The competitive season is almost over for Newcastle United.
It has been a long and gruelling campaign across so many fronts for Eddie Howe and his side and the trip to Brentford on Sunday will be their final competitive task for a while.
Still, the Newcastle squad are about to set off for another couple of games.
Indeed, the Magpies will play Tottenham in Melbourne, Australia on Wednesday 22 May in a 10.45am BST kick-off time before meeting an A-League All-Stars XI on Friday.
Howe confirmed on Friday that his squad would get straight on the plane after the culmination of the season in west London.
Clearly, it’s a move with FFP in mind. Naturally, some of the players are said to be “furious” about the idea of going all the way Down Under for these games so soon after such a stressful season wraps up.
The fact there’s both a European Championship and a Copa America this summer too obviously makes it all the more galling.
Asked about the trip, Kieran Trippier offered a brutally honest response.
Kieran Trippier says what Newcastle are about to do is “not ideal”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Trippier revealed he understood the decision the club have taken but added it is “not ideal” timing.
“My expression says it all!” he said.
“It’s not ideal because it’s a tournament year. I understand why the club are doing it. I’ve done it at Tottenham and Atletico Madrid. But from my own experience of it – in a tournament year – it’s not ideal.
“But we’re players, we’ve got to do what’s right for the club, for the club to move forward. When we’re there it’ll be good, we’ll embrace it and experience it. Hopefully it goes smoothly.”
Kieran Trippier could be playing his final games for Newcastle
Few would doubt the idea that Trippier has been a fantastic addition for the club. The first signing under PIF ownership, he helped raise standards on and off the pitch.
However, this season has been far more difficult for him and his struggles continued at Manchester United on Wednesday.
There have been suggestions the England international will be leaving for pastures new this summer and perhaps it’s a good time. He’s clearly dropped in form and selling up now would at least bank a transfer fee.
The games in Australia could be his final outings for the club.
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