Newcastle United to avoid repeat of pre-season struggles amid stark Eddie Howe changes

“I'd say first game of the season, we weren't fit enough in terms of being ready for a Premier League fixture. We weren't fit enough and we weren't in the right place," Callum Wilson told Michail Antonio last December.

Newcastle 's struggles with fitness last term were well-documented. This time around there will be no such mistake as Eddie Howe whips his players into shape with little over one month until the Premier League opener with Nottingham Forest.

In fact, there are a number of stark contrasts between this summer and what was on offer 12 months ago, as most of the Newcastle first-team arrive back at Darsley Park on Friday. For starters, Howe has brought his group of players back five days earlier than Steve Bruce opted for in 2021.

The current Magpies boss could have allowed his squad back to return Monday but instead opted for the first day of the month, despite it falling on a Friday. Some stars will admittedly be back on Tyneside later in the month after playing international football in June.

Newcastle players were handed their off season programmes just 20 minutes after the final day victory against Burnley as Howe made it clear he wanted the players back in good health in July. After he thanked players and staff for their efforts last season, in an emotional speech after the 2-1 victory at Turf Moor, the squad were given their individual exercises to carry out during the summer break.

This summer will also see Howe's men take on top quality opposition as they look to test themselves in high-level friendlies before the return of domestic football. However, last summer brought summer games against York City, Harrogate Town, Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham, Burton Albion and Norwich City.

Admittedly, Covid