Newcastle seem to be in dreamland at the moment, and it seems they can do nothing wrong.
Alan Pardew and Tony Pulis before the game on Saturday
After six wins in a row, if we can keep up our good form at Wigan on Saturday, there seems now reason why we cannot extend that win streak to seven games.
But the important thing is for the player to keep their laser-like focus they have displayed while they’ve been on their best winning streak since 1996, when Kevin Keegan was managing the Entertainers.
This is what Alan Pardew – getting to be a hero on Tyneside - said to the local press today:
“From where we were, it’s a great achievement by everybody at the club, from Mike Ashley down.” “We now continue on that road.”
“You want to lift the city.” “We’ve managed to do that and the city is on fire at the moment in terms of belief at the club.”
“Sometimes those tough games are when you find your team focus. It’s easy to lose focus. We didn’t do that against Stoke.”
“I was really pleased with that and I thought we stayed strong mentally.” “There was a little period where we lost our way a bit but other than that, we were strong.”
And since this is the best winning run since Newcastle were known as the Entertainers in the 1995-1996 season, and were one of the most popular sides in England, if not in Europe, it’s natural to try to compare the two sides.
But Alan Pardew knows that comparison is a difficult one, as he continued:
“It isn’t easy.” “But these guys are making names for themselves in the same manner that some of those guys did, such as David Ginola.”
“Ben Arfa, Demba, Cabaye and Cisse are what Newcastle fans love – flair players.” “That four were irrepressible.”
“It was a great electric start in terms of the crowd with another full house.” “We’ve put a buzz in this city, but they’re putting a buzz in us.”
The Newcastle crowd - there were 52,162 at the game on Saturday, were again magnificent in their support of the Newcastle side.
And it helped to be 2-0 up after just 18 minutes, with what were two superb goals, with Ben Arfa’s magic making the first one, that eventually Yohan Cabaye headed in after 14 minutes.
And the second goal came from a wonderful through ball from Cabaye, which was dispatched into the net in brilliant style by Papiss Cisse, for his 11th goal in just ten games for Newcastle in the number 9 shirt.
Yohan Cabaye finished off Stoke with a first time right footed shot from the edge of the penalty area to make it 3-0 after 57 minutes, and he was easily our Man of the Match with 79% of the vote, and that was probably his best game ever for Newcastle.
To have the lads playing great is really something, but to have them playing like this when other sides like Tottenham, Arsenal and even Manchester United, seem to be struggling under the pressure – is even better.
The lads just have to keep it going for another four games.
Comments welcome.
NUFC News 24/7
126 responses so far ↓
1 lewytoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 10:55 AM
im not deluded haha, i know obertan isnt good enough at the moment and defo not shola, i was just saying it would be funny if the players who were griefed end up becoming the hero’s. i dont want them to be on the pitch but i would find it amusing watching everyone rpaise them after the flak they have took. it wont happen, chill.
2 Toon_Tom // Apr 23, 2012 at 10:56 AM
“laser-like focus”
Love It
3 lewytoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 10:57 AM
and suprisingly i trust the manager nwo to keep the players and stand up to ashley, however after ashley saw how were doing im sure he enjoyed and will want to keep the players aswell
4 Garreth // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:01 AM
Ashley will want to keep the players for sure, he’s a businessman and he knows that our team right now can make a lot of money of the club by consistently challenging for Europe. If we get top 4 we make £20m extra money, that’s a staggering amount for our club in the current climate!
5 Londtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:07 AM
@4, If we finished 4th we would be subject to a 20m double leg qualifier wouldn’t we? I thought 20m was for getting to the group stages?
6 gaz 44 // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:08 AM
i reckon if we get champs league ashley may be willing to take a chance and buy 3-4 10million players 3 3-7million .. if its just europa think he will give 20 mill .. think he knows if we get champs league if he take a hit first year we can possibly stay there and start turning a massive profit next year
7 Pecorino ( will let you figure it out) // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Gaz
you might have a point… But then again its very tempting to NOT do that and go along our usual way of gettign budget players imagine the profit after that season we could afford a HAZARD…. you get my drift…
8 Cardboy // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:11 AM
I think the PL title will get decided at SJP, can’t wait to see 50,000 Geordies doing the Poznan, giving Tevez some stick ….. and think we will qualify for CL at Everton. Gonna be a fantastic day and a brilliant atmosphere, got my ticket, can’t wait HWTL
9 liamgowland // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:16 AM
Excellent result Saturday, probably one of the most accomplished performances of the season.
I think two or three signings in the summer (LB, CB, RW) and hold onto our own and we could be in a very very good position, dealing well with the pressures of Champions League football. Hoilett could well be very attinable if that illusive fourth spot becomes ours.
A quick mention of Davide Santon from Saturday by the way, not much has been said of his peformance due to the front four being exquisite, but he was outstanding.
10 check the toastie // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Santon is a Rolls Royce footballer, god knows how Inter let him go for 5 million, my word.
11 Pecorino ( will let you figure it out) // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:21 AM
liamgowland
yeap as I said earlier makes Enrique looking like Titus in my eyes… the man is PURE class and only 20 scary. Future captain for sure…wait and see
12 check the toastie // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Best Premier league buys of the season-
Yohan Cabaye – 4 million worth 20 million plus
Demba Ba – Free worth 20 million plus
Papiss Cisse – 8.5 million (priceless)
Davide Santon – 5 million worth 15 ml and increasing
Unbelievable value, wonder if they all had sports direct tags on them with 80% off.
13 Toon_Tom // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:26 AM
check – the same could have been said for most of our recent purchases – Tiote, Cabaye, Santon – all players we got cheap, but maybe because they were not playing at this level with their former employers, maybe it takes a “Big Team” like us to bring out the best in players, maybe it takes one of the best (if not best) English managers around to get the best from his players!!!
HWTL
14 davybtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Anyone else think we shud b looking at the bundisliga for players if look ba, cisse, pograbneyak, sigurdson all come from Germany n hav took to them prem with ease IMO its the most similar league to prem in style of play the above players have scored over 40 pl goals in the short time they’ve been here
15 martoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:31 AM
I always find it interesting to hear unbiassed views about us – some comments from Stoke fans.
http://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Potters&action=display&thread=190059
16 Indian Magpie // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Martoon this is the best comment, i found
Why can’t we just be magnanimous and say that Newcastle have a better team than us and deserve to be where they are because they are playing good football, and have signed some great players for not alot of money considering.
Cabaye for the same money as Whitehead
Tiote for less than half of Palacios
Cisse for less than Crouch and 6 years younger.
It’s not a dig at our own club, it’s just a fact that they have managed to do better business.
17 jayphoto // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:42 AM
just going back to a comment Indian Magpie made about being shocked if pardew put shola and obertan on in the last few mins if we need a result against everton – you obviously didn’t see the sunderland home game or the game v blackburn! Shola is immense when he comes off the bench, always has been, problem is he doesn’t bring that into when he starts! The dark horse for me might be Marveaux off the bench in the last 2 games, our 4-3-3 suits his game so much, coming on for Ba with 20mins to go and he could be dynamite!
18 xmindcrimex // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:45 AM
@lewytoon 1
I thought it was really weird that catchy said you were one of the deluded fans in the previous thread. It might just be me, but I find deluded to be a harsh word to say to someone.
It’s kind of like starting a conversation with. “Hey you’re an f’in a-hole.” or a punch to the face. And then the person is expecting people to actually listen to his opinon afterwards.
But, it might just be me getting the word deluded wrong.
And congrats with five years on the blog Ed!
19 jayphoto // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:46 AM
@10 yeah santon really is! He’s so much better than enrique was when we signed him at 21! I think with experience he’s going to be a truly world star in 3 or 4 years! Along with Tim Krul, Ben Arfa, tiote and Papiss Cisse! We have other great players, but those 5 I think will develop to be classes as some of the greatest in world football in their positions!
20 Indian Magpie // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Jayphoto,
Forgot 2 add, barring injuries
21 Pardew's fist pump // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:48 AM
How deluded can you be?
“put it this way
I think only Shawcross, Huth Pennant and Begovic would stand a chance of getting in their team
maybe Palacios, Crouch on the bench”
22 Indian Magpie // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:49 AM
Reading those comments from stoke fans i realised that even they dont like the the hoofball, like us and every1 else
23 Indian Magpie // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:51 AM
Pardew’s fist pump
i see your point, but the guy who siad that meant it as a compliment, i think
24 jayphoto // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:54 AM
i worked as a photographer at the Brit for stokes promotion season, actually found them to be some of the more realistic of football fans, they don;t love hoofball, but they’d rather that than play in a lower division! Good ground, good atmosphere!
25 pieceofpapiss // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Martoon.
EPIC banter by the Stoke fans! That etonrifles fella must be mental.
Anyone got any news on the Wigan game? Have they increased the allocation yet?
26 jayphoto // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:56 AM
also, if any of you want a laugh at liverpool, one of my biggest clients is a diehard stoke fan, has been for 65 years! He’s good friends with peter coates (same age, from same area etc) and he reckons Liverpool made an enquiry last month about signing Peter Crouch (unfortunately they were told he’s not for sale)…… i wanna be a liverpool scout, must be the easiest job in the world!
27 Indian Magpie // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Peter crouch and andy carroll in the same team, cant imagine the style of play, actually can
28 martoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Indian @16 Agree with you that was a good comment and probably the most realistic & honest.
Pardew’s fist pump @21 – I think their fans have accepted it so far because they have got to a cup final and into Europe but I think they are now starting to see the limitations. I must admit I rate Shawcross but he would be the only one of their team I would take.
29 Toon_Army // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:11 PM
Getting Relegated was the most pivotal point in our clubs history in the last 20 years, it put our paycheck players like Owen on the same level as the Ameobi’s and that dedication of those who stuck it out shone through, all credit to Nolan, Barton and Carroll they all did thier bit and we are grateful for their service but Pardew came in knowing the had a blank canvas, a thing of rarity these days and came up with a Picasso, given the financial constraints that were in place it really is truly remarkable to have a side playing football toe to toe with the best in the Prem, such is the belief that they may very well win their remaining games. A very special season.
Credit to Ash for his financial savvy and covering out overdraft BUT I still think he is a bit tight fisted on the transfer front (where would we be if we had Cisse in the summer and that defensive cover we desperately needed – Title challengers anyone?) renaming the stadium is a total farce, and rightly so many still refer to the stadium by it’s original name of St James Park, I always have a wry smirk when the commentators give it a mention.
While other clubs are generally in transition, finding replacements for their old timers, Chelsea, Liverpool or have become stagnant and can’t get rid of the paper weight players on 3/4 year contracts to invest in brighter talent, we have a youthful, fresh side, the future looks bright.
30 jayphoto // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:18 PM
@toonarmy – i dunno about the tight fisted ness, think freiburg wanted double what we paid for Papiss! He had a relegation release clause so they were desperate to cash in in the winter as he’d walk for free in the summer with them rooted to the bottom of the league!
Personally think we need a right back, centre half, central midfielder (for when guthrie goes) and a rapid centre forward to make us a truly top challenging side!
My preffered signings would be debuchy(can play rb or centre mid) , Pieters( can play left bk or cb) Amalfitano (apparantly hes as good as signed) and Knockaert (right/left wing and striker) add them to a squad that has marveaux and taylor back and loses no players asides from simmo (who id love to stay), best and guthrie and we’re a good good team!
31 Toonboy_84 // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:21 PM
@29
On the name change. I liked the little interview with pulis in the sun today. Talking about SJP. He says something like ” I won’t call it the other name “. Good lad!
32 LewSpi // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:26 PM
I like it when you provide us with other tteams blogs Martoon, was it you who linked the Liverpool one a month or so back? Funny.
My favourite comment from that Stoke blog..
“etonrifle wrote: Is it really that better than ours. They have 20 points more and could finish third. From what I see in Ba and Cisse they have two quality strikers
But the same old argument is even quality strikers need service. The rest of the team doesn’t stand out that much.
adi replied: Either you are a massive wind-up merchant or were starved of oxygen. Cabaye, Marveaux, Tiote, Ben Arfa, Gutierrez are streets ahead of our locally sourced taste the difference organic piss.
You sir are a buffoon!”
33 Pecorino ( will let you figure it out) // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:28 PM
I must be honest dare I say it I think i am getting scarred right about now if we really did punch above our weight this season in a way not taking away fromt he brilliant performances but some not so brilliant early season form…
How do we emulate this next season or better who knows how Manure will do in transfer, LIverpool, Citey, and Chelksi… Hope they dont do the tremendous business so we can better than that said I think we are doing a world of good reputation wise so hopefully one day players like Hazard, Gotze will want to come to us , not taking away from the players we have already like HBA and Cabaye …
Just an observation….
34 Spuggy // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:30 PM
I think the stoke fans are very honest (most of them) in praising our team – especially this one. Makes for some astounding reading:
Why can’t we just be magnanimous and say that Newcastle have a better team than us and deserve to be where they are because they are playing good football, and have signed some great players for not alot of money considering.
Cabaye for the same money as Whitehead
Tiote for less than half of Palacios
Cisse for less than Crouch and 6 years younger.
It’s not a dig at our own club, it’s just a fact that they have managed to do better business.
35 Pecorino ( will let you figure it out) // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:31 PM
lew Spi I laughed at that comment myself….
I think its also form that is important if we recall the Arsenal side that hadn’t lost that one season one game its all in the mind….its getting that Manure like mentality that one is unbeatable but of coarse you need the talent to be up there or round about….
we have that at the moment…
36 Pecorino ( will let you figure it out) // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:31 PM
Spuggy and boy is he right….he is spot on I mean crouch????!!?
I wont forget how ppl laughed here I would too I would never want him to play at NUFC….not that type of player…
37 Spuggy // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Either you are a massive wind-up merchant or were starved of oxygen. Cabaye, Marveaux, Tiote, Ben Arfa, Gutierrez are streets ahead of our locally sourced taste the difference organic p*ss.
You sir are a buffoon!
From a stoke fab – laughing my knackers off!! They are really honest bunch actually.
38 Spuggy // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Ah missed you posting it Lewspi!! Class comment like.
39 Indian Magpie // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Spuggy @ 37,
I think that comment was made by a NUFC fan, as i doubt any stoke fan would know abt Maveaux.
40 Indian Magpie // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:36 PM
spuggy,
while u are at it see comment # 16
41 martoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:37 PM
Lewspi @32 – Yes I think I might have. I’m afraid that I’m so bored at work that once I’ve read this blog I have to resort to looking for other teams – especially ones we have just played or about to play next. I’d better start looking for some Wigan ones
Actually seriously although there were one or two of the usual deluded fans I thought most of the comments by the Stoke fans were very fair & honest.
42 lewytoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:39 PM
@18 crime mind
haha thanks, i dont see how im deluded either haha, some crazy people
43 Spuggy // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:43 PM
@ indian
Touche – didn’t see that one either. Apologies. I’m on my lunch at work just skim reading.
Loving life as a toon fan though!!!!!!
44 GenralHez // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:47 PM
It is well passed time that the numpties who were and in some cases still do slag off Ashley and Pards decided to be grown up about our team. They have achieved much more than anyone expected and the credit must go to all of the leaders at St James both coaching and backroom staff.
As far as the name change goes, if it brings in more cash to the team then so be it, what’s in a name?
45 NEWEXPATMAGPIE // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:50 PM
It was clubs like Stoke , Birmingham, Middlesboro, Wigan and Hull who really laughed and took the Piss when we were
relegated a couple of years ago! Aston Villa too actually took pleasure in the fact that it was them who finally put the boot in on the last day of the season!
Now after a year in the Championship and coming back up the ball is on the other foot !
I can actually remember matches against Hull and Wolves where they more or less literally kicked us off the park!
If the mentality of their fans is that we have a better team then fine! We,ve been saying we are better Club than them for years and Finally that fact seems to be sinking in!
Toon-Army @ 29 made a few good points on his post, i would add to this that a lot of clubs are just plain jealous of what we have achieved this year on a Shoestring budget!
The so called big four, if you believe what you read in the press, are all lining up big money offers for most of the team which Pardew has built in the last year! Hopefully this team will all be together for at least another season though!
46 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 12:56 PM
I’ve got a real gut feeling that it’s going to come down to the last game of the season where if Spuds win we need a point at least or they will go to CL on goal difference.
That is unless we can paste Wigan 6-0
It can be done
47 LEROI // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:01 PM
It’s really hard to compare the 95-96 season team with our current team but i’ll try anyway with just the forwards and midfielders.
Cisse has to be compared to Ferdinand in they have a similar starts to goals ratio and both of them opportunist strikers, IMO Cisse is the better of the two.
Ba has no comparitive , there was no Shearer till 96-97.
HBA i compare with Ginola both roving french flair players, the goes edge to HBA because he’s done some stuff this season that i could only dream off before seeing it emerge from this geniuses feet, unreal talent.
Guti has to be compared with Gillespie as both take on and go past a full left wing of opponents and deliver an amazing ball on there day, although i really appreciate Guti’s defensive efforts and the way he takes the pressure off us by breaking away and winning us free kicks each game, i personally think Gillespie was more productive in setting up goals with his superior crossing ability.
Tiote i see as the evolution of a Batty type character in the way he is terrier like in his hounding of the opponent in possession and his bone crunching ball winning tackles are great to see too, Tiote however has a far superior range off passing and ball control so it’s Tiote i consider the better of these two.
although i know Beardo was more a second striker he is the only player i can compare with Cabaye in there ability to cut a defence in two with there amazing vision and precision passing. I think in the future Cabaye will surpass Beardo in the assists department but i can’t see him outscoring Beardsley in his career, so comparing overall contribution to date i give the plaudits to Peter Beardsley.
48 Toon_Tom // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:04 PM
GenralHez – would a Rose by any other name smell as sweet???
49 check the toastie // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:09 PM
Beattie what if Wigan play Mo Diame, he will knack us as he is the best thing since sliced bread eh. Lets hope he has an off day, im sure he wouldnt want to put one over on his future team…….
50 martoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Beattie @46 – I can’t help feeling we could have put six past Stoke if we had kept pressing and not made sustitutions so early although I accept Cabaye was being protected. I was still delighted with the result and the way we played but just feel we could have improved our goal difference even more if we had wanted to.
51 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Mo Diame will do what I tell him to do
Score an OG, look god awful, get sent off, throw his shirt at Martinez, sign for us in the Summer, anger our fans when they ask ‘WHY?’, score the winning goal in the Europa Leauge final next year before promptly being sold for £50 million to Liverpool.
The story of Mo Diame
52 LewSpi // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:19 PM
We haven’t scored more than 3 in a game this year. Is the DW gonna be a slaughterhouse this weekend?
53 Pardew's fist pump // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:20 PM
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7694890/Prem-eyes-on-Dutch-gem
Hmmmm? Sky don’t usually claim ‘Skysports understands’, unless there’s something in it. Never heard of him mind, but has a good pedigree for his age.
54 sweendog // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:20 PM
some possible good news for us in anticipation of the Man City game… their best player could be banned
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/man-citys-yaya-toure-could-be-banned-man-utd-showdown-3101031
55 sweendog // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:23 PM
Pardew’s fist pump .. just what we need on the wing .. means we could change it up a bit
56 Pardew's fist pump // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:24 PM
http://youtu.be/x9eJi0Nm1H4
Looks talented!
57 check the toastie // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:27 PM
You never know he could be the new Ryan Babel.
58 check the toastie // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:31 PM
Nice story Beattie, sounds spot on, gud old Super Mo, MO MO MO your boat gently down the stream merrily merrily merrily merrily merrily life at the Toons a dream.
59 check the toastie // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:33 PM
‘He’s Toon through and through’, He’s Toon through and through, Mo Diame he’s Toon through and through.
60 martoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:33 PM
I’ve started my search for Wigan forums – this is the first decent one I’ve found – they seem to have very big chips on their shoulders about Pardew!
http://www.cockneylatic.co.uk/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=5&id=84643&Itemid=96
61 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:39 PM
I see Jay Rodriguez got into the PFA team of the year in the championship despite Burnley only being in 12th.
Quality player this lad and would be a great young signing!
I think we are going to sign 2 or 3 first teamers and a shit load of youngsters that can push the 1st team and will ply their trade in the reserves.
I expect our reserve team to demolish their leauge next season.
The likes of Fergie, Vuckic, Abied, Streete, Sammy Ameobi, Inman etc… being joined by some super players.
Semi at the moment but its getting harder
62 IPToon // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:40 PM
Jerson Cabral looks very impressive from the videos. Not to dissimilar to Ben Arfa in the way he gets passed players. Ben Arfa and Cabral on the wings would be pretty exciting and very dangerous away from home on the counter attack!
63 IPToon // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:42 PM
On Jay Rodriguez he would be a very good signing, especially for nothing!
A very good option as back up for Cisse/Ba
64 Troleibusiukas_LTU // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:44 PM
For me best window would be:
Out only:
Loverkrands,
Xisco,
Smith,
Guthrie (if he wants to leave for regular place in starting 11)
Simpson (if he refuses to sign a new deal and play in Europe with NUFC)
Forster – wants to be #1 (but we have Krul)
We would have have:
GK: Krul, Alanwick, Elliot
It’s ok with Keepers (AP trust Elliot if that’s true im OK with him)
—
RB: Tavernier, Perch
CB: S.Taylor, Colo, Wiliamson, Street
LB: Santon, R.Taylor
We need some more top quality defenders 2 of these is a must: Vertongen, Mapou, Debuchy, Alderweireld, Douglas, Pieters.
—-
DM: Tiote, Jonas, Abeid
Diame would be good buy IMO (but he goes out in ACON)
—–
CM: Cabaye, Vukcic, Gosling, Inman
for me It’s alomst ok (Marveaux could play there too)
but Corget or Martin or Frei would be very useful.
—–
RW: Benny, Obertan
LW: Fergie, Marveaux, Sammy
Hoilet, Adam Johnson or Frei would be welcome.
—–
ST: Demba Ba, Cisse, Best, Ameobi
We have good strikers in the Academy, so i think only one more is needed (Luuk de Jong or Rodriguez or Dost)
——
So IN would be:
2 defenders (one of them must be capable of playing LB/RB well), 1 CDM, 1 CM, 1 RW/LW, 1 ST
And few youngsters to the reserves or academy as well:
Amalfitano, Kondogbia, Van Dijk, Butterfield and others.
What do you think?
65 Tramp // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:45 PM
HBA BA CISSE CABAYE TIOTE COLLO SANTON JONAS.
The Entertainers Mark II.
Toooon Aaaaaarmy!
66 LewSpi // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:46 PM
Interesting Martoon.
I wonder how many other teams find comment sections on here and post them in their blogs. I think I’m going to put in a bit extra effort to my posts from now on. Ha.
67 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:47 PM
I really truthfully hope that if we do get CL we don’t loose focus in the transfer market.
I’d much rather use that money to buy some of the great world youngsters. I said the other week that if instead of relegation we were CL contenders and Ashley had this model in place we could’ve signed some extrodinary youngsterson the cheap (Gotze, Hazard, Neymar etc… All of whom 4-5 years ago were unheard off).
If we coud find just a few potential superstars we could be successful for a long time to come. I’d rather take for example Hoilett on a free and wages of 40k a week than Hazard for £20 million and 70k a week.
It’s mad to say thats but it is an honest point of view. I think we can handle the CL with the quality we have and could get 4th again next season with a first team CB, RB/LB, CM and LW.
68 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:52 PM
I would keep Forster With Europe next year it will be guarenteed that he will play 15-20 times and will be able to push Krul after 3 solid years of first team experience.
Better to keep a keeper who will cost nothing than sell him and buy one and pay agent fees etc…
We need Geordies in the team and thats from a Lancashire Mag.
I’d love to see Forster staying as then we would have 2 quality keepers and that can only be a good thing. We might sell Forster for 2 million but he is what? 23? He could be worth 7 million after 1 good season!!!
Krul was worht about 8 million at the beggining of the year what now?
Carroll had a good 6 months and brought in £35 million
Keep Forster
69 toonincheek // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:54 PM
Not everyone in the City are happy about our progress.
Thaink about the company bosses -
They must be well and truly pi**ed off that on Mondays, everyone talks about the Toon all day and doesn’t do any work !
In the old days (it’s 30 years since I worked in the northeast), it was the first hour only before depresion set in.
70 Troleibusiukas_LTU // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:57 PM
Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:47 PM,
I probably agree with you, as you see in my last post SIX out – SIX in, but better quallity and in the position that we are lacking some deph as nex season is going to be a long one, fatigue, suspensions, minor injuries (that’s a part of this sport), to fight all fronts we will need 6 if guthrie and simpson stays then 4-5 players.
71 IPToon // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:58 PM
Everyone keeps mentioning Diame but how much is he likely to be available for?
I would love to sign Dembele instead. Will cost a bit more but only has one year left on his contract so surely not a ridiculous price.
72 mindshaft // Apr 23, 2012 at 1:59 PM
So now Chelsea have bought into the buy young player sthat have a resale value, that makes us, Manure, Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton, Spurs and Aston Villa all now publicly stating thier transfer strategy of not buying or offering older players contracts.
Where are players like Barton etc gonna go to earn thier 60k a week!!!
73 check the toastie // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM
For me next year 4 players are crucial, one excellent RB Debuchy from Lille appears the best we have been linked with, Big Towering Psychopathic CB, Douglas for me, (saylor unfortunately picks up bad injuries)
A pacy attacking real quality CM that chips in with goals and can come straight in and play with our 3 existing midfeild warriors, giving each a rest now and then, Mr T barely played anyway.
A speedy Forward who is not going to ACON (hoilett), we wud have champs league already sorted if it wasnt for that waste of space competition (how lucky were we that senegam were sh1t). 4 signings RB, CB, ACM, CF.
74 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM
IPToon
Diame would cost nothing at all as his contract expires in June.
He is Senegalese so would be away for the AFCON but for the sake of 4-5 games I’d take him as he is something we don’t have, a dediccated box to box midfielder in the mould of Yaya Toure.
I don’t think we’ll get him but I’d have him in an instant on football manager.
75 Garreth // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:01 PM
I think we really need to buy a striker in the window as well. Ba and Cisse will be away for the ACON and I don’t think our current cover is good enough. Plus with us playing all these extra games, we’re going to need more squad rotation. Just one more striker will do.
With regards to the Wigan game, I don’t care what teams they have beaten previously, if we go there and play our game we should beat them with some to spare. Our team walks all over their team in almost every position!
I think victory against Wigan and Everton, and draws with Chelsea and City should see us get top 4. If we win all 4 (difficult? very. Impossible? never) then we’ll get 3rd, Arsenal will drop points.
76 TheChippedFifth // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:02 PM
http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/20-seasons.html
Ive just watched them all. get voting for us. don’t know which one im going to choose though, but it certainly wont be the liverpool 4-3 one anyway.
sick of hearing about that one haha
77 Troleibusiukas_LTU // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:03 PM
Yeah i’d love to see us KEEPING FORSTER TOO! But i don’t know if he is willing to fight with KRUL, then he could go to any middle team of premeirleague and easily play almost week in week out in the first 11. If we get CL he (Forster) would play considerably fewer games, but maybe AP would then play him in the EPL. I don’t know, IMO it depends what Firster wants, would be very nice to have him in the team tho..
78 IPToon // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:05 PM
Cheers Beattie25, he will cost quite a lot less than Dembele then!
I have always like Diame so with him being Free that would be quality. Also if Ba does decide to go, Cisse will still have a Senegalese mate.
79 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:10 PM
The more I think about it the more the freebies appeal to me.
I’d take Hoilett, Diame and Douglas. I’d then use our transfer kitty on bringing in one full back, a CM and a good young pacey striker.
I’ve always championed a player called Kembo-Ekoko for Rennes. He is 24, fast as lightning and has a bullet shot. He’s be quite cheap aswell. I’d take him over Mayuka due to the AFCON thing.
I’d have Martin Olsson at LB is Blackburn go down. Young, fast, attack minded and would balance the flanks if Davide moved to RB.
If Guthrie leaves then it would have to be Corgnet or Martin (though I have a felling Corgnet is a done deal) as a replacement.
Olsson, Corgnet, Ekoko, Diame, Hoilett & Douglas for a combined transfer fee off… £13 million.
TASTY
80 IPToon // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:17 PM
If we didnt lose any players, just strengthened (we wish) then the below list of realistic possibilities would be great in my opinion.
Clyne – Free
Pieters – £6m
Vertonghen – £9
Diame – Free
Cabral – £havent a clue
Rodriguez – Free
—————————- Krul ——————————–
Santon ——- Coloccini — Vertonghen ——- Pieters
—————— Tiote ———- Diame ——————–
Ben Arfa ————– Cabaye —————- Ba/Cabral
—————————- Cisse ——————————
Bench: Elliot, Taylor, Clyne, Gutierrez, Marveaux, Abeid, Rodriguez.
All aboard
81 IPToon // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:18 PM
Mindshaft.
West Ham is where they will go.
82 Troleibusiukas_LTU // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:18 PM
I have already voted for 5-0 victory, For Shearer’s Goal, For Lua Lua, for Gordon save, my eleven Given, Neville, Campbell, Terry, Cole, Ronaldo, Lampard, Gerard, Ginola, Henry, Shearer.
83 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:19 PM
Beattie @79 – Tasty and quite possible
So great to have this buzz back about NUFC and to have the fans believing again…happy days!
84 cyprus // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:20 PM
Thanks for that Martoon @15. Stoke fans, despite their great support at games, seem awfully magnanimous toward us and our players…
85 ~Perchinho the Pheonix~ // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:23 PM
Some Arse-anal fans whinging about Colo being chosen instead of Koscielny in the PFA team of the year.
Koscielny is always liable to making costly errors with own goals and silly penalty’s. He is just a fancy bramble or boumsong if you ask me.
86 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:24 PM
A lot of crerit has gone to Ashley, a lot to the players. Massive amounts to Carr and a little now heading for Ashley. Are we not fogetting though who deserves the most credit?
Optimism Valley. They turned this season around so thank you.
Also should we not make the CL, they will be single handedly responsible!!!
87 ToonDownSouth // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:25 PM
http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/48215/1/liverpool-res-vs-newcastle-united-res-live-stream-online.html
If anyone wants to watch the reserves. Moyo just put us 1 up.
88 toonincheek // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:25 PM
Off-topic, I know, but . . . . .
5under1and have 3 managers in the top ten.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/the-rundown/least-successful-premier-league-managers-113441372.html
89 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:27 PM
* Pardew not Ashley from the first line
90 martoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:29 PM
IPToon @80 – Some realistic targets there especially Vertonghen for £9 – bargain
.
TheChippedFifth @76 My vote would definitely be the 5 1 against Manure.
91 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:32 PM
Beatle…Behave
92 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:36 PM
Talking of OV though, the blog seems to be lacking input from it’s founding members of late…has there been a string of assassinations?
93 ToonDownSouth // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:37 PM
2-0
Abeid penalty.
94 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:40 PM
Can’t believe that Auxerre and Sochaux may go down but their loss may be our gain.
I’d take Yaya Sanogo and Willy Boly from Auxerre as both have supposed to have big futures (Sanogo is a ST and Boly a huge CB).
And I’d take Ryad Boudebouz, Marvin Martin, mobido Maiga and Sebastien Corhina from Sochaux. (Corchina is a up and coming RB).
We should be vultures and pack our team with great strength and ability throughout.
95 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:41 PM
HE has taken care of them Ibiza
96 IPToon // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:41 PM
Haha Martoon im guessing i have under priced Vertonghen then.
Only a year left on his contract so surely not much more than that but they are all quite good possibilities i think.
97 martoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:43 PM
toonincheek @88 – Interesting read that. I think there would be a few more toon managers on the list if it included the old 1st Division as well – Gordon Lee comes to mind.
98 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:44 PM
Beattie…Thought as much. HE was too quiet for my liking – is HE pleased with the teams progress?
99 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:47 PM
Wigan stand in our way of glory. It’s them against us. We must destroy them.
100 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:47 PM
Oh and when do I get my sports direct mug? It’s still not arrived in the post
101 TemuriKetsbaia // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:47 PM
Not sure we are going to be making as many signings as people are expecting this summer.
Pards has said he will be signing two players of first team quality and the rest will be (mostly English) youngsters.
If Guthrie and Simmo stay and Lovenkrands goes there will only be space in the 25 man squad (of players aged 21 and over) for 2 more players. If Harper retires we’ll replace him as well or keep Foster and everyone else will probably be youngsters – Jay Rodriguez and the like.
As far as I understand it though under 21 players that are allowed to supplement the 25 man squad in the champions league and Europa league have to have been at the club for at least two years to be eligible to play. So that would rule any new under 21 players and Abeid-they could only play in the prem and domestic cups. Santon is 21 and would be included in the 25.
102 davybtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Reserve game is on sky channel 434 If anyone wants to watch it
103 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:48 PM
As has been said previously, if we continue to play our game then Wigan won’t be a problem. Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be wary, football is an unpredictable game after all, should be another 3 points for the toon though
104 toonincheek // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:49 PM
toondownsouth -
Good link – thanks.
2-0 now.
105 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:50 PM
HE cannot believe it. When HE brought forth judgement day it seems it had the opposite effect. Instead of striking fear into the hearts of fans HE bacame a laughing stock and this has coincided with the upturn in fortunes. HE doesnt think HE is responsible for that, but HE thinks that the butterfly effect may have been the reason why.
106 ToonDownSouth // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:50 PM
Richardson looks very promising. He’s got a brilliant footballing brain.
107 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:51 PM
You didnt receive your mug?
I’ll get onto that for you. It might be the canary island postal system?!
I’ll let you know
108 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:52 PM
Beattie…I personally have no doubt that HE was a major factor is this amazing run. I have a sneaking suspicion HE may actually be Mike Ashely himself
109 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:52 PM
Beattie…If it’s in the Canary postal system that may be the problem seeing as I’m in the Balearics
110 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:56 PM
http://www.skysports.com/skysportsnews/story/0,,12975_7695883,00.html
111 davybtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:57 PM
Ketsbia no pardew said we wud of signed 2 players but if we make Europe we will sign 5/6 players his words. N there will b alot of 18 to 22 year olds joining I think to play mixture of reserve n first team football
Jay Rodriguez is a great shout young English n talented
112 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Hmm…that link isn’t pasting correctly…bizarre.
Anyway, SS article “Thrills and Toon” – Nice short read and full of optimism…mmm mmm mmmm
113 davybtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:00 PM
Seems like there trying to convert moyo to a left back or is he jus playing there coz we hav no one else
114 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:01 PM
There really needs to be more than 2+ players coming in (2+ more than any outgoing that is).
Not only is there the extra European games, but also the domestic cups, which it would be great to do well in. We’ve been “lucky” (in the absence of a better word) that we were knocked out early, so have only had the PL to concentrate on.
We need some depth to this amazing looking team
115 ToonDownSouth // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:09 PM
davy
Is Moyo one of those being released?
116 davybtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:11 PM
Tds no moyo not getting released
117 Toon_Tom // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:12 PM
Ibiza – i agree there, we were lucky to have had only the league to concentrate on which took the fatigue and injury aspect of the Cups away so that we concentrated on the league only.
However, next year i doubt we will win the PL or CL but I would love to pick up the FA Cup.
Some silverware to add to our cobwebs within the cabinet would be nice
HWTL
118 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:16 PM
Toon_Tom – Would be lovely to have something to show for all of the hard work being done at the club right now. PL or CL is a bit far fetched for now, but the FA Cup would be delightful!
119 Londtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:19 PM
My ideal goals for next year regardless of whether its in Europa League or CL would be for us to make it through the group stages of the respective competition and for a top 6 finish in the league. Not too fussed about the cups yet (just look at liverpool)..
If we can do that and manage to cope with the additional 15 games etc then I call that a successful 3rd season.
120 CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon) // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:20 PM
Well I am off…Hope everyone has an enjoyable afternoon – Unless there are any mackems straying away from the sewers to take a look at a proper teams blog, if that’s the case then Shoo. Be gone with you
121 Londtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:22 PM
Also could someone tell me.. If we finish 5th do we have to play any qualifying games for Europa League or do we go straight into groups? Do domestic trophy entries have qualifiers?
122 Toon_Tom // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:27 PM
Londtoon – true, but is it asking too much to use your scenario (Progress through Euro group, top6 league) AND FA Cup?
123 Londtoon // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:30 PM
Toon_Tom. Well only time will tell for that one! Hopefully so! But my scenario would be the bare minimum I would call a successful season. Anything more would be a juicy bonus in my eyes!
124 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:32 PM
I think the whole ‘we are lucky with having only the leauge to concentrate on’ is a massive juxtaposition.
Our team has been designed to concentrate in 1 competition where as the big boys have teams designed to cope with the rigours of many.
To say we had an advantage is untrue as it balances out on squad size and depth.
If anything the bigger teams are bettered suited to playing many competitions because it improved form and competition for places. Look at Arsenals form after Ac Milan or Chelseas current form.
I think one thing is for certain we need depth desperately but do not take anything away from this amazing acheivment. We have got here on out own Merritt not because other teams have played more games than us.
125 Beattie25 // Apr 23, 2012 at 3:34 PM
@ ibizatoon
I checked and you mug was sent to fuertaventuratoon by mistake.
126 cupiddstunt // Apr 23, 2012 at 4:32 PM
LewSpi @ # 32
I have a leaning towards the more correct use of the English language and I think the comment from Adi was absolute class such a colourful and very descriptive put down, and the end comment was just class.
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