Why an Isak wave goodbye would be more damaging than Bruno!

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope reflects on Newcastle United's 4-2 win at Brentford. Afterwards, he asked Eddie Howe about Bruno Guimaraes and his "wave goodbye" to the away fans. But Craig believes Isak is THE most important player to NUFC.

[@niallpowell5456]

We ain’t a selling club isak and Bruno ain’t going anywhere I’m sick of this talk Ashley ain’t in charge anymore

[@abrupt_oliver]

If release clauses are met and they want to go they're off. Simple

[@juliogeordio7358]

One will go

[@niallpowell5456]

@@juliogeordio7358 neither of them want to go

[@ellisnicholson5914]

Obviously you don’t understand how it works , we can’t spend unless we sell under ffp . Say we sell Bruno for 80 million we wouldn’t just get 80 million to spend we would get something like 200 million to spend , replacing one quality player with three . Your comment is just silly and makes you look stupid

[@CKWINN11]

​@@abrupt_oliverisak hasn't got a release clause and nobody is going to put up the money to buy either of them anyway, we are gunna be talking around 150m for isak and even the 100m bruno release clause just opens talks with him. You can easy add on another 20/30m during negotiations. Realistically, jtheres only a couple clubs able to pay that and i cant see it happening. Not Next Season anyway so lets stop making it headline news EVERY WEEK ourselves ffs.

[@michaelmckie9164]

Always my go-to post match for a logical reasoned and non-biased analysis. Thanks, Craig, look forward to your updates over the summer. HWTL.

[@8NEXTONE8]

Agreed!

[@lambertsimnel100]

Thanks for all the quality analysis Craig. You are always very fair.

[@DavidSmith-gr9gd]

Thanks you Craig for an excellent appraisal of the season and all your videos , clear , concise and measured

[@markmcguinness953]

Thank you for your stand up commentary this season. You are a go to resource for honest toon reporting.Will be following you through the summer. Stay well.

[@craighope_dailymail]

Much appreciated, thanks Mark.

[@Pud83]

Joelinton makes a massive difference to our team imo him and Bruno are quality

[@leightonwaugh8713]

Our midfield looks like technical bullies when big joe and Bruno are together

[@MarkLaws-uu1xw]

J7 is a wrecking ball

[@Michael-me6qu]

Agreed- his influence on those around him is worth as much as his own direct contribution. So good

[@Pud83]

@@Michael-me6qu agree mate the bloke is a beast I love him probably my favourite player along with Bruno 👍

[@brianharwood2405]

Bruno has so much work to do without Joelinton to help him out. That lad has worked so hard this season.

[@oxic88]

Thanks for your analyses this season, Craig! As a fan living abroad (Australia) and not being able to watch every game due to the broadcast times and my work schedule clashing, you’ve been my go-to for NUFC content. Enjoy the summer, can’t wait to do it all again next year! HWTL!

[@craighope_dailymail]

My pleasure!

[@grahamritchie7755]

Analysis spot on Craig! Bruno was fantastic today but having Pope and Joe starting filled the squad with confidence

[@DominoEffect2528]

Brilliant content this season. Especially during some disappointing losses, you have always found something positive to speak about.

[@timothylowes6317]

Your maturity and class in your reporting is the "go to" report after ever game. The hysterical, silly ravings elsewhere, are the NOT THE GO TO post match reviews. Thank you.

[@craighope_dailymail]

That’s nice to hear, thank you Timothy.

[@johnenglish929]

Anyone who thinks we should cash in on Bruno or Isak should think what would have happened at Brentford if they hadn’t been in the side. We wouldn’t have looked too clever. Also, Craig’s right : we have missed Pope. He is in a different league.

[@briancarrigan1982]

Looking forward to next season already and more of your videos. Keep up the good work

[@patrickokane9438]

thanks for all the videos this season. really enjoy them

[@be4ze1]

Thanks all the videos this season Craig. Really enjoyed all the coverage!

[@themurph36]

Really enjoyed watching your videos Craig. Man is on the pulse of all news. Enjoy your summer and look forward to breaking news!

[@an-N-and-an-E-and-a-Wubble-U-C]

You've had a canny season yourself Craig - keep us posted during the Summer 👍

[@Sillygoooose624]

Can happily do without him giving us weekly updates that our best players have/haven't/not yet sold.

[@derekelizabeth809]

Great work this year very informative thank you

[@BettyNUFC]

Summed it up very nicely! Glad we could end on a high after a couple of iffy results. Thanks for some great insights this season Craig!

[@falconarrow]

Joelinton was fantastic. Made Bruno more effective too. If only he was fit enough to start against Man Utd

[@steveparker6846]

Thanks Craig, really enjoyed the updates and content this season, keep up the great work.

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks Steve. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them.

[@michaelhennessy3920]

Irish geordie here Craig loved the content throughout the year lookin forward to more of the same next year 😊

[@fraseraitken1837]

Thanks for the vids this season. Most sensible and informative vids on the Toon

[@jimmyhillschin9987]

Thanks Craig for all your hard work over the year. Your videos have become a go-to for enjoyable AND balanced, thoughtful 'content' on Newcastle. I just hope you don't get transferred to a more high-profile role yourself so we can continue to enjoy your vids.

[@craighope_dailymail]

That’s lovely to hear, thanks Jimmy.

[@damienreilly4347]

I'm gonna miss your videos mate, make sure to keep us updated on transfers!

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks Damian, I will do. And thank you for watching.

[@adamcrawford1346]

The minute I saw the team sheet I knew this was gonna be good. I will add that I enjoy and appreciate your writing and your delivery of reports Craig. The static cam allows you to be more animated with body language.

[@craighope_dailymail]

Yeah, I might try the static cam from now on tbh. I enjoyed it.

[@MarkWeir-cr5tk]

Great finish to the season, Isak highest scorer since Shearer. I thought 8th at start of the season so 7th and above Manure a result with all things considered. Loved your videos all season Craig, especially your impromptu bar reviews. Great insight.

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks Mark! Nice to hear!

[@user-hh7mg1md2p]

Great insight again Craig enjoyed your videos and analysis of NUFC throughout the season !

[@Cornflake81]

Thanks for the great year. Appreciate the solid, level headed breakdowns. Hope to see some positive transfer stories this summer....another international supporter from Canada.

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thank you, that’s nice to hear.

[@BigDom61]

Well done Craig thanks for all your excellent efforts all season 👍👍👍

[@rogercookcouk]

Thank you for succinct, honest, balanced realism across the season Craig 👏 Look forward to more!

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks Roger. Really appreciate you watching them.

[@jeffmcgurty4507]

Thanks for all the great content this season Craig. I think we would all love an end of the season outtakes video. I bet there’s been plenty of them over the months 😬

[@craighope_dailymail]

I’ve just started leaving the outtakes in tbh, like the lads in the van last week and nearly being hit by a car the week before! Thanks for watching!

[@jeffmcgurty4507]

@@craighope_dailymail explains why the videos get uploaded so quickly I guess. Won’t be seeing you on, it’ll be alright on the night, anytime soon then Haha

[@gerryweites3474]

another great assessment thanks

[@peterward8574]

Thanks for all the content this season, it's been great. I also like your contributions to homev ours conferences, yours are definitely some of the better questions asked. Would have liked europa league, but happy with conference if city win. If we have better luck with injuries we should be able to give so competitions a decent go next season.

[@NUFCOfficial]

consistent videos all season, thank you

[@pauljames77777]

Craig thanks for a great season on your great comments and views great job mate Looking forward to next season and your views God bless to you and your family Greetings from Port Morseby Papua new Guinea , it certinally is not like Gosforth High street !

[@craighope_dailymail]

Haha. Thanks so much for watching Paul 👍

[@Kidshadystayedtoonarmy]

Been the story of the season, so many key players missing so much of the time. Europe* two seasons in a row is amazing. Especially with the difficulties we had this season. Very Proud

[@timedtravels]

Hows the vlog schedule look for summer? Will you cover the Euros at all or mainly focus on Newcastle transfers in the Summer? or both? Enjoying the content all the way from Denver, CO. Mile High Geordies! Cmon City!!!!!!

[@tugwilson786]

Tks for the season Craig - looking forward to next more than after promotion - it’s the one where we need to push on - we will Also win something 👍👍👍

[@marknewlands614]

Thanks for all your hard work this season, Craig. Great blend of objectivity, knowledge and humour

[@JohnKobaRuddy]

Except when asking Eddie any real hard pressing questions yeah not bad.

[@craighope_dailymail]

You’re welcome, thank you Mark.

[@revenger32]

Isak will cost a fortune for the superclubs, his chance of leaving to me is low. Bruno has a release clause and if he desires the destination he can leave.. he is everything a team needs to build around especially if its a team like us who is building to compete with the best. Moderate chance he may leave this summer. Bruno gave us everything from helping us survive the premier league (19th -> 11th), to finishing 4th with a champions league, and fighting through a tough season this year. Where ever he plays next season i will always have much respect for the type of player he is and the love he has shown to us fans and the city of newcastle always.

[@Robert.Sheard]

The one thing that might help us keep him is that the release clause expires at the end of June, which is also the final day of this year’s FFP period. Not many clubs still have 100M to splash at the end of the season. 🤞

[@zxtsf]

@@Robert.Sheard The Gooners Do💥💥💥

[@Robert.Sheard]

@@zxtsf Even if that's true, will they use it for a midfielder? Which current Arsenal midfielder would you replace with Bruno?

[@chrisdonnelly7401]

really enjoyed the videos every match,think Bruno always plays better with Joelintion next to him, Isak is a Beast, Murphy is so under rated had his best season, have a good summer look forward to next seasons

[@btaylor7226]

Thanks for all your videos throughout the season mate, great coverage as always 👏👏👏 Looking forward to your summer videos and the transfer videos too. Have a great summer Craig, get your passport ready and Bruno's going nowhere, all the best mate 🍻🍻👍👍🖤🤍🖤🤍

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thank you!

[@what_im_eatin_uk]

Was hoping you might address all Ramsdale talk from during the week

[@PaulO-mv6ku]

Excellent video as usual

[@craighope_dailymail]

Glad you enjoyed it, Paul. Thank you!

[@chriscurrie2439]

I've really enjoyed your videos this year mate, great content & never scared to ask the difficult questions or tackle the tricky subjects. In a time where a lot of journalists are a bit wishy washy you know who you are & stick to it no matter whether people agree or disagree & I massively respect it. 👏 Let's hope for a positive transfer window & of course Man Utd getting battered in the cup final. Keep up the great work mate. 👍

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks Chris, I really appreciate that 👍🏻

[@robnicholson4942]

We're lucky to have you in our corner Craig. Mixed season has hopefully finished on a high note. Honestly doesn't bother me that it's the conference league - we're not quite ready for champions' league. It's still european football and at a level we should get some success.

[@stuartkyle6195]

Well said sir. As ever a balanced review

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks Stuart.

[@marcusdidius4090]

Dear Craig, Canny video as always👍 A good end to a rather fraught & tough season🙏✊👏Looking forward to the summer transfer window & the start of the 24/25 season👍✊🤘👏😎😊😁 Regards,

[@roberthennersten-manley6597]

Keep up the work Craig. Consistently find your views align pretty much exactly with mine.

[@craighope_dailymail]

Good to hear! Thanks Rob.

[@TJRICHARDS-if9jl]

Thank you Craig for all of your inciteful commentaries all year and this one was once again spot on! I’m sure we will have a magnificent transfer period and a truly wonderful season next so i think your comments will be almost superlative next season 🙏🏻😆

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks TJ!

[@andrew148]

Great content as always Craig, honest, measured and insightful. There's no doubt in my mind Isak will be playing in black & white next season and like yourself, don't see anyone meeting Bruno's release clause this summer. I'm looking forward to seeing where Eddie is able to strengthen the team over the summer, although not the endless clickbait nonsense made up to sell copy. I honestly dont think, injuries aside, we're a squad too far off another top 4 finish with the right reinforcements.

[@cygreuk]

Also don't you think we should be doubling Eddie's salary, to bring it into line with bigger clubs! Oh and keep up the good work with the videos!

[@shearer63]

Another great video thanks Craig. I was at Brentford away last season so im pretty sure i know the watering hole you went to, very nice along there in the sun ☀️ I’m off to get my Citehhhh scarf and hat in preparation for this weekend 😂

[@craighope_dailymail]

Lovely spot down by the river.

[@paulrushton933]

Thanks for all the post match stuff Craig!! Have you had a few beers before this post🤣🤣🍺🍺🤣🤣

[@johnenglish929]

I wouldn’t begrudge him a drink for all of his reports this season ! I would happily buy him a couple !

[@paulturner4826]

Got to agree. Gordon is our player of the season.

[@BrianPinas9]

No way. Fabian Schar, Isak or Guimaraes

[@maccy4829]

I think the biggest thing about qualifying for Europe is getting a higher co-efficient to make life easier for ourselves longer term the more we qualify for these comps Fingers crossed for City in the cup final

[@8NEXTONE8]

Joelinton was my MOM considering his first game in 4 months. Unreal player

[@canderson1955]

I think we have a good squad that will be improved over the summer. For me our 4 standout players are these two plus Gordon and Jolinton. I would hope all of these are still here next year and with hopefully Willock and Tonali available we are not in bad shape. We do need centre back and centre forward additions though and probably a new keeper to replace Karius and maybe Dubravka.

[@Orlando-oq8nn]

Another great video. Love to buy you a pint in Dublin on Wednesday Craig

[@craighope_dailymail]

Ha. I’ll be in Temple Bar post game hopefully. Send me a DM on X

[@Orlando-oq8nn]

@@craighope_dailymail sounds good Craig

[@dalewilson9511]

well said craig look forward for your comments next season

[@deanharding740]

Thanks Craig for a terrific quality, reasoned summary of the games during the season - great job. With decent transfer dealings over the summer Newcastle can go into a season for the first time in many years with a serious chance of aiming at a top 4 finish, certainly a top 6. Who’d have thought that when they were odds on relegation just 3 seasons ago?

[@craighope_dailymail]

You’re very welcome, thanks you Dean.

[@jonathansimmons4385]

Much better when you stand and talk to the camera

[@zxtsf]

❤ Alexander to Arsenalden😮

[@broonybroony9564]

Given the injuries etc a very creditable finish to the season.The penalty decision was wrong,Hall was in the box when he got tripped. Now is the time to get new players in and old ones out.Another critical transfer window.Great videos this season Craig.Look forward to the every week.

[@Adamm357]

The weak links are there for everyone to see. When you ignore the deadwood, there's so much potential with some of these players. Definitely reasons to be optimistic for next season.

[@cygreuk]

Also read a guy on a forum saying Newcastle needs a couple of old pros who are used to winning things, like Casemiro and Varane at Man Utd? Not sure what you think?

[@johncandy3498]

I hope we can get a full injury free season from isak next season. The man has it all. Hes surprisingly nimble and fast for a guy so gangly! When he arrived he was very raw and fair play to Howe his man management has fine tuned him into one if the best strikers around.

[@ThePrivateDick]

Very raw? Have a word.

[@nettlewarrior8627]

Not sure you did that final pan "Manly" Craig 😉 enjoy the Summer and keep those updates coming.

[@Nastyjonny]

The most seriously wrong thing in football is that clubs pay huge fees for some players who have only one good season and turn out averagely good. Having two very good seasons should put the price up but when players wages are so good they become unsellable and are now sitting on the remainder of their contracts for the money.

[@derekclacton]

Thank you for all your inciteful insights throughout a season of ups and downs, Craig - it could have been so much better, despite all the injuries but might still result in success with a place in Europe again :) HTL - and come on City!

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks for watching Derek. It’s always interesting around NUFC!

[@derekclacton]

@@craighope_dailymail 🙂 There’s never a dull moment - that’s for sure, Craig! 👍

[@givemesomewine]

I gave my 3 to J7, as you said his return released Bruno to his best game in ages, imo, and even though Isak was back to his best I thought J7 had more influence on the game overall...but otherwise I agree completely. 👍

[@cygreuk]

What do you think of the idea of Rafa Benitez as Director of football? He's so thorough and organized and has a great eye for players I think if he would take it he would be perfect!

[@adamcrawford1346]

Against Man Utd they knew to shut off Isaks preference to flummox the defender, switch to his right peg and pass it into the net. They committed three players to close the shot options down. I’m not sure I’ve seen him score many with his left? Maybe I just need to check. But Joelinton - made defenders come out to him and that gave Isak space and I don’t think I’ve seen any player able to be so calm and patient with such close control and balance. It’s like the matrix and he is in his own universe. What a bit of recruitment that was.

[@jamiekirkbride3414]

Hopefully see you in Baku next year for a pint, Craig. Enjoy your summer, I'll miss the crack.

[@audreyhall8644]

Your last blog you said Bruno had to show hes a £100m player. Well today he answered that. 6 stars for him.

[@craighope_dailymail]

He did, yes. Stepped up.

[@Nienna1837]

Disappointing season overall except a few memorable matches. Anthony Gordon player of the season and one of the few joys of the season. Bruno had managed to do the heavy lifting all by himself in that midfield but desperately needs help next season. Barnes is good enough for the bench, and so is Murphy. We need to get rid of the likes of Longstaff, Miggy, Krafth, Anderson and generate some funds. We need to bring back Minteh, get a good combative DM, a CB that can relegate Big Dan Burn to the bench and a striker to play behind Isak. Wilson can be 3rd choie.

[@ant2533]

The end of your debut season with me, Craig........ and I'm delighted to tell you that you've done enough for a contract extension. So bring your kit and boots for pre-season and see you then😂

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks Ant!

[@BigDom61]

ISAK is looking more and more like HENRY what a player he can become even if he gets close to level he was at Arsenal

[@craighope_dailymail]

He is elite. One of the best in the world in that form.

[@mattprice3621]

Also - too early for transfer talk. But if we going ain’t that already then there’s plenty of players out there right now. Think we will wait for Euros to pass first before we do enquire about other players. Eze/olise - too pricey. Toney/oshmien/boniface - forget it!! Gallagher - too inconsistent Inacio/diomande/tomori/guehi - way too costly Anderson from Atlanta - perfect but no room in our mid Lloyd Kelly - strong but not quite good enough Tosin - bad choice too easily beaten in a Fulham jersey Ramsdale - won’t swap arsenal for the toon So that rules them out. Players that wound suit to me (besides moussa diaby who we should have signed last summer 😡) are: Gonclaves- RW - Lisbon - ideal Wahi or Lille’s David - ST - strong and fast Guomundson - Fw - Genoa - fabulous player These are some top top players we should be bringing in

[@Michael-me6qu]

The last thing I want is Bruno Togo but if he does we can build on Tonali, big Joe and any newbies we buy in. An Endo or a Mcallister - someone cheap but amazing 🤩 Maybe Mitoma to free Gordon for the right side

[@manakara9821]

What you don't do Craig is lay the blame for those 2 losses at the feet of the man responsible for them, YES YOUR BELOVED EDDIE HOWE. We were all asking where are Pope and Big Joe why were they sitting on the bench when we needed them more than ever ON THE FIELD? This game showed us what could have been if we had a decisive manager. Tell it like it is, no BS, we're Geordies we can take the truth.

[@stephensouthern6023]

They’ve not played in months. Trippier has been out less time than both Joelinton and Pope and he had a shocker against Man U - he was at fault for two of the goals. This isn’t FIFA mate, these players take time to get back up to speed.

[@richardferguson6893]

Players getting injured: Howe is rushing them back too quickly! Howe tries to ease players back in: Why the hell isn't he throwing them back in?!! Pick one or the other people. You can't have it both ways.

[@karllambert9827]

The sale of any of our top players, will see the new addidas kit sales drop considerably, big Joe,Bruno,isak, tonali,all big sellers.

[@robbrown6495]

I find this really sad - yet another pop at Dubravka. Looking back, his recent so called "errors" seem remarkably similar to the 2 Pope let in. With Dubs, everyone says he was slow going down, but with Pope you can expect it, because he's a bit rusty! If he's so bloody rusty what was he playing?

[@Johno731]

Concerns me that EH doesn't think we need to sign a 6 its blatantly obvious to everyone we need a 6.

[@phil5357]

In fairness we didnt have a 6 last season and finished 4th. Think the difference is we've had pretty much a one man midfield for half the season, exposing a depleted defence. Plus, dubravka, who has probably cost us between 10-15 points this season

[@BrianPinas9]

We need 18 new players

[@BrianPinas9]

​@@phil5357Dubravka is a contender for player of the season. Nick Pope was at fault for both goals today

[@phil5357]

@@BrianPinas9 seriously mate get a hobby

[@Alexander070793]

A lot of Bruno leaving content - please don’t tell me you know something we don’t

[@zepherreload]

Bruno is great, but the rest of the midfield like longstaff is the issue. I've noticed so many goals that have come from his position

[@MattyConn]

Much prefer the fixed camera approach to the selfie stick.

[@craighope_dailymail]

I’ll give it go next season more often.

[@craighope_dailymail]

I’ll give it go next season more often.

[@porciestreethenderson202]

Morning Craig, were you born in Gosforth...?

[@craighope_dailymail]

Westerhope. Live in Gosforth now.

[@geordiedog1749]

So, moving forward from your Isak evaluation - yes, he’s mint but when he’s off colour like you mentioned who takes his place? Callum was also crocked. Again. Love Callum W but he’s not going to more fit next season - he’s going to be more susceptible to injury as he’s older. At best he’s going to be the same level as this season which isn’t good enough. The Bees second was a peach. You can’t stop them - no blame to Dan or Nick. (I’d have him over Toney, just sayin’:) So, cup double for the Toon next season. Conference and League Cups. But I’d like to just see us not have the injury problems - ‘cos everything else will follow on from that. We have a squad that is rotated and subs that are meaningful. Eddie and Jason as the other coaches will do the rest.

[@jacksquat8677]

isak and bruno going nowhere ⚫⚪🇸🇪🇧🇷

[@juliogeordio7358]

Don’t bank on it

[@mattprice3621]

Pep will go if Man City are docked points with the 111 charges they face in July. Arteta isn’t sure what he wants to do, and Liverpool won’t snatch anyone off us this time cos they can’t afford. Only club that do splash out on any role is Chelsea but.. again they ain’t sure which manager to go with. So on think based on all that Bruno and Isak are safe.

[@341METAXA]

If anyone wants to pay £100m for Bruno fair enough. They won’t! As you’ve said Isak of two is the one we need to keep. Both are under contract. I think both will stay.

[@matthewsmith7244]

Thought Hall had a really good game too, Craig. The time he was caught (for the Tony offside goal) was actually a bad pass from BDB, rather than Hall losing his man. Bruno MOM.

[@grahamtowler1761]

Think if we get Europe it will strengthen Bruno staying, though even if we don't he's happy at the club and with his best mate Joelinton staying cant see him going anywhere not that he wants to go anyway

[@juliantaylor2223]

Craig neee eurapeen footy for ya next season ya dafty

[@user-bw4ue7sc1w]

Wish my hair blow around,, like your's haven't got mutch to blow around. Hawere the lads. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@terrym61]

Yes I’m pleased we are in the conference league 🤞but I bet maybe until a quarter or semi final we won’t have a sell out at St James

[@adamrobertson5924]

If we sell either we ain’t as ambitious as we say we are we have to sell the deadwood before our stars

[@kicka11]

Well hullo again

[@relayer27]

Sick of this negative talk about Bruno leaving. Why would he want to go to City to be a bench warmer behind Foden, Rodri and De Brune

[@georgemorley1029]

And walk into all the penalties for the rules they broke when the hammer comes down

[@MarkPilgrim549]

Why are you constantly talking about players leaving? No one else is talking about this and you bring it up in nearly every video.

[@edluacoles]

Bruno does not at all look a player who is even contemplating a move away. Same for Isak.

[@georgemorley1029]

Absolutely. Players who are not happy and want away do not pick up bucket hats thrown from the crowd, stick them on their heads and scream Vamooooooos at the top of their lungs after they score, do they?