Season 1 |
|
|
Episode Guide
Howay The Revolution
Tell Me Ma, Tell Me Ma
Changing The Toon
Where Our Lads Belong
Founded in 1892, Newcastle United are a football club steeped in history. St James Park is an incredible stadium, having been with the team since their inception, through all the ups and downs over the years. Under the 14 year tenure of owner Mike Ashley however, Newcastle have seen far more downs than they have ups.
With 2 relegations, 10 different football managers and a directionless play-style on the pitch during this time, many wondered whether Newcastle could ever make it back into the big-time again.
However, investment from the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund released Mike Ashley’s tyrannical stranglehold on the club, allowing PIF’ to take an 80% stake in the club, joined by Amanda Staveley’s 10%, and the Reuben Brothers’ 10% too.
With a new superpower in play, many established players in the Premier League were not happy, with human rights campaigners even getting involved too.
After an incredible first season, where Newcastle climbed from relegation up to the mid-table, the 2022/2023 season was really the time to push on and try to gain entry back to European cup competitions and, more specifically, the Champions League.
The four episodes are well shot and edited, diving into all the concerns and issues many had about the idea of sportswashing and Newcastle’s investment. Those are still here of course, and at times the show does give the impression that the Saudis are being stifled by Financial Fair Play – which isn’t exactly a great look. Beyond that, the show takes a fascinating approach to the business side of football as well.
There’s a big meeting in Germany to try and secure a deal with Adidas; another time, owners meet with oversea supporters in the US to drive international merchandise sales.
Alongside this insightful look at the business is the drama that happens on the pitch. Pivotal games from the season, including crucial ties against Liverpool, Man Utd and Tottenham are shown through highlights, while a constantly evolving league table, showing points won or lost over the year, helps to paint a picture of where Newcastle are going.
The one winner from all of this though comes from Amanda Staveley. Her first interview on-screen, discussing how she had goosebumps coming out at St James Park, really shows her level of commitment and how much she wants to succeed in this role. In fact, that passion and drive extends out to some of the others interviewed here too.
There are excellent chats with Callum Wilson, especially in episode 3 when he discusses his childhood and visits his old secondary school. Elsewhere, an emotional reception for Sean Longstaff during a crucial game will tug at the heartstrings of even the most hardened football fan. Finally you have Eddie Howe, the current manager of Newcastle and evidenced through these 4 episodes, certainly the right man to lead the Magpies to glory in the future.
And in fact, the fans are interviewed right the way through the season too, adding to that feeling of family that the club have been striving for. Hearing fans nervously reacting to tough defeats, or elating after an incredible win (like the absolutely insane game against Tottenham) certainly adds to the immersive quality of this one.
Newcastle United are not to be underestimated and if their meteoric rise up the table is anything to go by, then we could be in for another special season too. This is a well produced, nicely constructed docu-series and certainly well worth a watch.
Feel Free To Check Out More Of Our TV Show Reviews Here!
-
Verdict - 7.5/10
7.5/10