Newcastle had been favourites to be relegated from the Premier League due to their struggles in the first half of the 2021-22 season, but they enjoyed an excellent second half of the campaign under Eddie Howe, with the team eventually finishing in 11th spot in the table.
The Magpies, who have become one of the richest clubs in world football due to their recent takeover, will be looking to push towards the top seven next term, and they have already made moves in this summer’s transfer window, bringing in Nick Pope and Sven Botman for close to £45m.
A loan deal for Matt Targett has also become permanent, while there is expected to be plenty more movement in the coming weeks, as Newcastle look to flex their financial muscles and put together a squad capable of comfortably finishing in the top half of the division next term.
Howe’s side will take on 1860 Munich, Mainz 05, Benfica and Atalanta BC in their four friendlies after this one before playing their final pre-season game of the summer against Athletic Bilbao on July 29.
The Magpies will then open their new Premier League season against Forest on August 6 before travelling to Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of a home fixture against the champions Manchester City
Gateshead, meanwhile, are preparing for life in the National League, having secured promotion from the National League North last term, finishing as the champions with 94 points.
The Tynesiders, who have former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson as their player-manager, have a busy pre-season schedule, with six friendlies in the diary this month.
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Indeed, the fifth-tier outfit will face Dunston UTS, Spennymoor Town, Hebburn Town, Darlington and Harrogate Town ahead of their opening league match of the campaign against Dagenham on August 6.
Gateshead have already been busy this summer in terms of incomings, with Tom Allan, Daniel Jarvis, Kenton Richardson, Lewis Knight and Dan Langley arriving.
Allan and Langley have been allowed to join from Newcastle Under-23s, with the former arriving on a permanent basis, while the latter is due to spend the 2022-23 campaign on loan at the National League side.
