I witnessed Sandro Tonali's first Newcastle United appearance since ban - and this is what I thought

Hosted at the Batur Hotel in Shinjuku City, Newcastle officials invited us media guys along - and we witnessed exactly how the club communicates with its overseas supporters.

Whether it was fans from Japan, Australia or Dubai, the Magpies - boosted by the attendance of chief executive officer Darren Eales and chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone - consulted each and every person about how they can feel more connected to the club.

The first hour was exclusive to international fans before the English gang arrived. The noise levels in the room increased, with three gentlemen in particular catching the eye in their Hawaiian Joelinton shirt.

It soon calmed down but the sighting of a certain Mr Sandro Tonali set the place alive.

The Italian, serenaded by his ‘Sandro ole ole’ chant, joined Sean Longstaff, Mark Gillespie and Lewis Hall on stage and addressed those in attendance via a Q&A with host supporter liaison officer Matt Willis.

While I’m not permitted to report exactly what Tonali said, I can say his words gave me the impression he is determined to hit the ground running when his 10-month betting ban expires at the end of the month.

And rightly so too. Newcastle invested a lot of money in the 24-year-old, a rumoured £55million to be precise. Supporters have shown him love, and that should be repaid. For the record, I think he will.

After the Q&A session ended, Geordie boy Gillespie got the crowd karaoke started with a rendition of ‘We are the Geordies’ before other Toon chants, with the words displayed in Japanese followed.

With drinks and music flowing - Sam Fender and ABBA featured heavily - the evening flew over.

And that’s time for one last get together when Newcastle take on Yokohama F. Marinos at the Japan National Stadium on Saturday.

Konnichiwa! Newcastle United are in Japan - and so too are NewcastleWorld!

Our Newcastle United writer Jordan Cronin is there all week, providing coverage of the tour, behind the scenes video and analysis from Tokyo. 

And we’re proud to announce that our Newcastle United coverage of the tour has a sponsor! Every story from Japan is sponsored by Mobility Care Solutions Ltd, with the shop’s official mascot Murphy!

Eddie Howe's men take on Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday, July 31. They then face J.League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday, August 3.

For more information on Mobility Care Solutions Ltd click this link.