Barclays English Premier League 2007-8 Fixtures/Schedule: Eyes on the Magpies

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce leads the Magpies into the 2007-8 Barclays English Premier League season. (AP Images)

An ugly ownership battle, controversial signings and the hiring of a high-profile manager.

Yes, it promises to be an enthralling Barclays Premier League campaign for the Toon Army.

While Thursday's announcement of the 2007-8 premiership schedule was met with great fanfare from all clubs, most eyes darted to the combustible affairs Newcastle United will partake in, and for good reason - given the relatively tame summers of the "big four" (Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool) the Magpies put forth a lion's share of tabloid fodder.

In the front office, a heated battle between owners Mike Ashley and chairman Freddy Shepherd (dealing from his hospital bed, the subject of a punctured lung) turned ugly when Ashley launched a takeover bid.

Things were just as rocky closer to the pitch, as newly appointed manager Sam Allardyce cleaned house upon his arrival, releasing six players and signing two talented headcases in Joey Barton and Mark Viduka. Thrown in the return of local rival Sunderland to top flight football, and Newcastle could produce more dramatic storylines than a harlequin romance novel.

Want to know what other highlights came from today's announcement of the Barclays English Premier League Football Fixtures for 2007-8? Read the rest of the article in Bodog Nation today!