Football fans love nothing more than a good early season knee jerk reaction and the North East was flipping scripts left, right and centre last weekend.

Simon O'Rourke: Flipping the script 

Middlesbrough fans were invited into the Riverside Stadium, as the EFL announced pilot matches with up to 1,000 fans at games across the country this weekend.

1,000 Boro fans watch game inside the Riverside for the first time in months

The 24-year-old made his Premier League debut for Arsenal aged 17 and has represented England at all youth levels.

Middlesbrough sign striker Chuba Akpom from Greek club PAOK

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has tested positive for COVID-19, the club has confirmed. 

Middlesbrough FC manager Neil Warnock tests positive for COVID-19

Runners in 57 countries have taken part in what would have been the 40th race of the iconic half-marathon. Founder Brendan Foster says "we can't do it for real... but we can take the Great North Run virtually out to a lot of people." 

Thousands take part in 'Virtual Great North Run'

Our Sports Correspondent reviews the goals and results that kicked off the football season.

Simon O'Rourke: First impressions of the football season

Steve Bruce said the club "have had a very good week and a very good window with the players we have brought in, but the business we have done in terms of keeping players here has been very important too."

Bruce backs Ashley while Hayden and Darlow sign long-term contracts at NUFC

St James' Park, home of Newcastle united.

Our Sport Correspondent Simon O'Rourke takes a look at what's next for the Magpies as they embark on a new season under Mike Ashley.

Onwards and upwards? Newcastle United's 2020/21 season preview

Our Sport Correspondent Simon O'Rourke writes about the season Boro fans can only dare dream of.

It's Warnock's way: a lookahead to Middlesbrough FC's 2020/21 season

Newcastle United's Florian Lejeune (right) celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game with team-mate Isaac Hayden during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool

The French defender will join former Magpies teamate Joselu, who arrived at Alavés last summer. 

Florian Lejeune signs La Liga loan deal

The club accuses the Premier League of rejecting the deal despite "overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government."

Newcastle United confirm the Premier League have rejected Saudi-led takeover

Scotland international Ryan Fraser has signed for Newcastle United.

The Scotland international is today's second signing.

Newcastle United sign Ryan Fraser

Callum Wilson, who has signed for Newcastle United. PA photo

The striker has joined for an undisclosed fee and has signed a four-year deal.

Newcastle United sign Callum Wilson

Harrogate Town play their first ever competitive game as a Football League club on Saturday afternooon.

Harrogate Town boss on a massive moment in the club's history

Matt Ritchie (left) has been offered to Bournemouth as part of Newcastle United's bis to sign Callum Wilson.

The Magpies though face competition for the Bournemouth star.

Tyne Tees Sport