Newcastle United could play pre-season in New Zealand

Mike Ashley, the Newcastle owner

Reports in New Zealand suggest that Premier league clubs Newcastle United and West Ham United could head down under in order to prepare for 2014-15 season.

The Wellington City council and the Wellington Phoenix who actually compete in the Australian A-league have joined hands for the tournament. Although the contracts are yet to be signed Fairfax Media believe that the two clubs are close to being lured to the land down under.

The Magpies have already announced their participation in the Schalke 04 cup to be played in Germany on August 1 and 2 involving host club Schalke, Spanish Club Malaga and an unnamed club. Reports suggest that this tournament could be on the similar lines with the possible inclusion of Brisbane Roar of the A-League.

The proposed fixtures could be staged in Wellington and in Auckland with the likelihood of matches taking place after the World cup ends on July 13 and before the beginning of August.

This is what Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown told the Star-Times,

“There’s a whole lot of contracts both between ourselves and the Phoenix and two Premier League clubs but they have not been finalized,”

“I’m not in a position to confirm anything as we have yet to finalise our agreement, but Wellington City is excited about the prospect of English Premier League action.

“All I can say is I’m positive about the prospect of good football being played in the capital, but we haven’t confirmed any contract yet.”

The Magpies last left Europe for the pre-season in 2011 when they headed to America to play three friendlies. Since then they have organized both pre-season campaigns in Europe. There was news of the Toon heading to South Africa last summer but that failed to come to fruition because of financial constraints.

Both Liverpool and Manchester United played last season in Australia in front of capacity crowds of 95000 and 83000 respectively.

Such a move will definitely help the club gain publicity and help with the finances.

An official confirmation for the same is still awaited.