Pod on the Tyne returns after our summer holidays, all except one straggler; no prizes for guessing who that might be...

It's been an incredibly busy break, so we catch up on everything that went on, and didn't go on, after the stressful PSR deadline, management changes, and several transfer deals, (with more in the offing!).

And there's a rundown of the pre-season tour of Japan, not just from our man in Tokyo, George Caulkin, but with an exclusive diary from inside the squad!

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With Pod On The Tyne on their summer break, we bring you an episode first released on The Athletic FC Podcast looking into Newcastle United's mad dash to comply with PSR ahead of the June 30th deadline.

Chris Waugh is alongside Ayo Akinwolere and The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein to discuss how Newcastle found a way to balance the books as well as looking at what the situation is at St James’ Park for the rest of the summer transfer window?

Meanwhile, Taylor, George and Chris will be back with Pod On The Tyne at the start of August ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.

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George and Chris take to the mic without the calming presence of regular host Taylor Payne, and it's a traumatic affair after Manchester United shocked their neighbours in the FA Cup final to deprive Eddie Howe's Newcastle of a place in Europe.

With the second leg of our post-season tour in Australia landing like a gnat on a windscreen, it's been quite a rocky week for the club; co-owner Amanda Staveley even took to Instagram to make an unusual apology.

But, what does it all mean for the future? Will the lack of European football have an immediate impact on management and planning. And, why are Rafa's 2017 Mags so hot right now?

PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood

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Blood, sweat, tears... a seemingly unending slog with torn thighs, visceral noise, and extreme emotion. But, that's enough about Chris's breakfast...

Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, after one of the most arduous campaigns in the club's history, are currently in Australia playing back-to-back friendlies. But, with the league schedule done and dusted we can look back over a season of remarkable moments, a mountain of goals, and yes, some gut-wrenching defeats as well.

As we look to the future, there's optimism about where this team and NUFC Women are headed, even if we are relying on someone else to get us one more positive result. To be fair, though, it is Manchester City.

PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood

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It's the hope that kills you, and former "World's Grumpiest Man" George Caulkin, made the fatal error of going to Old Trafford to report on Newcastle United with positive expectations.

Knowing they could, and perhaps should, win the game, Eddie Howe's team created their own downfall, albeit they got some assistance from the VAR unit (is their brief reign coming to an end?)

Was it missed chances or haphazard defending that cost us the game, and potentially a European place next season? Does it matter? Why are we here? Did you leave the iron on? Big questions, vague answers.

PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood

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Newcastle's final home game of the season ended in a draw for Eddie Howe's men against Brighton. Slightly disappointing? Probably, but the home form overall has been pretty spectacular.

If they are to qualify for Europe, though, they'll have to take points on the road at Manchester United, where they've won one league game in 51 years, and at Brentford. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn are confident, and so are we.

With a round-up of some awards news, congratulations to Gateshead, and a birthday to celebrate, it's a bright, breezy, spring edition of PotT!

PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood

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Eddie Howe's Europe-chasing Mags have a crucial period coming up, starting with the last home game of the Premier League season as an unsettled Brighton travel to St James's Park.

Chris is worryingly confident, but with Anthony Gordon winning pens all over the gaffe and potential starts for returning players like Pope, Joelinton, and Miggy Almiron, you can maybe understand where he's coming from.

There's an update on the club's pursuit of a new sporting director. It seeems we are down to the last two candidates, with Dougie Freedman rumoured to be the front-runner... and, we reminisce about Newcastle "flops" who have flourished elsewhere, after Joselu, (Joselu!) scored twice to send Real Madrid to the Champions League final!

PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood

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A mellow bank holiday episode for you today, one that follows the most beautiful result in football; namely, a routine away win.

Callum Wilson scored the opener and lead the line with zeal as Gareth Southgate watched on, so inevitably Chris has decided to write about the prospect of him being sold!

And, it was 7 up for Sean Longstaff, and twenty's plenty for Isak (goals) and Gordon (goal contributions) in the Premier League this season. Roll on Europe*!

*fingers crossed

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We're taking a trip down memory lane today, inspired by Eddie Howe's goal-tastic Mags, who are on course to become the most prolific scorers in Newcastle's Premier League era.

Howe takes charge of his 100th league match as Newcastle manager this Saturday at Burnley, his former home and the team he first beat with the Toon.

And there's a fairly eclectic round-up of new stories, with plenty going on behind the scenes both football-related and further afield.

HOST: Taylor Payne

WITH: George Caulkin and Chris Waugh

PRODUCER: Ollie Bellwood

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When you win 5-1 and, in doing so, beat the Premier League record for goals scored against one opponent in a season. When your star striker and record signing scores for the 7th consecutive home game, matching all bar your club's legendary goal hero. When your other striker reaches a Premier League tally second only to that self-same legend.

When those things happen, you should be ecstatically happy, right? Well, we are happy, very much so. But, we also feel a strange sense of fragility, having allowed our opponents, bottom of the league and staring relegation in the face, the run of our stadium for 45 minutes.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle have been a strange beast this season, but with lots of international visitors in attendance, we re-affirmed our ambition. Thanks to Wor Flags, the Swedish contingent, The Lasses, and Burn & Co., we're looking up the table again. Can we dream of fifth?

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