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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini and former Newcastle defender Steve Howey are ´óÏó´«Ã½ Newcastle's latest big name signings as the station kicks off a new weeknight sports show.

Called Total Sport, the programme will bring the latest news and views from a range of sports in the region.

As well as focussing on key events from the region's two major football clubs, the show will be highlighting the climax of Durham's cricket season in September as they defend their county championship title and The Falcons' Premiership season.

The show will be hosted by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Newcastle favourite Simon Pryde with specialist contributors Gabbiadini and Howey.

It will include the latest news from The Stadium of Light from ´óÏó´«Ã½ Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes and NUFC commentator Mick Lowes at St James' Park – as well as calls and texts from the audience.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Newcastle's Assistant Editor, Doug Morris, says: "I'm proud to welcome two great local sporting heroes to our fantastic line-up and look forward to offering an entertaining and trusted sports show to our fellow sports fans – whatever their game."

´óÏó´«Ã½ Head of Region for the North East, Phil Roberts, says: "We look forward to reflecting the passion for sport that this region has.

"Together with Look North and our websites, this offers something extra to all sports fans in the North East while building on our audience offering into the evening."

Total Sport runs weeknights from 5.30 to 7.30pm on 95.4 FM.

The first programme will air on Monday 10 August after the first match of Newcastle United's Championship season.

Notes to Editors

Striker Marco Gabbiadini played 157 games for Sunderland between 1987 and 1991, scoring 74 goals.

Defender Steve Howey played 191 games for Newcastle United between 1989 and 2000, scoring six goals. He gained four caps for England during his 16-year career.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Newcastle will bring full match commentary on all Sunderland matches with Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett, and all Newcastle games with Mick Lowes and John Anderson.

RF