NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed the club will play eight pre-season matches ahead of the 2014-15 Premier League campaign.

As well as travelling to an already-confirmed tour of New Zealand and tournament in Germany, the Magpies will have four fixtures in England – away to Oldham Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town and at home to a yet-to-be-announced European club.

Newcastle United managing director, Lee Charnley, said: “We are very pleased to confirm all of our pre-season away matches and to give supporters in this country and overseas as much time as possible to make their own plans.

“As well as providing the players with strong tests at important stages in preparation for next season, we have also balanced our schedule with excellent commercial opportunities as we look to continue showcasing Newcastle United as part of the Premier League’s global success.

“We hope to be able to announce details of our home fixture to take place on 9th or 10th August and also an open day for fans of all ages at St. James’ Park shortly.”

Manager, Alan Pardew, said: “Pre-season is a crucial time for any football club so I’m very pleased with the mix of opposition and the training programme the squad will face.

“It’s vitally important that the players are fully prepared and get out of the blocks quickly when August comes around so we will be working hard to ensure they get the absolute maximum out of the games we’ve selected for them.”

United will kick-off pre-season at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park on Tuesday, July 15, before travelling to New Zealand for the Football United Tour 2014.

Alan Pardew’s side will take on Australian A-League sides Sydney FC at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Tuesday, July 22 and Wellington Phoenix at the Westpac Stadium in the capital on Saturday, July 26. 

Upon their return from Down Under, United will travel to Hillsborough to face Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday, July 30, before a trip to Germany for the Schalke 04 Cup.

The Magpies will have two fixtures in two days at the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, with hosts Schalke 04, La Liga side Málaga CF and fellow Barclays Premier League club West Ham United also involved across August 2 and 3.

United will make the short journey to face Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday, August 5, before a final fixture at home to a European club on either August 9 or 10.