The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Extra break gives injured more time
NEWCASTLE United boss Eddie Howe is hoping for a treble boost in time for the Magpies’ next Premier League game at Crystal Palace, writes LEE RYDER.
United have been handed the luxury of a free weekend due to the postponement of their encounter away to Manchester United, with the Red Devils in FA Cup action at Wembley against Coventry City instead.
It means that the Palace game on April 24 gives Howe extra time to get key players fit.
United had always targeted the game at Selhurst Park for the return of Kieran Trippier, who will be assessed in the coming days at Benton. However, the other big positive is that both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall got through their cameo roles in the 4-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur unscathed.
When asked about Trippier at the start of this month, Howe said: “Kieran will be a little bit longer than we anticipated he would be, purely from the fact he’s had no setback but the injury is just taking long than we first thought.”
Trippier was due to miss just a couple of games after being injured in the 3-0 win over
Wolves, but has continually been assessed by medics.
Hall and Livramento will be hoping to start the important fixture in Croydon as Newcastle look to stay on track for Europe in the run-in.
Howe is also hoping to welcome back Joelinton, Nick Pope and
Joe Willock before the end of the season.
When speaking about injuries and how is side is admirably coping, the Newcastle head coach said: “I’ve complimented the players all season that the guys who have been fit for the whole season have carried the burden and have been outstanding.
“The mentality to the challenge has never wavered. We’ve had some difficult moments but they’ve come through them.
“Hopefully we can stay in relatively good shape between now and the end of the season and continue to pick up points.”
NEWCASTLE United brought in new haptic shirts to allow deaf fans in attendance the chance to feel the noise of St James’ Park.
For the first time ever in football, this technology was used during United’s 4-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Working with shirt sponsor Sela, United were able to transform the noise in the stadium into real-time touch sensation for fans and match-day mascots who have hearing loss.
Sela has also committed to providing the technology at all future Newcastle United home games as a demonstration of their commitment to improving accessibility to football.
Deaf fans David Wilson and Ryan Gregson were among those to experience the haptic shirts for the first time.
David said: “What a game, what a day, what a shirt, I felt part of the singing, part of the stadium. The vibrations just continued through the full game.
“We felt involved in all the goals and all the singing, so I just want to say thank you.”
Ryan also said: “That’s the best top ever. We felt the music, the singing, everything was included all in the top; it was brilliant.
“At 4-0, vibrations were amazing. I’m so happy, I would like to wear it every game.”
Newcastle United players also wore a one-off matchday shirt, emblazoned with the logo of RNID, the national charity supporting the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss.
This marks another historic occasion – it is the first time a hearing loss charity has been promoted on the front of a Premier League shirt.
Supporting Sela’s initiative, a recent survey conducted by RNID of its members who are deaf or have hearing loss found that 71% of those surveyed believe new technology could improve the match-day experience and make it more accessible. Sela hopes that its actions will inspire football clubs across the Premier League to improve accessibility.
Peter Silverstone, United’s chief commercial officer, added: “Today marks a huge day for inclusion in football. Through the haptic shirts, Sela has granted deaf fans and those with hearing loss the opportunity to experience the match-day atmosphere for which St James’ Park is so renowned.
“Newcastle United is proud that our ever-increasing global exposure and followership has provided Sela the platform to amplify this great initiative.
“Coupled with the sponsorship donation to RNID, the initiative showcases how football sponsorship can be a catalyst for greater accessibility and inclusion in the game and is demonstrative of Newcastle United and Sela’s joint commitment to ensuring all our fans feel they belong at St. James’ Park.”