- All flights from Newcastle were canceled on Friday morning.
- Storm Eowyn has sparked red weather warnings across the UK
Newcastle could be forced to fly to Southampton on match day with Storm Eowyn likely to disrupt their travel plans.
Eddie Howe and his players were due to catch a charter flight to the south coast on Friday afternoon ahead of Saturday's 3pm kick-off at St Mary's Stadium.
However, winds of up to 80mph hit the northeast overnight and all flights out of Newcastle Airport on Friday morning were cancelled.
“Our plan, as always, is to travel today (Friday),” Howe said. “But we will ask the airport authorities for advice on whether it is safe to fly.” If not, we could end up traveling tomorrow morning.
An alternative would be to travel by road, but Howe said: “It's a long trip and there's no guarantee with the wind, and what you think might be an eight or nine hour trip could turn into a 12, 13 hour trip.” . -hours of travel.
'So we have to be careful in that sense. But nothing is guaranteed. We will seek advice and try to make the right decision. We have traveled earlier in the day for the 5:30pm start, especially if the airport is close to the ground. Sometimes that's the easiest way: you're in and you're out.
Boss Eddie Howe has considered a trip to Southampton but is seeking advice.
Strom Eowyn has hit the country and flights from Newcastle were canceled on Friday
“For a 3 o'clock start, that's a little unusual, but it's something we have to adapt to.”
Meanwhile, Howe has warned that Newcastle's squad needs reinforcements, especially in the attacking areas, and fears the “stagnation” could affect the group.
The head coach accepts those additions are unlikely to come in this window due to PSR restrictions, but clearly expects there will be moves come summer. The Magpies last bought a first-team starter in 2023.
“When you look at our roster right now, we're a little bit defensive, which isn't a bad thing, but the balance is slightly off,” he said. 'Our attacking players, we have lost Harvey (Barnes) and Callum (Wilson) to injuries. So our attacking options from the bench are slightly limited.
Callum Wilson has made just four appearances for the Magpies this season.
Harvey Barnes is expected to be sidelined for about a month with a hamstring injury.
“We have real quality in a lot of positions, although maybe not in that top line. And when you're looking to make attacking substitutes and change the game, those are the ones you want. That's a bit of a problem for us.
“But in terms of the quality of the team and the players we have – we have 20 fit players available – I think they are outstanding and our team is really strong.”
“But when you go through consecutive periods without refreshing the group in a major way, you could find yourself in difficult waters due to stagnation. I think a healthy team rotation with transfers in and out is important.
“My desire has always been to try to recruit a player in each window, bring in that new face, boost everyone, increase competition. There are a lot of healthy reasons and research behind this.”