A documentary, this is perhaps not. It is a show. The fly on the wall has been given a brief. Off into the world it will buzz, spreading the good word.

‘We Are Newcastle United‘ will achieve what the club and their Saudi Arabian owners want it to achieve. Fans will enjoy it, and new ones will be enticed.

The Amazon four-part series, however, is cut more from the genre of glossy promo – and it certainly glosses over some questions that could have been asked of club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, whose portrayal is warm and humorous. On the appointment of Eddie Howe and his previous relegation with Bournemouth, for example, ‘His Excellency’ teases: ‘Even better, right? He knows what not to do!’

Maybe Al-Rumayyan is a genuinely nice guy with a ready wit. We do not know, the makers of this show are the only ones who have enjoyed an audience with him. It all feels a bit ‘in house’ at times.

When the first two episodes premiered at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle last week, there was an incongruous cheer among some fans present as the subject of sports-washing was raised and quickly put to bed. Back to the skyline shots of Riyadh.

Newcastle's stellar 2022-23 campaign was subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary series

Newcastle's stellar 2022-23 campaign was subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary series

Newcastle’s stellar 2022-23 campaign was subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary series

It glosses over some questions that could have been asked of club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan

It glosses over some questions that could have been asked of club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan

It glosses over some questions that could have been asked of club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan

Newcastle supporters, during 22 months of Saudi-led ownership, have celebrated the club and their team in the isolation of the football. Eddie Howe. Bruno Guimaraes. Dan Burn. Sean Longstaff. All of their stories feature here, and they are movingly told.

Howe delivering an emotive and powerful dressing-room speech. Guimaraes coming across as the most loveable guy when playing with his dogs and baby son. Burn reading a poem to his team-mates before the Carabao Cup final. And Longstaff stealing the show as he narrates his two goals in the semi-final that took them to Wembley. They are wonderful moments. Football stories.

The UK-based owners, too, emerge with genuine credit, and their determination to re-unite a broken football club is reflected well. When Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi FaceTime Anthony Gordon following his January signing, it is nice. Funny, even. So, too, is Staveley snapping at her husband before entering a critical voice call with Everton to close the deal.

‘Think about what you’re going to say for a moment,’ says Ghodoussi.

‘I know what I’m going to say!’ returns Staveley.

A husband and wife engaging in a momentary bicker – albeit over a £45m transfer – feels real, a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain. But, in truth, the first two episodes are light on such raw, relatable content. Back to the dramatic music.

It is a shame, because there is brilliant story of the club and the team’s transformation that could have been allowed to tell itself in a less contrived form. While Howe and his players were making magic on the pitch, the cameras were trying too hard to shine a light on stardust off it.

Striker Callum Wilson joked after the premiere that they had only used footage of his misses, while Howe wondered when they were going to show the team’s performance in a more positive shade. And they were right, because there is clearly a story arc to which the makers wish to adhere (episodes three and four will climax with Champions League qualification). But for those on the playing side, you suspect they left the cinema believing it was a little forced.

We are drawn to documentaries because they can be uncomfortable. At their best, they are unfiltered reality. But here, there are no warts, no self-deprecation. Even the negativity around the team’s brief dip in form, to which Howe alluded, is too polished, and all to the intermitting backdrop of Riyadh’s skyscrapers. 

Sean Longstaff is one of the Newcastle stars to feature heavily, narrating his two Carabao Cup goals

Sean Longstaff is one of the Newcastle stars to feature heavily, narrating his two Carabao Cup goals

Sean Longstaff is one of the Newcastle stars to feature heavily, narrating his two Carabao Cup goals

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also comes across well, with scenes of him playing with his son endearing fans to the star

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also comes across well, with scenes of him playing with his son endearing fans to the star

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also comes across well, with scenes of him playing with his son endearing fans to the star

Camera crews also caught a dressing-room rant from manager Eddie Howe ahead of a 2-0 win against Manchester United

Camera crews also caught a dressing-room rant from manager Eddie Howe ahead of a 2-0 win against Manchester United

Camera crews also caught a dressing-room rant from manager Eddie Howe ahead of a 2-0 win against Manchester United

For fans who have parked concerns over Saudi involvement, it is a very definite reminder that the club is majority owned by the Public Investment Fund. That is the theme and, in fairness, it is a reflection of reality. They’re not trying to mask the Saudi influence.

But the makers have taken – or have been told to take – too much control over the narrative. This is not a raw edit of real life, it is the bits they want us to see. For all of that, it is very watchable. Newcastle United will never not be an intriguing tale.

Enjoy the show, guys. But if you want a documentary, the tragicomedy Sunderland ‘Til I Die is perhaps a better bet.

We Are Newcastle United launches on Prime Video with the first episode on Friday August 11, followed by new episodes every Friday through to September 1.

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Mail Online

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Kathleen Kirkwood

Early Life Kathleen Kirkwood was born in Jersey, United States of America.…

What Happened To Sipho Kaleni? How Did The Gospel Singer Die?

Sipho Kaleni handed away on August 1, 2022. The Crown Gospel Music…

Lo Kauppi – Actress, Director | Wiki, Age, Height, Net Worth, Relationship, Ethnicity, Career

Quick Facts of Lo Kauppi Full Name: Lo Kauppi Born Date: 19…

Ariana Grande’s Romantic History: From Fellow Stars to a Real Estate Agent

– Ariana Grande has had a romantic history with fellow stars and…