The Newcastle United Blog

174 responses so far ↓

• 1 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:22 PM

  Nah, just nah.

• 2 Tsunki // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:27 PM

  Well that appears to be a pic of him NOT tackling Messi, and if he`s not going to kiss him, he should have his eyes open.

  Repost for the sake of vengeant last wordery -

  Ok been away so just to sweep up -

  Cupid – well observed re my pope/rome statement it was indeed a silly saying and I think you spotted I was fooling around . Mixing metaphors is a pastime of mine in fact I usually say `does the pope live in the woods` and have been widely credited for coining the term ` rocket surgery` many many years ago, heard it on tv the other day and I thought about calling my lawyer….

  In conclusion, DMAC – 1/10 for being able to read my post but a low mark for mistaking my juvenile and largely irrelevant musing for a `mishap`. You have need of humour you biff.

  As far as the article goes, I wish I had the resolve to steer clear of the blog as he does but I cannot resist the urge to torment.

• 3 Tsunki // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:28 PM

  Er by *he I mean Ruddy. Oops.

• 4 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:29 PM

  I knew that, and I responded in previous thread haha

• 5 Tsunki // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:32 PM

  ha ha cheers Ruddy – we were worried about you, you know Later mate, by which time we will have a shiny noo team rocketing towards euro and FA cup glory.

  Hmm.

• 6 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:37 PM

  Well nice to see yer still with us Ruddy, is spirit if not in posting

• 7 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:38 PM

  It must be a slow news day if we’re getting connected with this guy

• 8 Tsunki // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:44 PM

  Just to clear things up, the pope actually lives WITHIN Rome, actually in the sovereign city/state of the Vatican, unless he’s at his summer retreat in a castle somewhere cooler. And not all bears live or indeed sh*t in the woods.

  Yes MFH it’s another very slow news day where we are linked with every flaming kid who kicked a ball in mainland europe. Desperate doldrum times. We will have to wait until the end of the euros (even though some teams have already been knocked out, I think that it is the preferred holiday with the missus and sproglet window for the ejectees).

• 9 chris_g // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:12 PM

  It’s all very well saying that it’s a slow news day, but you’ve got to ask yourselves the question “why does Ed keep posting these stupid articles?”

  Oh sorry, I forgot. It’s all about the advertising revenue. Silly me

• 10 Gateshead-Mag // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:20 PM

  chris_g

  its not eds fault theres hardly no news, he doesnt make up the rumours and put them on here he uses different websites and papers reporting toon news and runours and puts them on here so we have sumthing to read and talk about.

  so what if hes making money through advertising, its his website and its his right, a few years back there was much less advertizing but he still put these stories up through the close season for us all

  dunno y some people are so cynical, am sure theres plenty other websites on the net for you to winge on

• 11 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:22 PM

  what do people prefer?

  1. Being currently linked with every young young players around europe where 99% of them will have not even been discussed in the club

  or

  2. When we were linked with the likes of Ronaldo (brazil) and other superstars?

  I like our transfer policy but it makes for dull news stories

• 12 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:23 PM

  http://www.starafrica.com/en/football/news/article/view/senegal-demba-ba-signs-EUR-11-million-con-239246.html

  anybody think there is any truth in this?

• 13 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:25 PM

  I just don’t understand people on this blog.

  If you do not like the articles don’t read them.

  If you just want official transfers and not rumours just read the club site every day to see if anything is announced.

  If, like me, you want to read a few rumours and have some banter with the people on here just be grateful there is a website you can share your views with other fans for free.

• 14 Geordie by the grace of God // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:30 PM

  As a free transfer we REALLY should be looking at Sone Aluko…
  So much less of a gamble without a fee.

  http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11788/7837172/Aluko-rejects-contract-transfer

• 15 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:31 PM

  Chris_g

  You do realise you came onto this website of your own volition?

• 16 ~Perchinho the Pheonix~ // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:36 PM

  Chris_G

  If you have the energy to p!ss and moan about an article you don’t like, you should certainly have enough energy to avoid it all together.

  I simply do not understand the logic of coming onto an article, only to moan about it.

• 17 ~Perchinho the Pheonix~ // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:39 PM

  No doubt, if ED did not post these articles and left it on the last one, Chris_G deemed Worthy, he would still complain. Only this time about there being a lack of updates.

• 18 noir9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:45 PM

  @14 How much have you seen of Aluko? He wasn’t even guaranteed a game with the now deceased Ger’s

• 19 Da7kside // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:56 PM

  really don’t understand why people come on here and moan about ed bring together the NUFC rumours and storys if you don’t like them don’t come on!!

  simple like those who moan!!!

• 20 Da7kside // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:59 PM

  had to login in due to the whiners like chris G… when all I want is to ready the rumours!!

  any how as I’m in, I heard that we have upped our bid for De Jong to 14.9 million euros, I assume thats roughly £12million and its our last bid!! IF this is true I hope it pushes through our first deal with debaucy next week (just a guess that mind)

• 21 toonarmydownsouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:11 PM

  Good news then chris G you should have to bother coming on the blog anymore then and waste your time and ours! Happy days enjoy the next blog you find ta ra n fcu k off

  Really wish ED would post an article titled “my blog…. If you dont like dont read it simple”

  By the way great work ed even at this slow time of year which drives us all stark raving mad!!!!

• 22 Big Pappa Cisse // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:13 PM

  @Da7kside

  I would never pay that for a 21 year old that has had one good season, and is unproven in the EPL

• 23 Tsunki // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:26 PM

  chris_g unfortunately demonstrates saying something out loud before thinking first. Maybe you could alleviate your problem by submitting an article yourself?

  I will make allowances for him he probably thought this bunch of weirdos would be the font of all inside knowledge and was disappointed we knew nowt either.

• 24 Tsunki // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:28 PM

  chris_g – I’m sure you’ve posted here before. Best move right now? ‘Sorry lads you’re right I didn’t think. Ed’s doing what he can I appreciate blah blah’…………

• 25 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:33 PM

  West Ham are interested in Shola Ameobi for £2.5m. Think we should cash in.

• 26 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:36 PM

  First post, frequent reader.
  I am worried about another norwich match happening with no recognised cb. We are short of cover 2 more please.

• 27 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:38 PM

  Sam allardyce has a sense of humour. He would have more chance buying ronaldo from madrid

• 28 Big Pappa Cisse // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:39 PM

  @ ketsbia9

  Shola vs rest of the premier league £2.5 million

  Shola vs the mackems Priceless

• 29 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:45 PM

  First post, frequent reader.
  I am worried about another norwich match happening with no recognised cb. We are short of cover 2 more please we cant rely on our core 3 staying fit for all fixtures.

• 30 toonarmydownsouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:45 PM

  ONE TOON
  ONE SHOLA

  Tell fat sam to fcuk right off!

• 31 Indian Magpie // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:45 PM

  Who said shola was Useless

• 32 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:50 PM

  Hullmag

  So am I.
  Options are:
  1) Specialist CB;
  2) Tall FB who can double up as CB.

  Reckon we’ll sign someone who can fill both roles. Maybe a swift left footed CB who can fill as FB and allow Santon to switch for tactical reasons – or even personal preference.

  Now who would fill the Left footed CB role who is fast and tall enough to be solid on set pieces ?

  Any names ?

  (got to be quality EPL standard and affordable)

• 33 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:52 PM

  Yyyaaaawwwwwnnnnnnnnnn

  I think perch’ll do a good job next season, would like to see him sit next to tiote with cabs floatin about in front. Then maybe see amilfitano replace cabaye or tiote everynow and then.

  We’ve probably got loads of variations available. Go on pardew son

• 34 Big Pappa Cisse // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:56 PM

  Ok lads here is my stab at our best current starting 11

  ——————————Krul———————————-

  —Simpson——Taylor——-(c)Collocini—–Santon—

  —————————–Tiote———————————

  ——HBA—————Cabaye————-Marveaux——

  ——————Cisse—————-Ba————————–

  subs: Amalfitano,Vuckic,Sammy,Shola,Perch,Fergusson

• 35 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:57 PM

  Cb’s a hard one. I haven’t even tried to approach that one mentally, I don’t wanna be in the position where were sweatin on cover again that’s for sure. I would even keep simmo and get a quality cb if it came to it.

  There I’ve said it

• 36 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:00 PM

  I would start gutierrez

  At least have him on the bench man haha

• 37 Big Pappa Cisse // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:03 PM

  pbNcl

  ha, completely forgot about him , but honestly mate Marveaux is a class act and should be ahead of him in my opinion like

• 38 cupiddstunt // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:03 PM

  chris_g @ # 9

  It appears that you have succeeded where so many before you failed,,,

  You have unified the blog, it is unanimous the blog residents think you are a turd of the first order.

  Just on a point of interest what do you think Ed did over the years before he let out real-estate to advertisers on his web site (that still needed the bandwidth to be paid for).

  Correctomundo you f**kwit he paid for it out of his own pocket so he deserves a little respect for the cost in time, effort and money that he has laid out for our pleasure.

  Now *****ff and moan elsewhere.

• 39 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:11 PM

  We won’t be able to sell Simspon. Nobody will want him. I think we need 2 centre backs, 1 left-back, 1 attacking midfielder, 1 right-footed winger and 2 strikers. That’s 7 players that we need in order to improve the first team squad.

• 40 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:12 PM

  Although I still believe there maybe some done deals out there but they are being kept quiet until after Euros and could be participants in smokescreen operations/comments.

• 41 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:12 PM

  Ketsbaia9 is an intense guy.

• 42 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:13 PM

  Aye I’ve got big hope for marveaux. He’s highly spoken of, be good to see him rip some shiz up

• 43 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:14 PM

  Simpson will end up at Norwich with Hoots because Naughton would of went back to tottenham and then Aston Villa

• 44 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:21 PM

  Woooooo Nasri is dropped!!! As is Diarra

  Lloris; Reveillere, Rami, Koscielny, Clichy; Debuchy, Mvila, Cabaye, Malouda; Benzema, Ribery

• 45 seantoon // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:22 PM

  Ketsbaia9 get ur purse out then

• 46 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:26 PM

  I’m behind the french tonight like. Rootin for cabs but shame on benny obvs

• 47 Big Pappa Cisse // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:27 PM

  The sooner Danny Simpson does 1 the better for me like, i’ve never seen a premier league player with so little technical ability other than to hoof the ball upfield or put in the odd cross. And i know someone is going to say “well what about goal line clearences”, the only reason he is on the line is because he backs off wingers so much tht is where he ends up. For me Debuchy makes Simpson look like a championship player, oh wait

• 48 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:27 PM

  Debuchy playing DM?

• 49 Batfastard // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:28 PM

  Would put Leon best ahead strolla

• 50 Batfastard // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:31 PM

  Big pappis. Simpson will cost us goals if he stays not even prem standard

• 51 shameus // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:32 PM

  I would rather play Jonas at RB or CM next season. It may sound crazy but as a wing he is just as good if not better in defense than he is going forward. Pardew had him playing more centrally at the end of the season. I think as a box to box type of CM either next to Tiote or in front of him and next to Cabaye. If not there than I think he’d be a perfect outside back to complement going forward to Santon on the other side.

• 52 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:35 PM

  You mean like he’s cost us goals the last 2 and a half seasons?

• 53 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:37 PM

  end of the day he’s a toon player support the lad, some f*****g ar*****s on here like main reason why im not to fussed on commenting on here anymore and the same for a lot of the others who were regulars until some you lot came on

• 54 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:41 PM

  I’m jaded and in need of a rest.

• 55 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:44 PM

  I think we’ll get a couple of midfielders and 1 or 2 strikers. I’m not sure about the centre-back situation though. A centre-back should’ve been our first signing.

  Debuchy was incredible against England, however, Cissokho is younger and we need a left-back.

  Why didn’t Blackburn make Simpson’s loan deal permanent?

  The only goal he scored for us was a cross against Forest. He didn’t even mean it.

  I’ve even witnessed players like Best and Obertan criticising his ability.

  He isn’t the main culprit for costing us goals, It’s Mike Williamson. We desperately need 2 centre-back (1 expensive and 1 decent cheap one).

  Not signing a left-back and centre-back in january had definitely cost us 3rd place.

  I would’ve signed Cissokho and Aldereweild in January. Mbiwa didn’t want to come in jan.

• 56 shameus // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:44 PM

  GT89- I am not a fan of his offensive work. I think he ruins counter attacks with his dribbling into defenders. I think ball movement on offense looks like its in quick sand when it moves out onto the left on his side. All that said there are two things I never question about him: his stamina/effort and his work coming back and helping out the defense. Pardew moved him into the center as a defensive or box to box mid and it played to those strengths and he seemed to have a good last quarter of the season.

• 57 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:46 PM

  My best team at the moment would be:

  Krul

  Raylor Saylor Coloccini Santon

  Ben Arfa Tiote Cabaye Marveaux

  Cisse Ba

• 58 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:50 PM

  I look forward to another Ketsbaia9 sermon when I return.

• 59 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:57 PM

  What’s up ladies and gents?

• 60 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Jun 23, 2012 at 5:59 PM

  Have I missed Ruddy again? I’m starting to take this personally. Ruddy, if you’re out there….I miss you

• 61 davybtoon // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:02 PM

  Hope France get beat tonight so we can try n get debuchy n give cabaye n hba a rest b4 the season starts

• 62 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:05 PM

  Just read a SS article with an interview with Low…some great lines in it.

  “Both teams will be difficult to play against and all teams who make the semi-finals will have a chance of winning the tournament.

  “I think there will be four teams who will be at a very high level”

  Who would have thought ay?

• 63 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:07 PM

  Davy…I’m torn on tonight’s game. France going out would mean a rest for our 2 maestros, however progressing to a semi final and possibly a final will do them wonders. Also, I can’t handle Spain winning 3 major tournaments on the trot, I have to put up with these people on a daily basis and they need bringing down a notch

• 64 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:09 PM

  I have always defended simpson on here as I think he is a standard premier league right back…nothing more and nothing less.

  He was fine when our target was to stay in the league or finish mid table.

  Now we have moved to the next level we need to improve. With our strongest 11 on the pitch Simpson is the weakest and least technical of them all, not a criticism just a fact, he is our weakest starter.

  And yes he does well with goal line clearances…cannot deny that…

  …but whn he missed the last few games santon cleared one of the line against chelsea and another against man city. It is clear it is a tactic pardew uses to have a full back drop onto the line so somebody else can manage that.

  I wish him all the best as he did a great job getting us to where we are but if we want to kick on we need to improve.

• 65 Big Pappa Cisse // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:10 PM

  @Davy

  Thats a bit harsh m8, its nice for once having NUFC players involved in an international tournament and i hope they go all the way (As long as they dont meet England of course). They will have plenty time to rest in the summer

• 66 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:29 PM

  Yeah, we need another player like Santon to play left-back. Pardew has admitted that he’s after a goalscoring centre-half as we were poor at scoring headers from dead-balls last season. I think our primary target will be Toby Aldereweild. Mbiwa might be signed up as he will be deemed as an eventual replacement to the fantastic Fabrizio Coloccini.

  Saylor will remain loyal to the club, even if he’s on the bench next season.

• 67 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:32 PM

  http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/27606/Newcastle_wil_Alderweireld_voor_lachwekkende_prijs

  Latest on our pursuit of Aldereweild. Apparently we only want to pay £4m for him?

• 68 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:40 PM

  Nasri dropped to the bench and Debuchy pushed up to RW.
  Nasri must have been at the centre of the dressing room brawl and not Ben Arfa!

• 69 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:44 PM

  http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/903027-spurs-still-to-agree-fee-for-jan-vertonghen-transfer

  It’s time for us to jump in with a £9.5m bid. He’s the reason why we haven’t agreed to sign a centre back yet. Pardew is playing the waiting game and is ready to pounce.

• 70 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:47 PM

  ketsbaia

  would love it to be true….I don’t think he is bothered about redknapp going but he with no champions league he will see modric will be off and possibly bale too, plus adebeyor isn’t back

  he wont want to join a team that is falling apart because you never know what will happen the next season.

  Hopefully that puts us in the driving seat but i cant see it

• 71 Batfastard // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:48 PM

  Sounds like another marcilino to me keep hearing someone called Zapata who does he play for?

• 72 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:54 PM

  If Spurs lost Modric and Bale they’d be in shite street. Modric had a decent Euro 2012.

  Could be worth putting a cheeky bid in for Daniel Agger.

• 73 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 6:59 PM

  I think you could see from modrics play at spurs he wasn’t happy last year…he has played so much better for croatia.

  I think he will be off as a lot of big clubs want him and he wants to leave.

• 74 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:03 PM

  Chelsea could be signing Modric, Hulk and a few more huge names this summer. Expect them to be challenging City for the title next season.

• 75 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:05 PM

  ketsbaia

  i think chelsea and arsenal will be up there with man utd and city

  will be a great contest next year

• 76 ToonJovi // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:17 PM

  My xl for current squad
  —————————Krul————————
  Santon—–STaylor———Collocini—–Gutierez
  —————Tiote————————————–
  ——————————Cabaye——————–
  Ben Arfa——————————————Ba—-
  ————————–Cisse—————————–

• 77 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:18 PM

  why you starting 10 only? haha

• 78 ToonJovi // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:18 PM

  —————————Krul————————
  Santon—–STaylor———Collocini—–Gutierez
  —————Tiote————————————–
  ——————————Cabaye——————–
  Ben Arfa—————-Ba——————Marveaux—-
  ————————–Cisse—————————–

  i missed out Marveaux on previous post

• 79 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:20 PM

  Just read this: http://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2012/06/blogs/newcastle-join-west-ham-and-merseyside-duo-in-chase-for-castaignos
  Thoughts guys and Cwarr?

• 80 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:21 PM

  ToonJove – You’re a player missing

• 81 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:21 PM

  Oh there we go

• 82 ToonJovi // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:21 PM

  what i would prefer!

  ——————————Krul—————————-
  Debuchy——STaylor——–Collocini——-Santon
  ——————-Tiote———–Gutierez—————–
  Ben Arfa—————–Cabaye—————-Hoilett
  ——————————Cisse—————————

• 83 Ketsbaia9 // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:23 PM

  Don’t rate Man Utd. They need to make about 6 top class signings to compete. I think we’ll finish above them next season, if we sign a few decent players.

  Arsenal will be a threat with Giroud. I’m not sure about Podolski though.

• 84 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:26 PM

  ketsbaia

  that was said about man utd this year and they managed to be up there, they will always be near the top as their players are effective even if they arent great

• 85 TorqToon // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:26 PM

  Debuchy is going to line up RM / winger. France going for a slightly more defensive side it seems.

• 86 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:31 PM

  Be interesting to see how good Debuchy is playing out of position tonight, Carr is over there watching him/the game aswell apparently

• 87 lukes26 // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:32 PM

  Debuchy has been playing RM the entire tournament (even though he’s lined up as a RB). Rami has been covering RB when Debuchy goes forward.

• 88 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:38 PM

  if the french soak up the pressure and can break with pace in benzema and ribery they can cause the spanish some problems

• 89 Ben3arfa // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:44 PM

  any good links to the game fellas?

• 90 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:47 PM

  Lets hope Benzema and Ribery don’t ruin it for everyone else tonite.

  And God I hope Nasri keeps his spot on the bench for the rest of the turnament for France.

  If you are here niafron, I wish you good luck tonite mate B-)

• 91 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:49 PM

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

  use this link

  if you add it to favourites it updates every day you go on it….its good for top european leagues too

  get all newcastle games on there as well

• 92 Ben3arfa // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:52 PM

  cheers rich

• 93 toonarmydownsouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 7:53 PM

  Really dont understand spain starting a quater final without a striker on the pitch they were poor in the first game til torres came on

• 94 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:04 PM

  Debuchy’s a mediocre defender.

• 95 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:04 PM

  I said it yesterday…
  Debuchy WILL get torn apart – £4m for him seems a bit too much now doesn’t it!

• 96 Paps // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:05 PM

  Debuchy… slips… spain goal. whoops

• 97 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:06 PM

  Danny Simpson would have prevented that

• 98 toonarmydownsouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:07 PM

  Wow ah bet that a £4mil bid for debuchy dont look so stupid to lille now!!

  Shocking stuff from france

• 99 TorqToon // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:08 PM

  A mistake? Yes
  A poor defender? Certainly not

  I just hope that knocks a couple million quid off his price tag!

• 100 toonarmydownsouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:10 PM

  That jordi alba lad is quality looked great for valencia last season in the few La liga games i saw a lw converted to a lb wobder if we could do that with jonas

• 101 TorqToon // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:12 PM

  Great shout TDS. Spidermag excelled in his DEFENSIVE duties last season rather than at the other end. And jordi alba is proof that it can be done and done very well.

• 102 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:12 PM

  Just take Ribery off already

• 103 TorqToon // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:14 PM

  Benzema and Ribery are truely in it for themselves. Selfish. Cabs would’ve sent that free kick soaring in…a la man utd!

• 104 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:15 PM

  How old is the guy playing RB for France (not Debuchy) he’s doing a great job tracking Iniesta?

• 105 toonarmydownsouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:15 PM

  Wow ribery n cabs on the pitch so who the fcuk decided benzema was gonna take them greedy little git

• 106 toonarmydownsouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:17 PM

  Ohhhhh yohan that would of been goal of tge tournament!!

• 107 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:17 PM

  OOF – Yohan!

• 108 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:20 PM

  I thought that brawl in the dressing after the Sweden game would have thought Ribery that he needs to defend and that greedy bastard of Benzema needs to play for the team and not himself.

• 109 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:20 PM

  Sign pieters as lb/cb and either alderwield/Douglas or Ketsbaias maybe not so daft suggestion of agger as he’s like saylor in terms of cb/fb. Any more Intel on kjaer?

• 110 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:22 PM

  Sign pieters as lb/cb and either alderwield/Douglas or Ketsbaias maybe not so daft suggestion of agger as he’s like saylor in terms of cb/fb. Any more Intel on kjaer is he worth a look?

• 111 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:23 PM

  GET MALOUDA OFF THE PITCH…. That is all!

• 112 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:27 PM

  Ribery, nasri and benzema cocky and overrated. Thee others seem like solid triers. Judging from england game, at work and missing tonights display

• 113 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:27 PM

  What a wanker of a ref… Just gave Yo a yellow biscuits is a diving c**t too

• 114 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:28 PM

  tads

  managing better than France so far with the gros-egos up front

• 115 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM

  Think we have the creme-dela-creme of French football in Yohan – a class above! Rest of his team are letting him down.

• 116 toonarmydownsouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM

  Typical busquets 50/50 hes tge one thats actually made contact yet rolls around screaming to get cabs booked for what realistically was barely a FK

• 117 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM

  Ben Arfa

  I agree; they need another DM in the likes of Matuidi or Diarra.

  …but what a was of space Ribery is.

• 118 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:30 PM

  Blanc out to get Ben Arfa and Menez on the pitch playing down the wings and take off Malouda and Cabaye(reckon he might get another yellow and he is already nursing a little niggle) and push Debuchy back into a holding role.

• 119 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:31 PM

  ought*

• 120 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:33 PM

  One day…
  I’d love to see Wenger managing France and going head-to-head with Mourinho managing Portugal.

• 121 TorqToon // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:33 PM

  Without Cabaye the French team falls apart. You can’t sub him. I get the issue with the yellow and the type of player cabs is, but I would take the risk and keep him on. 1 magically moment from him could turn the game.

• 122 mattnufc // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:36 PM

  I’d sub Molouda and Debuchy

• 123 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:38 PM

  Torq
  With the diving so and so that is Biscuits, it’d be ridiculously obvious how much he’ll try to get Cabs sent off.

• 124 WWYCD // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:38 PM

  France are a bit average aren’t they

  Not sure all the Ribery and Benzema hate on here both look decent to me and I’d take them in a NUFC shirt without second thought

  Oh and Debuchy for that goal hmmmm

• 125 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:39 PM

  I would sub Malouda and Ribery; Spain are in control and Ribery does nothing defensive and what has he created the othe way?

• 126 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:43 PM

  Benzema has not scored during this Euro and I don’t see that changing.

  I would not have started him.

• 127 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:54 PM

  Nice snap Yo!

• 128 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:55 PM

  Ribery and Benzema are so wasteful, bloody awful the pair of ‘em.

• 129 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:56 PM

  ribery is terrible at passing, no wonder he hogs it

• 130 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:56 PM

  Jesus Christ Benzema and Ribery are riuning this team

  To top it off I bet Blanc is going to put Nasri on soon. Ohh dear lord

• 131 TorqToon // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:57 PM

  Respect the opinion but really can’t see how either Ribery or benzema look decent tonight??! As for them in a NUFC shirt….
  Ribery or Cabaye?
  Benzema or Cissé?

• 132 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 8:59 PM

  Ribery is doing his best Obertan impersonation.

• 133 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:03 PM

  Cabaye is a class above some of his team mates

• 134 davis_toons // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:06 PM

  “the bull shit”? just come off. -

• 135 WWYCD // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:06 PM

  Ribery has been the only outlet he has taken on his man and looked to attack who else in the French team has done that? And Benzema is a deep lying forward he comes deep for the ball and looks to build plays he’s gonna struggle to do that when the French team are hiding behind him

  Cabs or Ribery and Benzema or Cisse why would I need to pick? Ribery and Benzema would walk into our first team with Cabs and Cisse

• 136 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:08 PM

  Benzema has had a poor tournament but is not a poor player.

  I think Lille’s gamble to wait for after the euros to sell Debuchy has not paid off.

  I can’t see his value dropping but I don’t think it will have risen much either…he has been caught out defensively a couple times but looks good going forward.

  Not saying he is bad and cant defend, just he hasn’t shown it too much this tournament.

• 137 TorqToon // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:09 PM

  Ok fair point! Agreed there…would love them both. However if we had that kind of money to spend…would you buy those two or go elsewhere?

• 138 JAMSHA // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:11 PM

  How can blanc select benzima over giroud? Benzima ,nasari, ribery have done ntg at all. These 3 are useless

• 139 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:11 PM

  Spain play so much better when torres or villa start. It just gives them another prong to their attack and frees up room for iniesta and xavi.

  Poor llorente will never get a game…scored too many headers this season so could be banned from the national team for life.

• 140 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:13 PM

  @jamsha

  Benzema has had an amazing season scoring over 40 goals for Madrid.

  also I imagine he played in all the qualifying games and the side will be set up to suite his style as a forward.

  It might sound simple changing him for giroud but they play differently and it will have an impact on the rest of the team.

• 141 Thump // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:13 PM

  I actually forgot I was watching the match. Literally.

• 142 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:15 PM

  Nasri scored against england and looked ok in that game.

  Ribery has been impressive tonight without really excelling.

  Benzema has been poor this tournament but they are all good players still.

• 143 WWYCD // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:16 PM

  Haha honestly I’d have Benzema in a heartbeat wonderful player but I’d go for someone else over Ribery probably Pedro

• 144 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:17 PM

  I wouldnt have them, attitudes would tear the team apart. Prima donnas not welcome here anymore. Grafters with talent only please.

• 145 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:17 PM

  There’s only one man who can rescue this for France…..

• 146 WWYCD // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:18 PM

  HullMag
  U must want HBA sold soon then?

• 147 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:19 PM

  Oh well, Giroud is coming on instead!

• 148 Thump // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:19 PM

  @Beardo: And he isn’t coming on, it seems.

• 149 JAMSHA // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:19 PM

  Haha menez is better than ribery, arfa is better than nasari, giroud is better than benzima

• 150 WWYCD // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:22 PM

  Rich
  If I could sir I would shake ur hand haha

• 151 Thump // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:22 PM

  Benzema’s issue is he’s so greedy and his passing has been way off for France. Doesn’t seem to communicate.

• 152 JAMSHA // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:22 PM

  If those 3 players I mention 1st would have not started. French could have played better an scored atleast.

• 153 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:23 PM

  Benzema is doing a good job of looking like a complete stranger to his teammates, considering this ‘system is set-up around him’.

• 154 JAMSHA // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:25 PM

  Good bye france, An wC debuchy to SJP

• 155 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:26 PM

  I wouldnt have them, attitudes would tear the team apart. Prima donnas not welcome here anymore. Grafters with talent only please like dreamboat.

• 156 Thump // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:29 PM

  You know how they say that players values tend to go up after international football? I think Benzema’s has actually depreciated.

• 157 Thump // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:31 PM

  @HullMag: You’re aware that Ben Arfa plays for us, yes?

  Softest penalty of the tournament.

• 158 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:32 PM

  Totally flat, the only player displaying any guts and determination was Cabaye – I’d like to think it’s The Toon that’s ingrained that into him

• 159 Harley // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:33 PM

  Should have started obertan!

• 160 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:34 PM

  Fingers crossed that we announce the signing of Debuchy tomorrow!

• 161 JAMSHA // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:35 PM

  Harley agree

• 162 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:35 PM

  Ribery really has had all the traits of a vintage Obertan performance tonight, the corollary of that must be that Obertan will become as good as Ribery for his club, right?

• 163 WWYCD // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:36 PM

  Very disappointed in France tonight

• 164 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:37 PM

  Ben arfa is a reformed character for us at least. Thump my post was aimed at those who think we should/could have Benzema or Ribery.

• 165 Cool Hand Luke // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:47 PM

  Cabaye did the Toon proud, Im afraid im going to have to join the Ribery and Benzema bashers here. Ribery was awful! and neither of them looked at all interested, neither did Nasri when he came on. France need a clear out of egos!

• 166 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:47 PM

  France just seemed to lack that ‘je ne sais quoi’.
  I reckon the dressing room spirit/egos has drained the sense of team spirit.
  @ Beardo 158 – Cabaye has Toon Spirit

• 167 Harley // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:48 PM

  I’d love to see debuchy playing for us next season. I have a good feeling that it will happen.

• 168 Toon1978 // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:50 PM

  The problem with France is that Blanc has picked a squad full of individuals. Malouda was an absolute disgrace not to track back to prevent the first goal. Benzema and Ribery as i read further up are in this for themselves and Nasri is a spoilt huffy little brat that need’s a reality check. Debuchy is a canny player but i will not be to disappointed if he does not arrive at Nufc. I thought Clichy was quite good tonight and very quick but France did not get him into the game very much. Giroud…..well Arsenal can have him, very overrated imo and he is to static. Cabaye done himself no harm at all but that might be me being bias. HBA never really did himself any favours but in all fairness Blanc never really gave him a chance to shine for France. They are just a team full of over inflated ego’s and spoilt brats. Rant Over lol.

• 169 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:51 PM

  Just a general rant,
  To all those lazy gits who are physically incapable of writing people’s names and instead choose to right numbers, DON’T! I have no clue who you’re addressing when on my iPhone and it just causes general confusion.

• 170 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:51 PM

  Is dan sturridge worth a look if demba walks away (hope not) or to strengthen the squad if at the right price

• 171 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:52 PM

  Toon1978 – Your comment could do with a ‘like’ option on the end ha summed up my thoughts exactly although I actually really want Debuchy to come

• 172 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 9:59 PM

  Toon1978

  Didn’t you mean to say that “Benzema and Ribery are up themselves”

  To be fair the Spanish had two defenders covering Ribery as soon as he had the ball. Not much of a way through for him..

  HullMag6

  NO…. Chelski are looking for £12mill and his wages would be too high. He has been a bit of a prima donna, which is why they want rid, and only wants to play central striker not flanking player in the 4-3-3 hence toys flying out of pram

• 173 NEWEXPATMAGPIE // Jun 23, 2012 at 10:44 PM

  Vertjongen from Ajax to Totenham for 12Mil euro,s !

  You heard it first from me! Just announced on Dutch TV !

• 174 Sazzer // Jun 24, 2012 at 1:37 AM

  Blanc had no plan on how they should attack as a team. He seemed to have left that part to the players. Could be that they didn’t follow his direction. But then wouldn’t he have substituted Benzema long ago for not following his guidelines.