Newcastle United were at risk of two fixture changes and it is a case of good news/bad news.

Always good to hear a positive and here we have a case where a club pay back fans for their travel & accommodation after a move for TV.

Though I suppose there are unlikely to be any easy ways to get to Swansea on a midweek night in December, the joys of the fixture lottery.

A shame that kick-off cannot be at a more suitable time but the police made clear a while ago that the idea of matches taking place at anything but an early kick-off wouldn’t be considered.

The two matches have been moved of course to accommodate the double header against Benfica which takes place at the real Stadium Of Light on Thursday 4th April and then the return leg at St.James’ Park on Thursday 11th April.

However, the scheduled Sky Sports match at 1.30pm on February 24th is Manchester City v Chelsea and with Demba Ba’s new team facing Swansea in the semi-final of that competition, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that we are almost certainly now first reserve to take over the live TV spot if Chelsea make the final.

The away match at Spurs has been moved for the benefit of SKY TV and even though it has stayed on the same day it will mean an even earlier start for travelling fans.

Newcastle’s matches at both Stoke and Southampton have been moved due to United’s home match with Maritimo on Thursday 22nd November at St.James’ Park.

Manchester City match moved to Sunday 6th May 2pm (for time being!), Chelsea still under threat as well.

Newcastle United fans could find themselves further ‘opportunities’ to go shopping on Saturdays if Norwich and Chelsea progress in the FA Cup.

Clearly the moral of the story is don’t get knocked out of the Cup!