James Bunce was drafted in to alleviate Newcastle United’s injury woes after the 2023-24 campaign.
Newcastle United performance director James Bunce has provided insight on how the club are preparing for a gruelling Champions League campaign.
Two years ago, the Magpies struggled to deal with the added European demands. An unprecedented 1,950 days lost due to injury became a Premier League record but Eddie Howe still managed to churn out a seventh-placed finish.
Manchester United winning the FA Cup denied Newcastle a Conference League spot. However, that proved a blessing in disguise as the Magpies enjoyed a clear run to Champions League qualification last season.
Learning from Champions League mistakes
Toon chiefs are wary of not wanting to repeat the same mistakes and are keen to bolster the first-team ranks. Anthony Elanga has already arrived from Nottingham Forest and more incomings are expected.
NewcastleWorld understands a striker, centre-back and goalkeeper are priorities as Howe aims to beef up his ranks. The Magpies have begun pre-season training and are currently in Austria ahead of this weekend’s clash with Celtic.
James Bunce on pre-season preparations
Speaking to the club’s media channel, performance director Bunce - brought in to alleviate the fitness concerns 12 months ago - opened up about how pre-season preparations are going. He said: “This is week two for us in pre-season. So the first week is kind of like at the training ground usually. As you saw, we played Carlisle at the end of the week. Just getting the lads moving again.
“So they’ve had a nice well deserved break, some longer than others. Here in Austria, Austria’s a famous place to come for pre-season. One, because of the natural beauty. (It is a) very good, secluded location that allows us to have a lot of time together in privacy.
“I’d like to say nice weather but it’s very much like Newcastle weather at the moment! But the lads will appreciate that from the warm climate we’ve had. It allows us to have a lot of time together. We have got new players (and) new staff in with us, (which) allows that time for bonding, allows us time to go through all the stuff that isn’t only on the pitch, but off the pitch. The team building, the connectivity.
“Taking a lot of time in meetings to start work on the tactical preparation for what is obviously going to be a massive season for us. And then obviously the work on the pitch is a foundation of what we’ve got to deliver. So starting to build the intensity as we head through this week and obviously end with a massive game at Celtic Park on the weekend.”
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Eddie Howe on James Bunce
Howe hailed Bunce’s impact on the team when asked by NewcastleWorld earlier this year. He said: “James has taken that on (injury responsibility) this season. His role is to coordinate everything regarding a player’s injury. With, of course, the medical team, in terms of assessing the injuries, getting the correct diagnosis, the right treatment, times and then beginning the process of getting that player back to full fitness.
“I have to say I think he’s been excellent in every respect. He’s made a really positive difference for us. Our injury record over the season has been very strong. That is in part down to James and the medical team.”
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