As we type, Eddie Howe and the Newcastle players are out in Austria preparing for the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
It represents a summer of opportunity for the 44-year-old, who has been tasked with streamlining his bloated squad, bringing exciting recruits in, while also getting across tactical information.
By all accounts, things are going well, but it seems Howe may need to keep an eye on Dan Burn and Ryan Fraser.
What’s the story?
Well, the £13m signing from Brighton has been spotting appearing to wind Fraser up.
After the 6ft 6in defender’s arrival, there were many jokes made about the height difference between him and the 5ft 4in Scotland international, which still seem to be alive and kicking on the training pitch.
As you can see above, Burn appears to be teasing Fraser by holding the ball up high, well out of his grasp.
The pair have already addressed their comedic relationship, with Burn confirming that he now plays up to it as he knows the supporters enjoy seeing him and Fraser together.
Hilariously, the Newcastle No.21 was even described as a mascot by some after Newcastle travelled to West Ham back in February, as he was made to walk out next to Burn, with the appearance of a young player escort.
Dan Burn & Ryan Fraser contributing to better Newcastle pre-season
It almost goes without saying, but the mood at Newcastle seems to be far more positive this summer in comparison to last year – largely thanks to the character of Burn and Fraser, among others.
In 2021, the Magpies were not treated to a pre-season tour of this year’s quality, and their business consisted of signings such as Jeff Hendrick, Jamal Lewis and Mark Gillespie.
This time around, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi have signed one of Europe’s most promising defenders in Sven Botman, as well as an England international in Nick Pope.
So much has changed in the space of a year, and with one or two more additions, Newcastle can do something special in the 2022/23 campaign.
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