Newcastle United confirm post-Everton trip ahead of Premier League relegation run-in

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed the warm-weather training trip to Dubai.

The Magpies visited Saudi Arabia in January as a way of bringing the team closer together, all whilst undergoing intense training.

It proved the catalyst to United’s stunning upturn in form - opening up a nine-point advantage over the Premier League relegation zone on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run.

Following the visit to Everton on Thursday night, Howe & Co will wait 16 days until their next game - Tottenham Hotspur away on April 3.

Eddie Howe confirms Dubai trip

Rather than remain on Tyneside. Howe’s men are expected to fly to the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex at the end of the week.

The complex which Newcastle are rumoured to be travelling to hosted Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the beginning of the year.

It is well renowned for top-class facilities, including a health club and spa, indoor stadium and an IAAF-standard athletics track.

Indeed, Manchester United regular send their injured players there for treatment, with Magpies transfer target Jesse Lingard among those to visit in recent months.

Howe, speaking ahead of the trip to Goodison Park, said: “The plan is to try and not recreate exactly what we did but the time is almost exactly the same between games so we want to try and mirror that as much as we can.

“We played two games, one in the training ground and one in Saudi. We utilised various techniques with a little bit of rest and a lot of hard work as well and we came back and went on a good run so we’ll be looking to do the same again.”

‘It’s hugely important’

“It’s hugely important, it’s a long, long season, Howe said, when asked about team bonding. “And a long season at the same place can sometimes leave you a little bit stale.

“We felt it was a good time to freshen things up for the group in a different environment.

“Forced time together does create new friendships and form the spirit you need for a relegation battle and still need.

“It’s something I’ve always done throughout my management career and it’s always had positive results.”