Last night, Jamie Reuben was one of the Newcastle representatives out in Monaco for the UEFA Champions League draw.
The Toon co-owner reacted to the draw in an interview with TNT Sports after all eight league phase ties were confirmed, but also had a message for fans on potential arrivals ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Asked about matters off the pitch, with another striker wanted on top of £69m arrival Nick Woltemade, Reuben vowed to work up until the “last second” to ensure Eddie Howe’s squad is equipped to “compete at the highest level” all season:
“Well they should rest assured we are working hard – we have worked hard all summer – to make sure the team is in the best possible condition to compete at the highest levels of football. That’s what we always want.
“We will continue to work very hard up until the last second (of the summer window) to make sure the team is in tip-top shape for the campaign ahead.”
A positive message from the man who has been working overtime over the past few months in Paul Mitchell and Darren Eales’ absence, stressing that Newcastle will be working right up until Monday’s 7pm deadline to bolster the squad.
The 38-year-old then reacted to the draw itself, which will see Newcastle take on Barcelona, Benfica, PSV and Athletic Bilbao at home, plus PSG, Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille and Union SG away.
“Some very big teams, 5 former champions” 🤩
Newcastle board member Jamie Reuben reacts to the Champions League draw after they were handed some tough but exciting ties! pic.twitter.com/d0OlgzkmOc
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 28, 2025
It’s a tough draw, but Reuben relished the “great fixtures ahead” and took pride in the fact Newcastle were seen as the side no one wanted to face from pot 4:
“Some very big teams, as you say, five champions so we’re definitely in illustrious company. But we’re looking forward to it and some great fixtures ahead.”
“Firstly, we take that as a compliment that people don’t like to come to St James’ Park: we have turned it into a fortress in recent years. Some great fixtures there and we’re looking forward to being back in the Champions League.”
“It’s always a special atmosphere: Champions League nights at St James’ Park, so I hope we’ll be up for the occasion.”
Last but not least, he discussed our start to the season, feeling Howe and the team have performed well so far, but not got the points our displays have deserved after a 0-0 with Aston Villa and 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Monday:
“I think we’ve been really good, I think we’ve played really well. I think we deserved more from the points we’ve got so far.
“But I thought in both those games was a really good sign of the cohesiveness of the team, the strength of the team, and also the determination of the team as well. So I’m looking forward for the rest of the campaign.”