'Important' Newcastle United star's shock omission confirmed just hours ahead of Hull City clash
Newcastle United have confirmed their new five-man player leadership group, and there’s a surprise omission.
Newcastle United have confirmed their player leadership group for the 2026-27 season.
Magpies captain Dan Burn has revealed he and vice-captain Joelinton will be joined by Malick Thiaw, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Miley in helping to ‘set the standards’ on and off the pitch.
They replace Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes, who both left the club in the summer, and Jacob Murphy and Nick Pope.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Speaking ahead of the Premier League clash at home to Hull City, Burn said: “I want to start by welcoming three new players to our Leadership Group this season.
“In addition to myself and Joelinton as captain and vice-captain, we now have Malick Thiaw, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Miley to help set the standards on the pitch, in the dressing room and around the training ground.
“It’s up to us as a Leadership Group to take responsibility, but we also know that we have leaders throughout the squad and everyone must play their part.”
Murphy and Pope have been omitted from the player leadership group, despite remaining at St James’ Park over the summer.
Pope has been demoted to third-choice goalkeeper following the arrivals of Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen, so his exclusion will come as little surprise.
Murphy’s removal, however, is more unexpected after Matthias Jaissle fought hard to keep the winger when he was subject to a £15million bid from Nottingham Forest.
In keeping Murphy at Newcastle, Jaissle said the 31-year-old’s leadership skills were a big part of the reason.
“You saw that already, that he gets the minutes, right? Even if Anthony was fit,” Jaissle said on Thursday. “So he's a really important player for our squad, not only on the pitch, also off the pitch.
“Really a leader who also communicates well and knows what it means to be professional. So I'm really appreciating him. And on the pitch, he's so smart, so game intelligent.
“He knows exactly his strength and he knows how to deliver within our identity, how we want to play football.”