History shows pre-season humiliations can be forgotten - but the cloud hanging over Bruno Guimaraes should concern Newcastle United.

As Max Bird rifled a third goal past Newcastle United, one pre-season fixture came vividly into recollection: Leyton Orient away in 2009.

Thankfully for the Magpies, the 4-1 defeat to Bristol City was not as punishing. However, unlike the 6-1 demolition at Brisbane Road 17 years ago, this latest setback is unlikely to prove the catalyst for an all-inspiring campaign.

A dressing room full of leaders drew a line in the sand that day to cut out those who no longer wanted to tackle the fresh Newcastle project. Kevin Nolan, Steve Harper, Fabricio Coloccini, Joey Barton, Andy Carroll et al - all vocal figures - dug in to spearhead a Premier League promotion nine months later.

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Fast forward to the present and Newcastle’s leading talisman wants out. The man everyone wishes to front the youthful renaissance is pleading no mas.

The Magpies lost heavily at Ashton Gate. Yet despite not kicking a ball, Bruno Guimaraes was once again the centre of the post-match discussion.

“I don’t see any reason why that wouldn’t be the case,” Eddie Howe unconvincingly responded when asked if his captain would show up to training tomorrow. We want to keep all of our best players - they’re so valuable.

“I’ve said numerous times, there’s not many of them, so to get them and develop them, when you have them, you want to keep them. Bruno is very much in that category. He’s an outstanding player.

“We’ve spoken numerous times. Assurances? I don’t think you can push too hard for those. I’ve said many times we want players who are committed, and Bruno has always been committed.

“His training performances and his game performances have been outstanding. Every time he’s worn the shirt, he’s played with the fans by his side. I’d love to see that continue.”

Arsenal want Guimaraes, and he wants out. That much is clear. All eyes will be fixed on The Knox as the Brazilian returns to captain a side that has been decimated from the cup-winning side of two seasons ago.

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The scars from Alexander Isak’s betrayal are still sore - surely a player as embraced and revered as Guimaraes will not follow the same path. As for yesterday, the scoreline at Ashton Gate will be forgotten. Friendly defeats always are.

But lessons can be learned from history. In 2009-10, Newcastle emerged from the Leyton Orient wreckage in better shape. That squad recovered because its leaders chose to buy in.

Almost two decades on, the club's biggest challenge is not recovering from four goals conceded in Bristol. It is convincing its captain that the dream he helped build remains alive.

Your next Newcastle United read: Eddie Howe casts more doubt over Bruno Guimaraes' Newcastle United future as Arsenal push for transfer