Squad starts preparations for campaign

NEWCASTLE United stars reported for pre-season training yesterday as they began preparations for the upcoming 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

The bulk of Eddie Howe’s side was back at Darsley Park as the Magpies boss prepares to whip them into shape over the next five weeks.

First-team players Allan Saintmaximin, Joe Willock, Joelinton, Callum Wilson and Dan Burn were among those back in action but the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron are all enjoying an extended break due to their international exploits last month.

Newcastle supporters were given an insight into the first day back as the club’s social media account documented the players arriving and working out throughout the morning.

Newcastle stars worked out in the club’s gym area, working on explosive power jumps with conditioning coach Nick Grantham.

Saintmaximin

(left) and Wilson were among two players to receive one-on-one sessions with recent coaching addition Liam Mason as they worked on leg exercises in the gym.

The attacking duo are players who have been working hard over the summer, documenting their June training on social media.

The group were also out on the grass working on their fitness, enjoying the new state-of-the-art pitches which have been installed in recent weeks.

Staff at the training ground have been working out of a temporary cabins while the work was conducted.

Former Bournemouth coach Dan Hodges led a session on the grass as a group of 10 players, including Jamal Lewis, Paul Dummett and Matt Targett, worked on their fitness.

Howe, his coaches and his players were all in the club’s new Castore training gear.

Howe has brought the bulk of his players back four days earlier than Steve Bruce opted for in 2021, with the former not asking his squad to return until July 5.

The head coach has stressed he wants a big pre-season from his players as he looks to avoid fitness issues which plagued the squad under his predecessor.