How a new wave of Irish are flying the flag at 'the richest club in the world'

After early-day dreams of Mbappé and Neymar, the Saudi-led transformation hits Year 4 with a new strategy: recruiting young Irish talent

CHASING THE SPOTLIGHT: Captain Cathal Heffernan prepares to lead out Newcastle U21 for the Premier League 2 match with Arsenal U21 last month. Pic: Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images

The Tyneside Irish Centre, heaving with the kind of charm and energy you’d expect in this part of the world, has had quite the week. One of the closest bars to Newcastle United Football Club, its St. Patrick’s week celebrations will crash right into a League Cup Final this weekend. It might just be a sign of things to come - the good times look to be rolling again for the Irish on Tyneside.

Just 100 metres across the road, the Magpies are into Year 4 of their Saudi-led transformation into the richest football club in the world. But despite those breathless initial dreams of Kylian Mbappé and Neymar in a black and white kit, the realities of financial fair play have kept things somewhat in check for Toon fans. The club’s new ownership have instead had to navigate the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.