ST JAMES’ PARK — Newcastle United’s trajectory is taking them back towards the bright lights and game-changing bottom line of the Champions League but how many of this squad go with them remains a fascinating sub-plot of a season to remember.
A victory that relegated 10-man Ipswich Town was predictable but the final goalscorer – Newcastle’s roughest of diamonds William Osula – was not. Stooping to nod Kieran Trippier’s wonderful cross past Alex Palmer, Osula’s accomplished header was a tentative sign that a changing of the guard is under way at St James’ Park.
That Callum Wilson, whose Newcastle future is in doubt with talks on a new contract yet to be initiated by the club, was also on the field at the time felt symbolic.
OSULAAAAA pic.twitter.com/uJ7TNmhuuL
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 26, 2025
The 33-year-old has been a wonderful servant at St James’ Park but Newcastle plan a summer revamp of their forward line with Ipswich’s Liam Delap among the options being considered. As one of the few of Eddie Howe’s experienced standard-bearers yet to be handed a contract extension, Wilson is starting to look like the odd man out. He is heading towards the exit door.
But he may not be alone. Joe Willock was handed the chance to impress in the absence of the influential Joelinton and, in truth, was hit and miss. It has been a difficult, stop-start campaign for him and Sean Longstaff, who has played just 75 minutes of football in this calendar year and was once again an unused substitute.
Others are constructing a more formidable case to be part of the bright new era. Trippier’s time felt up when he lost the captaincy before the start of the season and there were opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the United States and Europe for him in January. But the loss of Lewis Hall to a season-ending injury, which prompted Tino Livramento’s switch to a left-back role in which he has excelled, has prompted an Indian summer for Trippier that makes him look indispensable once more.
He set up two goals against shell-shocked Ipswich at the weekend, standing up a wonderful cross for Dan Burn to head his first Premier League goal of the season, and was a driving force in a difficult first half when the visitors threatened to gain a foothold. Insiders say he is one of those who sets the standards in the dressing room, and there is a belief at the club that another campaign of Champions League football is likely to persuade him that his future lies at Newcastle.
“He is a difference-maker for us. He has obvious qualities on the pitch, but he is a leader and his experience helps us in so many ways,” Howe said afterwards. Wary of ripping things up too drastically, he remains a big fan of Trippier.
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The evolution of this team of Newcastle history-makers in the second half of 2025 is going to be fascinating to watch. Three or four “big signings” are planned – Champions League football will help on that front – but how they adapt and learn from the mistakes of their last European campaign will be equally intriguing. Inject more youth into the group? Turn to Paul Mitchell’s growing crop of project players? Or do smart, savvy business by picking up the Delaps of this world?
One thing is for certain: any recruitment must not threaten the culture that Howe has built at Newcastle. This was yet another strong response to a heavy defeat in a season that might have overwhelmed more brittle squads. Instead they turned the page on a 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa as they once again showcased impressive resilience.
“It needs to be one of your core strengths,” Howe said of his team’s ability to bounce back.
“You’re going to have disappointing days and poor results but the need to bounce back and show the mental resolve to respond is one of our best characteristics. With four games left, we can’t afford to have any more setbacks.”
Howe himself was a less animated presence on the touchline, clearly still suffering the ill effects of a bout of pneumonia that left him hospitalised and probably required a longer spell of convalescence. That was never going to be the case although Howe’s promise to take it steady on his return to the training ground lasted, according to Burn, no more than a few minutes before he was calling a halt to a session to point out what needed to be improved.
Having their leader back helped Newcastle here and, given Jason Tindall picked up a yellow card that will see him suspended for next weekend’s trip to Brighton, Howe’s return was timely. There is a lot to be decided in the coming weeks.
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