Mitchell left at the end of June, as we know, but Bunce remains key part of Eddie Howe's backroom team and has been speaking about our first 10 days of pre-season from our training camp in Austria.
Chatting to the club's media team, Bunce discussed the benefits of this Austria trip, our focus on fitness, team building and bedding in new players and staff, along with our preparations ahead of Saturday's trip to Celtic.
Newcastle have only made one major signing so far in Anthony Elanga, but the Swede is in Austria, joined by new set piece coach Martin Mark following his arrival from FC Midtjylland last week.
“This is week two for us in pre-season. So, the first week is kind of like at the training ground usually," Bunce said.
"As you saw, we played Carlisle at the end of the week. Just getting the lads moving again. So they’ve had a nice well deserved break, some more longer than others.
“Here in Austria, Austria’s a famous place to come for pre-season. One, because of the natural beauty. Very good secluded location allows us to have a lot of time together in privacy.
“I’d like to say nice weather but it’s very much like Newcastle weather at the moment! But the lads will appreciate that from the warm climate we’ve had.
“It allows us to have a lot of time together, we have got new players, new staff in with us. Allows that time for bonding, allows us time to go through all the stuff that isn’t only on the pitch, but it’s off the pitch, the team building, the connectivity.
“Taking a lot of time in meetings to start work on the tactical preparation for what is obviously going to be a massive season for us. And then obviously the work on the pitch is a foundation of what we’ve got to deliver.
“So starting to build the intensity as we head through this week and obviously end with a massive game at Celtic Park on the weekend.”
Building foundations for a massive season 💪
Performance Director, James Bunce, talks us through our week in Austria and pre-season preparations ahead of the 25/26 campaign. pic.twitter.com/QXDg6FdhJ1
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 16, 2025
