It would be nice to see some pictures of the lads training in Portugal this week, but so far we’ve seen nothing.
Kevin Nolan – so important for Newcastle
One reason for the trip is that Alan Pardew wants to increase the fitness levels of his players, and is holding two training sessions a day (good), and no doubt will be putting some strategies together for the next couple of important games at Fulham a week tomorrow, and at home to Arsenal the following Saturday.
An aerial assault against Arsenal would seem like a good move, and ensure Carroll and Ameobi (or Best) rough up their defense – big time.
Kevin Nolan has apparently also been shaking off the effects of a throat infection, on Newcastle’s mini-break in Portugal, and he played with that infection last Saturday against Spurs.
Pardew was also said to be keeping tabs on the latest transfers goings-on, from the Faro base in Portugal, as the news this morning was that Newcastle are close to signing Aston Villa’s Stephen Ireland, on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to buy him in the summer.
Alan Pardew talked to the Evening Chronicle today, about his captain:
“Kevin is such a big player for us.” “He’s the lieutenant for Newcastle United as far as I’m concerned and he doesn’t give up.”“That rubs off on the rest of the players. People like Kev, you have to play.”
“Even if he’s 85% or 90% he still plays because he’s such a great influence.
“He’s one of those. I like him because he’s a great organizer of the team.” “He was exasperated at the end because we gifted Tottenham a goal in the 1-1 draw on Saturday.
“He’s important to this group.”
And Pardew has shrugged off the ridiculous Sun report yesterday, that Andy Carroll will be out until April.
Andy may be fit for the game at Fulham, but if not, he will be fit to face Arsenal the following Saturday, and of course Ivorian Chieck Tiote will be back for that game too, after serving his 3 game suspension for being sent of against Stevenage in the FA Cup.
Alan continued:
“I want our star players back in the side.” “Cheik and Andy are star men for us and we want them back, even if the lads who came in for them did well.”
Newcastle are in Faro, which is at the southern tip of Portugal on the Cabo De Santa Maria (Cape of St. Mary).
Notice it’s quite close the an airport, so that may why it was selected.
And apologies for having the wrong photo in an earlier story, about Pablo Piatti, and I have now corrected it.
That has to be my first mistake in about 10 years – oh no – I did spell my name wrong on that form about five years ago. 😀
Comments always welcome – but please civil to other readers – and maybe to me too!
3 comments so far
Rotonda heights
Jan 25, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Comment #1in every way. could shift a few pounds !!!
Does seem to inject good team spirit and leadership, but possibly not the best role model for Carroll after that alledged party at his house and now the speeding in a built up area !! Footballers eh, don’t you just love em !!
Davies
Jan 25, 2011 at 2:20 PM
Comment #2Aw Ed. I may be critical on occasion, but I love this blog. You don’t get any abuse from me; I’m saving it all for Angryman….
Only kidding.
dublin mag steve
Jan 25, 2011 at 4:07 PM
Comment #3DONT CARE IF HE DOES NOTHING ELSE EVER AGAIN KEVIN “CHICKEN DANCE” NOLAN IS GOD 4 GOALS AGAINST THE MACKEMS IN 2 GAMES EVEN SHEARER WOULD BE PROUD OF THAT RECORD! YOU CAN WALK ACROSS WATER KEV.