NEWCASTLE UNITED fans are being given a free pint to help raise the roof against Chelsea.
Fans attending St. James’ Park tomorrow can get on the beers early by claiming a complimentary drink token when heading through the turnstiles between 10am-11am.
GettyNewcastle fans will be able to enjoy a morning pint before kick off against Chelsea[/caption]
The vouchers can be redeemed for a free pint/bottle of beer or cider, or a bottled soft drink in the concourse, Platinum Club and Bar 1892.
The free drink has been organised as a thank you for their support as well as ensuring that the crowd is in full voice for the crunch Champions League qualification clash.
Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said: “We greatly appreciate the lengths that fans have gone to this season, travelling to every corner of the country to back the club, so we’re pleased to offer a token of appreciation for their loyalty and support this weekend.
“Alongside toasting the incredible support they have already shown, the offer of a free drink aims to ensure that everyone is in position for the early kick-off on Sunday, bringing that iconic St James’ Park atmosphere from the warm-ups to the final whistle.”
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe admits he has a huge call to make on whether to unleash frustrated Anthony Gordon against Chelsea.
The 24-year-old last started for Newcastle on March 2 after suspension and injury.
Winger Gordon received a three-game ban after being sent-off against Brighton and then hurt his thigh while on international duty and missed another two matches.
The tremendous form of Harvey Barnes, who has scored four since stepping in, has provided another obstacle for the ex-Everton ace to overcome.
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Gordon, who has nine goals this term, impressed after coming off the bench last week to replace Jacob Murphy and is chomping at the bit for a start.
Howe said: “He’s pushing just in terms of his general training performance. If I just think back, this is his best week physically.
“He had an issue obviously that he picked up with England and it’s taken him a while to get back to full fitness because it was a nasty injury but he’s looked good.
“I thought he did well when he came on against Brighton. He adds a different dimension to our game. Directness in running, very front footed player. So let’s wait and see.”
Howe also admitted that Gordon is not happy about being out of the side but said: “There’s an understanding from Anthony that he hasn’t been fully fit.
“We’ve had discussions and communication, of course, and I try to do that with all the players, but naturally I know now he feels good within his body and that he probably feels ready to start. So that’s the decision I have to make.”
Although Newcastle already have silverware and a play-off spot in the Uefa Conference League in the bag, Howe admits matches do not come much bigger than tomorrow’s high noon showdown with Chelsea.
With only a superior goal difference keeping them fourth ahead of the Blues, Howe said: “Every game we’ll have between now and the season probably becomes our biggest game of the season. You could debate the cup final there with it, but now that’s gone and that’s behind us.
GettyEddie Howe has a tough call to make regarding Anthony Gordon’s selection[/caption]
“We know the importance of where we finish in the Premier League and we’re doing everything we can to finish as high as we can.
“There’s a possibility it will go to the last game. All we can do is take care of our next opponent and give everything we can to win.
“It’ll be a difficult game. Chelsea are a good team and we’ve played them twice already this season, so we know their qualities.”
Howe’s achievements have been all the more remarkable considering Newcastle’s struggles to meet PSR – while at the same time Chelsea have found ways to splash the cash on their squad.
Howe added: “I’ve absolutely no emotion or feeling towards it at all because they have every right to do what they want to do and run the club in their way. I have no opinion on any other club and how they run their football club.
“I can only speak about how we do what we do and why we do what we do. Any other focus on any other club just leads to wasted time.
“We have a lot to think about ourselves and a lot to prepare and plan for so all my energy goes into that.”
How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in Subway
NEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.
And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.
Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.
Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.
“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.
“I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.
“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?’
“He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”
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