Newcastle set to play friendly against Lillestrom in Spain

Newcastle United have arranged a friendly against Lillestrom in Spain, according to the Norwegian club.
Steve McClarenSteve McClaren
Steve McClaren

Steve McClaren's side have an 18-day wait for their next game after Saturday's match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

And one-time Intertoto Cup opponents Lillestrom have revealed that they have arranged a fixture against Newcastle in La Manga on February 20.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It would suggest that McClaren, the club's head coach, plans to take his players away for some warm-weather training next week ahead of the proposed fixture.

United, however, made made no comment.

Newcastle met Lillestrom in a two-legged Intertoto Cup tie in July 2006. The club won 4-1 on aggregate to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Mid-season breaks have proved controversial in the past.

Last season then-head coach John Carver took the club's squad to Dubai during a break in the fixture list.

Defending the trip, Carver said: "People will be putting two and two together and thinking it's a jolly, but let me tell you it's no jolly-up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There will be curfews and I will treat the players with respect but if anyone oversteps the mark or breaks the curfew then they will be fined."