Newcastle United’s preparations for their match against Southampton could face huge disruption, with Storm Eowyn threatening their travel plans.
Eddie Howe and his squad were initially set to take a private flight to the South Coast on Friday afternoon, ahead of Saturday’s 3pm Premier League clash at St Mary’s.
The already 350-mile trip from north to south proved to be challenging enough, but with the storm reeking havoc across the UK, further disruption is expected.
With winds reaching speeds of up to 80mph battering the North East overnight, Newcastle Airport was forced to cancel all flights scheduled for Friday morning.
“Our plan, as always, is to travel today [Friday],” said Newcastle boss Howe.
“But we’ll seek advice from the authorities at the airport as to whether it’s safe to fly. If it’s not, we could end up travelling tomorrow morning.”
If flying remains impossible, the team may have to consider traveling by road.
However, as Howe pointed out, that option comes with its own challenges.
“It is a long journey, and also there’s no guarantee with the wind, and what you think might be an eight, nine-hour journey, might turn into a 12, 13-hour journey.
“So we’ve got to be careful in that respect. But nothing is guaranteed. We’ll seek advice and try to make the right decision.
“We’ve travelled before on the day for a 5.30pm kick-off, especially if the airport is close to the ground. Sometimes that’s the easiest way, you’re in and you’re out.
“For a 3 o’clock kick-off, that’s slightly unusual, but it’s something we just have to adapt to.”
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Howe’s side will look to bounce back from a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth last time out – which came after many had tipped the Magpies as outsiders for a title challenge.
They’ll never have a better chance to bounce back in style than against lowly Southampton, who are the Premier League’s wooden spoon team so far this season.
Saints currently sit rock-bottom of the table with just six points.
They’ve won just one game from 22 so far this term, have conceded a whopping 50 goals in those matches and are 11 points adrift of safety.
Still, they’ll be hoping to continue Newcastle’s rut and claim a surprise point, or even all three – which would be manager Ivan Juric’s first since his appointment in December as successor to the axed Russell Martin.
