During Alan Pardew’s press conference yesterday afternoon, the Newcastle manager said he was only concentrating at the moment on the game at Norwich City tomorrow.
Mike Williamson – back for Swansea game
Alan was asked what the situation would be for the next game against Swansea, and who might be fit for that next home game game, but Alan insisted he wanted to concentrate on Norwich.
But the Londoner did expect one or two players to be back for the Swansea game at St. James” Park.
Alan admitted things are tough for the Norwich City game at Carrow Road tomorrow:
“We are really up against it squad wise, and it’s important everybody plays a part.”
We’ll cope with players who have been here and seen the work we have done, and I don’t think it will be a problem.”
“James Perch will play on Saturday and knows exactly how we defend so I don’t see a problem with that.”
“We need to get one or two back and we think we will have one or two back for the Swansea game, including Mike Williamson, who we are accelerating.”
“We’re not as bad as being portrayed at the moment.”
The Newcastle manager intimated that Mike Williamson would be fit enough to be in the squad for the Swansea game, but whether he will start or not is an open question at this point, and will depend a lot on how players like James Perch perform tomorrow.
But it’s good news that a specialist center-back will be available again soon, and while Coloccini could even play tomorrow, it seems that both Coloccini and Williamson will be available for the Swansea game.
That has to be good news, because they were the number one central defensive partnership for the great part of last season , and have played together a lot, including in the promotion season.
So that cannot be bad, and it has to be good news for Mike that as soon as he is match fit he could be straight back in the first team.
That’s because of the terrible Achilles injury to Steven Taylor that will likely keep the Greenwich-born player out for the rest of the season.
Mike will have a big job to do for Newcastle when he returns, that’s for sure.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
9 comments so far
Dannyo
Dec 9, 2011 at 7:37 AM
Comment #1Apparantly, Darlingtons U18 yesterday said Adam Campbell was head and shoulders above everyone else in their match.
But Streete had a good match, along with Nicholson at RB.
Wish i could’ve seen that match, really enjoy watching the up and coming.
Would be nice if you could cover this a bit more Ed, there’s quite often interviews on the NUFCtv that doesn’t come out in the papers at all.
Klatoon
Dec 9, 2011 at 7:52 AM
Comment #2That Campbell sounds like he’s got a big future,seems to have rave reviews after most games.
nimo
Dec 9, 2011 at 9:25 AM
Comment #3With the reviews remi getting its a shout for him to get his 1st team shot in nxt 18month
tooninspain
Dec 9, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Comment #4Colo is absolutely vital to the team. I know Jonas gets a lot of credit (rightly so) for his defensive duties, but Colo’s covering of that left-side is crucial. I’ve lost count of the number of times he has played us out of trouble deep in that corner. It’s fantastic to see a Newcastle team which actually plays the ball out of defence instead of hoofing it up to the big guys. I hope Williamson has been watching and learning.
BigKirky
Dec 9, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Comment #5I hope Kadar plays tomorrow, as id been looking forward to seeing him develop more in the first team squad since he was first getting a game there. I think he seems a good and promising defender.
Injuries and other things will have maybe hampered his determination/attitude, but what a way to see how much he wants it and wants a new contract by including him tomorrow. Captaining the reserves will have done him good too as well as playing his international matches recently.
Like most, im still eager to see Santon play as Im sure he has a lot to offer the team, but I can understand Alan basing the inclusion on team around if ur in u dont lose ur place except for injury or very poor form. I think it’s excellent actually. Still doesn’t mean I dont want to see Santon any less though 🙂
patty518
Dec 9, 2011 at 9:47 AM
Comment #6Alreet lads,
Was at the game last night, some very promising kids coming through. Campbell was excellent. Sharp and lively. Shame hooper up front was on the back foot all the time. Streete has it all. Saw him last year too. He has developed loads. Very quick & strong and likes to ping it about. The star for me though was Brandon miele. Technically excellent in the centre of the park & great engine.
Maddison was lively but too often tried to be too fancy.
Nicholson also has a chance as he is an athlete and good delivery.
Promising
martoon
Dec 9, 2011 at 9:51 AM
Comment #7All of you with your team predictions – it looks like it is Perch + 1. I think he will leave the FBs as they are and choose from Santon or Kadar with Best as an outside possibility – I really don’t think they will risk Colo – it is just talk to keep Norwich guessing..
mickybraham
Dec 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Comment #8I went to the u18’s game last night as well! campbell played very well. great first touch and vision, at times to fast for the others to catch on to! maddison had a great game and scored a class goal and ran over and celebrated to the away fans as there was a canny few darlo fans there found that rather amusing
Willo
Dec 9, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Comment #9Campbell does look like one for the future but getting back to the article. Do we really want to bring Williamson back so soon? If he did injure himself again it would be devastating.