Newcastle United are a very different club to what they were 12 months ago.
In September 2024, Newcastle United were not in the Champions League, while their last domestic trophy was 1955. In terms of the squad, they possessed one of the best strikers in the world in Alexander Isak.
Fast forward to September 2025 and the landscape has drastically changed. The Magpies are back in Europe’s elite competition, while the trophy drought ended on 16th March.
However, Isak has left in disgrace. A summer-long saga ended with him signing for Liverpool, as Nick Woltemade arrived as his replacement.
The Isak situation cast a dark cloud over a positive summer at St James’ Park, but there is a stark contrast to the mood behind the scenes right now to what it was like 12 months ago.
Eddie Howe arrives at St James' Park for Newcastle United's friendly against Atletico Madrid.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Newcastle United are suddenly much more positive internally
That is according to the Athletic’s George Caulkin, who has spoken about the change in mood internally at Newcastle United over the past year.
Caulkin spoke about the feeling inside the club on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, admitting there is a sense of positivity after a period of chaos and unrest.
“There is a real feeling of positivity around the club,” he said.
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“Chris [Waugh] and I speak to people around the first-team and the club in general. I do think that there is a big contrast to how things were a year ago.
“If you go back then, there was all the PSR debacle. There was that feeling within the dressing room that everybody for a little while had been up for sale.”
Caulkin added: “Talk to people close to Eddie Howe, who will tell you until they’re kind of blue in the face that people just won’t understand how difficult last season was for the head coach and his staff.
“They brought things around immaculately. The way the team finished the season with the cup win and getting into the Champions League was incredible. But it was such a slog to get there.
“The feeling now is very different, it’s very positive. There’s big excitement about David Hopkinson coming in as chief executive. I know there have been lots of conversations between him and Eddie Howe already.”
Newcastle United have team spirit and a stronger squad
There was so much unrest at Newcastle United 12 months ago. The club had been rocked by the departures of Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, while there was friction between Howe and incoming sporting director Paul Mitchell.
PSR ruined the Magpies’ summer plans. Elliot Anderson was forced to leave, while there was also intense speculation surrounding Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.
Newcastle were not united, yet Howe was able to rally his troops and enjoy a remarkable campaign.
In September 2025, the Newcastle United squad has been enhanced massively. While there were obstacles over the summer, it has proven to be very fruitful. Newcastle’s new signings are all improvements, as Howe gets the greater depth he has needed.
On top of that, Newcastle are united. You can see that from the opening weeks of the season. Despite the Isak situation, this is a group of players that are committed to the cause and will give everything they can for the badge.
There is optimism internally, and so there should be. Newcastle’s season starts here.