The Newcastle United Blog

197 responses so far ↓

• 1 tomtoon7 // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:49 PM

  agreed ed guthrie is a good young player,senseless losin him.Good competition 4 cabaye cant b a bad thing.The future looks great 4the TOON!

• 2 tomtoon7 // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:51 PM

  1st! last time i say that i promise lol.HWTL

• 3 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:51 PM

  Guthrie, Colo and Ba need to be given new deals that tie them down long term if we are to have a hope of building anything, to come so far only to loose three massive players for the club would be suicide

• 4 Wor Shearer // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:52 PM

  A top full back and a top winger are the priorities. I think the the other positions can be filled by the youngsters old or new.

• 5 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:52 PM

  It would be ridiculous loosing him for free as it would cost 4-6M for a player of similar standard, unless Carr has some cheap players that are even better lined up.

• 6 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:54 PM

  With 140,000 per week + of the wage budget at the end of the season, we should be able to enter the free transfer market with quite alot of power.

• 7 geoff777 // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:55 PM

  I hope Pardew leaves Cabaye on the bench for at least one game.

  Guthrie deserves his place.

  I hope he gets a good contract.
  It’s also good that most of the team have their best years ahead of them.

  HWTL

• 8 Wor Shearer // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:57 PM

  I can’t imagine Ashley allowing Ba to leave for whatever the buyout clause is (7m or something? I’ll ask Arry.). So i’m sure he’ll be offered a better contract (without an Arry clause).

• 9 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:57 PM

  geoff777 – Think it’ll be a case of Perch loosing out with Guthrie and Cabaye starting along side each other if Tiote is not back

• 10 toonincheek // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:58 PM

  Top class backup is almost as important as top class players.

  Danny has shown he is top class backup and may even improve further and show he is more than that. He has had a relatively short run in the team. We certainly need to keep him.

  Much though I’d like to see Danny and Cabaye playing together (with Tiote) they play the same role of midfield general – and you can only have one of those on the field at one time.

  That’s why I reckon Ballack never played so well alongside Lampard.
  Or Lampard and Gerrard in the England team, for that matter.

• 11 Colo-Sus // Feb 7, 2012 at 1:58 PM

  He is a great pro and a great Squad player.

  I think Corgnet has been lined up for the summer mind but if we are in europe we will need another CM.

  Summer Ins

  Pieters
  Corgnet
  Young Striker
  Winger….

  Outs

  Smith Perm
  Loven
  youth batch

  Happy days

• 12 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:03 PM

  Agree Colo-sus but would add to the Summer ins:

  Douglas at CB,
  Diame at CDM cover for Tiote

  In terms of winger…someone like Hoilett or Miralem Suejmani would be an awesome acquisition.

• 13 toonincheek // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:05 PM

  There’s probably a down side to this, but how about
  Midfield of Guthrie, Tiote and Cabaye
  Ba and Cisse up front, two pronged attack, often moving wide and dragging the CBs with them.

  HBA going through the middle . . . .
  Setting up either striker or Guthrie/Cabaye making a run from midfield.

• 14 jesperfuglsang // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:07 PM

  I think AP will try to tie down Guthrie. Hope they can agree on terms.

  Perch has been given a chance and everyone should have one so that’s good.

  But surely he’s not second choice – but with the gab between out defense and midfield lately he was the only choice (on form).

• 15 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:08 PM

  Hoilett’s diving theatrics have left a bad taste in my mouth.

  Would like to see Victor Moses and Matt Phillips come in myself, two great young players with massive potential and pace to burn

• 16 jesperfuglsang // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:08 PM

  out = our

• 17 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:10 PM

  How much do you guys think Ashley would have to splash out for Leighton Baines come the summer window?….he would be a great guy…santon over to RB….HBA and Marveaux on the wings…the spine speaks for itself. That is a starting XI to challenge for top 4!!

• 18 Colo-Sus // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:13 PM

  Vantoonman

  I agree in a perfect world, but we wont get Pieters and Douglas ihmo

  Douglas is free yes and will probs be our number one target for that reason, but if i had to choose Id go Pieters for his versatility, I agreed 100% with your previous post RE more solid full backs, that will allow HBA to play wider.

  But all in all that would be perfect window. Hopefully some wonderkids too for the future

• 19 jesperfuglsang // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:13 PM

  @VTM

  Depending on Everton’s economy, but somewhere between £15-17 mil i would guess.

• 20 jesperfuglsang // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:16 PM

  Maybe less

• 21 JackButler // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:19 PM

  Santon will be our left back for a long time to come, he prefers the left back role thats why he was referred to have being the new Maldini when he broke into the Inter side

• 22 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:19 PM

  I know it seems a bit of a long-shot…but if we finish top 6…and with everton in the financial state they are in…i think Baines could be bought for around £10mill. If you think Jose Enrique was highly rated after last season and went for £6mill.

  And if we got Baines…man that would be quite a coup!

• 23 alec6247toon // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:22 PM

  Just going back a few articles about HBA. He hasn’t been particularly consistent this season, but has shown some true flashes of sheer brilliance and class (Blackburn). He is still recovering from the horrific leg break he had, and I don’t think it will be until the end of this season or even next season before we start seeing him back at his best.

  I think the thing that a lot of people are forgetting about is how influential he has been in getting the French contingent interested in coming to us. He has been helping out with the transfers of the French players, talking to them about the club/city etc. and I wouldn’t say for definite but Cabaye for one may have been more difficult to sign had it not been for HBA’s influence.

  Don’t knock the lad yet, he’s on his way back and is almost having to learn the game again after a year out. He is still supremely talented, and will be a massive player for us going into the future. I just pray the Pardew gives him the chance he deserves, but first job for him is proving he deserves that chance in the first team in training.

• 24 jesperfuglsang // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:24 PM

  Personally I wouldn’t mind switching Santon to RB and go for a new LB

  On the other hand he could stay at LB and we could go for a new RB.

  The thing is Baines is probably too expensive and we could get make two Pieters or Aly Cissokho for the prize of one Baines

• 25 jesperfuglsang // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:28 PM

  make = maybe

• 26 ParisToon // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:29 PM

  Don’t forget this little gem, Mapou YANGA-MBIWA highly rated by almost everyone I talk to and could be a snip at 2-3 mill

• 27 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:30 PM

  Im quite surprised none of the big boys have come in for Baines. I mean Liverpool or Man City could have easily bought him and I think his overall play is better than Clichys. With everton in the financial state they are in there must be something behind that. Either they have slapped too hefty a price tag on him or he is committed to everton.

• 28 poolytoon // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:35 PM

  They should buy Mbiwa he plays right back and centre back

• 29 jesperfuglsang // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:36 PM

  Baines is a very good LB; I even have him in my Fantasy Team lol

• 30 lewytoon // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:37 PM

  ive noticed on the new poll about the most improved player doesnt have perch!

• 31 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:37 PM

  By the way did any of you guys see Gary Neville’s suggested England XI for Euro 2012 on Monday night football last night?…I actually completely agreed with his team….his reasoning is that we should throw the talented youngsters into it which will also prepare them well for 2014 world cup.

  In case some of you didnt see it, this is what he had…what are your thoughts?

  Hart

  Walker Jones Smalling Cole

  Parker
  Gerrard Wilshere

  Sturridge Oxlade-Chamberlain

  Rooney

• 32 ted // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:43 PM

  I hope NUFC put Spurs to the sword on saturday on the TV Spurs arent as good as the media make out the 2 Dembas can get at them and score some great vital goals to keep us in a champions league place then come the summer of change Mr Ashley can make some significant investments in the squad which will put NUFC back up as a football force.

• 33 GeordieGesus // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:54 PM

  Ted, I can’t see Ashley making “significant investment” in summer. Just astute investment as normal.

• 34 G // Feb 7, 2012 at 2:58 PM

  lewytoon @ 28. See the previous thread mate. Discussed how interesting it would be to see the poll re-run with him in it.

• 35 Mo Drysdale // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:03 PM

  Team for Spuds:—————Krul———————————

  Santon————-Willo——————-Collo————Jonas

  ———–Obertan————–Guthrie—————Fergie——-

  ———————————–Ben Afa——————————

  ———————Cisse—————————Ba—————–

  Attack, Attack, Attack Attack Attack.

  One off game worth a go.

  Give Spuds defence something to think about. You wont have to worry about Bale because he will be to busy defending.

• 36 wynsleap // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:08 PM

  VanToonMan @ 29
  Got to say I couldn’t care less about the usual, boring and overrated ‘ChelManArsPool’ X1 and never have done.
  Always much more excited about the Toon.

• 37 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:15 PM

  I remember 90% of us, me included, said “wtf is Guthrie doing on the bench ahead of Gosling, Abeid and Vuckic?”
  We never quite understood that cause most of us thought he was worse than the other 3, and most of all we were looking to Gosling being the closest backup and expected to leave at the end of the season.
  Now 90% of us are screaming for him to sign a new contract.

  Quite funny football, isn’t it

• 38 Wor Shearer // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:17 PM

  @Dannyo

  Shows what a couple of fine performances can do.

  It works the other way too, HBA?

• 39 alright on the black and white // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:19 PM

  @Vantoon, i’d love to see hart, walker, smalling, jones. Our very own guthrie partnering wilshire in cm with johnson and sturridge on the wings and rooney, welbeck up top. I’d also love to see capello or any future england manager stop showing such disgraceful disdain to the north east and finally come see a game at st james.

• 40 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:21 PM

  I think Oxlade is gonna be a top top talent for Arsenal and hopefully England!

• 41 Mo Drysdale // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:22 PM

  @29. Couldn’t disagree to much.

  I would put in King if he stays fit instead of Smalling. (Immense defender).

  I would switch Rooney with Sturridge.

  I would prefer Johnson MC as Right full back.

  Terry can go and SWIVEL as far as I am concerned. to self absorbed and disruptive influence in the camp.

• 42 davybtoon // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:22 PM

  The squad dosent need major funding in the summer can see us gettin players like corgnet, mariappa, Douglas, knockaert, maybe zaha n clynne n then see ba, colo, Guthrie, krul all get new deals

• 43 TemuriKetsbaia // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:27 PM

  Team vs Spurs:

  KRUL

  SIMMO WILLO COLO SANTON

  OBERTAN GUTHRIE PERCH JONAS

  BA CISSE

• 44 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:27 PM

  davy
  I am tempted to save that post and do a little test come the end of the summer window

• 45 martoon // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:30 PM

  Dannyo @ 35 – We don’t see the players in training and practice matches which will probably speak volumes. Also I think players like Gutherie were never totally free of injuries which obviously hampers them. That is another thing AP has done – his methods seem to get players fully fit & injury free.

• 46 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:31 PM

  @davy
  Can rule Mariappa out already, he was always gonna be backup, Pardew has said they won’t pursue if they didn’t get him in Janury. They have better targets.

• 47 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:38 PM

  @WWJBD
  Well, Davy is right in the fact that there is no need for huge investements here to have a team constantly pushing the top 4.
  Imo, given we keep all players, outside the released reserves and Smith and Loven, we’d need to strengthen a few positions. Here’s my oppinion:
  First choice LB, First choice RW/Striker or one to challenge Obertan should he come good, CB to challenge Willo. Youngsters will fill up the rest imo.
  This is ofc given we keep our top players.

• 48 tooninspain // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:42 PM

  Mo Drysdale…..Jose at left-back? Why don’t we play Ban Arfa and Fergie as twin centre-halves as well. Oh, and while we’re at it, we can put Demba Ba in goal and play Krul up front. Give me strength!

• 49 tooninspain // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:42 PM

  *Sorry, I meant Jonas

• 50 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:48 PM

  well surprise, surprise. would you look at that; pardew again talking about HBA like he’s never talked about another player, now saying that he doesn’t quite grasp the EPL….3 goals in 5 games, 2 assists….more than both jonas and obertan who’ve played pretty much the whole season

  i think pardew just doesn’t quite grasp HBA. everyday i get more and more fed up with this drivel. He’s forming new excuses to keep him out of the team, on unfair standards not applied to anyone else….

  call me crazy but i’d choose HBA over our manager….it’s not hard to find another English manager who’s failed to live up to expectation and has amounted to their own undoing…

  it’s sad but, (mind you i hate spurs alomst as much as the scum, who i hate almost as much as liverpool) but HBA would do well to go to Tottenham. Harry affords players of his ability to roam as they will and play to their strengths. Pardew hasn’t a clue how to play beautiful football (check last 12 months). He’s talisman without the managerial backing/knowhow to shine. He needs to move on since clearly Pardew is not, and that is very very unfortunate

• 51 soundoid // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:51 PM

  http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united

  I don’t understand this. Has Tiote gone on a rampage?

• 52 markmac // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:55 PM

  Sounds like Guthrie is happy so sort him a good deal !

• 53 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:58 PM

  Dannyo
  Key issue there though is us keeping our best players which I still doubt we will

• 54 Mo Drysdale // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:58 PM

  tooninspain,

  Less of the sarcasm mate.

  Its all in the detail as explained. (One off game worth a go) not on a permanently basis.

  If you watch Jonas live, week in week out you would notice that Jonas already does 50% of his work at left-back, covering for either Santon or Raylor.

  How do you think Raylor managed to be so successful at RB (Jonas).

  He has the best engine in the team and is far more defensive minded than he use to be.

  And by the way Santon was converted from a Striker to Left full back (from even further up the field than Jonas)

  Different opinions should be respected.

  Toon Army.

• 55 Colo-Sus // Feb 7, 2012 at 3:59 PM

  ———————————-Krul————————————-Simpson————–Colo————Wilo————–Santon—————–Guthrie———-Perch———–Jonas—————————————————HBA———————————————————-BA—————–Cisse———————

  Team vs Spuds

• 56 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:01 PM

  colo-sus

  pardew’s interview this morning pretty much gave him another excuse not to play HBA for another match. Don’t think for a second he will play him over anyone else.

• 57 Colo-Sus // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:01 PM

  ———————————Krul————————————-
  Simpson————Colo———–Wilo——————-Santon
  ————Guthrie———Perch———–Jonas——————-
  ——————————-HBA————————————————————-BA———–Cisse——————————

  Team vs Spuds

• 58 tooninspain // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:01 PM

  Mo…..thank God you don’t pick the team then.

• 59 Jonny // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:02 PM

  Right, Spurs game, i am thinking that Jonas has to start on the right to handle Bale and Asou-Ekotto or else Simpson will get destroyed. But then do you play Obertan or Ben Arfa on the left? i say Obertan to handle Walkers pace which Jonas could not. So i think the team should be this:

  ——————————–Krul———————————-

  Simpson———Coloccini———-Williamson————Santon

  Jonas————–Guthrie————Perch—————–Obertan

  ———————————Ba————————————-

  ——————————–Cisse————————————

  Ba will need to drop back onto Parker/Livermore so we don’t get outnumbered by their midfield three.

• 60 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:03 PM

  @WWJBD
  No way in hell will we keep our key players, no chance.
  But still, it doesn’t require much to have a really great team imo. If we can loose £120K wages through Smith, Xisco and Loven, u’d probably get 4 new players for the same £120K in wages. Competative players. Then replace any who’s lost otherwise.

• 61 Colo-Sus // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:03 PM

  Why does my team always appear uneven? How do you lot do it??

  yeah I know Matty, and tbh I kind of see his point in that Benny drifts in and out of games and gives th ball away, however, I think with Guithrie Perch an Jonas accross the middle we have insurance policy.

  Wont happen like but I trust Pardew, we have to we are 5th FFS

  haha

  HWTL

• 62 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:04 PM

  Kind of agree with you Dannyo…i think if Santon truly prefers LB then a top quality RB needs to be bought in the summer. As does a top quality CB as I think Willo is only good enough as cover in a Top-4 team. And a quality RW too. We also crucially need a CDM cover for Tiote if we are to be a Top-4 team. Tiote’s absence leaves a massive hole in the centre of our midfield and it results in teams bossing possession against us. Guthrie is cover for Cabaye…but we do not have a like for like cover for Tiote. If you remember the top 4-team of the Sir Bobby Robson era….we had dyer and jenas battling it out for the centre attacking midfield position and Speed being the CDM with Clarence Acuna as his cover.

  So overall, for top 4 we def need at least:

  RB, CB, RW (all quality) and CDM (cover)

• 63 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:04 PM

  sometimes i feel pardew would loose 1-0 rather than win win 5-4

• 64 Colo-Sus // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:04 PM

  @Jonny

  how come your team looks nice and even and mine looks like its been drawn by Gazza at 2:20 am on a sunday morning?

• 65 bassongs_of_praise // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:05 PM

  Love how after a couple of half decent performances the likes of Guthrie and Perch are now vital members of the squad and everyone forgets all the rubbish performances they have put in in their time here.

  Fair play to them for coming in and doing a decent job when asked the last couple of games but Blackburn and Villa are hardly the best teams in the league – if we are to progress then we need better players in our squad than the likes of these two for me.

• 66 martoon // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:06 PM

  Soundoid @ 51 – Not sure what you are getting at?

• 67 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:08 PM

  Dannyo
  Haha well u negger! We might keep our best players…..not likely though I admit

  But yeah ur right with 120k avaliable we could get some good quality players in but at the same time we are apparently planning a huge change in our youth teams which will cost money and I doubt that money is coming out of MA’s pocket so where will it come from?

• 68 Jonny // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:09 PM

  @Colo-Sus

  Some of us were just born with natural skill mate. Keep trying, you’ll get there eventually.

• 69 Mo Drysdale // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:09 PM

  Dannyo,

  There is no way anyone is going to take Xisco off our hands mate.

  I think he is getting about £50k a week and he cant even get a game in the Spanish second division.

  The lad wont give money like that up and I think he still has 12 months on his contract after this season.

• 70 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:09 PM

  indian magpie

  cause he’s a sh!t manager with no contingency. i rate him less and less as the days go by…..sure it’s a grudge to do with HBA, but how is that, a single, solitary fan any more of a hinderence or immature than our own manager having an obvious grudge against our best player? who cares. I’m off the blog. pardew makes me sick

• 71 geoff777 // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:10 PM

  I can’t see lots of big signings this summer.
  Unless we are forced to sell.

  One or two out of contract players or clever buys from France.

  We have Tavernier RB and Ferguson LB about to break through.

  Sammy & Marveaux should be back on the wings.
  Saylor back too.

  We don’t seem to have any promising CB’s or strikers close to the first team unless Nile steps up his game.

  Buy more young stars like Abeid, and add a few G. Carr gems and it’s looking very good.

  HWTL

• 72 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:11 PM

  Only way we will definitely keep our best players (barring a ridiculous Carrol-like offer)….is if we get that 4th spot. Obviously we are massive underdogs…but if we get that 4th spot…which one of our big players will leave for Champions League football?….Plus we will have more cash to spend on better contracts or signings.

  Let’s hope we get 4th come end of the season…I have a feeling the matches away to Chelsea, Arsenal and home to Liverpool are gonna be deciding ones against our competitors for that spot.

• 73 corktoon88 // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:11 PM

  Rather gave Guthrie in the squad than Ben Arfa any day of the week. Sure he may not be as talented with the ball but he’s a better team player, never loses the ball and is kind of like Paul Scholes i think

• 74 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:13 PM

  Indian Magpie and MattyNufc…the Brain’s Trust of Nufc fans worldwide…

• 75 soundoid // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:15 PM

  Martoon

  For about half an hour this story was on our page

  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16931981

• 76 SurefootedShola // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:15 PM

  MattyNUFC has just had a breakdown – erm…….

• 77 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:15 PM

  Oh lord what comments from mattyNUFC haha might be better to change ur name to mattyHBA

• 78 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:15 PM

  ruddy i am not having a go, its a mere observation

• 79 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:15 PM

  ruddy – the douche bag of the blog

  you know, we’re allowed to voice discontents too

• 80 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:16 PM

  surefootedshola

  that’s exactly what it is. all im able to do is shake my head and spout a few things on here….

  doesn’t mean i support the team any less though

• 81 TOONCHRIS // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:17 PM

  it seriosly does my head in when people go on about us loosin this player or that player,its only febuary so we got them at least till the summer so why dont we all just enjoy the brilliant season we are having n worry bout whos leaving when the summer comes around

• 82 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:17 PM

  Seriously lads, we’re having a great season no doubt about it but to add a bit of realism to the discussion, there is no way in hell are we getting that 4th spot. It is great to dream and think “what if?” but the fact of the matter is we have games away to Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal, never mind the fact that we also have Man City at home, these are games that in all honesty we might get nowt from so whilst it’s great to dream don’t be too downhearted if we don’t realise these dreams. This Newcastle side is a work in progress

• 83 NUFCarter // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:19 PM

  Off subject
  Does anyone remember Mathew grieve?

• 84 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:20 PM

  Indian to correct your observation, that Pardew would rather lose 1-0 than win 5-4, I think you mean to say is that Pardew would rather win 1-0 than lose 5-4…which in any sane Nufc fan’s world is the correct way to see things.

• 85 TOONCHRIS // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:21 PM

  listen we are winning so whoever pardew is picking is doing a good job for us,when or if we go on a loosin streak is the time to get on pardews back,in my opionin hba offers us very little apart from the odd little bit of magic,pardew sees it more of a team game not a 1 man show

• 86 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:21 PM

  @WWJBD
  Hehe, i just find it highly unlikely mate, i think u asking the question, “who funds the youth change” is partly answered in outgoings from the club.
  If there are players to leave, and there’s a 85% chance someone will imo, we can take comfort that it’ll be for a big fat ammount.
  When it comes to replacements, in Carr and Pardew we trust, and we have every reason to.

  @Mo Drysdale
  I think we’d shift him for free if we could, but i can’t see anyone coming in for him as u say, Xisco is there to suck out the money he can, then move on. Sad, as it helps neither part.

• 87 sirtoongospel // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:21 PM

  I agree with one or two that this weekend we should play with no fear. The bookies have Spurs nailed on to win. So lets just have a go at them and see where we are. We are very capable of scoring, and if we are in touch with 20 to go then it could end up being a cracker.
  Still, I will have a few quid on 2-2. Always the optimist! Just wish Cheick was back.

• 88 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:22 PM

  Ruddy,

  my observation stems from Norwich game where 3-2 down (10 men) he brought on alan smith and left HBA on the bench.

  you may also have noticed that in our last game we improved after the subs came on

• 89 alright on the black and white // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:23 PM

  I still harbour the belief that williamson can become a great and 1st choice cb. He’s learning alongside one of the best in the league in colo (who himself took a couple of seasons to find form), makes a good number of clearing headers owing to his size (not pretty but vital at times), will surely get his first goal for us from a set piece in the not too distant future and could, if given the chance and with a bit more muscle on him become a solid hangeland style big lad at the back. I like the lad and wish him all the best. We’re often too quick to assume every player has a pre-set skill ceiling which a fresh face could better.

• 90 nick_9 // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:24 PM

  Does anyone think a midfield four of
  Arfa – Guthrie – Jonas – Obertan would work?

  My thinking is bale is going to dominate the right wing so if Guti is helping Obertan out then it should nulify bale, if bale switches to the right wing then switch Guti closer to the right. Guti covers a lot of ground and helps out better defensively than he helps out with attack. I think for this game with Bale it could work. Ba likes to drop deep for the ball and help out, Jonas is box to box and covers a lot of ground. This would leave Arfa on the left and papiss sticking to the last man. I think Ba, Obertan and Guthrie and Guti could help out with the defensive duties whilst having the posibility to counter.

  Just an idea with Pardew saying we have nothing to lose, rightly so we may as well just go for it and see what we can achieve.

• 91 TOONCHRIS // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:25 PM

  ruddy a defo agree we have no chance on gettin 4th but i would defo prefer fighting for it than fighting against relegation

• 92 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:26 PM

  Raylor is holding a little Q&A on twitter, here’s a response on what he thinks about Warnocks tackle:

  Ryan Taylor @TaylorR1984
  @LeeSibbald stephen is a good mate of mine. I personally think he’s tried to get his body in the way, with no intent of injury

• 93 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:26 PM

  Dannyo
  Haha exactly mate but then who pays for the new players we need to come in? Saved wages will only go so far….will have to wait and see though if we get Europa am sure that would help a great deal

  Least ignore the summer though eh its only going to get me depressed haha

• 94 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:27 PM

  I’m pretty sure that in the previous game against Villa that Pardew is very aware that Papis Cisse is better than Leon Best but chose Best because Cisse was just back from the ACON, Raylor has contributed brilliantly all season and perhaps he felt that defensively Raylor would offer more cover for Simmo against N’Zogbia and considering N’Zogbia was Villa’s greatest threat he was wise to do so. Pardew wants to win games, but sometimes in order to do that you need to defend tightly and then try and boss possession rather than recklessly throwing caution to the wind. When we were 3-2 down against Norwich we were also down to 10-men and HBA’s lack of tracking back would have exposed gaping holes in an already exposed midfield. The Norwich game was a hiding to nothing, just accept it.

• 95 Sgt. Heagerty // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:27 PM

  Well, got the kiddos breakfast and off to school, biscuits and gravy, southern style white gravy. The best!!!! Cold as an alaskin eskimos arse over here in the States. What’s the latest news my 5th place toon army comrades?

• 96 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:28 PM

  TOONCHRIS Amen to that my friend, don’t get me wrong I will be slightly more than chuffed if we finish 5th…might be a bit peeved if we only manage 6th though

• 97 TOONCHRIS // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:31 PM

  if we get europa league a carnt see any1 leaving,why would ba go he has said he loves it,no 1 will pay the money it will take to buy krul,the only 2 that worry me is colo with his contract n tiote but dont be suprised if the fatman gets contract sorted for colo,guthrie n doubles ba’s pay to keep him

• 98 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:32 PM

  @WWJBD
  Hehe, i was thinking more the fee that’s gonna be paid for players we sell. Tiote £20 mill? Maybe Collo £10 mill?
  Purely financilly, getting Collo out would free up £70-80K once again, another two players…
  And u’d have £30 mill to do “bargains” with
  Atleast we’re on the right track, it’s only deluded to think there won’t be any set backs, the point is how we handle them.

  This made me laugh btw, Raylor was asked who is “the main man in the dressing room”. The response:

  Ryan Taylor @TaylorR1984
  @heffreys well I aint gunna have a pop at Tiote put it that way

• 99 nickfish90 // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:32 PM

  MattyNUFC = The perfect (most blindingly obvious) disguise for MattyMackem

  Anyone agree?

• 100 TOONCHRIS // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:33 PM

  sgt,,,,its cold in the mitey toon 2

• 101 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:34 PM

  @Sgt. Heagerty
  HBA once again mentioned by AP as having to work even harder, he’s not accustomed to the league.
  Personally, i think it’s about AP not liking HBAs work ethic.
  Can see him leave in the summer if i’m honest.

• 102 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:35 PM

  Ruddy
  No one who sees HBA as our star player will accept that he will sit on the bench at any point mate and since Pardew decides who plays he ends up getting it in the neck

  Dannyo
  Haha well stop thinking like that people will turn on u on here mate haha

  Must say I do like Raylor

• 103 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:35 PM

  @Toonchris it would make sense…Pardew is bound to be making a lot of Mackems feeling a bit sick alright

• 104 VanToonMan // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:35 PM

  Im not set on getting 4th…as someone earlier said we are a work in progress and with more reinforcements in the summer we could push for it next season…im only quieting hoping for it simply because I feel that if we got it, we could sit back relax and enjoy the transfer window without the worry of someone leaving as I couldnt see any of our current players leaving a champions league team. It would make the summer transfer window all fun and no worry!

• 105 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:35 PM

  nickfish

  we still do that? when there’re dissenting voices we still call them a mackem? I could say how long i’ve been on the blog but i guess it doesn’t matter. think what you like. I guess my whole all these NUFC tattoos i have scattered about my body are just keeping up with the guise, huh?

• 106 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:36 PM

  Yeah I know, sure I had it out with him the other night (think you were online too) but still have to stand up for the best manager since SBR imho, Pards really has grown on me!

• 107 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:37 PM

  Stoke LOST their appeal for Huths red card…..WTF?!? How much clearer can it be put that the ref made a mistake? Why is their even a appeals option if its disregarded

• 108 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:38 PM

  @WWJBD
  Aye, well, we had a good january, here’s hoping we reach Europe and our top players stay. If, and thats a big if, we reach CL, u’d only leave for money.

• 109 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:39 PM

  Wow…apparently the measure of a Toon fan is the tats on his body.

  Dissenting voices? Take a look at the table kid, you may have supported Nufc for many a year but you must have a short memory…we used to be in the Championship as recently as 2010…2 short years ago now look where we are!! Are you crazy?!

• 110 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:40 PM

  @WWJBD
  I’ve never had a red card appealed succesfully in FM mate, ever, the FA are pretty much nailed on the head there too by the programmers, lol.

• 111 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:40 PM

  Haha yeah mate I understand and agree with ya but the legend that is HBA and the followers of said cult will not be silenced

  (Thats mostly a joke so dont take offence any of u HBA-ites)

• 112 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:44 PM

  Dannyo
  Agreed we came out of Jan pretty well but a injury to Colo and we will plumit down the table imo having said that Europa is a real possibility though I doubt CL is u never know.
  And me too mate the appeal option is pointless (I normally fine anyway haha am a strict manager ). But the FA need to realise that refs shouldnt be above the game…pathetic!

  mattyNUFC
  What NUFC tats do u have? If u say a portait of HBA I may cry though haha

• 113 max // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:45 PM

  of course he want to sign new contract here

• 114 BOOM BOOM THE 1ST // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:49 PM

  all these ARFALITES need to wake up and smell the coffee he loses the ball cheaply time and time again when he does pick out a majic pass he stands and admires it rather than bust a gut to join back in he doesnt tackle or track back he cant head the ball doesnt like playing out wide says football is not really that important to him and yet we all love him for a couple of goals he has ability but isnt looking a team player more of a luxurey if u ask me!

• 115 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:51 PM

  The thing is we all love HBA and are excited by his potential. Most ‘dream sheets’ have him in the side, including mine. Isn’t it just that some people on here are capable of standing back and looking at the bigger picture?

  Maybe some people miss the win gun-ho big/lose big Toon of years gone-by. Not me.

• 116 wynsleap // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:51 PM

  Benny is going to have to come to terms with the fact that the only way he’s going to get in this team is if he works his socks off, provides assistance to his midfield and defenders when we haven’t got the ball and learn to release it when he can’t get through the packed defence.
  There’s no doubting his skill but when you have Jonas,
  Obertan, Guthrie and Taylor grafting like Trojans out there and playing for their lives and Cabaye and Tiote
  ready to come back he’s got one helluva job on his hands.
  Maybe Tiote’s return to put added steel in the middle just may allow him the chance to do ‘his stuff’ up front
  Regrettably if he doesn’t start to show soon, however, I think he may be angling for a move in the summer (and I don’t think Pardew would be pushing too hard to keep him).
  Shame though.

• 117 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:55 PM

  ruddy

  why do you continue to construe things out of mutterings to fit your argument? did i say “i’m a bigger fan than you cause i’ve got tattoos?”

  jesus christ, no. why is it that you find such enjoyment in feeling superior to others on the blog? Because i’ve a different view point than you you feel that you’ve some supreme, providential right or obligation to proverbially rape them on an internet forum?

  you’re a sad, sad little kid. why can’t you just leave stuff be? you are the conceived antithesis, a microcosm with what’s wrong with people in the world today. my opinion means more than yours, i’ll put you down and try my vague though full-hearted attempts to make someone feel stupider than i surely feel for having to do such a thing in the first place

  do me a favor, show a little more respect to people in the world, even if you do have the luxury of hiding behind some self-appointed user name on a football blog where we discuss, yes, that’s right, FOOTBALL. and just because a viewpoint may veer wildly from that of your own, it doesn’t mean i’m stupid, it doesn’t mean i’m a mackem, and because since you clearly take such profound offense to it, it obviously shows you to be the little man you are, trolling threads on (again) a football blog looking to play devil’s advocate at every which turn but when you log off and you are whoever you are when you leave this blog, you’re still ridden with the fact that you are a said human being who must carry out such inanity and irreverence in the first place.

• 118 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:56 PM

  on the racist tweeters, without wanting to sound like a drippy liberal, how about getting them to spend time amongst an ethnic community. That way they would realise all racial groups are essentially the same – a few are alright, but about 70% are a bit of a dick.

• 119 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:58 PM

  boater

  to me the bigger picture is entertainment

  “let us eat our cakes and ale”

  when i’m dead i won’t have satisfaction in knowing that NUFC won something (because it will be a long shot to accomplish something in that time frame) but rather that i was enthralled in it all

  but, to each his own

• 120 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:59 PM

  some bloggers here feel just because they go 2 SJP or are a season ticket holders they are more of an expert than any 1 else.

• 121 Sgt. Heagerty // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:59 PM

  I personally love that Pards makes players work their arse off in the side. Isn’t that what playing for the toon is all about, if you give the ball away and then bustbyour gut running down the pitch and get.it back the crowd roars in approval. That’s what toon is all about

• 122 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:01 PM

  Again, do get on twitter and read the Q&A Raylor has ongoing, if u don’t follow his account, it’s TaylorR1984.
  Allot of his answers reflect both himself and the lads in the squad, a good and fun read
  Raylor is a good joker and has fantastic banter imo

• 123 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:06 PM

  Ruddy,

  Mate if i agreed with you, we would both be wrong

• 124 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:06 PM

  @Sgt. Heagerty
  When we had the good start, i genuinlly thought the Entertainers would be ressurected. I see now that i was wrong, it may not always be “entertaining”, but every single one of our players outside 1-2 playes with their heart on their sleeves every single game, every single minute.
  They’re all so unselfish and work so incredibly hard for eachother, it often hides the individual deficiensies in the team.
  Imo, we’ve evolved from “The Entertainers” to something a bit different, a team with dedication, hard work and grit throughout. Dunno if i can find a suiting name tho

• 125 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:07 PM

  Never once said you were stupid, never once said that you claimed your tattoos made you a better football supporter than anyone else.

  I’m a microcosm of what is wrong with the world? So considering the likes of Bashar Al-Assad is what is wrong with the world you are saying that I, in my opposition to your viewpoint, are in some way (in anyway?!) as bad as the likes of him? For your benefit Bashar Al-Assad is the Syrian President who is murdering his own people who oppose his rule…some similarities I will give you that…fool

  Inanity and irreverence? Well I do not see you, or any other poster on this blog as someone to revere…considering you only revere spirtual entities, or people you deem superior to yourself. So keep the big words for some fools that don’t understand them.

  I’m constantly talking about football, you sir spout crazy horse sh!t on a daily basis. I do enjoy these teté a tetés that I seem to have with certain posters on this blog. Anything else worth discussing while we’re at it?

• 126 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:08 PM

  sarg

  of course everyone appreciates graft and hard work. i couldn’t find a football fan who appreciates or expects anything less

  the thing with HBA though is (since i assume that’s kind of what you were referring to) i’ve yet to see him put in a half-hearted shift. I’ve yet to see this lack of back-tracking that people harp on

• 127 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:10 PM

  Indian why don’t you hop on a plane and sign for us saying you’re better than half our team. Don’t think I don’t remember that conversation we had, finding it really hard to take you seriously ever since

• 128 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:11 PM

  MattyNUFC – anyone who quotes from Twelfth Night gets a doff of the cap from me. I take your point- it was for that very reason that Sam Allardyce’s reign was the worst 9 months of my toon supporting life.

  Honestly, I am enthused by seeing a team which works hard and is organised. There is a nobility in that. It’s hardly cynical – it’s about finding a balance between velvet and steel. Pardew obviously feels Arfa would push things over that line at the moment, but he is clearly still tinkering and at the same time cajoling Arfa into rounding off his game.. he just isn’t prepared to throw him in at the expense of the solid team ethic he is building.

• 129 Beattie25 // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:11 PM

  I think when Tiote and Cabaye are back Guthrie should keep his place and we should play a midfield 3 with Ba, Cisse and Benny up front.

  Whilst I am not a fan of Willo he is solid enough until the end of the season if we stop playing high line/offside trap. The weakest link in the team and I would ask anyone to prove otherwise is RB. I just remember last year Simmo continuously showing wingers onto thier strong foot and it’s continued this season. Playing against Hoillet he was awful and against N’Zogbia first half he was embarrassing. Can’t wait to see how he copes against Lennon and Bale.

  He for me has a lot to do to prove he is worth a contract and hope we can get a better RB in the summer.

• 130 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:11 PM

  ruddy

  now you bring up the monomaniacal, murderous Syrian leader to back up your notion….

  did you not read about construing things to fit your own argument? apples and oranges, ruddy, apples and oranges.

  i think indian magpie summed you up best.

• 131 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:11 PM

  @Dannyo
  The Dedicaters? haha

• 132 t00ntime // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:13 PM

  Dont know if it was answerd earlier but

  If chelsea/arsenal win the champions league only the top 3 will join them

  You still qualify if you win champions/europa league and if you havent via the league then all the european spots change (so top 3 champions league and 4th and5th europa) so there is only set amount of teams per country

• 133 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:13 PM

  And considering you used the word microcosm (which in effect is a small concentrated depiction of society) I picked an example of what is the worst thing in society at the minute and tried to determine how in any way am I a microcosm of that. You, sir, are wrong. Just admit it

• 134 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:14 PM

  boater

  fair point. and whoever mentioned about guthrie tiote and cabs in the middle with a front three of hba cisse and ba, that’d be my lineup too

• 135 Dannyo // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:15 PM

  @Ruddy
  Hehe, Workanators? Annoyalators? “The Defenders”?
  Lol, i dunno mate, could make some good banter from this

• 136 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:15 PM

  ok, shall i do this than ruddy?

  intolerance – what is assad exhibiting?

  now, full circle there, chap. do we understand this?

• 137 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:16 PM

  if you dont find them fathomable then why dont you just ignore them, why do you waste your time why not go with ppl who you find consistent with your thought process.

• 138 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:16 PM

  “the worst thing in society at the minute” – surely that’s the we-buy-any-car.com song isn’t it?

• 139 soundoid // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:17 PM

  Inglorious Basterds?

• 140 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:17 PM

  Just like to point out u two have both spat ur dummies out at each other over HBA being unable to get into a NUFC starting 11…..haha

• 141 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:17 PM

  88Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:22 PM
  Aye the subs did change game and benny want one of them!
  Why do you n matty assume pardews got a grudge against him? Sounds to me like hes laying down a challenge to benny if benny goes in the summer it suggests hes simply not prepared to stand up n put the graft in, in fact he done the same with obertan said ge had to work harder for the team dropped him for a few games and hes come back 10 times better it takes more than a “couple of flashes” when thats outweighed be 75 minutes of being annonimus hes just had a 4-5 game run at the squad and has left himself massively and going on about his goal against blackburn is no different to saying abiut ameobis goal against spuds does a good goal nail you a spot in the first 11 no graft does which is something benny lacks massivly

• 142 mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:20 PM

  TADS

  pardew never said that about obertan….said he needs “a run of games”

  WWJBD

  not so much about HBA, i don’t agree with alot of pardew’s tactics as a whole. just really can’t stand the level of vitriol spouted from Ruddy when it’s an opinion that differs from that of his own

• 143 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:21 PM

  I am intolerant? Of idiots like you probably.

  Now to say I am a microcosm of what is wrong with society just because, in your opinion, I am intolerant you are stretching that pretty far.

  Let’s put it to a vote. Anyone else here agree with MattyNufc and say that I am a microcosm of what is wrong with society?

• 144 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:22 PM

  toonarmydownsouth

  would you say that abt QPR as well who could have won the game, villa had good chances bent with 2 one on ones

• 145 WWJBD // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:25 PM

  mattyNUFC
  True Pardew said Obertan needed a run of games and he pulls HBA up on poor form but Pards is a man manager. Obertan came here having no confidence what so ever and had lost all belief in himself so he needs support

  HBA came here thinking he was the dogs hind parts and became a instant cult hero to a lot of NUFC fans. He is also the type of character who requires a challenge by all accounts.

  So why would Pards treat them the same?

  I know I replied to the bit that wasen’t directed at me but am avoiding getting in the middle of u and Ruddy haha

• 146 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:26 PM

  I do not know, what bloggers expect of me write what i feel is not correct. pardew is a legend when i only said he is a conservative manager. if i said that abt mcleish every1 wd agree.

  there is nothing wrong in him saying HBA needs to work harder, but atleast dont be a hypocrite abt that

• 147 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:26 PM

  142mattyNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:20 PM
  Has said a few times his confidence is low n its affecting his performances also said in a after match interview he needs to work harder tracking back he then got dropped for a few games and has come back much more positivly you just dont hear tge ober qoutes as much cos interviewers badger pards about hba and im sirry but tge kad needs to step his all round game up to nail down a regular spot

• 148 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:27 PM

  Ruddy,

  How old did u say you were 21 – 22, well it shows

• 149 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:29 PM

  144Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:22 PM

  toonarmydownsouth

  would you say that abt QPR as well who could have won the game, villa had good chances bent with 2 one on ones

  Really dont understand ur point here not having a go, would benny stop bent having 2 shots on goal? Doesnt matter who we play every team is gonna carve out chances over 90 minutes

• 150 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:32 PM

  In what way does that show Indian out of interest?

  I think I de-constructed a ridiculous post that MattyNufc made about me with a quite a restrained level of maturity. I heartily disagree with your views on HBA and I whole heartedly disagree with his views regarding Pardew and I will not sit back while he spews vitriolic tripe about the man who has taken a notoriously poisoned chalice of a job and dragged this club upwards whilst also managing to deal with issues such as the departure of Carroll and the egos/contract issues of Nolan and Barton and still manage to improve our standing in the league! It is ludicrous.

• 151 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:32 PM

  toonarmydownsouth

  Forget benny, i said he was a conservative manager.

  P.S
  gary gardner had chances too in the end

• 152 sahil // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:34 PM

  Haha CLASSIC.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hokzVtnP_lM&feature=related

• 153 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:34 PM

  Ruddy
  forget it, apologies

• 154 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:37 PM

  my post on 1 of the earlier threads,

  One of my first and fondest Memories of NUFC

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuEOkPtIynk

• 155 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:40 PM

  151Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:32 PM
  Didnt even know u where all arguing about the manager other than for selecting hba

• 156 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:43 PM

  154Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:37 PM

  my post on 1 of the earlier threads,

  One of my first and fondest Memories of NUFC

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuEOkPtIynk

  Aye great game that lost my voice for days after bellers 2nd goal

• 157 Thump // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:44 PM

  Did Matty just go mental?

• 158 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:45 PM

  One of the finest moments in NUFC history, long to see NUFC in the CL again!

• 159 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:45 PM

  Thump i think his head may of melted not to sure?

• 160 tomtoon7 // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:46 PM

  lets not dwell on past comments folks,positivity is wot we should all b focusing on.After all im sure u didnt expect the TOON 2b flyin so high. may it last 4 seasons 2come!!! bring on the spurs,should b a crackin game.HWTL

• 161 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:46 PM

  I don’t think he likes me Thump.

• 162 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:46 PM

  toonarmydownsouth

  it was 3.30 at night could not sleep after that match, you may also know Juventus beat kiev 2-1 that night for us to qualify

• 163 Thump // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:48 PM

  Ah Ruddy, you’ve got to learn to play nicely!

• 164 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:52 PM

  I never play nicely you all know that

• 165 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 5:59 PM

  Seems conversation has dried up somewhat haha

• 166 carlton nufc // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:04 PM

  Krul
  Simo/new rb. Saylor colo. santoon
  Tote
  Guthrie. Cabaye. Pardew
  Benny

  Demba.b. Demba.c

• 167 Indian Magpie // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:07 PM

  Good night lads

• 168 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:07 PM

  So what are peoples thoughts on Shola’s form lately?

• 169 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:08 PM

  Good night Indian.

  Boater you’re just trying to sh!t stir now! haha

• 170 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:09 PM

  The greatest Beatles song of all?

• 171 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:09 PM

  Chicken or the egg?

• 172 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:11 PM

  The Big mac or the whopper?

• 173 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:11 PM

  Boater
  Awesome
  Hey jude
  Big ass chicken

• 174 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:12 PM

  N whopper!

• 175 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:16 PM

  Right well I’m off lads! See ya later!

• 176 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:18 PM

  Valiant
  Strawberry Fields
  Egg On The face
  Whopper

• 177 boater // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:19 PM

  Don’t have nightmares:

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoHbI-955uQ

• 178 Willo // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:19 PM

  ________Krul________
  Simmo Willo Colo Santon
  _______Tiote________
  ____Guthrie Cabaye____
  __BA__Cisse__Jonas

  Perch can be a solid backup for any of the 3 midfielders then Saylor for Willo when he’s healthy.

• 179 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:26 PM

  I’m going to come on here, make some totally outrageous comments about players and the manager (fair dos – the owner is still just about fair game) then slag off anyone who disagrees with my deeply held point pf view. Then it slides into the ‘I’m a bigger Toon fan than you’ debate for a few posts. After working myself up into a self righteous frenzy I’m going to get full of justified hurt from getting ripped, then I’m going for my tea. My toys are scattered everywhere and I’m going to trash them too after tea just to really spite myself. No names – you know who you are…..

• 180 MrNUFC // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:29 PM

  Areet lads, can Cabaye play on the wing?? then move benny into the mid? just a thought.

• 181 jj // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:30 PM

  Hows this for a team next season for home games and away in that order, depending on realistic targets being bought….

  ………………………………………….Krul……………………………………..

  Santon…………….Saylor…………………Coloccini………..Pieters

  Ben Arfa……………Tiote………………….Cabaye………….Hoilett

  ………………………….Cisse…………………..Ba…………………………..

  Harps,Douglas,Simmo,Guthrie,Marveaux,Jonas,Obertan

  ……………………………………….Krul………………………………………..

  Santon……………..Saylor……………….Coloccini………..Pieters

  ………………………….Tiote…………………….Diame…………………..

  Jonas………………………………Cabaye……………………….Hoilett

  ……………………………………..Ba/Cisse………………………………….

• 182 Twatter // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:31 PM

  Ruddy @150 pretty much sums up my opinion. Never heard more garbage in my life than from MattyNUFC, supposedly a Toon fan.

• 183 ashwin say's // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:38 PM

  look at stats
  matches lost/ -6
  matches won-12
  matches with points(1/3) -18
  matches played-24
  goals against-31(rounding it to 30)
  goals for -36
  points 42
  a perfect table of 6
  hwtl and good night

• 184 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:38 PM

  Before this thread developed the nuclear option I wanted to say that Guthrie, Perch, Simmo, and Raylor are as essential to the future success of NUFC as the Dembas, Cabaye, HBA etc. They all deserve new contracts. We need to retain them all. Our European future depends on a second string slotting neatly into the first eleven without a drop in form, motivation and effort – or tactical ineptitude. Its a team game and that is what Pardew is trying to do – get to the point where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. We need depth in the squad. These guys are all part of our team, whether they play 10 matches or 40 odd.

• 185 toonarmydownsouth // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:41 PM

  184MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:38 PM
  Well said

• 186 gonufc // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:42 PM

  @jj 181 – I don’t see why Tiote needs a partner in DM. He is good enough to do that job on his own.

  Been impressed with Taye Taiwo at QPR- surprised they got him and surprised we didn’t go for him (that I know of). Might be worth a go.

• 187 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:43 PM

  @MagpiesFlyHigh

  Who would you rather loose this summer, Demba Ba or Perch?

• 188 tomtoon7 // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:44 PM

  @179; every TOON fan is entitled 2an opinion,constructive or not.Ive been reading this Blog 4a long time now<4me its the best 4 total NUFC info. funny at times 2read some fans views.HWTL

• 189 santoooooooooon // Feb 7, 2012 at 6:55 PM

  hahah people are getting excited about the ins and outs of the summer already!

  If we get id buy a: CM, someone young and hungry
  CB: someone relatively cheap and pacey so we dont get done by the ball over the top
  LB/RB: Gives more competition in these areas and in europe more rotation is needed
  Wide midfielder/Winger: someone with good delivery, Seb Larsson is good, Hoilett would be good too…
  ST: luuk de jong/jordan rhodes to come on as an impact sub

  With these players, (and this wouldnt be too much for ashley surely?) we will surely get top half next season and a good euro run!

• 190 tomtoon7 // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM

  santooooooon lol nice name! Larsson chose mackems above the mighty TOON,so shame on him.So e wont b coming. centreback Douglas Leftback Pieters wud b good acquisitions!!

• 191 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:12 PM

  I’d love 2 wingers who could get past there man and cross the ball well, would be a real threat then. Hoillet for free, and N’Zogbia for a knockdown 5M… if we’re speculating!

• 192 Wor Shearer // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:12 PM

  Can ppl stop referring to Santon as a RB, he’s not and he won’t be next season either.

  He’s always played LB and it’s where he’s most comfortable. I know it seems to blow some peoples minds that a right footed player could be a natural LB, but there you go. Maldini did it and Santon’s doing it.

  So stop talking about needing a LB, it’s the other side that needs covering.

  Sorry about that, but there are some really ‘special’ people commenting on here.

• 193 davis_toons // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:18 PM

  @23 its true. Hatem need time after a year out, for fitness to be back and EPL is a tough leg to start with after a year out.

  I believe that a good pre-season for him will again keep him fresh. (restart) But figner cross No more injury for him & Only that will do.

• 194 Level 7 Hero // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:22 PM

  I’d also love a left back so Santon can go to right back.

• 195 MagpiesFlyHigh // Feb 7, 2012 at 7:51 PM

  @level 7 hero

  The point is we need a balanced squad so the answer is…..

  Neither – look at our goals for and against totals – we need to concede about ten goals less than we have and maybe score 5 more to be a top 4 side. As of where we are now five goals less would have us competing on GD with the teams above us.

  Having said that I see Perch as Tiote’s understudy not a CB and as Cheik is going to get suspended on picking up a bunch of yellows sometime we need a suitable backup.

• 196 Brutooon // Feb 7, 2012 at 11:55 PM

  Guthrie learn passing ability from Cabaye and Defensive duties from Tiote

  The most improved player this season

• 197 Brutooon // Feb 8, 2012 at 1:11 AM

  i was expecting Gosling would be the first backup for Tiote, but Guthrie prove me wrong.

  Next Steven Gerrard