The Newcastle United Blog

153 responses so far ↓

• 1 magpie6699 // Apr 29, 2012 at 10:45 AM

  The curse of the calendar will be lifted for Demba Ba by Wednesday and he will score a hat-trick. Mystic Mag has spoken!

• 2 Rotonda heights // Apr 29, 2012 at 10:53 AM

  i think up until yesterday pardew had been quite sensible tempering down expectations, but to wind up wigan about the ticket allocation, showed a lack of class and not for the first time.

• 3 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 10:56 AM

  Why blame Pardew as some have????

  we started playing the exact same formation that worked in the previous games.

  We were being dominated and were 2-0 down so he changed it…..unfortunately it just didn’t work.

  When we lost to fulham people complained we pardew didn’t change it so when he does you cant complain.

  Every manager gets things wrong from time to time.

  Pards is still learning and the mistakes of this season will be addressed during the summer….there is only so much you cant do with the same players. Cant suddenly make williamson faster ….just got to wait til the summer and see who we bring in.

• 4 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 10:58 AM

  @rotonda

  bet you were happy we lost????

  all you seem to do is complain about pardew on this blog….we are doing very well and a lot of that is down to pardew.

  Yesterday we set up 4-3-3 and through the players we were 2-0 down inside 13 mins.

  Pardew then matched up wigan which didn’t really help but at least he tried to address the problem.

• 5 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:06 AM

  Hopefully yesterday will prove to b a real kick up the ass for the players heading into the final 3 games great season whatever happens n we have Europa to look forward to next year

• 6 obatoyou // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:09 AM

  Didn’t know Pardew swung that way fellas

• 7 Tooooon // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:10 AM

  Modric and Bale have said in the last 2 days that they’re likely to leave, them two cuppled with Redknapp likely to leave can’t bode well for team morale and I can’t see Spurs winning today… we’ll see.

• 8 Rotonda heights // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:11 AM

  rich_toonfan

  Bit of a moronic comment there my friend. No I wasn’t happy. I was very unhappy, hence my comments – durr! I started supporting them in 73, so a lot of time to invest in a team I would be happy to see lose. Try thinking logically about what you say first.

  Pardew wound up Wigan all week over the ticket allocation saying they could do with a few bob, then wound chelsea up saying he wanted them to lose the CL final , already assuming we would get 4th place.

  I asked if we had played 433 from the start. Aplogies if that was the case, but from the 8th minute all I saw was Santona as an auxillliary right wing back.

  I had been advocating playing a 433 which would suit Benny and Cabaye and hey presto we win 6 on the bounce!
  Then I was very happy.

  But no I am not happy that pardew fatally pushes the self destuct button again and we choke spectacularly in our most vital game of the season. We may never get a chance like this again for years.

• 9 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:14 AM

  Rumours of a pre season tour of south Africa this summer

• 10 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:15 AM

  Also seen the fryers rumours from man utd good left back from what I’ve seen like

• 11 out of toon // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:22 AM

  gutted lads
  absolutely gutted

  i saw this as a good chance to flex our muscle and what a spectacular fall from from grace. In the first five minutes i said to my mates, this is gonna be a disaster and lo and behold. Where was the intensity and movement we’ve seen in the last six games? The passing was at times shambolic and off the ball movement was criminal.

  Hat’s off to Wigan who played like we’d been playing… Clinical finishing, inspired movement and deft passing. No-one person to blame here. I think Pardew had no choice but to start with the 433 and Martinez simply outwitted him. Several of our key players were worse than off-key and it was all bad. I don’t mind losing a few here and there – i just wish we’d put up a fight when we do…

  Here’s to looking forward and to playing in Europe next season regardless of how the remaining games pan out. The hard work has been done, let’s forget about Wigan and let our hair down in London. Big up to THE LION for fronting up to the fans, but we all know a better way to make up for it – a smash and grab at Stamford Bridge!!!!

  HWTL

• 12 Tsunki // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:23 AM

  Beattie I caught your post(s) about the 3 points of failure and I think you put it well. Point about willo and simmo I think we all know that ww have commended them for playing well and doing a job this season but when the tactical positioning does not suit them they cannot adapt and are cruelly exposed to the weaker side of their game. In simmos case he will always be caught too far forward and being pulled by two forwards because he is not disciined to stay back until he has weighed up the opposition. Willo is not confident and shows indecision mainly due to lack of matches and a run in one single system he can be totally familiar with, he doesn’t have the international grade experience Colo has to switch things around. Ba or Cisse for me I am afraid, jonas is missing more of games as the season goes on and he is asked to play a different part each week. And is it me or do we tend to suffer most when we are trying to accomodate Santon in the flying FB/WB role?

• 13 Wor Shearer // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:25 AM

  I hardly think Pardew was to blame yesterday, at least not too much anyway. He set up the same way he had done for the previous 6 victories, his only mistake was to allow complacency in the players performances.

• 14 Tsunki // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:28 AM

  Wor shearer – don’t blame him as such but to go away and try and pay a home game against a resurgent side fighting for their lives is a mistake. 4-0 proves that. 2nd half should have been the first half.

• 15 Robby Bobson // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:30 AM

  “But no I am not happy that pardew fatally pushes the self destuct button again and we choke spectacularly in our most vital game of the season. We may never get a chance like this again for years.”

  How did Pardew push the self destruct button?? He changed to having Santon RWB when we were 2-0 down after 10 minutes because Wigans width was destroying us with 433.

• 16 Robby Bobson // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:34 AM

  The person I really blame for the loss yesterday was Martinez. His players were always finding space, always picking out a player in blue and worked exceptionally hard.

  Its the typical scenario of someone bringing success and high standards and people getting all bitchy when the team fails to live up to the high standards that werent in place before he was here anyway!

• 17 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:36 AM

  @rotonda

  Again…..how is it Pardews fault….he used the 4-3-3 system that got us 6 wins on the bounce and we were 2-0 down after 13 mins- suggests it was the players…we didn’t close down well and lost our shape to easy.

  thats when the change i formation was made.

  He suggested what many mangers do in that we should get as many fans in to help with the atmosphere….would you have prefered him to say I hop chelsea win the champs league cause we wont finish 4th?

  And I said you were happy to see us lose so you can complain about Pardew.

  You are like a few small minded fans on here who feel the need to complain when we have had a brilliant season. Arsenal lost 8-2 but find themselves in 3rd. Man utd lost 6-1 but could win the title.

  We suffered a heavy defeat but could still be in the champs league. The way we have collapsed in the games at spurs fulham and wigan suggest to me it is the players. We used different styles in those games and its just a mad half where the team lose the plot and surrender. If it was the managers fault surely those issues would arise more than in 3 halves of football.

  Pards has got the most out of his squad, it’s not his fault we didn’t get a CB or any other cover in Jan.

• 18 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:38 AM

  @tsunki

  I dont get the playing like a home team comment.

  No matter where you play you are up against the same quality of player, whether we face wigan home, away or a neutral game.

  We have the players to go there and dominate the game, the fact is they didn’t turn up nd play well.

• 19 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:41 AM

  Bang on Robby Bobson @ 16

  Its only one result lads chin up, were bloody geordies!!!

  Well done wigan, bring on chelski!!!!

• 20 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:48 AM

  U hav to giv Wigan credit even though I don’t think we turned up first half but they hav beat man u, arsenal n shud of beat Chelsea

• 21 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:48 AM

  We remain graceful in the defeat of others, and we stand tall when we taste defeat at our door.

  We are the geordies, not petulant mackems

  We have already secured a place in european competiton, I would like to knock on alan pardew’s door this morning and tell him the city is behind him

• 22 ToonAndy // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:53 AM

  Why does every1 say the “4-3-3 we play our best at” when it’s clearly a 4-2-3-1… I love this formation…. What I find strange is pardew plays cabaye in behind cisse and ba on the left…

  ———————————–KRUL———————————

  SIMPSON———–COLLO——–WILLO————-SANTON

  ————————TIOTE———-JONAS————————-

  BEN ARFA—————–CABAYE—————————-BA

  ———————————-CISSE———————————-

  Why not swap Cabaye and Ba??

  P.S. …. Statistically, Simpson was sh1te yesterday!!

• 23 fray bentos // Apr 29, 2012 at 11:56 AM

  Retonda Heights = complete moron

  No point even communicating with them

• 24 shearermania // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:02 PM

  yes we were not good yesterday…but wigan was fantastic….end of story

• 25 mecannylad // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:04 PM

  I know that there are NUFC club guidelines in place for its employees not to comment via sites such as this but I still wonder nevertheless whether the players and staff read our s***e … and if they do does it really influence them in any way.
  http://www.mecannylad.com

• 26 Gash // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:19 PM

  Reality check yesterday.
  Yes it was a cup final. We lost away to a team that on form over the past few weeks are top 4 side, along with us.
  Listened to Pardew on Talk-sport and he was magnanimous in defeat which shows a lot about the bloke. No one like to lose.
  We should come out mid week against Chelski and batter them and that will put a real edge on next weeks game against Citeh.
  It aint over till we’ve played Everton. 7 points from the next 3 games and Chelsea get beat in the CL final and we get CL .
  What an end to a season
  Keep the Faith lads
  HWTL

• 27 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:21 PM

  Terrible result but let’s keep perspective. Wigan were outstanding – fair play to them. We weren’t very good – it happens. It won’t take the shine off what has been an amazing season. I’m disappointed and was a little gutted yesterday but I don’t feel as bad as I normally do when we lose as the team have done us all proud this season. You never know, we may come out fighting like a wounded beast now on Wednesday!

  Just remember guys, Man Utd are top of the table and were beaten 6-1 at home by City… and 3-0 by us at SJP of course! Arsenal had a dire run and are in 3rd. We were smashed by Spurs and Fulham before this game and look where we are – still fighting! If the result yesterday reflected our form and the season thusfar then I’d be worried, but it doesn’t and I’m not. It was a bad day at the office, but I trust AP and the lads will bounce back. These things happen in football, to the best teams, the worst teams and all the teams in between. Heads up, keep the faith, come on NUFC!!!

• 28 magpie6699 // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:21 PM

  rich – agree with most of what you say. We lost badly – several players were off and Wigan played exceptionally well. We join a recent list that includes Man U, Arsenal, Liverpool and very nearly the 14 players of Chelsea (1st 11 plus 2 linesmen and ref!). Clearly that’s all the fault of Ferguson, Wenger tc who have become terrible managers overnight because of a bad esult – or for that matter a few bad results. Get real, people. We lost – game over – tilt! We are somewhere between the 4th and 6th best team in the EPL this season, we’ve had some good results AND we’ve had fun! I personally enjoyed Man U, Liverpool, Stoke etc. etc. and am very pleased with the bunch of lads who’ve turned out for us this season. Let’s give them a great send-off next Sunday whatever happens. HWTL!

• 29 mecannylad // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:23 PM

  An other heinous crime from Mecannylass over breakfast this morning. “It`s only a game” she said !!! http://www.mecannylad.com

• 30 bob // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:28 PM

  Tiote maybe good on FIFA12 but really he is a 1 season wonder and if they can move him on for decent money then do so Williamson is the worst centre half in the league a big nancy boy Simpson flatters to decieve and should be dropped and moved on in the summer Perch should try to establish himself at right back jonas should be dropped and replaced by either guthrie or gosling as jonas has’nt the stamina or tactical nous to play centre mid.

• 31 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:29 PM

  Robby Bobson at 16 – spot on fella. We expect to win most games now because of the job Pardew (and others, of course) has done. Let’s not overly criticise him now – as you say, these are the high standards that he’s helped to instil.

  Rotonda

  I feel that you’re way too harsh on Pardew and love a chance to criticise him, but hey, that’s your opinion and all, and I do actually agree with you on one thing – Pardew shouldn’t have made those comments earlier in the week. I mean, they were blown out of proportion and the Wigan response was a bit much, but he kinda set himself up for it. I reckon Martinez might have used that to fire his team up. Oh well, it’s done now, keep the faith and let’s bring the smiles back on Wednesday!

• 32 seantoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:30 PM

  Anyone know if our game is on sky or espn Wednesday?

• 33 moonraker // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:35 PM

  Disappointed about yesterday’s result but still optimistic because this has happened a few times this season ; Spurs, Fulham comes to mind and on each occasion we have come back strong.

  With a bit of luck we could have got a couple of goals back in the second half and, lets face it you would want di Santo to shoot from where he was and he would only score 1 in a 100 times.

  We have to continue to improve though cos you shouldnt be going 4-0 down like that when challenging for CL; it just shows the level of concentration you have to hold at our level!

  Still good times- we in Europe whatever happens and we’d take that at start of season.

  The other thing is how good is Cisse? his touch is superb and I think he’s gotta be one of the best centre forwards we’ve ever had? Anyone agree? have we had a better one other than Shearer?

• 34 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:36 PM

  I think I speak for us all when I say

  Get lost bob

  You DO NOT insult our tiote you mackem

• 35 seantoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:37 PM

  Gutted Bolton game is on over our game Wednesday.

• 36 Tooooon // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:37 PM

  Pretty sure Enrique used to read this blog mecannylad, and I guarantee players like Simpson will our used to read this blog, to see what the fans think. Also Steve Stone and John Carver probably do, to give feedback to Pardew.

  If you’re reading this any Newcastle player, then you let us down yesterday!

• 37 moonraker // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:38 PM

  bob @ 30

  being polite mate you haven’t got a clue.

• 38 Tooooon // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:38 PM

  bob u mackem, do u really think cattermole is any better?

• 39 catchy in norway // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:38 PM

  this is about bout pardew under achiving

  i have to say yes i think he is, as much as i think we have had a great season, i carnt help but think we could be doing a lot better than we are right now,,

  right this is a great quality to have as a human, but for me pardew shows to much compassion to some of the players who arnt good enough, and this is to the detrement of the team at times,, obertan being his biggest weakness, yes im on about him again, first half of the season was crap to watch, as we tried to play with width but the wingers wernt/arnt good enough,
  we as fans well half of us that know about footballers want HBA to play alot more than he has, in the end pardew gave into us,

  i wont say these players are not good players, there just not at a level we need them at

  obertan, lack of confidence and ability

  simpson, great goal line clearences, but lots of time dosnt know whether to attack or defend and gets caught out , right now, id be playing santon RB, young ferg LB,

  willamson, simply not good enough, great heart, but, to slow and always looks nervous,

  best, he is a willing runner, but not good enough infront of goal,

  jonas, (one of my fave players at the club) but little end product unless you are looking for free kicks

  strola, again not good enough, plays when he wants to, gives away to many stupid fouls, and dont score enough

  perch, not been as bad of late, but still not a player that will keep you in the top 4,

  and thats the point, right now we are sitting in 4th, and not one of those players would get into any other squad, let alone first team in the top half of the table, we are there because we have got great players in the othe positions, a good goalie, and good forwards, BA and cisse to get goals in tight games, if that was best and shola up there, you all know we would struggle to score,

  but pardew seems to think these are good enough,

• 40 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:41 PM

  pbNc1

  Couldn’t agree more but don’t even bother responding to him. Just ignore him routinely – it’s the best way. We all know he talks utter nonsense.

• 41 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:43 PM

  I’m pleased pardew is his own man, I have absolute faith in him and his team

• 42 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:45 PM

  Aye I know, but I had to defent our tank haha

• 43 moonraker // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:46 PM

  catchy

  if Pardew thought the existing squad was good enough he wouldnt be looking to strengthen in summer you numpty!!!

• 44 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:46 PM

  @catchy

  the thing about that is during the season you cannot change your players….only in january can you sign anyone. If pardew nd carr identify targets but we cant sign them as they are too expensive that is not Pardews fault.

  He has to work with what he has….and it would be no good coming out in the papers saying x, y and z are not good enough for this club when he knows he has to play them.

  He has built the confidence of some players and gotten a lot out of them.

  During the summer we will hopefully sign some better players for defence and maybe a stronger player i CM to go with tiote.

  But it does nobody any good if the manager criticises the players in public. I imagine they were told how bad they were after the game yesterday in private.

• 45 Novocastrian66 // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:48 PM

  I thougt we were trying to match Wigan. We should have adopted the same approach as at Swansea. Surrender possession and hit them on the break. Too many players were dragged out of position allowing Wigan to exploit the gaps.

• 46 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:52 PM

  catchy in norway

  Give Pardew time to build the team! Remember we weren’t even in the PL 3 seasons ago, so we have got to where we are now very quickly. It’s not like we can go and spend £150M in one summer. Players like Williamson, Best etc aren’t really good enough for a top 4 team, but we’ve only just got there, and at least these players have improved during their time with us. Also, remember that we wouldn’t be where we are if we hadn’t signed the likes of Tiote, Cabaye, Ba, Cisse, Krul, HBA, Colo etc, all of whom were signed in the last 4 years or so. So we are getting the players that we need, we’re just not doing it all at once with a bottomless pit of cash, a la City. Also remember that all good teams need squad players – you can’t have an entire squad of amazing players who could start every game for you and play as well as the starting 11. These are good times, we’re bound to bring more good players in during the summer and probably lose a few of the not-so-good ones, so enjoy how well we’re doing and try to consider the fact that Pardew doesn’t own a magic wand and can’t bring in an entire host of amazing players in one season of NUFC excellence! Let’s see who we sign this summer – I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

• 47 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 12:57 PM

  See there were 3 trialists for under 18syesterday booth, udumaga n arons

• 48 ToonDownSouth // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:00 PM

  And back come all the posters who were absent whilst we were winning.

  Nothing to moan about, nothing to say? How pathetic.

  Pardew under achieving? That’s the most moronic thing I’ve ever read. Except Brutoons old comments.

• 49 Rotonda heights // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:01 PM

  Rich toon,

  WTF would I be happy to see us lose so I could have a go at Pardew, when we were in touching distance of the CL?

  If you took the trouble to read, I said apologies if Pardew had started with a 433 and then changed it. Selective reading again on your part but hey if you repeat something enough times someone might believe you I suppose.

  Fray bentos

  I guess you’re one of those people who say Fact or End of to validate your single monosyllabic sentences. I would imagine communication is difficult for you in any case a you probably have the charisma of a sloth. It’s a forum buddy, if the sum total of your input is a random one sentence, then hey I’m really going to miss your deep and well construucted contributions.

• 50 WWJBD // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:04 PM

  Sell the lot and start again I mean for christ sake if they can win 7 on the bounce we don’t deserve to be in the PL!

  And conceeding 5 in 7 games relagation form if I have ever heard such a thing!

  

• 51 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:10 PM

  wwjbd

  Yup. Sack Pardew, sell half the team, burn SJP down and turn it into a Tesco. Oh, and if Man Utd lose to City tomorrow, do the same thing to them. And vice versa.

  Siiiiiiiiigggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….

  Not sure what’s more disappointing – to lose 4-0 yesterday or to see our fans start bitching and biting at each other after one bad result…

• 52 Novocastrian66 // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:10 PM

  rich_toonfan. Are you a rich Toon fan, or a Toon fan called Rich

• 53 qtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:12 PM

  @davy Just did a spot of ‘scouting’ and looks like Aarons has signed on at the toon
  https://twitter.com/#!/RolandoAarons11/status/196313154391777280/photo/1

• 54 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:13 PM

  Ryt lads score predictions today I fancy 2 draws

• 55 WWJBD // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:14 PM

  Rowan
  Haha exactly mate but tbf whenever we lose some fans start moaning…wouldn’t matter if it was Madrid or Barca we lost too they’d still spit their dummies out.

  Saying that same people will be blowing their load if we beat Chelsea on wednesday so what ya gonna do?

  And don’t say out about burning SJP down u will give tubs ideas!

• 56 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:14 PM

  davy

  May be a tad optimistic, but here’s hoping!

• 57 MagpiesFlyHigh // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:16 PM

  Tsunki

  See you were down our way at Inveraray yesterday !
  I’m another 50 miles south on Kintyre. MOB reception dire, walking speed broadband so lousy streaming but still manage to keep up with the Toon though usually a bit behind you guys.

  Rotonda,

  Pardew has done a good job for us with real players, with real situations, with real injuries, with real restrictions on transfers. The only way you might do better is in some digital world where none of the everyday things like guys not performing 100% every game over a season and individual drops in form etc. etc. happen.

  Most of us have hoped AP was moving the side towards a 4-3-3 this season when player availability allowed it – so that doesn’t make you Mystic Meg in foretelling it. Loads of us have been looking forward to this 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 formation and the lads are still settling into how to adapt it to different opposing formations. Wigan have an excellent coach so give them credit.

  Catchy – give it a rest we are totally fed up of the Obertan is crap storyline. You slagged him off when Pardew played him and now he ain’t even playing and that makes Pardew a bad manager ? Where are you coming from ?

• 58 WWJBD // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:17 PM

  Davy
  If we don’t sign Udumaga me and u aint on speaking terms anymore as u can’t bring that name into my life then drag it away from me so quickly

  Anyway am off have a good afternoon lads and play nice

• 59 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:17 PM

  Get joe kineear back I say

  Now that man was a tactician

  Reading between the lines pardew’s job is on the line

  Hahahahahahahahahaha

• 60 eric // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:17 PM

  Bob you are spot on the team is full of bottlers that collapse when the pressures on and go missing and the managers not above criticism either the way Wigan took the piss was a real showing up thats why we will have to settle for 6th spot and buy some decent defenders most of the clowns on here don’t know anything about football thats why they group together when anyone has a go at the club the sad twats wise up anyone with half a brain can see Simpson and williamson are not premier league quality if the defence were as good as the strikers we would be top of the league you muppets!

• 61 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:19 PM

  wwjbd

  Haha, massive insurance claim perhaps!?

  So does anyone know much about this Aarons lad?

• 62 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:22 PM

  eric!!!??? Haha, this gets better and better! Who’s next? Tim? Ben? Steve? What an embarrassment! Go and get a hobby!

• 63 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:23 PM

  Who you callin a clown or a muppet you mackem inbred. Gan take your sparetime somewhere useful like off a cliff

• 64 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:23 PM

  Qtoon I looks like he’s signed on like got his bio as Nufc player he’s a winger I think

• 65 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:24 PM

  Bob ted eric = one sad man

• 66 MagpiesFlyHigh // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:24 PM

  the trolls are back

• 67 eric // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:29 PM

  As i said sad twats who know nothing about much as the postings above clearly show no doubt the other illitrates will jump on the bandwagon with their equally moronic insults but it does’nt get away from the fact that the defence is useless!

• 68 Milsted Rowan // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:30 PM

  Rowan Milsted

  I agree with everything you say 100%. You’re clearly some kind of football blogging God, you know everything about everything and your words of wisdom are an inspiration to us all. I can tell you’re smarter than anyone I’ve ever met in my whole life and I’ll bet you’re hung like a horse as well. Thanks for being you.

• 69 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:31 PM

  Although I do have a miniature bicycle and can make the odd shape out of balloons, usually the meange a trois of mackem siblings = D

  Still lovin this excellent season, it really has made me up

• 70 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:34 PM

  What a start by Chelsea

• 71 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:35 PM

  MagpiesFlyHigh

  Have you ever been to the Isle of Skye? I used to live there!

• 72 level7wonder // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:36 PM

  Chelsea 1-0 QPR

• 73 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:37 PM

  Why is my ironic jibe at bob/ted/eric awaiting moderation?

• 74 catchy in norway // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:37 PM

  i accept that he carnt buy new players when he likes,

  but i feel that within the squad we have players that IMO could do better than we have out there right now,

  simpson, dont get me wrong, hasnt had a bad season, but he isnt good enough, santon could and should be playing there, and fergy at LB

  jonas, IMO in this new role, i think guthrie or gosling or even this mendi abied ( not see alot of the last one but natural position is DFM) would be better

  the others are squad players, but even though there squad players, we have some great kids, but always seem to get crap parts to play, never in there real possitions, vuckic is the main one, he remainds me of what we did to jon dahl tommason, played out possition and looked crap, goes to milan, in his natural position , world beater

• 75 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:37 PM

  Yea defence is useless even though they kept 5 clean sheets in the last 7 matches numptys

• 76 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:37 PM

  Damn. Come on qpr!!!

• 77 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:38 PM

  Come on you R’s! Joey, wind up Terry and get him sent off!

• 78 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:39 PM

  I would like to see Simpson dropped purely bcoz I think the club will sell him in the summer so I’d like to see perch or tav play there for the last 3 games

• 79 catchy in norway // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:40 PM

  davybtoon

  why not santon??

  yesterday, when he swithced over, did you see the runs he was making

• 80 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:41 PM

  Not really bothered if Chelsea win jus aslong as spurs don’t that will keep us 4th

• 81 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:42 PM

  Catchy I or santon n put fergie in at left back or perch

• 82 catchy in norway // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:44 PM

  thats what i think to,

  simpson, by lettling him play every game, is letting him think he is the best RB at the club, which he is not

• 83 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:45 PM

  This gonna b 6 or 7

• 84 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:47 PM

  Hope this Chelsea defence is the one they put out against us

• 85 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:48 PM

  Santon just isn’t quite ‘there’ yet, needs more time to settle in, gets caught out a lot. I know Simmo does too, but he has more PL and NUFC experience. I wouldn’t recommend changing things too much at this stage of the season, or because of one bad result, with 3 cup finals top play (sorry for the cliché but is true). Hopefully Santon will be a better player next season and will cement a place at either LB or RB.

• 86 GeordieGesus // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:51 PM

  Weakened team? Chelsea 3-0 after 19 min. Wednesday will be an interesting game…

• 87 spitfire_ // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:52 PM

  On Wednesday will be a lot of fun.

• 88 MagpiesFlyHigh // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:52 PM

  Rowan

  Yeh, been to Skye since a kid, sailed round it, camped at Coruisk, been up most of Cuillin but not Inn Pinn. Good chippy at Portree. Ferocious midgies !!!

  Live on the Isle of Gigha

• 89 catchy in norway // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:54 PM

  Rowan Milsted

  my point wasnt about changing him now, but a lot earlier in the season, he may as well stay for the last few games,,

  and yes santon, has lots to learn about both, england and tge prem, but skill wise, he seem very comfertable on the ball, and tries to play it out , rarther than hoof, hoofing should be a last option

• 90 MagpiesFlyHigh // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:55 PM

  GG

  They’ve got two EPL standard teams at Stamford Bridge. Almost a £billion of ssquad strength. Weds will be hard but we beat them there last season….

• 91 GeordieGesus // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:56 PM

  FFS 4-0

• 92 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:56 PM

  Rowan it’s nowt to do with yesterday I jus dont think Simpson will b here next season plus perch is in better form

  4-0 Chelsea urgghh

• 93 GeordieGesus // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:57 PM

  MagpiesFlyHigh, It’s the team that they will be playing on Wednesday.

• 94 Tommyy // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:57 PM

  Hate to say It but I think Champions league dream has now died. Obviously it’s still possible but I dont think we’ll get it.
  I’m happy with Europa league to be honest, it’s a big achievement.

• 95 chris_g // Apr 29, 2012 at 1:59 PM

  eric says:
  “….no doubt the other illitrates will jump on the bandwagon”

  eric, if you really must call people illiterate, could you please learn how to spell it correctly?

• 96 GeordieGesus // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:04 PM

  Tommyy, have to agree. CL is a bridge to far at present. Time to think about next season. EL cup winners, FA cup winners, CC cup winners and not forgetting PL Champions

• 97 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:07 PM

  MagpiesFlyHigh

  Sounds like you know all about Skye then! I’m afraid I know nothing about the Isle of Gigha but I’m sure it’s wild and beautiful… like Scottish women!!

  catchy

  Sorry if I didn’t quite get your point there, it’s definitely a shame that Santon hasn’t played more, for whatever reason, as I was very excited when we signed him, and yeah I agree he likes to play the ball out. One thing I will say about Simmo is that he has improved during his time here so fair play to him for that.

  davybtoon

  No it’s not looking likely he’ll be here next season, still stalling on that new contract isn’t he? I don’t quite understand that, either he’s getting greedy, doesn’t like Newcastle as a place or feels he can do better elsewhere… which I doubt. Perch has really improved over the last couple of months, which is great. Personally I’d stick with Simmo for now but I can see where you’re coming from. We really need to sign a LB and for Santon to have a great pre season and get settled in. He could be a very good player for us if he does.

  4-0!? Sickening.

• 98 pbNcl // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:13 PM

  Oh dear. Chelsea are undoubtably fired up after beating a very tame barca.

  Our lads have their hands full on wed, but if we turn up, we can raggle them

• 99 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:15 PM

  Is the Chelsea vs Newcastle game on sky? Surely it is… surely.

• 100 toonking // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:15 PM

  imo, santon goes too far with attempting to get forward
  normally it is good to see a fullback make the effort to go forward, but newcastle can’t afford to do that.
  the reason, willo just is not capable of being left alone he needs colo near by. so the only way to really prvent the crosses is for santon to be there at the time when they coming. which was not the case yesterday.
  if we had been able to use saylor as our CB i would be perfectly fine with how santons forward play but it is not the same if we having to use willo.

• 101 GeordieGesus // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:20 PM

  Rowan Milsted, it is in Germany so it will be in UK.

• 102 toonking // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:21 PM

  the game against chelsea is not on sky sports uk on wednesday they have put the spurs bolton game live

• 103 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:22 PM

  @rotonda

  not selective reading…i read you stated that when you started watching after 8 mins santon was RB

  that was not true….he moved there after the 2nd goal on 13 mins…hence why i repeated the correct point i made

  I just think you and a few others show yourselves to be fools……making silly comments about pardew not good enough etc..

  the fact is every team has an of day…its just unfortunate for us it was against wigan who were playing the best they could.

• 104 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:24 PM

  anyone wanting to watch the game on wednesday use bookmark this link

  http://www.footballstreaming.info/streams/todays-links/

  it updates itself daily with prem league, other european league as well as the odd reserve of lower league game.

  Can often get even a HD link to some of our games.

• 105 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:24 PM

  toonking – yep its a shame Santon may need to curb his attacking prowess due to ineffeciencies around him, its the same with Ben Arfa continually having to double up on Simpsons man because he is also untrustworthy one on one.

  Once we strengthen in the summer our offensive players can hopefully concentrate a bit more on what their talent should be used for,

  I have bored people on the blog for sometime with the fact Perch should now be RB

  Personally just dont get the Guthrie thing, hes fit and hes not making the bench, him Tiote and cabaye are clearly our dream middle 3. Might see him back for Chelski me thinks, he keeps the ball much better then Gutti, if needs be let Gutti play left of the front 3 and drop Ba, who has been out of sorts for a while mysteriously.

• 106 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:26 PM

  Cheers guys, very disappointing that it’s not on Sky, ta for the link though Davy.

• 107 Big Pappa Cisse // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:26 PM

  well after a day of calming down i finally watched the highlights this morning and all i can say is the sooner we get rid of Williamson the better, for the first goal he tried to head the ball whilst jumping backwards and was outclimbed my moses(all 5’10 of him), also he has the turning circle of a ship and i am probably quicker than him accros the ground.

• 108 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:27 PM

  haha I mean rich!

• 109 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:30 PM

  @check

  I have been defending simpson all season, I think for our original target of top ten he was a good enough right back to achieve that.

  Now we have pushed into Europe I think he has to go….and on recent performances should be dropped. I think Perch deserves a crack at right back.

  We know what simpson offers, it would be good to find out what perch could offer there. There will hopefully be an international standard RB come in (or LB with santon moving over) so simpson and perch will be back up.

  I think it has to go to perch due to his versatility.

  I hate having a go at our players I just think Simpson has reached a level and the criticism he has been getting seems to be finally getting to him.

  He did a great job for us but it’s time to move on to bigger and better things for us. Especially seeing as he wont sign the contract…he should have no hesitation after seeing where our club is going…the fact he is unsure suggests he will be off.

• 110 rich_toonfan // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:31 PM

  @rowan

  no problem….i posted it a few times but dont want to spam too much.

  it is very good for games……went from having 3 or 4 newcastle links on it at the start of the season to around 10/15 now

  shows we are making waves around the world

• 111 Ashton // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:32 PM

  Jordy Clasie is having a great game against AZ. He is bossing the midfield with his passing and movement as he has been doing all season. We should sign him up in the summer.

• 112 Spuggy // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:32 PM

  I see the usual Pardew bashing morons have surface including Rotonda following a loss. Haven’t seen them about much over the previous six games – funny that.

  So if this loss was all Pardew’s fault for winding up Wigan, who was responsible for the six wins off the bounce? The players?

  Ah yes – the man who makes the facts fit his well constructed contributions.

  Give me a break. We got beat by a team who outfought and outplayed us and by chance and skill everything they touched went in. It happens to the top teams too, get over it.

  Move on. Great season even if we lost the last 3 games.

• 113 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:32 PM

  I must say though Wigan played some great pass and move football yesterday, Martinez is currently getting them playing some good stuff and Di Santo and Moses look really good. Would love Moses at the toon, however dont think he wud come cheap. They just seemed a yard quicker, as much as a love Jonas yesterday he seemed well off the pace, same also applies to Tiote.

  When you see Mr T play like that, (worst ever performance for us) the 25 miilion price tag looks almost Carrollesque.

  Yesterdays performance was the worst this season as we had a weakened side out in other drubbings, that was our best 11 (no saylor) yesterday in most peoples eyes, worrying how sluggish we were. 1 week after a vintage Stoke performance, complacency for me in too many players.

• 114 Spuggy // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:38 PM

  Rotonda heights // Apr 28, 2012 at 9:28 PM

  Have to say Martinez gave us a footballing lesson today, it was Barcelona stuff at times. With the players he has, it’s a miracle what Martinez is doing there.

  Ordinary teams play 442, good teams play 433 and outstanding teams a la Brazil play 3-4-3

  All we need is an explanation why Pardew tinkered with a winning system and didn’t change it a lot sooner after the second goal went in when it was so obvious whatever he was trying wasn’t working, ie swapping Jonas and Santon over to disastrous effect.

  Marveux in a 433 would be good flanking Cisse with Benny.It has to be Cisse or Ba, because they don’t work together.

  Thinks your comments prove you don’t actually know what you’re talking about – as said above, Pardew changed our NORMAL system following the 2nd goal. Derrrrr.

• 115 Beattie25 // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:38 PM

  I have never disagreed with the selling of Barton and Nolan but yesterday and against spurs and fulham they have been sorely missed.

  Yes we have passion, commitment, teamwork and quality but when our backs are against the wall we have a habit of imploding.

  With Barton and Nolan you had leaders of men who would strangle a game an we saw in the Arsenal result last year true spirit and grit.

  Pardew said in the games against Wigan and Spuds that ‘we showed character in the 2nd half, but we didn’t show the steel and balls you need to get back in a game!’

  I think that if the current team go 2-0 down its over as a match and that is something that needs to be looked at. Many teams can go behind but will come back into it with nothing but testicular fortitude.

  For me we need to find an experienced lump of pure metal to give us a stronger backbone in the summer or we may get a few more batterings in the future, we need grit to add to the flair, we need someone resolute who doesn’t know when they are beaten!

  Yesterday I missed Barton and Nolan for only the 2nd time this season but it showed just what a big miss they are.

  We need a Gerrard, a Scholes, a Roomey, a Terry etc…

  You may say Steven Taylor but he’s not a leader of men IMO.

  I’d like us to sign a captain that ca inspire the team but give them the grace to fight in every match. Don’t get me wrong Colo is a great captain but when the team looses its head he doesn’t grab the game by the balls and shout at players.

  We need to sign a big passionate character because that is what we lack and it is something we desperately need.

  I would like to hear your suggestions on who that could be?!

  Maybe bring back Nolan?

• 116 donegalmag // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:39 PM

  Hey guys just been readin the comments..bit harsh to blame pardew..we were sucker punched early on with 2 quick goals and never recovered..

  The other 2 goals came at the end of excellent moves and finishes at a time when we were trying to force the play..

  I think we will see 4-5-1 on Wednesday judging by the way chelsea are playing today..

  Think also guthrie will be back in the side.

  Might see this line up:

  —————-Krul———–
  —Simmo—willo—-colo—santon
  -
  Benny—cabaye–Tiote–Perch–Jonas
  -
  —————Cisse————

  We need to keep it tight in the first half.

  They will want to get early goals to kill off the match with the FA cup Final coming up..

• 117 Spuggy // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:40 PM

  Rotonda heights // Apr 28, 2012 at 5:34 PM

  Ed

  it’s not rocket science, for some completely unfathomable reason, pardew changed a winning formula and formation.
  second half we went back to how we should have started

  Yet another Naive post – we WERE as we should have been at the start, which is when we conceded tow goals. Get your facts straight, or are you misusing the facts to have a dig at Pards – oh yeah that’s right.

• 118 donegalmag // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:41 PM

  I would then put Guthrie on in the second have to keep posession and give more passing options..

• 119 Spuggy // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:42 PM

  @ Beattie

  Howay man, what about the other 20 games where we;ve shown lightening pace with Cabaye, Tiote, HBA, Cisse and Ba and won – if we had Nolan and crew back we wouldn’t have won half the games we have.

• 120 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:42 PM

  All year i have been saying Simpson is being carried and has an effect on how the whole team play, people come back with stupid statistics and goalline clearences, it is no argument, he contributes nothing, lacks pace, physical presence, technical ability and mostly confidence that he belongs. That confidence is lacking as he does not belong at a top team, again i have said it before it will be interesting were he plays the rest of his career as it has peaked earlier this season.
  Imagine him coming back to SJP with West Brom, then people could maybe give an unblinkered opinion, if hes not on their bench.

• 121 Spuggy // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:43 PM

  Why can’t people just stop analysing what’s wrong with our team.

  There’s nothing wrong – it’s the stage we are at. Another couple of quality defenders and cover in midfield and up front and we’ll be a lot stronger, we;ll still however, receive the occasional spanking.

  That’s football.

• 122 Big Pappa Cisse // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:43 PM

  Reasons Simpson wont sign a new contract

  1. Out of depth at this level of football i.e top 5 team

  2. Knows he will have stiff competition in the summer

  3. Can see Tavernier is already a better player than he
  will ever be

  4. We have found out his passing range consists of
  hoofball and nothing else

  5. Cant cross a ball to save his life

  The only thing he is good at is keeping himself fit, and i dont wanna hear people saying oh but what about goal line clearences, its obvious in training he is the player tasked with standing on the goal line if Krul is dragged out of position

• 123 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:44 PM

  Beattie – who does Barton play for again??????

• 124 Spuggy // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:45 PM

  Has anyone even considered that Pards doesn’t want Simpson that much – hence the offer of a low contract. He know he needs better quality @ CB and RB.

  I’d still keep him as back-up though.

• 125 Tooooon // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:45 PM

  Maybe it’s Newcastle dwho don’t want to give him a new contract.. I woudlnt.. we definitely need a new RB, no offence to Simpsn but he is out of his depth, and he was at fault for the 2nd goal, totally out of position… we can’t keep letting the same player get away with the same mistakes all the time. But even if we had Sergio Ramos at RB against Wigan, we still would have lost. Santon is twice the player Simpson is.

• 126 Dannyo // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:54 PM

  Jesus Christ, Torres is back…

• 127 Big Pappa Cisse // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:55 PM

  IMO its not a right back we need its a left back. Santon always cuts inside when on the left and will soon get found out in the PL, full backs arent like wingers you cant really switch them over during a game. A left footed left back opens the pitch up massively and has a greater range of passing

• 128 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:56 PM

  Beattie think you have been on the looney juice if you think this team could accomodate Nolan, maybe he could just stand on the sidelines with some Pom Poms, or maybe organise the card games for the team bus, we have moved on and are about to finish in our highest league position since SBR reign,

  Personally Saylor would have stopped that first goal and then its a different game, we panic when we go behind away from home, i imagine we have never came back in any away game this year, Needs to be addressed, hopefully Douglas will come in and give us some proper leadership, would move Saylor to RB at times, cud do a gud solid defensive there.

  The club is moving forward that is as clear as day, however not really looking forward to wednesday, cud be tough, especially if we concede early.

• 129 donegalmag // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:57 PM

  would love to see Marv come on in second half agains chelsea to play as the second striker just behind cisse.

  I think those to could link up really well…Marv has already shown his pass and move abilities…

• 130 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 2:58 PM

  Noticed yesterday when Santon was moved to RM he still continued to cut in, i think its just his style, just because he plays RB doesnt mean he will change how he plays, granted though it should suit him more.

• 131 Dannyo // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:01 PM

  @check
  He does look excellent going forward tho, and is rarely dispossed. He showed some proper skill taking people on. It’s becoming a wet dream having him on RB tbh.

• 132 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:02 PM

  QPR are going down, thought with ‘characters and leaders’ such as Barton they would have stayed up for defo. Pleased they are going as well, hope they can cope with their massive wage bill, Barton and Nolan will be able to have a gud chat in the championship next year. wahahahahahahah.

• 133 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:04 PM

  Dannyo – Santon is a pure gem, if he plays consistently next year he maybe up for PFA young players, he is a rolls royce of a player, 20 years old pure gold.

• 134 Big Pappa Cisse // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:04 PM

  @Check

  yeah I suppose, but can you tell me one advantage of him playing on the left side, i thought he could use both feet effectively but i am yet to see a strong left footed cross or pass from him this season

• 135 toonking // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:05 PM

  from what i am seeing with chelsea today 4-5-1 might be the safest thing to do and well ba will just have to put up with being dropped.
  having said that could they be a bit more tired and have half there mind on the FA cup final on saturday because liverpool them selves looked good yesterday

• 136 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:05 PM

  Dont want to be depressing or anything but think Chelski will finish 4th, they have the bit between their teeth for sure, and are really strong currently. And no i am not a Mackem.

• 137 nufc786 // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:09 PM

  wtf torres ahhhhhhhhhh this aint goin to be pretty when we face em. torres is the 50 mill striker now.

  well at least carroll aint 35 then

• 138 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:11 PM

  Pappa – i agree he does look like a RB, should be his spot, but if it was i think he wud be playing there, Perch cud play LB, just dont think thats his preferred position, it has been debated many times on here. we have plenty of options to do it but it doesnt happen, there must be a reason.

  Surprised Barton being such a good leader hasnt stopped this landslide.

• 139 davis_toons // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:12 PM

  Chelsea started to have form, and their players was scary..with pace, with speed, with dribbling skill, will technic, with brains with almost all.. and thier younger players are stars players as well.

  I hope will wont do a QPR after a Wigan..QPR 6 – 0 down and counting.

• 140 toonking // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:13 PM

  that result against barcalona seems to have cursed things for newcastle yesterday we fealt desperate for a win to go 3rd now chelsea looked unbeatable

• 141 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:14 PM

  Think Chelsea will recall Drogba for our Game, probably a gud thing, think Torres will play FA cup final and Drogba Champions league, wow Chelsea are having such a bad season.

  Wonder if Sky or ESPN put our Chelsea game on, its a big game eh. Theres only one Cisse………

• 142 toonking // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:14 PM

  nice beard on cisse

• 143 MacToon // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:15 PM

  Every Chelsea player is not only playing for a starting place in the FA Cup final but a Champions League Cup final place too.
  Can’t imagine a worse time to face them and their pitch looks dreadful.
  Wigan were excellent yesterday and we were pretty poor, especially the first half. Not to worry though, it’s been a great season, not having to worry about relegation, watching some good footy @SJP (not always mind) and getting some great results.
  Still a long way to go but well done Pardew, hope you get to strengthen the team/squad and not just shuffle the cards this summer.

• 144 Beattie25 // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:16 PM

  Some of you lot can be right aggresive cocks at times.

  I was saying I missed Barton and Nolan in 3 games this season (not all games) and I said that we need somebody like them to come into the team.

  I don’t want Barton back you cock heads and I mentioned Nolan because he could fit into our system but I don’t want him back either, it was an example.

  You lot need to read before you write. I am saying that when we sign a new RB, CB, CM and LW we need someone who can impose themselves on a game and their team mates and inspire them on the field to come back into a game!

  We have nobody like that and in all our PL games this season we have come back from a loosing portion to draw only 4 times. From a loosing position we have never won and after going 2-0 down have not come back into it at all!

  I would love you to disagree with me as I am up for a good debate but I really believe we need a pint of snakebite in amongst our champagne!

• 145 Big Pappa Cisse // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:17 PM

  @Check

  The perfect example was against Stoke when he had that shot on goal, he broke down the left cut inside to the edge of the box, feigned with his left and cam inside on his right, did the same thing again and had a tame drive at goal,which for me slowed the move down.

• 146 Rowan Milsted // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:17 PM

  There’s no way we could accommodate Nolan in the current set up, but it would be nice to have more players capable of orchestrating a come back, a la the 4-4 with Arsenal.

  Agree with the 4-5-1, stop them scoring early on (which is exactly what they want to do) and if that works we can change things later. Ba might be a rocket off the bench.

  I just feel that whatever happens these last 3 games we should all be proud and immensely happy. We’re in Europe, we have some excellent players and we’re moving forward as a team. We still have problems with the squad and we need more players but I have faith that Pards, Carver, Carr etc will know exactly where we need to improve and that the wheels are already moving for the summer transfer window. Next season could be truly amazing, this season has also been amazing so far.

  I reckon there will be more twists to come… City game will also be interesting.

• 147 check the toastie // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:20 PM

  Hope Guthrie plays the last 3 games, he gives us some possession and is brave against the big teams, always offering, we need to be able to retain the ball in all these games or our back 4 will be cruelly exposed, still looking forward to giving the WHOLE squad a massive round of applause next Sunday wotever happens between now and then.

  I would just like to add that i love Hatem Ben Arfa, in a non sexual way.

• 148 davybtoon // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:29 PM

  Why are papers saying we’ve had a 5mil bid rejected for Douglas the lad is on afree I know twente hav a one year extension available but as far as I am ware they ain’t took yet n also has the player not got to agree to an extra year anyway?

• 149 toonking // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:30 PM

  my team for wednesday
  ________krul_________
  simmo__willo__colo__perch
  _________tiote________
  HBA_guthrie_cabaye_jonas
  _________cisse_________

  even if we do loose to them i still don’t class that as the end with our hopes of a top 4 because they still have liverpool away so could loose to them so as long as we can stay above spurs then i still look at CL being possible. At the end of the day mind i don’t care where we finish because we are in europe any way.

• 150 bob // Apr 29, 2012 at 3:42 PM

  Im glad everyone now realises that im right about how useless Simpson is and that he should be moved on but no one has mentioned his equally useless sidekick Williamson this oaf has to be the worst centre half since Andy obrien was making a fool of himself in Black and white. Watching this big oafs attempts against moses were cringe inducing when moses out jumped him for the goal well it was comedy perfection send him back to Portsmouth reserves if they’ll have him which is doubtful.

• 151 davis_toons // Apr 29, 2012 at 4:56 PM

  Because Willo is the BEST CD we have got after Colo..

• 152 BarcelonaMag // Apr 29, 2012 at 7:17 PM

  I honestly don’t think Chelsea will field a weakened team against us on Wednesday. Fourth place in the league is much more important to them than the FA Cup.

• 153 Brutooon // Apr 30, 2012 at 2:21 AM

  1) why AP change HBA (who is our best player in the 2nd half) to Raylor? – this show a defensive change

  2) Jonas is totally useless, sometimes we need to change him also.