The Newcastle United Supporters Club have welcomed the early call on festive fixture changes - but highlight the difficulty it may cause for some match-goers on Boxing Day.
Newcastle United fans have now learned that four of their festive fixtures have been altered for live TV coverage.
What’s changed?
Unlike last year, the Magpies will have a Boxing Day game, but the clash with Manchester City at St James’ Park will take place at 8pm that evening.
The home game against Nottingham Forest four days later - Wednesday, December 30 - has also been changed to a 7.30pm kick-off.
The trip to face Chelsea will now take place a day later than planned, kicking off at 2pm on Sunday, January 3, while the trip to Old Trafford will move back one day to Thursday, January 7, and has been set for an 8pm kick-off.
All four games will now be shown live on Sky Sports.
And while NUSC are happy fans have plenty of time to prepare for the changes, unlike in previous years, they’re also slightly concerned for some fans’ travel on December 26.
Joe Moore, of NUSC, said: "We welcome early confirmation of the Christmas and New Year fixture list as it allows match going supporters the opportunity to plan ahead. We also recognise the difficulty that the late kick off on Boxing Day will have for some supporters, especially those reliant on public transport. We continue to engage with the Football Supporters Association and will always put forward our members’ point of view.”
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A club statement confirming the changes, explains: “Over the Christmas and New Year period, clubs have at least a 60-hour break between fixtures. This is in keeping with commitments made to clubs to address the congested festive schedule - in the context of an expanding European and international fixture calendar.
“Broadcast selections for match rounds in November are due to be announced by the week commencing 21 September 2026 and match rounds in December will be announced by the week commencing 19 October 2026.”
FIXTURE CHANGES
NUFC v Manchester City - December 26, 8pm
NUFC v Nottingham Forest - December 30, 7.30pm
Chelsea v NUFC - January 3, 2pm
Manchester United v NUFC - January 7, 8pm