Newcastle’s pre-season plans take shape - Sela Cup offer and summer camp revealed

Newcastle United made a decision to stay a bit closer to home this year after previous pre-season tours of the USA and Asia.

The club felt that the excessive travel wasn't the best preparation for the squad, plus there will be players who have taken part in the World Cup in North America this year, too, so they will already be a bit behind the rest of the group when they return to the club.

There's also a feeling that the World Cup may have exhausted American audiences' appetite for the game, which is why they rejected the offer to compete in this year's Summer Series, fearing low attendances.

Instead, Newcastle will remain in Europe, as Craig Hope reported in his Newcastle Confidential column on Thursday for the Daily Mail. 

Newcastle United have invited AS Roma to St James' Park

Newcastle will head to the famous La Manga Club in Spain. With its eight FIFA-standard grass pitches, a mini stadium, as well as golf courses, tennis, padel and spa facilities, the destination has long since been a favourite of elite football clubs. 

Additionally, The Chronicle has today confirmed that the Sela Weekend will make a return to St James' Park this summer.

AS Roma have been invited to be Newcastle's opponents for the weekend event, which will also see Newcastle United Women take on Inter Milan's women's team.

No dates have been confirmed yet

The dates have yet to be confirmed, but a pre-season warm-up against a team like Roma isn't a bad way to get ready for a massively important season.

After the trials and tribulations of this campaign, Eddie Howe should he still be in charge, will want to start strong next season and taking on high-calibre opponents is a great way of testing the team's readiness.

We do expect Eddie Howe to be in charge, but anything could happen between now and then.