With Mark Viduka out once again with a long term injury, Shola Ameobi has stepped up to the plate under Joe Kinnear, and has again started to deliver for his home town club.
Shola Ameobi – shown good character to come back
In the summer it looked almost certain that Shola was on his way out, but nobody seemed too interested when push came to shove, and come September 2nd he was still at Newcastle.
But since Joe Kinnear has come to Toon, he has shown full confidence in the 6′2″ striker, and Shola has obliged with some good performances for Newcastle.
Chris Hughton talked to the Evening Chronicle today about Shola:
“I have to say I’m absolutely delighted for Shola.” “He’s worked hard in training, and in the period of time I’ve been here, this is the best I’ve seen him.”
“He’s playing regularly, which is what he wanted to do, and for him it’s just about maintaining his form.” “With Shola, there’s no doubt he has ability.”
“It’s difficult for me to say what went on before I got here. I’ve been here since the end of February, and it looked like Shola might be leaving the club. But since pre-season, he has been excellent.”
“At the moment, he’s certainly giving the team something.”
We have to give Shola credit to have come back from the depths in the summer, and while he may not be everybody’s cup of tea, he seems to resemble Emile Heskey the more we see of him.
And he certainly gave Danish International center-back Martin Laursen a tough time on Monday night, that’s for sure.
Well done Shola, now for a couple of goals at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
126 responses so far ↓
1 Bakerman // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:19 PM
The lad’s always had potential – yes he can be bloody frustrating at times – but when one remembers back to his spell under Glenn Roeder, Amoeibi was our saviour that season!!!
2 Christoon // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:23 PM
ive never forgotten this lad put us in the uefa cup on his own under roeder all whilst carrying a hip injury. You cant count him out!
3 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Ibrahimovic needs to learn from Ameobi
4 The real big AL // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:29 PM
barton and martins have hogged all the headlines after the last 2 victories but the way shola has played has laid the foundations for both wins. he’s been my man of the match. i can’t believe how many headers and flick ons he’s winning. come on shola son, keep up the excellent work! you are the perfect type of player to play alongside oba/owen when in this sort of form.
5 Maxee // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Credit where it’s due.
Shola has lead the line with tenacity, pride and confidence for the last few weeks. His goal against Man City summed him up. A sublime touch (worthy of Ronaldo or Kaka) to make himself room between two defenders), followed by a complete miss-kick into the net!!!
6 Bakerman // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:37 PM
I would anyday prefer Shola to Smith – fair enough Smith plays his heart out but Shola scores more given less chances – thats more important for a striker. I would think he also creates more by causing havoc with defences (somthing Smith cant do) and also providing a target-man for the team.
7 DanToon // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:38 PM
He’s doing the same job Heskey does for England, he doesen’t get any credit for it coz he’s making goals for the other strikers. I Personally think Ameobi has no future at Newcastle if we are to improve!
8 Bill F (Original) // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:43 PM
It’s amazing what a confidence booster can do for a player. I was gobsmacked when Shola did some fancy footwork in Mondays game (which did come off). I doubt if he would have tried it last season. I can’t wait for Joe to get to work on Smith when he is fit again.
Assuming he is still manager then.
9 Bart // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:45 PM
I love his lovely SMILE when he came off for owen at the last match.
I guess he was delighted or touched by the ovation from the fans.
I remember when he came on at one of the last few games(i think is agaisnt everton), i saw a fan was holding his head in frustration and seemed shocked, dissapointed as we had just conceded a goal at the final minute.
Surely he thought, Ameobi plays = Newcastle loses. No doubt, he had changed his ‘ equation ‘ now.
10 Bakerman // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:46 PM
all i want for christmas is lassana diarra for newcastle – him & barton would be the heartbeat of our side and make us one helliva side to play against!!!
11 Spyro // Nov 6, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Don’t need Lassana Diarra, we have Guthrie
Seriously though, i think Guthrie will learn the CM position well from Barton. What a pairing that is going to be.
Ameobi has given us another dimension and i am grateful to him for that. However, he is still not good enough to hold down a concrete place in our side.
12 scotty // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Here, here gola ameobi……..
13 Bakerman // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:08 PM
You’re right about Ameobi giving us another dimension. After seeing how well Barton & Butt played together, I can’t help but imagine what a proper holding midfielder like Diarra play instead of Butt. Barton, alongside a proper midfield general will result in a solid core for the team to play around, esp since our (already excellent) wingers will be given more freedom to attack attack attack
14 Ex-pat MAG // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Oh for gods sake, Shola has had a few reasonable games, so what!! he has also had a multitude of lazy workshy matches previous. All of a sudden he has finally fulfilled his self proclaimed potential to fill Alan Shearer’s boots, I think not, he is not good enough. I am glad that his performances have improved as it will allow us to get more money for him in January.
15 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:12 PM
I wouldn’t call Diarra a holding midfielder, he was for Chelsea, got more attacking at Arsenal and at Pompey you could almost class his as an AM.
16 CHUCK // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Living dangerously Ed., theres a hard core of anti Shola people, as there are anti Duff and Shea
people who constantly criticise every game they play.
Nice to see some rational fans praising these guys.
Especially Shola, a local lad who gives 100% and has done a decent job, I am sure he appreciates it.
17 CHUCK // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Comparing Guthrie with Diarra is the equivilant
to comparing a Vauxhall to a Ferrari.
Diarra is a great talent, would love to see him in black and white, someone is going to grab him from Portsmouth now that Arry`s gone.
At present he could`nt be described as a DM, but he has the talent to fill that role.
He could easily chose just about any team if he decides to leave Pompey.
18 toon head // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:31 PM
we need sumone like riqulme
19 Whumpie // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:32 PM
I hope Shola reads this. He’s had (and sometimes earned) some unbelievable stick in the past, but he’s also earned this.
As someone who’s not been able to get to a game since his renaissance, I’d like to know from someone who’s an SJP regular: off-camera, is he leaning on defenders the way Shearer did? I’ve always explained to people who don’t get it about Big Al how you had to go to a match to see how he destroyed defenders when the ball was nowhere near him. If Shola’s doing that, then he’s learned something from the master and it’s no wonder we’re winning games.
Of course, it’s too soon to judge Shola (Ex-pat MAG) – but this is the first decent run he’s had without injury, and I’m hoping he just continues to improve. I’m not sure about him yet, but I’m really hopeful.
20 Danny // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:32 PM
I’m sorry, but what are you taking?!?!
Ameobi did nothing, silch, nada, zero against Villa. He fumbled the ball away, and never looked like he was at a premier league match.
Yes, he’s had 2 good games, IN 18 MONTHS!!
C’mon, this is embarrising. Ameobi will get credit if he continue his form, which plummeded at Villa.
My God, get real…
21 Oli Stirling // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Shola was always one of those players who I really wanted to do well, and willed to succeed (local lad & nice bloke etc) but he always seemed so slow and clumsy and I ended up wishing him great success but at another club somewhere.
Now I’d be a bit miffed he left for Stoke or Norwich or something. Well done Shola, my son!
22 beyethegreat // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:34 PM
toon head we do the problem is riquelme wouldnt come
23 beyethegreat // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:35 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/7713795.stm
24 beyethegreat // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:36 PM
mo seems positive about newcastle is it wishful thinking or is there a chance he may stay
25 Ageordiedoonsooth // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Danny What game were you watching on Monday. Ameobi had a very good game. He worked really hard & gave their defence a really hard time. Good god some guys on here are so negative, espcially the local lads like Ameobi & Taylor. At last we look like a team with everyone working for each other I think the fans should do the same.
26 Whumpie // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Bit harsh, Danny – but I’m wondering if you, like me, watched the game on TV? I’m starting to think that the people giving the praise are those who got to see what he was doing off-camera.
A lot of the stuff you see Shola doing on telly ends in stepping on the ball, falling over or generally doing “the eppie giraffe” to little effect. It’s infuriating,and I ended up shouting at the screen a lot. But I get the impression that we’re just not seeing the whole picture. Literally.
Perhaps he’s the reason Martins and co get so much time on the ball? He certainly seems to spend a lot of time with two defenders on him, steadily knocking three bells out of them with his many-jointed limbs…
Just a thought.
27 Whumpie // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:52 PM
That came out wrong: there was plenty of good stuff to see from Shola on the TV coverage – but perhaps it wasn’t as positive on balance as seeing the whole lot.
28 Davy C // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:59 PM
CHUCK – I totally agree with both of your posts. I think that Duff has been excellent recently and was astonished to come out of the ground on Monday after such a great win to hear a group of fans berating Duff for lack of quality and effort. Some people are just born with their glasses half empty.
As for Shola, the lad has been tremendous. Bakerman and Christoon sum it up. He has had potential, every manager apart from BSA has seen something in him but he’s come back from a long standing injury, stepped in when JFK has had to call on him and has been superb.
He’s shown strength, passion, good aerial abilty against some quality defenders, excellent touch and awareness at times and hasn’t been afraid to get stuck in and defend from the forward line. I don’t think we could’ve asked for anymore.
Just hope he keeps it up and gets amongst the goals at the weekend.
29 yemozone // Nov 6, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Ameobi is tryin now but he is slow and not a good goalscorer. if jk can give owen/martins partnership a chance, it will work.
30 CHUCK // Nov 6, 2008 at 6:07 PM
Did Shola learn anything from Shearer, suggest you ask Laursen, who ended up on his ass numerous times and took a pretty good elbow to the head a couple of times.
Do you think the ref. was discussing the financial meltdown the numerous times he wagged his finger at him.
Its the little things that go unnoticed that make him valuable.
I`m sure niether of Villas CD`s are looking forward to playing against him any time soon.
31 A.L. 9 // Nov 6, 2008 at 6:27 PM
I must say I’ve been impressed with him the paste few games. However with Owen coming back I hope Martins isn’t pushed out of the side because of Shola’s size. I hope and expect that Owen will start on the bench against Fulham, he has only played about 1 minute football over the past couple of weeks and we cannot risk him pulling a daft muscle, also neither Shola or Oba deserve to be dropped.
However Owen cannot start on the bench week in week out so 1 will have to giveway, and that has to be Shola in my opinion, in the first half he was menacing to the defenders because we were shunting bulls upfield at him, however in the second, when we actualy passed it across the ground and started to play good football, Martins outshone him. I have a feeling Kinear will switch Martins to the bench however as it’s been clear so far that he prefers to have a big man up front.
Shola makes great back-up as he clearly doesn’t want to leave the club at any cost and I think thats what he should remain, flog Smith and keep Shola as a big man on the bench incase we need something different.
32 ed_speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 6:31 PM
barack obama
regards,
ed
p.s ‘mon the lads
33 murphy // Nov 6, 2008 at 6:54 PM
I think all three will get used depending on who we play. if we’re playing away from home against a team that close us down and don’t let us play then shola would be very usefull. I think all three would work well, perhaps have shola sitting deep, lob the ball up to him, he collects, drags a few defenders his way then flick it off to martins or owen to make the shot, from watching shola these last few games he’s done this well.
I think that’s where people have misjudged shola, he doesn’t play pretty or make amazing runs but what he brings to the team in terms of being a target man, freeing up players, the little flick ons, and harrasing defenders he’s more than usefull.
34 tripp // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Shola embodies the progress that the side has made since Kinnear took over. He’s not a top striker, but he’s playing an important role and doing it pretty well. The goal he scored against Citeh was immense, regardless of how well executed it was.
35 Turkish Magpie // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:11 PM
My attack force
–Jonas–Barton–Guthrie/Butt–Duff
–Owen——-Ameobi———-Martins
Butt and Guthrie is a tough one
Guthrie is good but that anger needs to be controlled and Butt had a great game on monday. 3 Advanteges from the strikeforce
1)Ameobi center so owen or Martins can play passes and he can lay them off or hold up the ball and give it to Barton.
2) Martins and Ameobi link up well so they can work together past defenders(Ameobi does have some skill) then Ameobi runs in the box as well as Barton, Owen and Jonas so we have a chance their
3) Evryone feeds the ball to Ameobi so he can keep the ball, pass it and get layed off, like this
starts like this
————-opposing keeper———
—-Defender—Defender—Owen
—Oba————Ameobi————–
and finishes like this
—-Defender——-Ameobi—-Owen
-Defender—-Oba————Defender
but by this time the formation is like this the ball should be in the back of the net.
36 ende // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:16 PM
His recent progress is good. It will make him easier to deal away next window.
37 belfast toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Am i the only person wondering why Dennis wise still has a job ?
If we are not buying anyone in January why do we need a recruitment department?
or am i missing something???????
38 Turkish Magpie // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Dennis not so wise is only here because of Ashley!
but he’s still doing his job looking for young stars and i cant argue he found some great people but he still is mostly to blame for Keegans departure!
but knowing Ashley, Wise probably has something in his contract saying Ashley has to pay compensation if he sacks him
39 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:40 PM
We need more attacking players full-stop. We need more pace.
We should be looking at Elia playing for FC Twente tonight, very good young player.
40 belfast toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:41 PM
wise did do a good job your right mate but he did only what he was told. I like the players he brough in
i might be turning this the second night i have defended him
41 ed_speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:55 PM
barack obama
42 SwedEric // Nov 6, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Ibrahimovic needs to learn from Ameobi.. To even name them in the same sentance is disrespectfull to Zlatan, even if you were being sarcastic…
I for one have to say he did 2 good games, after almost 2 years of crap play… And now it sounds on many that we have found a new Adebayor, because he worked hard against Villa…
He doesn´t have what it takes, just because he workes hard and is a big fella doesn´t cut it for me… Sorry Shola…
43 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:03 PM
What did I say?
Superb finish, 1-1.
44 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:03 PM
SwedEric – Obviously I was being sarcastic!
45 nimo // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:21 PM
imbrahimovic is pants. when do the tickets the stoke game go on sale to general public
46 Dom. // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:24 PM
ed, Barack Obama!
legend.
47 ed_speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:38 PM
couldn’t agree more dom. thanks for your imput.
regards,
ed
p.s ‘mon the lads
48 Bakerman // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Sorry for the late reply
Tom_Toon…I feel that Diarra can do the job that Butt does for us but with stronger legs, better tackles and better passing. He could be our rock in the centre – I am aware of his attacking abilites but still feel he is a Makelele type player in the making. He would certainly anchor our midfield more than Butt (bless his old heart and efforts) and be the true heartbeat of our squad. The one thing that I appreciate Souness for was trying to build the team from the core (Parker, Emre) … and I really hope we can have a strong core (i.e. replacement for Butt) by the Jan window. 2 hard tackling, dynamic midfielders is what we need – not Riquelmes and out-and-out attackers like that – no we need men of steel who can control the game for us from the midfield.
49 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:47 PM
nimo – dd you just say Ibrahimovic is pants?!?!?!
Ibrahimovic is a great player and probably the most TALENTED (not necessarily the best) footballing of his generation.
50 ed_speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Ibrahimovic = over rated, swedish, flop.
that is all.
regards
ed
p.s ‘mon the lads.
51 tripp // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Tom, it was a nice finish but shocking defending from Citeh. I wonder when Dunne will get his goal… for Twente. lol
52 skin d // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:02 PM
shola gives us another dimension,shola is from another dimension.
barack obama well done in aal that but who gives a toss aboot septic politics.
53 Dan13 // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:03 PM
me = bored
Can’t wait for next match at st james’
54 Dan13 // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Why are people over here so bothered about American affairs?
55 ed_speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:07 PM
ed speed – geordie Barack Obama. i can save this club, i just need funds, and belief.
regards,
ed
p.s ‘mon the lads
56 Turkish Magpie // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Evening ed
57 baz // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:12 PM
A geordie doon sooth! is that u like jocka joyce?
58 skin d // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:12 PM
dan dont think anybody is bothered,it,s just the media in britain try to make out it is but in reality brits dont care.
59 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Told you guys Elia was a good player.
60 AndyNUFC // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Dan, comment 54, media hype and a general interest in political world affairs, especially such a monumental moment as this, having a black president.
Can’t wait to see the championship players Kinnear hopefully buys in January. They will make or break our season.
61 skin d // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:17 PM
alreet turkish mate hows it gannin.
62 ERIC CRAMMY MAG // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:18 PM
never ever been my favorite player but lets give credit where credit,s due he has done well lately but there is still a lot more to come from him and i dont think he has enough to take the club to the nexy level
63 skin d // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:20 PM
i,ll admit shola has done better recently,but he is a terrible player to watch style wise.
he got picked up by newcastle playing for one of my local teams walker central.
i just wonder with that awkward gangly style what scouts ever seen in him?
64 Turkish Magpie // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Skin d-
I’m alrite after monday!
How r u?
65 skin d // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:24 PM
turkish got the score wrong by one ,i said 2-1 i must admit i was disapointed with villa.
66 Turkish Magpie // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:25 PM
I thought i t was a great result
67 skin d // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:28 PM
it was a good result but villa were supposed to be a team looking at the top four they were poor.
68 skin d // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:31 PM
aye turkish i forgot to ask you,how is colin kazim richards doing in turkey?
69 toony soprano // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Ibrahimovic the most talented footballer of his generation?
Ronaldo,Kaka,Messi,Henry,Van Nistleroy,Raul, Shevchenko and Ronaldhino must have all retired years ago
70 ed_speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:14 PM
add shearer to that list, suprano.
regards,
ed
p.s ‘mon the lads
71 ed speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:18 PM
I am such an idiot
72 ed_speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:18 PM
he’s twice the player of Raul and Shevchenko.
regards,
ed
p.s ‘mon the lads
73 Spyro // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Although it is very much a subjective issue, I agree that Tom Toon’s comment about Ibra being the most talented footballer of his generation are very wide of the mark.
74 AndyNUFC // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:21 PM
That’s a pretty bold statement TT, maybe a not so well thought out one?
75 Spyro // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:21 PM
…maybe due to the fact that he lost all my respect when he joined the ‘disloyal, coward players who run away from their club when times are tough’ gang.
76 beyethegreat // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:22 PM
i am getting canny pd off the fact the press are doing everything they can to villafy barton even more he made mistakes and i can understand people dont like him but what will ruining him actually achieve the answwer is nothing and its not as if the story was printed on a slow news day imo criticize barton all you want but dont bring stuff like this up he clearley was not being racist otherwise beye would have reacted badly and agbonlahor would not have shaken his hand
77 toony soprano // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Ibrahimovic pales into insignificance when compared to some of the great strikers of the last 20 years
Shearer, Ronaldo (before he was fat), Van Bastern, Sheva and Del piero
I would even rate Inzagi higher
78 Auschas // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:25 PM
It must have felt good for ameobi to have owen coming on for him instead of the other way around.
79 Spyro // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Del Piero is and always has been one of my, if not my favourite striker of all time. I admire the man not just because of his fantastic footballing ability, but also because of his loyalty and dedication to my second team.
80 toony soprano // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:28 PM
he’s twice the player of Raul and Shevchenko?
Ibrahimavic has won what?
he has never sustained the form that the above have over at least 10 years
81 toony soprano // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Spyro
I have always loved AC Milan – only second to the Toon
i have still got the Mediolenium shirt similar to the one that Van, Guillit, Beresi, Maldini and the boys used to wear.
Del Piero is a model pro i can remeber he got a standing ovation at SJP for his football and he was genuinely overwhelmed
82 Rasko a.k.a Hadji // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:36 PM
The best striker for me was Batistuta…..When he was at the same age with Ibra,he was breaking the laws of gravity with his stunning goals.
Ibra is excellent player but i think he’s a little bit full of himself,he acts as if he’s the only player in the team who knows how to play football.
Same thing was with Henry in Arsenal.
Imagine if we had Batistuta with Shearer upfront…WOOOOW
83 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:37 PM
T A L E N T E D not better.
84 Danny // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Aye, i watched the whole game on the telly, and im not the type of persons that hates a person, wether he does great or not.
But Ameobi did nothing on Saturday, absolutly nothing!
Ameobi deserves praise? For two good matches? And he was good, those two matches…
He did not threaten anything at all. Gave the defence a hard time!? Owen should’ve replaced him much sooner, atleast with a bad foot he can give a decent pass…
85 toony soprano // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Bati goal was leathal for fiorentina
He never scored a crap goal either did he?
He seemed to get half a yard from 30 yards out and it hit the back of the net.
However the most complete ‘old fashioned no9′ was Van Basten almost unplayable in the box
86 toony soprano // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Tom
I do understand what talented means and i stand by my statement
87 Spyro // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Tom Toon
Still way off in my opinion.
Also, you should really try not to be so patronising…
…”T A L E N T E D” not really necessary is it.
88 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Ibrahimovic is far more talent than Shevchenko and Raul!
89 ed speed // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Dis site aint dig proof
90 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:54 PM
It incredible how someone of ibra’s size has that amount of skill its FAIRLY easy for someone like Messi who is very small because of his low centre of gravity, but for someoe as tall and lanky as ibrahimovic it is incredible.
91 toony soprano // Nov 6, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Tom,
The wife is sat on the couch pissing herself laughing at that one.
i take it that by not mentioning Kaka, Ronaldo and Messi etc you agree with me?
92 AndyNUFC // Nov 6, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Well i’d say how good a footballer is and talent comes hand in hand… surely?
Anyway I wouldn’t say that because he has a disadvantage it makes him more talented.
Maybe an extreme example but say if a runner has one leg but still a fast runner – not as fast as the world’s established top though – it wouldn’t make him more talented just because he has a disadvantage?
I guess i’m trying to say, i’d agree more with “for a tall guy, Zlatan is a talented player” rather than “Zlatan is very talented because he is tall”.
93 O'Hurley // Nov 6, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Danny- “I’m sorry, but what are you taking?!?!
Ameobi did nothing, silch, nada, zero against Villa. He fumbled the ball away, and never looked like he was at a premier league match.
Yes, he’s had 2 good games, IN 18 MONTHS!!
C’mon, this is embarrising. Ameobi will get credit if he continue his form, which plummeded at Villa.
My God, get real…”
C’mon, lad! His confidence is terrible because of people acting like a bunch of radgies. If people started givin’ him their support (just because he’s local, and not because of talent), he’d probably become a MUCH better player. How would YOU like to go out there in front of 50,000 of your townspeople and know that you’re pretty much hated. Not that I’m sayin’ his performance doesn’t have issues, I’m just sayin’ that maybe if he actually KNOWS the toon is behind him, he’d feel a bit better aboot life and that would translate into a better game for ‘em. Just a thought. Howay the lads!
94 Bill F (Original) // Nov 6, 2008 at 11:25 PM
First Black(ish) American president, first Black(ish) F1 champion the question has been asked when we will have the first Black Dr Who (I bet everyone thought I was going to say PM). My money will be on Lenny Henry although I would like to see Jackie Chan take the part. I reckon we will get a woman PM before we get a black one.
95 Heavy hitters // Nov 6, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Its a good job the Premiership is shite apart from the big four because if you can gel you can play the likes of Taylor, Cacapa, Butt, Guthrie, Geremi and Ameobi and still get up there amongst the UEFA cup places. I dont rate any of these and as long long as we play these players we will NEVER play Champions League football !
96 Tom_Toon // Nov 6, 2008 at 11:33 PM
I think Ibrahimovic is more naturally talented than Ronaldo, Kaka, tough call betwee him and Messi.
Saying ‘Zlatan is talented because he is tall’ isn’t refering to his height as a handicap, but as a positive.
97 xisco biscuits // Nov 6, 2008 at 11:52 PM
TT, ibra has a lot of talent, especially great control and skill for a big man, but i would say all of the following are/were far more talented:
zidane, zola, del piero, henry, bergkamp, messi, ronaldinho, shearer, ronaldo (at barca), totti, kaka
98 skin d // Nov 7, 2008 at 12:01 AM
what about christian vieri?
99 skin d // Nov 7, 2008 at 12:06 AM
jean marie papin,eusabio,butregano,muller,karl heinz rumeniger,vasily rats,rudie voller,marco van basten,socrates,zico,zbigenew boniek,to name a few.
100 barry venison // Nov 7, 2008 at 12:37 AM
i’ve only seen ibrahimovic a dozen or so times and have come away with the impression that he is a lazy, inconsistent pre madonna and one of the most overrated players going. or have i only seen his bad games?
101 Tom_Toon // Nov 7, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Of his generation..
102 Spyro // Nov 7, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Forget the Ibra discussion now, there will never be an agreement as the debate (like most football debates) is based upon something which is for the most part subjective. It is like arguing over which female is more attractive, it is down to the individuals perception.
Anyway, what team do you guys reckon we should throw out against Fulham? Also, what are your expectations/predictions for that match?
103 Tom_Toon // Nov 7, 2008 at 12:49 AM
either 1-0 to us or 2-0 to us with a late goal.
Same team as Villa with Owen to get about 20-30mins, maybe longer if Shola or Oba are playing poorly.
Just had a thought with Man City, we need a new striker, hey have all that money, they might cut their losses on Bojinov, hes a quality player, we could get him on the cheap cos of his injury record. How often have you seen it where an injury prone players joins a new club and doesn’t get injured.
104 Spyro // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:03 AM
oh ok then, personally i feel we will get a draw against Fulham. I think that now we are out of the relegation zone our players will get ahead of themselves and not put in the same shifts they have been putting in for the last few games. I think Fulham however, will be right up for it and get in our faces all 90mins. I can see us conceding and then getting a late equaliser or maybe just a 0-0. Hope i am wrong though.
I would love to see a 0-2 win and us continue our winning streak.
Concerning Bojinov, yes i rate him highly as a young starlet, but i don’t think NUFC is the place for injury prone players to come, seeing as we have a habit of turning normal players in to injury prone ones.
105 Tom_Toon // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:14 AM
Its just luck, I’d love us to take a gamble on him.
106 Spyro // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:18 AM
Here is a question i have been thinking about for the past few days ever since i heard to Villa fans discussing it in the pub.
How long do you think we can possibly hold on to Gutierrez before the top teams come calling?
107 Spyro // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:20 AM
I can’t see see him staying with us for any longer than 2 years if i am honest.
Same with Coloccini, which is why i don’t mind when he makes the odd blunder.
108 A.L. 9 // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:24 AM
“How often have you seen it where an injury prone players joins a new club and doesn’t get injured.”
Not owa often when its our club there joining like Tom_Toon mate…
109 Tom_Toon // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:27 AM
With us it is a bit different, but I think our lucky will chane, definitely worth a gamble on talent depending on the price.
I think Jonas will stay for a while, not many top clubs will want him as he will be too old in about 2 years which I guarentee he’ll stay.
110 A.L. 9 // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:32 AM
Tom he’ll be 27 in 2 years time, I wouldn’t say thats too old.
I think he seems an honest hard working player anuway, the same with Colo, seem like decent lads, it is football though so we never know.
111 tino97 // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:33 AM
I thought Ameobi played quite well on Monday, his work and threat caused confusion in the Villa defence at times. Ameobi’s hard work allowed Martins, Jonas and Duff to see more of the ball. I liked the smile he gave Owen when he was subbed. Like saying you are my understudy, all we are using for is to run the clock down. LOL!! Seriously I hope shola can keep up the form.
112 skin d // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:33 AM
GIVE SHOLA SOME CREDIT,F##K THAT HE GOT MORE MONEY THAN ANYONE.
113 Tom_Toon // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:41 AM
I would say that is too old for a top club that he’d leave for (unless he is homesick or something) as they look for young players the only other reason they get him if he was cheap (we wont sell him cheap).
114 jay b // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:52 AM
to be fair, shola hasn’t really played 3 games in a row since roeder’s reign! then he scored around 5 in 8 b4 his hip operation didnt he?
he may not be top quality, but he can do a job 4 us. capable of 10 goals a season at least
115 Azrail // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:57 AM
I always fancy a target man up front playing with a speedy striker…. Saying that ameobi looked useable these past games… we should give him chance… I do know how but Owen, martin & ameobi should play… So will barton, duff & jonas…. So, let’s play 4-3-3…
——————Given—————–
Beye—Coloccini—Taylor—Enrique
—–Jonas—Barton—Duff—–
————–Owen—————-
—–Ameobi——–Martins—-
Or we can always be attack oriented…
Drop Enrique & plays Guthrie @ Cacapa @ Butt
as defensive / holding Midfielder….
3–4–3 formation.. He!he!he!
Just Like Old Udinese or AC Milan time!!
Crazy mad!!
116 51times // Nov 7, 2008 at 5:40 AM
Is it me, or does Keith Harris look like Ally McCoist?
117 bruTOOOON // Nov 7, 2008 at 5:51 AM
yupz he improve a bit but i want him to improve more and consistent
118 toonoholic // Nov 7, 2008 at 6:00 AM
if a donkey wins a race derby, he still remains a donkey ! that is bambis story. good to see hes doing something useful for once . I never really wanted him to leave nufc for 2 reasons.
hes a geordie
hes doesnt mind sitting on the bench
whatever it takes hopefully , he regains his form like he did against barcelona 6 years back .
ps: hamilton , obama , ameobi pfa award?
119 Guinea Mag // Nov 7, 2008 at 7:17 AM
Credit given when due, Ameobi has stepped to the plate and has played his socks off these last few games. Well done…..
Shola deserves a new contract and based on Viduka’s continual injury problems, should may be try and cut our losses and sell him in January if some one will buy him!!!!!
However, first team replacements are needed especially if Owen leaves in January also which I expect!
120 Rasko a.k.a Hadji // Nov 7, 2008 at 7:43 AM
If this is true,i think we should all say goodbye to Owen…..i hope not!!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1903162.ece
121 The Entertainers // Nov 7, 2008 at 7:49 AM
The Shola of late has done quite well. He is certainly a handful and am quite happy his Ipswich move fell through, when you look at the injuries we’ve had.
I still am not sure about the long term though!
Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see a local lad go on and cement his place in our team. I see him in the same mould as Heskey, causing defenders problems but not scoring many. If only he could get other players involved a bit more, like Heskey does then he would be worth keeping.
I suppose i’ll hold my council on Shola for a while, but would still love another ‘big’ striker at the club.
If that was to happen, then surely 1 or 2 out of Shola, Viduka, Carroll and Xisco would have to leave.
122 51times // Nov 7, 2008 at 8:02 AM
Viduka won’t be offered another contract at the end of the season, too injury prone. So it would leave Shola, Carroll and Xisco. After watching Carroll a lot in the reserves I don’t think he’ll make the Premierleague.
123 Sav // Nov 7, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I don’t think Shola has been entirely misjudged. 2 months ago he was leaving and no-one would have been sorry. But whether its because he knows this is his final last chance, or some extra coaching from JFK to turn him into ‘the new Fash’ the penny seems to have dropped. There’s less fancy stuff and more winning free-kicks by taking a battering and putting those awkward limbs to use in unsettling defenders.
Great to see as he is a local lad and its now or never. Carroll could take a leaf out.
124 Mark // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:49 PM
He hasnt done anything! He scored a mis-kick against man city, and he scored a header which hit him on the top of his head and could have gone anywhere, he just gives fouls away all the time – the lad is sh!t
125 Craig Allen // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Shola is starting to show glimpses of the player he used to be. He’s not there yet (in fact far from it) and I still get frustrated seeing him do things like pass in a tight situation and then turn his back to the play giving his team mate whom he passed to one less option to distribute the ball to. Triangles! Triangles! Triangles! He’s been doing this a lot and you can check some of the passes in the Villa game. If he works on his hunger and consistency throughout the game then he should be reaching that form he’s capable of reaching sooner rather than later. I’m hoping he works on this aspect of his game, it would certainly make him deadlier and a killer combination with Martins and/or Owen.
126 boater // Nov 8, 2008 at 5:07 PM
It winds me up no end to still hear people say Shola will never be the next Shearer… toonaholic you are bang on there- shola is happy to be an understudy for the club. Why would we want every striker to be undroppable? that just causes a new set of problems and they will leave.
I am delighted that shola is proving the doubters wrong.. he is what he is – a capable if unpredictable squad player.. every top team needs that in the squad. Also – to those people saying he can’t be a part of a side which challenges at the top…. he got plenty of football under SBR in the champions league finish seasons… AND we ARE improving with him in the team… he gives us a balance and does get goals as his starting record proves…
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