Newcastle United will return to Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate for a week-long training camp in York later this month as the Magpies step up their preparations for the new season. However, Portugal is currently on the amber list for travel and the UK Government has warned citizens not to jet off to these destinations during the pandemic. So, after a successful week at Queen Ethelberga’s last summer, Newcastle have now confirmed that the black-and-whites will return to the state of the art campus for another seven-day stay from Monday, July 12. There will be no games on the premises this time – the camp will not be open to the public – but the first-team squad will be split for matches against York City and Harrogate Town at the end of their stay on Sunday, July 18 and Bruce is eager to get started.
Steve Bruce said: “I firmly believe that for any team it’s always vital to have a training camp away from the familiar surroundings of your training ground and once it became clear that the current Covid-19 restrictions would make travelling abroad extremely difficult, there was only one choice in my eyes. The facilities at Queen Ethelburga’s are first class and I was delighted with everything last year – from the hotel accommodation to the pitches and everything in between – so we’re really looking forward to going back there.”
Amy Martin, Queen Ethelburga’s CEO, added: “Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is delighted to once again welcome Newcastle United players and staff to our school. We are fortunate to have some world class facilities on our site and a team of expert staff who will do all they can to help ensure a successful start to pre-season training for the club. We would like to wish Steve Bruce, his staff and players all the very best for the season ahead.”
Newcastle players are due back at the training ground for testing on Monday before heading off to York a week later. Following the friendlies against York and Harrogate, Newcastle will play four further exhibition games against Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham United, Burton Albion and Norwich City before taking on West Ham on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season on August 15.
