Newcastle United are a huge club and have spent just two seasons outside of the Premier League in their history. In fact, Newcastle are in 8th place in the Premier League’s all-time table. They came closest to winning the Premier League in the mid-1990s when they finished twice as runners-up to Manchester Utd. 
Newcastle play their home matches at St. James’ Park and last season had average attendances of 51,121 which is one of the biggest in the Premier League (7th).

Factsheet

• Stadium: St. James' Park 
• Stadium Capacity: 52, 354 
• Location: Newcastle 
• Founded: 1886 
• Nickname: The Magpies 
• Manager: Eddie Howe 
• Kit: Black and white stripes

What do we know about Newcastle Utd?

What honours have Newcastle won?

The Magpies were relegated in 2016 but spent just one season in the Championship. They were promoted as Champions and this is the fourth time they have won the second division title. They have also won the top division title four times, but the last time was back in 1927. They‘ve won the FA Cup six times and Newcastle won the equivalent of the UEFA Europa League in 1969.

Where is Newcastle?

Newcastle is a city in North East England. Newcastle’s full name is Newcastle upon Tyne, which refers to the river that runs through the city, but the city is commonly called just Newcastle. The city has a population of just under 300,000, but there are nearly 900,000 people who live in the surrounding area.

Who are Newcastle's main rivals?

Newcastle’s strongest rivalry is with Sunderland, which is another city very close to Newcastle in the North East of England. The derby between Newcastle Utd and Sunderland was first played in 1888. It has been played 155 times, with Sunderland winning 53 times and Newcastle 53. It is called 'The Tyne and Wear Derby' after the rivers that flow through the cities: The Tyne (Newcastle) and The Wear (Sunderland).

Round and about

In this section, we take a look at some cultural and social aspects of life in the UK that are related to Newcastle and its surrounding areas. If you ever plan a visit to see the Magpies, the following might be useful.

What is a Geordie?

People from Newcastle are known as Geordies. They have their own dialect and a strong accent that can sometimes be difficult for people to understand. One famous word is 'Howay' which means 'Come on!' At the end of the player's tunnel at St. James' Park there is a sign that reads, 'Howay the Lads' which means, 'Come on Boys!' Don’t call people from Sunderland Geordies, they are called Mackems and they won’t let you forget it, if you get it wrong!

Can you have a good night out in Newcastle?

Newcastle is famous for its nightlife and one travel guide about Britain has even named a night out in Newcastle as Britain’s best tourist attraction! There are lots and lots of bars, clubs and restaurants all within walking distance of each other. You will definitely not be bored on a Saturday night in Newcastle city centre!

Can I study in Newcastle?

Newcastle University and nearby Durham University are two of the best universities in the UK. Newcastle University has won the Sunday Times Best University Award, which is a prestigious prize for universities in the UK.

Has Newcastle got any famous fans?

Manchester Utd’s Michael Carrick and the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, Alan Shearer, are both Newcastle fans. Outside of the world of football, the musician, Sting, is a Newcastle Utd fan and he actually wrote a song about the club when they reached the FA Cup Final, in 2008. The song was called Black and White Army.

Where is Newcastle United?

Fan Interview

In this section, we would like you to practise your English listening skills. Have a listen to Gordon, who is a Newcastle Utd fan and try to answer the questions below. If the listening is too difficult, you can read the dialogue at the same time.

1. What is Gordon looking forward to about the Premier League? 
2. Which place does Gordon recommend you visit? 
3. Where does Gordon think Newcastle will finish this season?

In this activity, have a look at some words and phrases from the article and try to match them to the correct definition.

Journalist: So, we’re joined now by Gordon, a Newcastle Utd fan. Now, Simon, Newcastle are back in the Premier League after winning the Championship last season. How do you think they’ll do?

Gordon: To be honest, I’m just happy we’re back where we belong. It was nice visiting lots of different clubs and stadiums in the Championship and it was nice to win something obviously, but the Toon needs to be in the Premier League with the big boys!

Journalist: So, you think you’ll be up near the top?

Gordon: Why not? With 50,000 Geordies cheering the team on other teams won’t fancy coming to St. James’ Park. We might not win the League but I fancy us for the top ten. I really do.

Journalist: What’s going to be the key for Newcastle this season?

Gordon: Like I said, it’s going to be our home form but the manager, too - Rafael Benitez. I like Rafa, I think he's a top, top manager. He’s managed Real Madrid, he’s won the Champions League, he’s done it all. Keep Rafa happy with a few more signings and I think we’ll be alright.

Journalist: What are you most looking forward to this season?

Gordon: Ha! Well, it would be normally be the Derby against the Mackems. But Sunderland got relegated last season - shame that! Erm … well … I’m looking forward to the first home match of the season … against Spurs that will be a real test to see where we are.

Journalist: Finally, what’s your prediction for this season?

Gordon: Like i said earlier I really don’t think we will struggle. I’d like us to sign another striker or two but I’m going for 8th place and if we go on a run we might even sneak into a Europa League spot. I’m looking forward to it ...

In all of our club pages, we encourage you to find out more about each Premier League club. Searching for information in English can be a great way to improve your language skills. We have three general knowledge questions and we want to see if you can find the answers. Beware! Some of the questions are quite difficult!

1. Newcastle hold the record for the biggest ever win in English football. What was the score?
2. Sting has sung about Newcastle football club but which former Newcastle players had pop hits in the 80s and 90s?
3. Geordie is the accent that is spoken in Newcastle. Can you translate these three words/phrases? I'm gan yem / Haddaway, man / Wey aye, man

Are you a Newcastle fan? Have you watched a Newcastle match?

In this section we want you to talk about Newcastle Utd football club and anything you read about in this article that you found interesting. 

Tell us what you think about Newcastle, tell us about your favourite Newcastle player, tell us about a match that you have seen, tell us your predictions for this season. 
Do you agree with Gordon's prediction for Newcastle this season? 

Would you like to visit Newcastle? What would you like to see and do in this area of the UK? Do you think you would learn anything new? 

Did you find the answers to our trivia questions? If you did, write the answers here? If you want to challenge other readers, write a question about Newcastle in the comments section below.