Coloccini went through a really tough season when he first arrived from Deportivo in Spain in August of 2008.
Coloccini – a top player on Tyneside – will he soon be bald?
We had been watching Colo play for Argentina in the World Cup in Germany in 2006, and thought he was very good, and would make a great Newcastle center-back.
When he eventually signed for Newcastle, he was told the club were pushing for the Champions League in Europe, with Kevin Keegan the manager, but that season didn’t exactly go as planned, and Newcastle were relegated.
It is also history that Colo struggled at Newcastle in that season, and especially towards the end, when Alan Shearer dropped him when he became the Newcastle manager on April 1st of 2009.
But Colo persevered and it could be that the Champions League is now on the cards for next season.
This is what Colo told the local press today:
“When I came, I said I would like to fight to be in the Champions League – everybody looked at me like I was crazy!” “They said ‘Do you know what it is like around here?’
“We’ve had some not so good times, but now we’re fighting for that.” “When I came, I hoped I would play in the Champions League with Newcastle, so hopefully I can do that next year.”
“It’s the dream and it’s now up to us to go out and get it.” “We’ve got a chance if we keep going like this.” “The Champions League is the most important competition – and we want to be in it.”
“I’ve played in it before when I was at AC Milan and we played Celtic, but I really want to taste more of it.” “Nobody wants to be relegated.” “But I learned about the English game in the Championship.”
“It helped me become a better player if anything.” “It was a fantastic experience actually. I had never played in the second division.”
We think that season down below toughened Colo up, and he became a more physical player and better for it too, and of course he was named on the PFA Championship side back in 2010, along with Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique.
The fact that he has been named in the PFA Team of the Year (for the Premier League) this week, says that he has come full circle, and he is currently at the top of his game.
Long may that continue.
And one last thing – didn’t Coloccini say a few years ago that if Newcastle ever got into the Champions League – he would shave his head?
What a sight that would be.
Comments welcome.
235 comments so far
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 12:56 PM
Comment #81Anyone* Anny one?!?
catchy in norway
Apr 24, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Comment #82jimmy
i think your deluded mate, every club in the world has fans, those fans watch there teams and see for themself which players could be replaced, that includes barca Rmadrid,
by saying simpson is a week link isnt me saying he has been bad for us, i just think along with many others on here that we think there is better options out there
get your
facts right
jimmyxavi
Apr 24, 2012 at 12:59 PM
Comment #83Catchy.. How is it that Alan Pardew… A manager that has lead us to 4th, Chris Houghton a quality manager and Graham Carr…. think that Simmo is a top quality full back.
How is it that Houghton and Carr thought that Willo was a top Centre Back and now so does Alan Pardew again the man who has us in 4th position but you don’t!
I will agree with your rather stupid comments when you can say that you have managed a Premiership Team in 4th position in the League.
catchy in norway
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Comment #84jimmy
your just showing everyone how stupid you are
why are we linked with about 10 center backs??
why are we linked with left and right backs???
to play second fiddle to willamson and simpson??
hahah you made my day
jimmyxavi
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:03 PM
Comment #85Catchy..
Who is the stupid one..
Why are we linked… Oh yeah sorry I forgot that the press now manage our team!
Haha get back to reading the gossip columns in the daily start you mug!
You sir are a fool
catchy in norway
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:04 PM
Comment #86hmmmm
it wasnt long ago, AP himself said he wanted a cb
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Comment #87What are you two actually arguing about?
Neither has said Simmo / Willo are the best nor the worst. They clearly have a place at the club, but both would be the first starting 11 positions to be upgraded. Are we all in agreement and where do I send my mediation bill?
sirtoongospel
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Comment #88How tiresome does this rubbish get? We are 4th in the league, and every team has a week link. But just for once can we talk about the good things?
Starting with 3 points against Wigan.
Here’s some good news, my Chelsea tickets just arrived through the post! Woop Wooooooooooop!!! Can’t wait for that one
Pardew's fist pump
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:06 PM
Comment #89Meow.
jimmyxavi
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:06 PM
Comment #90Catchy..
Alan Pardew said in January he wanted a Centre Back to add competition to Willo!
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:07 PM
Comment #91SirToon….3 points would be very nice indeed.
You lucky git. Would love to get to a game before the season ends….well enjoy 🙂
catchy in norway
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:07 PM
Comment #92jimmy
time for your nap
go and dream about fluffy clouds
catchy in norway
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:08 PM
Comment #93whats changed since jan???
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:08 PM
Comment #94TBF…Pardew couldn’t come out and say “We’re looking for a CB to replace Willo as he scares the cr*p out of me”.
Not saying it’s the case, but Pardew’s press conferences cannot be taken word for word either.
catchy in norway
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:09 PM
Comment #95saylor will be back next season,, with a new cb or 2 where will willo fit into that??
catchy in norway
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Comment #96ibiza
priorities change all the time, but id be willing to wager a large chunk of cash that we bring in a international CB in the summer, and a good FB too
jimmyxavi
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Comment #97@CODARM
We are arguing because yet again another so called newcastle supporter would rather slag a player (one that has played in every game this season) off tehn support him.
Simpson and Williamson are Newcastle starters in a League campaign that is the best we’ve had in 10 years. They are part of Newcastle United Football Club and deserve to be supported like the rest of the team. If we where in a relegation position and they looked like they couldn’t give a crap then fine but that’s not the case.
Simmo has covered the most ground for a RB in the league this season for god saked.. He’s busting a gut for the team, the fans and the club and he deserves our support!
Thats’s my arguement.
As you all state about Carroll and Enqrique.. The grass isn’t always greener.. Lets sell simmo and buy a 10-15m rb.. The saying may just bite us in the arse!
jimmyxavi
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:13 PM
Comment #98Ctahcy.. Whats changed since Jan.. Errrrrrrrrrm.
.
.
.
.
. We are in 4th place and in contention for a champions league place
Using Simmo and Willo
sirtoongospel
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:25 PM
Comment #99Aye Ibiza, looking forward to it, as I am away for the Man City game, first home game i have missed this season (and it’s the last one)…..GUTTED!!!
But am at Wigan, Chelsea and hope to be at Everton.
HWTL……the CL beckons!!
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:35 PM
Comment #100Hmmm…how much do I wish that I hadn’t jumped in the middle now?
Did he slag them off? Or did he say they weren’t great?
Nobody can say as a team we haven’t done superbly this season – that’s a given and includes every member of the squad, they’ve all played their part.
At the same time, is it reasonable to think we can or will improve certain positions? Of course.
I don’t think any member of our current squad deserves to be criticized, end of story.
Both Simpson and Williamson have done enough to keep a place at Newcaslte, but I would welcome with open arms new recruits to push them for their places.
Can we move on now and get back to supporting our great club? Pretty please with a cherry on top?
Nufc-83
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:35 PM
Comment #101Jimmy its clear that you think simmo is a top class rb and thats why fans call us deluded not due to us wanting them replaced. Fans can see simmo is a very very average rb and people like you who quote stats to measure a players ability are the reason why. I dont want a 30mill rb to come in i want another good young hungry rb who has pace and adds something to our attack as every other rb does in the top 6.
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:36 PM
Comment #102SirToon…Good on ya mate. Ashamed to say, but in my 15 years or so of being a toon supporter, i’ve never made it to SJP for a game and I’ve only seen the boys once at Upton Park. Disgusting I know, but until they start touring in Spain I’m a bit fooked!
check the toastie
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:37 PM
Comment #103If Pardew wanted to keep Simpson and rated him that highly he wud sort his contract out, he hasnt and the reason is he can be improved upon, i think that is all people are trying to point out Jimmy, Simpson still gets my support but during games he gets carried a fair bit, and looks like he has lost a little interest. Just my view from the stands.
His heart doesnt seem in it as much as earlier in the year, probably as he knows hes on his way, and the fact his contract hasnt been improved is a statement by the club that they dont rate him that highly either, wont do his confidence any good eh.
Simmo will know what Collo, Jonas, Santon will be on and will want paying his worth, clearly his own valuation is higher than what the clubs see it as, he is a squad player and i personally wud play Perch in front of him, however i say again he deserves full support for the rest of the season and hope he has some decent games,
He will be tested at the weekend against Moses, and personally wud feel more comfortable with Perch marking Moses, just my opinion and believe it or not i’m actually entitled to one, much like everyone else on the blog. Chill.
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:42 PM
Comment #104Sirtoon…good on ya mate. Ashamed to say in my 15 years as a big toon fan i’ve never seen a game at SJP and have only seen the boys play once at Upton Park (A john barnes goal got us a 1-0 win). Need them to do a summer tour in Spain to get a chance to see them!
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:43 PM
Comment #105Or maybe a nice encounter with Barcelona next season in the CL 🙂
Only a short 30 minute flight away….nice!
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:46 PM
Comment #106Check…who said you’re allowed an opinion? 🙂
Tom4Nufc
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:49 PM
Comment #107Seriously Check, what gives you the right to express an opinion… It’s not as if its a God given right or anything… Jeez!
Tom4Nufc
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Comment #108Oh brilliant, cheers CODARM, now I look like a real tit lol!
jimmyxavi
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Comment #109NUFC83..
I’ve not once said that.. However I do think that he is a good RB yes. I haven’t once stated that I don’t want another one to come in. In fact I said we need another full back to add to competition. My arguement is that as supporters of newcastle we should support the whole team and not single out players who have participated fully in this wonderful season!
Gary Neville made 85 england caps.. Won countless premier league titles, fa cups, champions leagues… He was slow.. He just did his job.. Didn’t overly go forward!
As the stats shows, Simmo has covered the most ground this seaosn for a premiership right back… That means he has attacked, numerous times a game!
Oh and Check.. Pardew has tried to sort Simmo’s contract out!
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:52 PM
Comment #110Tom – Not at all. We all need to remind check that there is no room for opinions on this blog! 🙂
jimmyxavi
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:53 PM
Comment #111Hahaha Check.. I remember you slating Perch in more or less every single post a while back..
check the toastie
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:53 PM
Comment #112COD – just assumed i could have one, you are a nasty piece of work, however think it will be interesting to see how far Simmo can back off Moses at the weekend though, i know who will be imposing his game on the other thats for sure, another afternoon of doubling up for Ben10. Gud luck Simmo.
Tom4Nufc
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:55 PM
Comment #113Exactly that CODARM, I mean where else would bloggers put across their opinions?! The mere thought of it makes me quiver with disgust! 😉
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:55 PM
Comment #114Check – Either I’m missing your sarcasm or you have missed mine. Which is it?
Tom4Nufc
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:56 PM
Comment #115Check, I might have missed something, but do you think we’re being serious?! Unfortunately both myself and CODARM are displaying the lowest form of whit… Sarcasm!
Of course everybody should be entitled to their opinion and should be able to state it… That’s the point of a blog!
Tom4Nufc
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:57 PM
Comment #116Beat me to it again CODARM… I’ve really got to pick up my game!
check the toastie
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:58 PM
Comment #117Jimmy not me, never slated Perch ever, wrong man, that has never happened, almost slanderous, i would go and get yourself a lawyer at once.
You are getting Perch mixed up with Simmo, however i have softened my criticism due to our current position, my bitterness may return though. Still i love the way you are still mentioning stats to back up Simpson, class.
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:58 PM
Comment #118Glad it’s not just me there. Thought it was pretty clear the comment was in jest and in no way a serious statement, I mean come on:
“there is no room for opinions on this blog! :)”
It even had a smiley
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 24, 2012 at 1:59 PM
Comment #119Tom – Seriously mate…sort yourself out…making yourself look silly 😉
check the toastie
Apr 24, 2012 at 2:00 PM
Comment #120COD – you have missed mine, most people do as i am a bit odd, no offence intended, never is and never will be.