The Newcastle United Blog

108 responses so far ↓

• 1 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:20 PM

  Right…Getting in to the Europa and progressing to the knock outs. Let’s hope that’s the only emulating going on!

• 2 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:25 PM

  If there is one team I’d hate for us to replicate it’s Stoke.

  If we do get to Europe next year I don’t expect our league for to suffer. Not if we add and retain the quality we have.

• 3 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:28 PM

  The extra games possibly impacting on league form is my only worry with European football. But you can’t compete with the best if you don’t deal with this. I am hopeful of the management team setting us up properly. Definately don’t want to be finishing 14th next season

• 4 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:29 PM

  Beattie….But they play such attractive football – It’s like watching Barcelona at times

• 5 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:31 PM

  The problem with our English club mentality is that we see the urfa cup as a bit of a joke really. Fulham, Stoke and spuds all took the piss with the Europa leauge playing half hearted squads packed with reserves and youngsters.

  If we did that id be furios. I’d love to see us give it a go. Playing against bilbao, Valencia, sporting etc… Can improvising you as a team and that challenge and potential momentum builder can only be a positive surely?

  There is no such thing as a european hangover not if you enjoy and play every game with the same passion and commitment.

• 6 bob // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:33 PM

  They will emulate stoke by winning nowt, whats wrong with trying to emulate a team that wins cups Pardew you muppet!

• 7 martoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:33 PM

  Ibiza from last blog – I’m not sure if Perch is any taller than Simmo but just feel his heading ability is better, certainly better than Santon’s who he would be replacing.

• 8 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:34 PM

  The only thing that I’d compare Stoke and Barcelona with is the amount of pickpockets there are in the city centre.

  I’ve got a real gut feeling that Stoke will go down next year. They’ve been found out as a hoof the ball team.

• 9 ToonDownSouth // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:35 PM

  Do we know who is and is not fit?

  Guthrie & Tiote?

• 10 nicktoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:36 PM

  Can anyone tell me what the sports bar seats are like at the stadium?

• 11 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:36 PM

  Beattie…Really? No such thing as a European hangover? What about exhaustion? Granted we should be able to rotate players a lot more, I would imagine the best way would be to constantly keep rotating squad in all comps. Play something like 7 established with 4 youth? Or 8 and 3. Otherwise it’ll most certainly be europe where the squad / youth players get their games. Can’t expect the best 11 to play all the games and not get knackered by the new year imo.

  It’s a wonderful problem to have though and as you say win, lose or draw they should play every game with the same passion and commitment, that after all, is all we can ask of our players

• 12 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:38 PM

  I liken bob to piles.

  He’s a pain in the arse that gets you every time you sit down to relax.

• 13 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:39 PM

  Martoon…Ahh ok. Then no arguement here

  Beattie.. Stoke are certainly a one trick team – some much better footballers in the championship. But if they keep picking up enough points, then they deserve to stay up

• 14 Andrew M // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:40 PM

  I think that it’s almost certain that we’ll finish lower next year than we do this. The Europa league is ludicrously bloated, and the number of games would surely take its toll. It will bring in extra money, but, Ashley, rightly, will still want to balance the books. How many extra players (including wages) will prize money, gate receipts and additional commercial revenue (minus travelling expenses) would 12 Europa league games pay for? Not that many, I should imagine

  Meantime playing 12 extra games might place a hell of a toll on the team in and of itself, but worse is the additional stress of playing midweek-weekend-midweek over and over early in the season. Teams really do struggle to adjust, as we saw from Tottenham last season, who couldn’t replicate their CL qualification, despite looking good in the tournament itself. Stoke is another fine example this year.

  It’s a bit of a trap for Europa-league standard teams, frankly, and it’s endemic of the unfair nature of modern football, in my view.

• 15 bob // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:42 PM

  Pardew really has to stop setting his sights so high 1st he compared us with Port vale now he wants to emulate stoke one of the worst teams in the league.Beattie25 sit on a rubber ring!

• 16 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:42 PM

  A lot is made of the exhaustion due to Europe but the big reams never seem to have issues.

  I mean how many times has messi and Ronaldo played this season and they always play the full 90 minutes. It’s about player care and depth but I for one can only say that professional footballers should have the ability to play twice a week with the odd week of here and there.

  I’m old fashioned though.

• 17 bob // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:44 PM

  Beattie25 Yeah but can they play with piles?

• 18 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:47 PM

  Andrew M…I completely agree up until your last point. How is it unfair? How else would you suggest it is set up?

  If you want to be the best in Europe (or in this case the second string best in Europe) then you need to be able to balance both domestic and european duties…a tough balancing act mind

• 19 bob // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:50 PM

  The best solution for NUFC is for a club down south to buy into the myth that Pardew is a good manager and offers him a job ie Spurs and Ashley hires a manager that knows how to win cups.

• 20 fungus44 // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:50 PM

  metro radio on twitter saying Tim has jarred his back and is a doubt for Saturday but Pardew saying he should be ok and harper back in training

• 21 Pardew's fist pump // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:51 PM

  These words make me feel queasy.

• 22 ToonDownSouth // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:51 PM

  Beattie

  We do have a few incredibly fit players in our team – it does seem fitness is something we work on a lot.

  Manchester United rotate their team in a way that I think we could emulate. No matter who Ferguson sticks in the team, they know what job they’re meant to be doing, and they do it no questions asked. We have players like Perch, Raylor & Jonas who can do that.

• 23 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:51 PM

  Beattie…If we’re discussing whether it should have an effect they i agree. With the money and technology that goes into a sport that lasts 90 minutes a game, then yes, the big girls should be able to play 2 games a week, especially for the money they’re paid.

  However, the truth would seem to be that they do struggle. Even the big teams have this problem to an extent. You’ve picked 2 players who I’d argue are the best examples of true athletes and proffesional football players. Would be wonderful if all players were as fit and ready as those 2

• 24 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 2:56 PM

  The Europa leauge will be an amazing adventure and if we approach it in the right way then there is no need to let the leauge position suffer.

  The problem with Fulham, Stoke, Spuds ect… Is they would have 1 team playing Thursday and 1 playing Sunday. That is moronic as the team needs to grow, especially at the start of a season. Chopping and changing is an invitation to doom. There is no reason why we can’t play 8 or 9 of the same team on a Thursday and then Sunday if we balance it out correctly! The leauge cup and early rounds of the FA cup can take a back seat. We need about 4 or 5 quality players and we can challenge on 2 fronts.

• 25 tarie4 // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:00 PM

  Beattie25
  I agree…if we want to establish ourselves as a top 6 team we have to deal with the Europa.. Stoke qualified thru the FA cup, Fulham. Thru the fair play and bham thru the carling cup, the main reason British clubs dnt do well is becoz we do not put our best teams in Europa.. Any team can win the carling cup, with a lucky draw.. And most of these teams aren’t well equiped to handle Europe..
  if we keep hold of our players and add to them..we will be fine..and a top 6\7 atleast next season too…

• 26 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:02 PM

  Add to that that some of the teams in Europe are the raucously to leauge 1 and 2 and you could say that playing Abied, Vuckic, Shola, Tavernier, Willo, Perch, Best etc…wouldn’t put our chances of victory to much in the balance?

  Wait a minute… Scrap Willo from that list and you’ll see what i mean.

• 27 check the toastie // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:04 PM

  nictoon – sportsbar seats are pretty gud, directly behind goal in leazes end, not really worth the money but if you get there early enough there are chairs and big screens which will have the Arsenal chelsea game on, not bad but prefer slumming it myself.

• 28 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:04 PM

  Beattie and Tarie…Agreed. I do think the PL should be number 1 priority, but that doesn’t mean the other comps should be taken lightly.

• 29 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:05 PM

  Anyway what the Fcuk am I going on about the Europa
  Leauge for when it’s guaranteed we will be playing CL!!!!

  Toon Army!

• 30 check the toastie // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:08 PM

  beattie – bit harsh on Willom he has been excellent the last few games, the biy is coming back to form, confidence is growing and last couple of games has been offering for the ball off Krul, unlike Simmo and Santon, simmo especially who just turns his back and runs as far up field as possible, shirking any responsibilty at all.

• 31 ash-out // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:13 PM

  Bob, could you please answer me a question that has had me perplexed?

  Why did Sunderland take six thousand fans to Everton in the FA cup and then only take six hundred in the league game at Everton just a few weeks later?

• 32 martoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:14 PM

  Hope this is just a scare story:
  http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news//tm_headline=tim-krul-a-slight-doubt-for-newcastle-v-stoke-clash%26method=full%26objectid=30796103%26siteid=72703-name_page.html

• 33 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:16 PM

  Ha ha check.

  I love how you protect Willo by bashing Simmo!

  I’m inclined to agree but he just hasn’t looked the part and let’s not forget he has played half the season. I hope he keeps up this form in the last 5 games as I truthfully believe he is playing for his future.

• 34 Beattie25 // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:23 PM

  Bob can I ask you a question.

  Why have you and your fellow inbreds never been to Milan?

• 35 martoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:28 PM

  Beattie & Ibiza – to add to to your EL debate – don’t forget that if we qualify in 5th place you don’t play all the early pre-qualifiers just a 2 leg play off at the start of the season in August. I think it is these early pre-qualifiers that are the real killers and why Stoke are now knackered!

• 36 Londtoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:31 PM

  Ohhh, I’ve never seen a mackem in Milan.
  Oh I’ve never seen a mackem in Milan!
  Never seen a mackem, I’ve never seen a mackem.
  Oh I’ve never seen a mackem in Milan!

• 37 Londtoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:34 PM

  With regards to comments the prem has to be priority and I would second that with the Europa and then 3rd should be domestic cups and the rest. If we want to up our revenues we should aim to do well in the league and do well in europe to up our exposure and potentially our fan base.

• 38 nicktoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:36 PM

  Check the toastie- thanks for the update. I got the tickets this
  Morning as was very little left! Looking forward to game. Travelling up from Kent!! Come on the toon!

• 39 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:37 PM

  Martoon….As Beattie said, EL is of little interest – CL here we come

  In all seriousness though, thanks for the info, a very good point and hopefully we’ll grab at least 5th.

• 40 check the toastie // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:46 PM

  beattie – sorry for bashing simmo, not bashing in my eyes, just merely saying what i see, he is the weakest link, and soon to be goodbye, god knows what he thinks hes worth, end up playing for burnley or someone, mark my words.

• 41 cyprus // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:54 PM

  Check the Toastie,
  this from the Chronicle is for you:
  “Much maligned by some sections of his own supporters – but described as a “revelation” by former England and Manchester United right-back Gary Neville – Simpson must wonder whether to laugh or cry sometimes.

  If only the Twitterati and the messageboard maniacs did their research before plunging the knife into players from their bedrooms.

  According to the Premier League Player Index, which is used by players, scouts, managers and coaches across the world, Simpson’s stats are bettered by just four players in the Premier League this season.

  Only Patrice Evra, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines have racked up more points for tackles, crosses, interceptions, clearances and ground coverage. Simpson is actually ranked at 23 in the entire Premier League index table – a list that includes 609 top flight players.

  Statistically he is the number one right-back in the Premier League, according to the index.

  Simpson is ahead of so-called star-name defenders in the Premier League such as John Terry, Joleon Lescott, ex-team-mate Jose Enrique and even his own captain, Fabricio Coloccini.

  But he is king of the right-backs in the top flight.

  Notably, Simpson has made SEVEN goal-line clearances this season.

  Anybody who accuses Simpson of bottling it when it comes to tackling may be interested to know that the right-back has an 83% success rate of coming away with the ball – and he has lost out in just nine tackles.

  He has completed 159 defensive duties including completed tackles, clearances, interceptions and blocks – 43 more than Spurs’ Kyle Walker.

  He has made more clearances than any other player this season with 39. Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea is his nearest rival on 30.

  And in terms of being a hard worker, Simpson has racked up an impressive 173.9 miles – Walker of Spurs is his nearest rival but is eight miles off the pace. Yet for some, the work-rate of the full-back isn’t enough – and it appears he has become an easy target for Tweeters.”

• 42 Pardew's fist pump // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:55 PM

  We should be getting in on this – http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/03/28/nextgen-series-represents-footballs-future-but-what-next-for-the-under-19-champions-league/

• 43 Pardew's fist pump // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:56 PM

  It’s expanding too, should definitely move before they decid they have enough clubs competing (probably once they reach 32). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2131780/Arsenal-Chelsea-Paris-St-Germain-join-expanded-NextGen-Series-season.html

• 44 Jail for Ashley // Apr 19, 2012 at 3:58 PM

  Check,
  I’d like to see Simmo stay as a squad player but somebody on here stated that it would affect Taverniers improvment if that were the case which I thought was a very good point so although I’m not Simmo bashing whatsoever its probably better for everybody if a quality left back is signed and Simmo can go somewhere he is appreciated a bit more and possibly earn his self a few more quid.

• 45 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:01 PM

  JFA…Good point. I still think with the extra European games, as well as better runs in domestic cups, we would need to keep simmo even with a new LB coming in.

  We’d have

  New LB – Pieters?
  Santon
  Simmo
  Tav
  Fergie ?
  Perch?
  Saylor?

  The last 3 can play FB when required, but we’d still be short of straight out FB’s imo

• 46 Twatter // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:03 PM

  Those who’ve compared our team to the big teams are missing a crucial point here: those teams have massive squads, therefore huge depth and the ability to rotate as they see fit. Our squad is threadbare at the moment as it is, applying pressure to it further with even more games will be disastrous unless we strengthen. As Andrew M said, there’s no way we will finish as high up this year next year because of that. Emulate Stoke we do not want to do, Ashley is going to need to really plunge deep in his pockets if we’re going to try and compete on both the Premier League and Europa League fronts. Looking at his track record I’ll just say I’m not optimistic he will, but a man’s allowed to change. If he’s actually a fan somewhat like the rest of us, he couldn’t have had any better encouragement to do so from the consistently stellar performance we’ve put in this year.

  HWTL.

• 47 check the toastie // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:04 PM

  Jail – guess who it was who said keeping him wud stunt Tavs growth, giv you 3 guesses? hmmmmmmmm, who cud that be,

  and cyprus prefer to rate players by my own cultured eye at the match, and unfortunately those statistics cloud over the issue that the boy is a passenger for most games, even willo is covering for him in recent games, hes lost interest it is clear to see, IMHO.

• 48 check the toastie // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:06 PM

  personally wud sacrifice league position next year if we were guarenteed silver ware, however it is never that easy, a trophy is what the club needs deperately.

• 49 toon_asprilla2012 // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:07 PM

  relaxxx everyone pards just being a lil sarcy and showing stoke respect. our play is waaaaaaay different to stokes. demba ba can emulate crouches goal against man citeh thou ! marveuex is back in training which is nice to see even if he dont play this season just to be in the mix of things going into pre season n EUROPE!

• 50 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:10 PM

  Check…All of us would take any league position (besides the bottom 3) if it guaranteed some silverware next season – without a second thought!

  Not sure how happy i’d be with lets say reaching the quarter finals of EL and finishing 10th and having to re-build to an extent and risk losing some players – just a thought

• 51 martoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:12 PM

  Twatter @46 As a fan I agree with you but from the business point of view we have to be careful. If we take on these extra players and give them 4/5 year contracts and next year don’t have such a sucessful season we will have a squad that is too big with reduced revenue – i.e. do a Leeds. So there is a fine line between expanding the squad and not over committing.

• 52 Twatter // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:14 PM

  @50 Maybe you would take the Carling Cup and a 17th place finish but I certainly wouldn’t… :S

  I understand this team has gone years without meaningful silverware but I’d much prefer a repeat of this season. Winning the Europa League would be grand but would I take it at the severe cost of Premier League success? I don’t know, what’s for certain is that the competition has lost a lot of its prestige now.

• 53 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:14 PM

  We’ll bring in a lot of youngsters this summer that can push the first team and will be given lots of opportunities. I don’t see a lot of established players arriving tbh…we’ll be lucky to get 2 or 3

• 54 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:18 PM

  Twatter…I know what you’re saying. It’s tough, slow steady progress towards silverware or getting some a.s.a.p.

  The indications would be that we’re building slowly. I don’t think anythings changed in their minds, so I expect PL positioning to be the highest priority.

  And no cup is guaranteed, so PL standing should be the priority imo.

• 55 toon_asprilla2012 // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:22 PM

  relaxxx everyone pards just being a lil sarcy and showing stoke respect. our play is waaaaaaay different to stokes. demba ba can emulate crouches goal against man citeh thou ! marveuex is back in training which is nice to see even if he dont play this season just to be in the mix of things going into pre season n EUROPE! pardew has just been nothing but magnificiento! even if we lose all our remaining games 10-0 we still cant fault what he has done. top 10 finish i would have been happy but to think we took 4 points out of 6 off man utd, 3 off scouse, and beat the teams we should beat except norwich wolves n fulham game, pardew has done a top job! but credit to houghton for steadying the ship when it was all over the gaff, also HOUGHTOOOON was the one who brought in ben arfa, tiote, williamson, simpson, best, perch! all them players this season have either saved us points or got us goals n points! but pardew has took them on with his players that his brought in and we have flair and pace like the bobby robson / keegan days robert/ ginola – benarfa, asprilla – ba, shearer/ cole – cisse, rob lee – tiote, albert – collo, w.barton – simpson, dyer – marveux (hopefully i havent jinxed marveux), peacock – williamson, hislop / given/sernicek – krul ,foster, beardsley – cabaye, gillespie – obertan (hahaha oba wishes). im going to post a vid thats gna make us fancy faceing barca in CL sooooo much . . . muhahahahahaha. MUST WATCH.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPGe9OrT53Y

• 56 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:23 PM

  toon_asprilla…only watched 5 seconds and I can’t wait to see us line up against them

  I’d still be happy lining up in the EL next season though

• 57 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:24 PM

  Not so impressed with the face at 0:42 though…

• 58 nufc786 // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:29 PM

  Newcastle Striker Demba Ba Has Cryotherapy Treatment In Freezing Chamber At Minus 110 Degrees

  http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/18001

• 59 Paps // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:29 PM

  I don’t want to emmulate Stoke Mr Pardew – we beat them 3-1 at their ‘fortress’ for a reason. We’re good, they’re not

• 60 Tsunki // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:32 PM

  nufc786 – that was over a week ago he was on twitter complaining about it.

• 61 nufc786 // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:33 PM

  Tsunki
  wow im behind:(

• 62 nufc786 // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:35 PM

  http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/1843
  Papiss Cisse: £10m Striker Gets £6 Haircut
  how about this

• 63 Pardew's fist pump // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:42 PM

  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7685182/Moses-snubs-Latics-offer

• 64 toonLYF // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:42 PM

  wow what a player Montpellier have on their hands here…Younes Belhanda, forget Taarabt and such, this guy is the next Benny
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah9AHU1EQno

  not that he’s likely to be leaving Montpellier this season as they’ve exceeded expectations massively and are sitting pretty in first place

• 65 toonLYF // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:49 PM

  2:44 on that video ^….silenced, he is incredible, walks into any team in the world atm in my opinion, at the age of just 22! where’s niafron when you need him!?

• 66 Tsunki // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:49 PM

  nufc786 – welcome to my world!

  I mentioned it and asked what it was supposed to do but i got ignored, a bit like NUFC did to the sky rep I suppose.

  Yep the haircut one is more current I like that.

• 67 Tsunki // Apr 19, 2012 at 4:56 PM

  toonLYF – we’ve had a few discussions about this lad before and I think your statement about him walking into any team etc hits the nail squarely on the head, he’s more likely to walk into a more high profile team than ours. What the NUFC scouts will be bringing in is this lad but a few years ago, type of thing. We also had a south american prodigy under discussion if you recall, can’t remember his name but I took one look at the YT vid and thought hmm, already too expensive. The problem lies in what the big boys are willing to pay for wonder kids, we will be tasked with unearthing the Ben Arfas, troubled but damaged (therefore cheap) prodigies who need managing.

• 68 Tsunki // Apr 19, 2012 at 5:21 PM

  ok I am officially a blog killer. I’ll come back later but just to read, promise.

• 69 HOVIS (the poster formerly known as cheick norris) // Apr 19, 2012 at 5:25 PM

  @tsunki. I’ve been in that position before. The only one still commenting lol

• 70 hainesy // Apr 19, 2012 at 5:37 PM

  Graham Carr’s right hand man here back with a few more gems for you all.
  A couple of good teams are going down across Europe and we all know what that means, BARGAINS!

  BUNDESLIGA PICK.

  Pierre-Michal Lasogga – 20 – ST – Couple of million – Hertha Berlin – 21 Goals in close to 55 games.

• 71 hainesy // Apr 19, 2012 at 5:43 PM

  LA LIGA PICK:

  Alberto Botia – 23 – CB – Couple of Million – Sporting Gijon – Although may have a clause by which Barca have first option.

• 72 super magpie // Apr 19, 2012 at 5:55 PM

  Haven’t Been on for a few days, just been reading through yesterday’s and today’s articles and looking forward to the stoke game, feels like ages since we played. We definitely need at least 5 first team players brought in , more if Simpson and Guthrie leave, we need atleast 2 good players in every position, 4 for CM and strikers.
  Stoke could be a game we slip up on, we’ve lost a bit of momentum but have had a well needed rest as well. I don’t like predicting now because last time I said we’d beat wolves 5-0 . But these are games we should be winning.

  Good luck in the battle with your illness ed, we all really appreciate what you do on the blog.

• 73 hainesy // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:00 PM

  LIGUE 1 PICKS:

  Willy Boly – 21 – CB – 2.5M – AJ Auxerre.
  Yaya Sanogo – 19 – ST – 3-4M – Auxerre. – Previously dubbed the next Thierry Henry due to his goal to game ratio in the French youth sides being near to positive.

• 74 geordiejamie89 // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:07 PM

  Moses should sign for Newcastle, he’d fit in well with the 4-3-3 formation.

• 75 toonLYF // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:10 PM

  Tsunki i was definitely thinking along the same lines as you about this guy…i can see Arsenal going for a double swoop, getting both Belhanda and Giroud, they’ve already formed a deadly partnership, snippets of it can be seen in that video, the vision of Belhanda is majestic and Giroud’s finishing, enerring. Ligue 1 is becoming a force, producing the biggest talents in the world at the moment.

• 76 toonLYF // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:15 PM

  hainesy you should take a look at Vincent Aboubakar of Valenciennes, Cheik M’Bengue of Toulouse FC, Lucas Digne of Lille under 19′s (the next Evra we need this player!!)

  and the best of the bunch for me, Lenny Nangis of Caen, can opperate on both wings in advanced roles, mainly the left, side, devastating pace and already showing signs of having the final product too at the age of 18, i’d take this guy over your Hoiletts’ and your Moses’ any day

• 77 toonLYF // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:17 PM

  baring in mind –
  Aboubakar would probably be available for around 3m
  M’Bengue – 4/5m
  Lucas Digne 1m (can’t stress how much i want to see him at newcastle)
  and Nangis for probably under 2m

• 78 9 // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:17 PM

  C’mon guys, some of this talk is plain ridiculous, rubbishing the possibility of European football next season. If our current run continues we’ll be in the Champions League, and if it doesn’t we’ll pretty certainly be in the Europa, now I know they’re chalk and cheese in terms of income but they’re both European competition which is EXACTLY what all fans of every club with ambition NEED. No ifs, buts, size of squad, exhaustion crack, we want to be in Europe, everybody with ambition wants to be in Europe, and there are abslutely no exceptions, anywhere, to that, so, as I say, c’mon guys, get real!
  Europe here we come Wa-hey!

• 79 super magpie // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:25 PM

  @9

  Ofc we all want Europe, we just want to be able to compete in Europe and league without faltering one or the other and we want to there every season, to do this we need a bigger squad, I don’t want us to be a European yo yo team where we’re in it one season then not the next.

• 80 Tsunki // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:29 PM

  I’ve said it before and I`ll say it again – euro competition is the reason for the existence of a top flight team. It generates fabulous income, attracts better quality players and sponsorship, and results in the NUFC brand being enhanced worldwide, all eyes are upon the CL competition, and that is where we belong.

• 81 munch27 // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:33 PM

  9 i’ve quit smoking so i got more cash for the Toon Army European tour , that keen enuff for you? and i been smoke free 5 weeks now.

• 82 LGFUAD21 // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:34 PM

  I know this sounds crude, but id rather focus on league next season treat Europa as a bit of a bonus rather than try and win it from the get go.

  Whats more important?

  Building a squad that can consistently qualify and eventually compete in Europe.

  or

  Looking decent in Europe at the cost of progress in the league.

  Need to treat Europe like we are the league. Something to build over time through consistent progress and development

• 83 check the toastie // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:35 PM

  This seasons success will improve our recruitment clout and also allow the club to keep our best players, even if we ‘just’ manage europa, think as things stand we are in a win win situation, qualify for champions league and we quite clearly keep all of our best players and recruit more gud uns, dip into the europa league and we can give our young guns sone gametime,

  The perfect situation to be in, hopefully we can start well next year and push for a top 4 place again. Really would much sooner concentrate on the next game ala the players and Pardiola, hope Perch plays instead of Simmo.

• 84 geordiejamie89 // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:35 PM

  Newcastle will no doubt make some “big signings” in the summer, although they will still be small compared to the other teams around us. However I’m looking forward to the unknowns breaking through just as much. A little more Graham Carr magic would do wonders for next season.

• 85 9 // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:47 PM

  munch – Well done, Sir, credit to ya!
  Cheik – give it a break, Pardiola picks Simmo every single game and we’re headed to Europe. There’s no chance of him dropping him.

• 86 roblee7 // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:48 PM

  Hey lads,

  not meaning to sound like a dodgy salesperson but I’ve got a fresh load of footy shirts for sale on ebay, inc. a ben arfa long sleeved away shirt. thought niafron might like this if he’s here!!? Here’s a link

  http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/roblee7/m.html?hash=item2ebd094d94&item=200739999124&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&_trksid=p4340.l2562

  Aswell, we’re gunna finish 3rd, be happy with 6th though saying as i never in a million years thought we’d finish in the top half, never mind top 6!!! HTL!!

• 87 roblee7 // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:54 PM

  off topic, i know, but anyone else reckon leon bests off in the summer? Just can’t see how he’ll get a game next season, think he’s bottom of striking pecking order now like, even the walker lion that is Strolla’s ahead of him. shame mind, he’s got quality, just not good enough for a team competing for the CL. haha, god that felt good saying that !!! !!!!!!

• 88 check the toastie // Apr 19, 2012 at 6:56 PM

  Hope pardew drops Simmo for perch at the weekend, i know simmo has played in every game but he has hid in most.

  last comment for a few hours on the subject. Will be back after the break though.

• 89 roblee7 // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:02 PM

  check – im not sure i agree with simmo ‘hiding’, i think its more a case of him not having the quality of others and perhaps knows this himself. he keeps it simple, a bit like willo, and i personally like that. i wouldnt be gutted if he left like, just think he gets alot of stick when he’s done a more than decent job for us this season

• 90 toonLYF // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:04 PM

  roblee, i’ve been after a france top, not fussed which one really although the 98′ would be prefered…has to be the home blue colours, with Zidane on the back of it, haven’t been able to find a genuine looking one in my size for a decent price anywhere, where you do get all of these kits from?

• 91 roblee7 // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:09 PM

  toonLYF. That World Cup 98 France shirt is very collectable now. Not only is it a beauty, but its of course the shirt they wore when they won it. With Zidane on the back aswell I’d say you’d be lucky to get one in good condition for less than around 60 quid. if i get a hold of one though I’ll let you know! As for where i get the shirts, I’ve been collecting for years and alot i just pick up from mates, friends of friends who want rid.

• 92 Klatoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:09 PM

  Looks like Emre’s got involved in another racism row. He abused Trabzonspor’s Zokora and basically admited it.
  I liked him when he played here and didnt want him to leave but it seems he’s a racist ! I remember three accusations levelled against him while here. What a shame, an idol to so many young kids to be this way!

• 93 roblee7 // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:10 PM

  toonLYF – aswell, i actually sold a france euro 2000 home shirt, brand new with its tags with zidane on back and all euro badges size XL for 55 quid just couple weeks ago, sorry!

• 94 Klatoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:14 PM

  That HBA shirt is very nice, actually I reckon its one of our luckiest away shirts for a few seasons now. We’ve had some scintillating perfomances in that orange kit

• 95 geordiejamie89 // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:15 PM

  I think people who are asking us to drop Danny Simpson aren’t quite with it at the minute. He’s been in the squad all season, and has statistically been the best defender in the league. 7 clearances off the line! Plenty tackles, few cards, I don’t know what there is to be ungrateful for. Yes he limits himself going forward, but I’ve got no doubts he’s doing what he’s being asked in training, to get the best out of the defence. It says something when you’ve played every game in a squad fighting for Champions League. If he signs a new deal, and spends next season fighting it out with Santon at RB, i’ll be happy.

• 96 geordiejamie89 // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:23 PM

  Agh. Barcelona need to get a grip in the second leg. Don’t they know if Chelsea go on to win it, and Newcastle get fourth, it will be devastating to Newcastle fans?! Might be worth putting Messi on the bench, he just can’t score against Chelsea! Obviously I’m only joking I wouldn’t bench the best player in the world. I hope they do the job in the second leg. 2-0 Barcelona hopefully, and not impossible to believe.

• 97 roblee7 // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:24 PM

  klatoon – i know, i love it but its too big for me. i wanted it in a medium but me mam bought me it for me birthday and its just way too big…been hanging up in the cupboard for months!! I’d take 35 quid for it if you want it!

• 98 Toon Tang // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:35 PM

  just been watching the best celebration compilation thing ont beeb website. i had forgot all about Temuri Ketsbaia’s against bolton when he murdered the advertising boards haha absolute classic.

  ps . does anyone know the reasoning behind that celebration ??

• 99 Klatoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:42 PM

  roblee7, I aint bought a toon shirt in years infact the one I wear is from the brown ale days, adidas blue collar. Yeah that old so my next will defo be a home shirt. The problem is they are so hard to get here where they import only the “popular” or “big club” kits in the shops

• 100 check the toastie // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:45 PM

  statistically Leon Britton for swansea has been the most accurate passer in the league this year, says it all really, statistics mean nothing, looking at peoples input to the overall team is my measure of a player, and simpson has done OK over the season, but lately he has looked disinterested and for me has lost fitness and confidence,

  I say again he will not be here next season, if he hasnt signed his contract now it will not be improved, its the way we do business, i wud hate to think that his inability to impose himself on the lad he marks costs us points, for me if he walks off at full time and declares it a draw with his opposite number he thinks its a personal win, he needs to do more, we have so many better options. Wont mention it again.

• 101 roblee7 // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:48 PM

  Klatoon, I loved that shirt, although the one with the grandad collar has always been my favourite. Did you know that Newcastle shirt was Adidas’ biggest ever selling football shirt in their history? And people say we’re not a big club?? makes me laugh. If you want the current home shirt I’d be more than happy to pick you one up new

• 102 Klatoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:50 PM

  Chek, I agree the stats sometimes dont tell the whole story. They say he’s better than Walker, Ivanovich, Richards, Sagna and many other RB’s but c’mon who can honestly say they believe that to be true?

• 103 Klatoon // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:52 PM

  Roblee7, Lot of talk saying we might have a new shirt for next season so I want to wait and see. Thanks though!

• 104 DoubleDemba // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:54 PM

  Newcastle have played great this season but have got lucky. Simpson blatent handball vs Liverpool. Perch Dive vs Liverpool. Cisse 2nd goal yards offside.

• 105 DoubleDemba // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:55 PM

  Carroll and Perch. Divers

• 106 DoubleDemba // Apr 19, 2012 at 7:56 PM

  Perch, Simpson Carroll. Shud uv got red cards in match, us v scousers

• 107 geordiejamie89 // Apr 19, 2012 at 8:00 PM

  I’m looking to get a couple new football shirts, and I’m looking for some ideas if anybody has any? And before anybody starts, I have pretty much every shirt Newcastle has brought out in recent years. I’m not after prem shirts as Newcastle is the one and only, but anybody got any European or South American ideas?

• 108 ash-out // Apr 19, 2012 at 10:10 PM

  Geordie Jamie – get the new France away shirt with a number 10 on it. Class on class.