,000 fans flocked to a bus parade around the city.Shearer – a native Geordie who scored 206 goals in 10 seasons with the Toon – was a guest of honour at the event. Choking back tears on stage after the parade, the Newcastle icon said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He was lucky enough to be at the [Inter-Cities Fairs Cup] final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.”Shearer’s father Alan passed away last May aged 80 following a battle with cancer. Most read in FootballThe ex-England striker opened up more on the emotional day during a new episode of podcast This Is Football.He joined Gary Lineker and Micah Richards to discuss a remarkable 24 hours in the North East.Newcastle United hold a trophy parade outside St James’ Park after winning the Carabao Cup And Shearer claimed it was “one of the best weekends ever.”He said: “It was such a pleasure to be there.”Pete Graves and Lindsay Hipgrave did the interviews on stage.”Ant and Dec were doing the interviews on the bus. One of them mentioned my dad.”I got a bit emotional. He always wanted to see Newcastle win a trophy.”Unfortunately, he wasn’t there but hopefully he’s watching.”I got a bit emotional on stage.The taste of success leaves you definitely hungry for more days like thisEddie Howe”That moment when I walked out and saw north of 150,000 people in black and white shirts, cheering my name.”That moment will live with me forever. It was really was incredible.”Shearer also revealed that even Newcastle’s players and staff were taken aback by the size of the crowds.Boss Eddie Howe gasped: “Wow. This is just incredible.Read More on The Sun”We are hungry for more, but without getting ahead of ourselves in a sense that we now have 10 huge Premier League games to go back to and try to focus on that. “The taste of success leaves you definitely hungry for more days like this.” More