Newcastle United considers late tactical shift as club legend declares: ‘We’ve got our club back’

As massive banners were draped over the historic stone balcony of the Punch & Judy pub in Covent Garden, stunned onlookers watched as a sea of black and white grew larger by the hour on Saturday afternoon.

Typically, this balcony serves as a prime viewing spot for Londoners enjoying street performers with a glass of wine in hand. However, this Saturday was anything but typical.

One bewildered passerby, clearly well-informed yet unaware of the occasion, asked, “Oh, is this for the rugby?”

A Newcastle supporter, decked out in black and white, promptly responded, “No, it’s the Geordies—we’re taking over for the day!”

That response felt like an understatement. Chants of “EI EI EI OH, up the Premier League we go!” echoed through the square, originally laid out in 1630.

Though Newcastle United’s wait for a domestic trophy dates back to 1955, one passionate fan summed up the sentiment: “It’s not even about that.

We’re here, we’re enjoying it, and we’re challenging again. That’s all we ask for.”

At some point, that mentality will need to shift. Newcastle must embrace ambition, and who knows? That moment could arrive as soon as tonight.

Just a short walk away, a sense of optimism filled the air—along with an acknowledgment that Newcastle United were well and truly back.

Club legend Warren Barton, a beloved figure among supporters, needed no reminder of the journey.

Addressing a packed crowd, he declared, “We’ve got our club back! We were going nowhere in 2008 under Mike Ashley.

I even joined the fans trying to buy the club. But now, it feels like we’re moving forward again.”

When asked by Chronicle Live about the upcoming game, Barton remained confident: “We have a great chance.

Of course, we’re missing key players, but that just means others have an opportunity to step up.”

He praised the current squad, emphasizing that some players were already cementing themselves as club legends.

“Look at Alexander Isak leading the attack, Bruno bossing the midfield, and Dan Burn earning his England call-up. All I’d say to the players is—make us proud.”

Newcastle are certainly facing challenges, with injuries and suspensions disrupting the squad. Lewis Hall and Sven Botman are unavailable, while Anthony Gordon is suspended.

As a result, Tino Livramento may be called upon to fill the left-back role—a position Barton himself had to cover at times during his playing career.

However, Barton has identified a potential tactical adjustment to handle Mohamed Salah. He explained, “It will be a tough test for Livramento, but he’s learning from a top player in Kieran Trippier.

I watch all the games, and I wouldn’t presume to tell Tino how to deal with Salah—he’s an elite player.

But there might be a twist. We could see Trippier at left-back. He’s played there for England before, so you never know.”

Nearby, at The Conduit, another Newcastle legend, John Beresford, spoke to fans with emotion in his voice.

“I just want us to go for it. That first tackle will be huge.

If we put in a strong challenge on a Liverpool player and get a reaction, it could set the tone.”

Reflecting on his connection to the club, Beresford continued, “As a player or supporter, Newcastle United becomes part of you.

To be here, surrounded by fans again, is an incredible feeling. We’ve waited so long for a moment like this, and now it comes down to those small defining moments.

Yes, we’ve lost Hall, Gordon, and Botman for this game, but now it’s time for someone else to step up. I just desperately want to see us win.”

And with that, the party resumed. Thousands of Newcastle supporters continued to celebrate late into the night, their voices carrying through the streets of London.

One neutral observer, taking in the scene, summed it up perfectly: “My God, what’s it going to be like when you actually win something?”