Newcastle United evening headlines as tributes paid to Steve Black, Ferdinand's verdict on Wood

Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Sunday, February 20.

Newcastle announced the devastating news of Steve Black’s passing earlier today at the age of 64.

He played a big part for the club during Kevin Keegan’s time as manager and returned on a number of occasions to aid the psychology aspect of the club at St James’ Park.

He was also involved for the city’s rugby union team, the Newcastle Falcons, as well as with Huddersfield Town, Sunderland and the British & Irish Lions.

The news was extremely upsetting for everyone who knew him and the tributes poured in on social media after this morning’s announcement.

Read a collection of them here.

While the Magpies’ form has improved since his arrival, Chris Wood is still yet to score for the club after five Premier League appearances.

He has been able to have an impact on proceedings with the way in which he has taken pressure off the defence when in possession of the ball but he will be desperate for his maiden goal.

Rio Ferdinand explained why the New Zealand international has struggled to adapt since arriving on Tyneside.

“The bigger issue for him is, at Burnley he was the focal point of all their attacks, whereas at Newcastle, up until today, Saint-Maximin has been the guy,” he said on BT Sport. “So he’s having to feed off different things and he’s having to adapt.

“Today [against West Ham] is a good opportunity for him because they’re going to have to look for someone else. For a number nine, he [Saint-Maximin] is probably not the perfect winger for that type of striker.”

Read more here.

Newcastle have been indebted to Kieran Trippier for the part he has played in the club’s recent strong run of form.

The former Atletico right-back is, unfortunately,