Eddie Howe has reacted as Newcastle United have made an official announcement regarding the summer months.
The Magpies are locked in an intense battle for Champions League qualification, and it is still all to play for with three games left in the Premier League season.
Newcastle United currently sit fourth in the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw with Brighton on Sunday, but the likes of Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are breathing down their necks.
While Eddie Howe aims to achieve the best possible finish with Newcastle, work is going on behind the scenes to boost the club’s commercial profile.
Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone has been hard at work improving the Magpies’ stature around the world to help them generate more revenue year on year. Things have been progressing well so far.
St James’ STACK is a big money-spinner for Newcastle, with the entertainment venue defying expectations since its opening in 2024.
Elsewhere, there is still more potential for income from a stadium perspective. Newcastle can sell stadium naming rights, but it may not be something the fans would be eager to see.
Now, new plans to increase the club’s commercial stance have been announced, Howe has shared his thoughts on the news.
Newcastle United confirm pre-season friendly vs Celtic
Newcastle announced they are touring Singapore in pre-season in April. It has now been confirmed by the club that the Magpies will also be travelling to Glasgow in July to take on Scottish Premiership Champions Celtic for the first-ever Adidas Trophy.
It had been reported that Newcastle were playing Celtic earlier in April, but it has now been confirmed by the club that Howe will take his players to Scotland for the pre-season clash.
The announcement is one that Howe has welcomed with open arms.
“Travelling to Glasgow, to face Celtic, is a great opportunity to test ourselves as we gear up for Premier League and European football next season,” Howe told Newcastle’s official website.
“We’ll face a top team at a historic ground, with a big away crowd there to support us.”
It is the first time Newcastle have played the Hoops at Celtic Park since 2004. The Magpies were managed by Sir Bobby Robson at the time, but Martin O’Neill’s side proved too good on that occasion.
It is the second time Newcastle will travel to Glasgow in three years. Howe took his side to Ibrox to play Rangers in 2023. It was the first time fans saw Sandro Tonali after he signed from AC Milan.
How many Newcastle United fans will be at Celtic Park?
It will be Newcastle’s first season as defending cup winners. They face a Celtic side who won the Scottish League Cup as well as the Premiership title.
Newcastle were backed by around 8,000 fans at Ibrox in 2023 and are expected to have a slightly smaller following at Celtic Park.
According to Newcastle’s official website, the Magpies have been allocated 7,200 tickets for the trip to Scotland.
Newcastle are yet to confirm whether they will play any pre-season games at St James’ Park this summer. The Magpies have held the Sela Cup in Newcastle over the last two years, but there has been no word on whether a third edition of the competition will take place.
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