Play-off final twist ensures Northern trip for Newcastle in 2026/27 season
Newcastle United fans often have to cover the most miles of all fanbases in the Premier League, but they will see their mileage cut drastically next season.
Things already looked slightly better this season in terms of miles when Sunderland returned to the Premier League in the place of Southampton.
Coventry and Ipswich will join the Premier League next season, and Southampton were in the mix to return too, which would have been another massive trek for the Toon Army.
That now won't happen after the Saints were expelled from the play-offs on Tuesday night for spying on Middlesbrough ahead of their play-off semi-final clash. They will also start off with a four-point deduction next season.
Northern side set for promotion
Although the Saints have 24 hours to appeal the decision, the fact that they are also admitting to spying on other teams this season means they don't really have much of a leg to stand on, it would seem.
That means that either Hull City or Middlesbrough will be in the top flight next season, both of which are a much shorter hike for many Newcastle fans than Southampton.
Should Middlesbrough emerge victorious on Saturday, it will be the first time the three main North East teams have been in the top flight since 2008/09.
Middlesbrough - a derby game?
It could make for an interesting season having all three North East clubs back in the Premier League. That being said, we don't really have a dog in the fight. What will be will be.
For a long time, Middlesbrough would try to force the issue of playing Newcastle being a derby, but the Toon Army just never felt it. We may get the same local news when we turn on ITV, but it pretty much starts and ends there.
Should Boro make it back to the Premier League, that could really help them if they plan to keep Newcastle loanee Matt Targett, who will become a free agent at the end of the season. You'd imagine they'd have the budget to give him a decent contract if they know they've got top-flight football.
