We have no idea why the African Cup of Nations is every two years rather than every four years, and of course it takes place again next January as they have decided to switch to play in the odd years from the even years.
Cheick Tiote – wore the number nine shirt for the Ivorians
So with Newcastle being linked with Zambian striker Emmanuel Mayuka, maybe that would be too many African strikers at the club – three – because who would score the goals when they were away next January?
Our other African player, Cheick Tiote is now back on Tyneside but after his action at the African Cup of Nations, where the Ivory Coast lost the final on penalties 8-7 to Zambia, he’s been given a few days off by manager Pardew, since we don’t have a game until a week on Saturday.
Alan has talked to the Ivorian and we’re sure he’s a little disappointed they couldn’t have won the African Cup of Nations – certainly they were big favorites before the final.
Cheick will report back to training on Monday along with Ryan Taylor, who is now fit from his ankle injury, to prepare for the important home league game against Wolves.
Alan Pardew talked about Cheick today:
“It’s about the next game now, and we’ve got Cheick coming back, and Yohan Cabaye available again,” “That’s a boost for everybody. The players are focused on putting the last game behind them.”
“We’ve given Cheick some time off. He’s had a daunting run of games but he’ll be back on Monday.” “I’ve spoken to Cheick, and he’s OK. He did a really good job out there, but unfortunately they got beat in a penalty shoot-out.”
“They came out with a lot of credit. Cheick will have another chance in the African Cup of Nations in 12 months time, and he’ll be focused on Newcastle United now.”
“He’ll be ready to go again next week, after a rest. He’ll be focused on helping his team.” “We’re in a better league position than when he left.”
“Who would have thought that we’d lose Cheick and Demba Ba, and when they returned we’d be in a better position?” “That’s credit to the players we have here.”
We expect both Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote to start in central midfield against Wolves, and that will be a massive boost for the side, as both players will want to show how much they have been missed.
Although Danny Guthrie has again done very well in the middle of the park for Newcastle ion their absence, but you have to wonder if we’d have done any better with our two top central midfielders in action at Spurs.
The defense in that game was hopeless, and they didn’t wake up until after the half time break, but we were already 4-0 down, and while Spurs were very good, we were not – and we looked a poor defense in that first half, as the players were dragged all over the place.
Surely Newcastle will now bring in a top center-back and a top full back in the summer, who can challenge for starting positions in the back-line next season.
That’s what we’re hoping for, and of course Steven Taylor will be fit again from his Achilles injury.
We wonder where we’d be now in the league, if Steven had been playing all season?
Comments welcome.
42 comments so far
JP...from The Rock
Feb 16, 2012 at 8:19 PM
Comment #41It’s funny how many fickle fans are now praising Saylor when not so long ago they were after his head and couldn’t stand him. Saylor has always impressed me since Sir Bobby gave him his debut. He was always putting his body in the line then and now he does the same but his game has developed further. When he was being bombarded with criticism I really could not understand it as he was clearly the stand out performer in defense. Now that we only have to rely on Colo and Willo it’s there for all to see how vital Saylor is to our success. He is a local lad that plays with the passion Strolla only shows in derbies. He’s experienced and along Colo they form an understanding that Willo and Colo struggle to adapt (and always will imo).
We seriously need to improve this area of the team and our wingers. 2 defenders and 2 wingers and we’re done till Xmas.
BUT as Lovenkrands and other dead-weights are being shipped out I expect us to cover these positions with the influx of youngsters that are already being mooted.
We’re already been linked to loads of youngsters mainly in Europe and recently to a young Zambian forward.
If we invest in these positions I can really see us staying in the top 6 for a very very long time if we don’t sell our key players. I’ve said this before but I can’t stop saying it as I am really excited about our chances for a top 6 spot or maybe even some silverware next season.
Ps. THAT NAME CHANGING THING JUST KICKED ME HARD IN THE BALLS!! Disgraceful but inevitable really. If it’s put to good use then so be it. To me it will ALWAYS be St James’ Park!
HWTL
BoomBoom
Feb 17, 2012 at 12:30 AM
Comment #42Cheick Tiote is so hard that when he dives in the sea he doesn’t get wet…………… The sea gets cheick Tiote’d!!!!!
Pick tiote over HBA but HBA over most. 433, Guthrie tiote and cabaye, HBA ba and Guti. Done