**WEB EXCLUSIVE**

NEWCASTLE have confirmed their first pre-season fixture this summer with the Magpies scheduled to face Darlington at The Northern Echo Darlington Arena, kick off 12.30pm on July 18.

Colin Todd's side will welcome Newcastle who, despite being managerless, are clearly putting in place their preparations for the upcoming season.

The fixture offers Quakers supporters an early chance to see a host of new faces as Todd builds a side for next season's League Two campaign.

Newcastle's trip to Darlington is followed three days later when they face former Magpie Lee Clark's League One Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium on Tuesday July 21, kick-off 7.45pm.

And Newcastle's only home friendly of the summer will be against Leeds United on Wednesday, July 29 also a 7.45pm kick-off.

Darlington have also arranged a couple of pre-season friendlies against local non-league opposition with a home clash against Billingham Town on Friday July 10 followed by an away trip to Blyth Spartans on Monday July 13 - both matches are 7pm kick-off.