John Gibbons is joined by Arsenal fan and Anfield Wrap design sensation Sam Walkerdine in a North East special of The Coach Home. 

First we go to Newcastle where we find Chris Waugh from The Chronicle in optimistic mood as 33,000 of The Toon Army have bought season tickets for the season ahead. We talk about the effect Rafa Benitez continues to have on the club, a notable change in transfer policy and, of course, the future of Gini Wijnaldum.

Next we hop over to Sunderland to speak to Ste Goldsmith from Wise Men Say podcast. They beat The Geordies to Premier League survival but the mood is more apprehensive as uncertainty over their manager has disrupted summer plans. Ste expresses his frustration at the snail like pace of The FA.

Finally its a short drive to Middlesbrough and football writer Daniel Gray. The Teeside Galácticos are growing by the minute, but is it the right philosophy for a squad built on a solid spine and a tremendous team spirit?

As he’s here we also get Sam to give his reaction on Arsenal’s summer. He’s made up they’ve finally got a midfielder who kicks people. How about that for a Coach Home.

In a free clip from the show, Chris Waugh chats about Newcastle and the potential departure of Georginio Wijnaldum.

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