Most Newcastle fans are much more realistic these days, after the club were surprisingly relegated just over two years ago.
Alan Pardew – sense optimism with fans
Gone is all the talk about finishing in the top four and all that stuff, but it’s also interesting that’s where Newcastle are right now – in 4th position in the league after 7 league games.
But most Newcastle fans certainly don’t expect our lads to finish in that position come next May.
Newcastle are still unbeaten this season, and indeed the unbeaten spell stretches back 13 matches (unlucky for some) to last May 1st, when Newcastle went down 3-0 at Liverpool, and were definitely second best in that game.
We definitely expect Alan to field an unchanged side from the one that beat Wolves 2-1 away two weeks ago, and this is what the manager told the local press today:
“I sense an optimism, and that they like the team. That’s important.” “Trust from the fans to the team is an important message.”
“When you get beat, it’s nice to get clapped off with the fans knowing they’ve given everything, and it just wasn’t our day at Liverpool, for whatever reason.”
“There have been times when we’ve come off after a loss, and the respect was there.” “There was honesty on the pitch. I think they find this team an honest team, and a bit of an exciting team.”
“Initially, it was making sure we can cope defensively.” “That’s been our strength the back end of last year – it saw us over the line. This year we’ve improved on that.”
“You can’t throw bodies forward unless you know what you’re doing at the back.” United somehow held on at Wolves after a wave of late attacks. But Pardew was proud of his side’s resolve.”
“We’ve managed to deal with those crisis situations very well, but we’re up against a team in Spurs which causes a crisis every few minutes.”
“It’ll be a test for us, and I don’t expect to keep a clean sheet, if I’m honest.” “If we can keep them down to one goal, or maybe even two, we can win the game.”
The defensive strength coincided with Steven Taylor getting his chance back in the side following 18 months of injury, and that was in the last three matches of the season that followed the Liverpool game.
Steven got his chance after Mike Williamson broke his arm in training, but Alan has since removed the assault training segment out of the daily regime.
And Steven and Coloccini have been towers of strength for the Newcastle side at the back.
Newcastle will need Steven and Colo in top form tomorrow, if Newcastle are to remain unbeaten after tomorrow’s game.
Comments welcome.
5 comments so far
Durham_Toon
Oct 15, 2011 at 1:52 PM
Comment #1“It’ll be a test for us, and I don’t expect to keep a clean sheet, if I’m honest.” “If we can keep them down to one goal, or maybe even two, we can win the game.”
??? WTF That’s how lower league teams talk when they play the likes of Chelsea and Man U. Very much the WRONG thing to say (and think!).
Milking Mikes' bulging pockets
Oct 15, 2011 at 2:01 PM
Comment #2Dislike the increased amount of waffle, coming from the club this week.
Graeme
Oct 15, 2011 at 6:25 PM
Comment #3If the Manager doesn’t believe we can keep a clean sheet, how the hell is he going to convince the defence that they CAN indeed keep a clean sheet??? Pure bloody nonsense lol.
There is absolutely NO reason why we cant close Spuds down, play our own game, contain them and win the match. I certainly believe we can win it and am looking forward to watching it in sunny Nigeria – Mon the Toooooooon
LewSpi
Oct 15, 2011 at 11:49 PM
Comment #4Think about it, if there’s one thing that AP is, it’s a motivator. He’s challenging his defence, saying go out, prove me wrong. This is why he’s paid millions… he knows what he’s doing.
simonnufc92
Oct 16, 2011 at 1:04 AM
Comment #5Pard knows what he’s doing i agree lewspi he will be challanging the defence and if we do concede it won’t be as much of a shock and the team will think they can come back. i think he’s settled well and has to be respected for what he’s done exspestially getting the fans behind him, true test against spurs we’ll get an indication of how well we really are then the bigger test comes when we play the top three !
HOWER THE TOON!