The Chronicle: This means fewer of the private flights which featured during their stay in the Premier League in recent years – starting with Sunday’s friendly against Scottish Premier League outfit Dundee United.
A club insider said: “Last season it was expected by the players to fly to most games.
“Not just the long-haul trips in the Premier League like London or Portsmouth, but also to venues in Manchester, Liverpool and the Midlands.
“With the management looking to save on costs, just like any other business during the testing economic climate, it looks more than likely they will be spending more time on the team bus.”
Meanwhile it has emerged that injured Toon captain Nicky Butt had to drive himself to see a specialist in Manchester.
The former Manchester United and England star injured his hand against Darlington and is currently out of action.
The insider said: “Nicky felt it might have been an idea to get a driver to take him to see the specialist.
“He is the ultimate pro at Newcastle and gets on with his job regardless of the circumstances.
“But he certainly raised his eyebrows when told he had to drive himself to Manchester.”