The Newcastle United Blog

151 responses so far ↓

• 1 MagpiesFlyHigh // Sep 11, 2012 at 3:56 PM

  Jesper … from previous

  Brighton is an interesting place, pretty cosmopolitan and lively.
  Plymouth old town is lovely, lots of yachting and navy stuff there,
  Bournemouth is okay, nice surroundings, retirement capital
  Torquay like Bournemouth but nicer surroundings.

• 2 G // Sep 11, 2012 at 3:58 PM

  Nice to know that Tabloid journo’s spouting junk isn’t just a British trait.

• 3 Highlander // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:10 PM

  Lads, advice please,

  I’m about to fly to Newcastle next month from Canada to see the Bordeux and (hopefully) Man U games. All previous games I believe I’ve seen from the Gallowgate end, back in 02-04s seasons when I studied in Newcastle.

  Can anyone recommend a good stand? I’ve never been in the Milburn stand (except maybe for a cup game vs Everton). I guess I can’t go wrong, just wondering opinions on a good view and atmosphere. Milburn is usually just season ticket holders, right?

  Excited to see the Toon next month!

• 4 AndyMac // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:11 PM

  “but how do these reports from the Middle East keep coming out of the blue like this?”

  The same way reports that say we’re signing Ince, Debuchy and Uncle Tom Cobley appear almost out of nowhere ?

• 5 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:20 PM

  Cupidstunt regarding your reply in the last post. The fact that we have two proven sts that are both not playing well together and we have not been able to change things around to bring on another st has already proven that it has impacted on us and so that imo is FACT.

• 6 ROSHAN MAGPIE // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:24 PM

  http://referraltask.com/ref.php?page=act/ref&invcod=197486

• 7 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:32 PM

  Nufc-83….So if we started one up front would that change your statement to fuct as we’d have an option on the bench?

  I think I may have missed the point here.

• 8 Griff-toon // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:33 PM

  Can anyone answer this for me? Why are so many not exited about this season after last. We have lot of players that are young and will Only get better. Pluss they will have more experience in the premier league. Fans writing the season off before it has begun sickens me.

• 9 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:36 PM

  Griff….If you do get an answer do let me know as I, along with others, have been wondering the same thing.

• 10 Toon-Barmy // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:44 PM

  Off topic I know but I thought I’d post the first of my “Where Are They Now” segments

  Where Are They Now: Part 1

  Carl Cort – After being released by Brentford in January 2011, Cort trained with AFC wimbledon before moving to Florida to play for Tampa Bay Rowdies.

  Clarence Acuna – After leaving United he had a short stint in Argentina. He went on to play for several teams in his native Chile. Now aged 37 it seems he has retired.

  Didier Domi – Last seen playing for MLS side New England Revolution. They released him in July 2011.

  Nikos Dabizas – After leaving us he went on to win Euro 2004 medal (Don’t think he actually played though). He also played over 170 games for Greek side Larissa before retiring in 2011.

  Stephen Glass – Went on to play for Watford, Hibs, Dunfermline and American club Carolina Railhawks before joining Shamrock Rovers as assistant manager in January 2012.

  Franck Dumas – Returned to France, played for Marseille, Lens and Caen. He took over as manager of Caen after his retirement in 2004.

  James Troisi – Recently signed by Juventus he is currently playing on loan for Atalanta. Previously played for Turkish club Kayserispor. Still just 24 years old, he also has 9 full caps for Australia.

  Jamie McClen – Played for several lower league clubs after leaving United. Had a trial with Thai club Pattaya United in 2010 but went on to sign for Morpeth Town.

  David Rozenhal – Went on to play for Lazio and endured an horrific spell at Hamburg before being shipped out to French club Lille in 2011.

  Antoine Sibierski – Became a football agent after his retirement in 2009. Currently doing his coaching badges.

• 11 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:50 PM

  @Griff,

  Because almost every club above AND below us bolstered their squad.

  I’m not Mr. Doom & Gloom but it’s going to make it hard to improve on last season when everyone else is better and we have more matches to play.

• 12 G // Sep 11, 2012 at 4:56 PM

  Highlander @ post 3. You get a fairly good view pretty much anywhere in the stadium now, unless you are in level 7. Don’t get me wrong, you can see the game, only your eyesight better be good if you like to know who is who on the ball.

• 13 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 5:18 PM

  89norcal, we have bought maybe the best utility in anita class in maybe 4/5 positions just a real diamond and better than guthrie hands down.

  bigi is a star as well even after seeing him 4 times, going to be massive for us,

  at the club they know how good amilifitano is skill wise, he can match cabaye and beats players as well.

  curtis good has got rave reviews in his performances so far!

  young adam campbell can do it now if he gets a chance, 17, old enough and good enough right now.

  i believe 100 per cent we are stronger than last season.

  the club from top to bottom have faithin our players and i do as well.these players are dyingfor us out there

• 14 IITianToon // Sep 11, 2012 at 5:33 PM

  Which year was it when we had the great defensive pairing of David Rozehnal and Claudio Cacapa? Thank god those days are behind us.. or are they[Willo?]!!

• 15 studsy // Sep 11, 2012 at 5:36 PM

  Roshan – just so you know referraltask is a huge scam. They have never payed out, and require you to complete a survey which includes a text to your mobile with a pin to confirm. Then comes many many many expensive texts to your phone

  It was brought to light on some daytime tv program where biddies go round looking for scammers! I wouldnt like to mess with them lol

• 16 Whoarya.com // Sep 11, 2012 at 5:50 PM

  Shocking really those middle east journalists reporting unchecked stories just like Ed? Its all part of the entertainment

• 17 Whoarya.com // Sep 11, 2012 at 5:51 PM

  Shocking really those journalists reporting unchecked stories just like Ed?

  Its all part of the entertainment

• 18 Whoarya.com // Sep 11, 2012 at 5:52 PM

  Shocking really those journalists reporting unchecked stories?

  Hang on a moment?

  Its all part of the entertainment

• 19 Whoarya.com // Sep 11, 2012 at 5:54 PM

  journalists reporting unchecked stories?

  Whatever next?

  Hang on a moment?

  Its all part of the entertainment

• 20 jesperfuglsang // Sep 11, 2012 at 5:57 PM

  MFH…Plymouth sounds like something I could get along with

  …where is there more sun?

• 21 Shane // Sep 11, 2012 at 6:02 PM

  Whatever happened to Pancrate?? Remember that absolute rocket he scored!

• 22 jesperfuglsang // Sep 11, 2012 at 6:02 PM

  Are you guys playing a trick on me or something today? lol

• 23 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 6:11 PM

  Fabrice Pancrate haha, he scored that goal and then dissapeared of the face of the Earth

• 24 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 6:22 PM

  @Beefman,

  We are stronger but by a very very slim margin. So slim, in fact, that the extra burden of the Europa league will likely negate it.

  I agree Anita and our youngsters are class but expecting them to produce major results this year is asking much.

  Btw can’t help but think Pardew and Carr pulled perhaps the most brilliant transfer in Anita, when you figure his versatility (much like Perch) and the common knowledge that MA was going to be overly frugal once again.

  With Anita able to play fullback and as a defensive mid (covering both for Raylor/Simmo and Tiote) he may very well be our MVP this season.

• 25 cupiddstunt // Sep 11, 2012 at 6:23 PM

  Nufc-83 @ # 5

  I understand what you are getting at but let’s say we had brought in another striker there is the possibility that the said striker as much as he may well have done a Cisse and took off, may very well have done the opposite and not fit /hit the ground running.

  In the second instance we would have spent money on a none event and be no further forward.

  There is no proof that another player would (as opposed to could) have had an effect.

  I think maybe the use of the word “impact“ is what I am responding to, had you said “affect” I may well have passed the comment by (although probably not) the repercussions of the window have in my opinion had no impact on the club/squad/team although they have probably had some affect.

  I believe you chose “impact” deliberately and to date there has been no real “impact” so it is still a fuct, (as in an extrapolation of some (not all) bits of information).

  Your last line says it all “so that imo is FACT”.

  As you state “In your opinion” and it is exactly that, purely and simple your opinion, and not in any way shape or form a fact.

• 26 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 6:37 PM

  @stevewraith: I’ve heard that the rumours of player unrest are Allegedly true and that reluctance to buy has upset certain players. #nufc

• 27 bob // Sep 11, 2012 at 6:40 PM

  Lack of investment will comeback and bite pardew on the arse! A total disgrace that more quality was’nt brought in so get on with it!

• 28 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 6:57 PM

  Bob am just copying what he wrote are you personally telling me to get on with it

• 29 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:03 PM

  So, Steve Wraith….a believable guy?

• 30 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:05 PM

  leavemyarsealone…I think he was telling Pardew to get on with it – but with bob you can never be 100% sure.

• 31 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:12 PM

  89norcal, lets not forget our youngins are a tear older and were in my opinion as good as any youngins last season our reserve side was head and shoulders better than anything else until it got broken up and players joining the senior squad. they have that extra year as i have said, more maturity as well.

  i know we have europe and for me its brilliant for us fans, a tougher season maybe but all our players have now extra experiance at thew club, they all live and breath NUFC, the bond is fantastic .

  we had decent cup runs in the coca cola for the last few seasons and to be fair we got beat when more of the seniors were playing.

  i have watched the youngins for 2/3 years and they are more than cabable of stepping up to the mark if they have to. we all know we didnt sell our blue chip players and that cant be underestimated!

  MA gets it in the neck for not bringing in a few extra players he would have got slaughtered if he had of sold tiote cabaye krul benny!!!!

  nobody else came in for debuchy, we offered the original,asking price aqnd they wanted another 2 million, i am fully behind the decision not to pay the extra. why did no one else come in for a really decent kid like debuchy?
  we have already seen what the new players are about and they are very good, i think only benny is better technically than anita and he is priceless for me is ben arfa.

  MA

• 32 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:15 PM

  Ibiza is he a believeable guy steve. One thing for sure he ranting loads of shit about the club on twitter

• 33 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:17 PM

  It is reasonable for some bloggers to feel anxious and worried about the season ahead, I can’t see how it’s any more unreasonable than taking a more positive view.

  We lost some handy proven first team players in Guthrie, Best and Loverboy and replaced them with 3 potentially better but unproven players, certainly in the EPL and we have a more demanding season ahead with naturally higher expectations.

  I think we have a fantastic 1st team when fit. A team that can challenge for a top 4 place and build on last seasons excellent achievements, but when we inevitably have injuries and those injuries are to key players then I become less optimistic and more worried. I think it’s part and parcel of being a passionate, realistic fan. I’m fairly anxious about going to Goodison, desperate to see the lads do well against a good team.

• 34 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:19 PM

  We can look as deeply as you want into it but if you think not buying a back up st and cb is not going to negatively impact our season then you are deluded.

• 35 BelfastMagpie // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:20 PM

  Jimmy Magpie said weeks ago,about Cabaye & a few others being really unhappy about the lack of investment.

  Not suprised to be honest.

• 36 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:20 PM

  leavemyarse….Was that he is or is he?

  I’ve just read the rant. Seems pretty p*ss*d off like.

• 37 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:21 PM

  89norcal, lets not forget our youngins are a tear older and were in my opinion as good as any youngins last season our reserve side was head and shoulders better than anything else until it got broken up and players joining the senior squad. they have that extra year as i have said, more maturity as well.

  i know we have europe and for me its brilliant for us fans, a tougher season maybe but all our players have now extra experiance at thew club, they all live and breath NUFC, the bond is fantastic .

  we had decent cup runs in the coca cola for the last few seasons and to be fair we got beat when more of the seniors were playing.

  i have watched the youngins for 2/3 years and they are more than cabable of stepping up to the mark if they have to. we all know we didnt sell our blue chip players and that cant be underestimated!

  MA gets it in the neck for not bringing in a few extra players he would have got slaughtered if he had of sold tiote cabaye krul benny!!!!

  nobody else came in for debuchy, we offered the original,asking price aqnd they wanted another 2 million, i am fully behind the decision not to pay the extra. why did no one else come in for a really decent kid like debuchy?
  we have already seen what the new players are about and they are very good, i think only benny is better technically than anita and he is priceless for me is ben arfa.

  MA has been called allsorts and i say massivly unfair he has but millions upon millions in to our club and taken nothing out, he would have been more greedy surely if he had of sold our top players!!1
  let the club go about the business of running our club, we all know we cant keep everyone happy up here but out of our relegation has sprung one of the best run sporting clubs in the world, we are going forward.

  i havnt looked forward to my football at the toon like this for 10 years im happy and positive the people in charge know what they are doing.

  after all there wasnt a person on the planet would have said we would have finished 5th last season above 600 million playtoy chelsea, 38 games is how you are measured, sure they won the champs league and may finish above us this but i bekieve anything is now possible with us.

• 38 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:22 PM

  Ohh don’t worry folks, Jimmy said it so it must be true…

  Arrrgggghhhhh!!!!!!!

  That is all.

• 39 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:22 PM

  Jawball we didnt replace best .. Imo we should have kept him he isnt the best but chipped in with some vital goals

• 40 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:23 PM

  Ibiza i mean your opinion on is he a believable guy ..

• 41 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:24 PM

  Ruddy…..Are you leaving me and beefman alone? The potch is about to hit the fan….I can smell it

• 42 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:25 PM

  I can see that you two guys are more than capable of holding the fort.

  The “arrggghhh” was the sound of me banging my head against the wall at a reference that Jimmy has inside knowledge, it baffles me that people believe this nonsense.

• 43 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:28 PM

  Some people need to take a few steps back and perhaps save their negative opinions until a little bit more of the season has been played.

  Yes, I know we didn’t sign as many players as we all wanted, yes I know there are a few injuries which are unfortunate, and yes I know we may have to rely more on our younger players than we were expecting. But for crying out loud do some of you actually listen to yourselves?

  The first team grumbling because we didn’t sign more players? What are they children? No, they are professional footballers, which is why they will be getting their heads down and getting on with the job.

  God!

• 44 jesperfuglsang // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:29 PM

  I think in most people’s books is was a gamble not buying another CB and young forward!

  This is my take on our summer activity and I don’t know if I am right or wrong, but I think Pardew was told he he wanted further signings he had to sell; the problem was that Pardew was reluctant to sell his stars and at the same time Mike wanted more than anyone was prepared to pay.

  So here we are a CB short and a forward short And Pardew now have to make the best of it!

  I do think there was a solution to it all – if Mike had just payed what he thought anyone else would have payed for the naming right of SJP we would have had more revenue (which is what he wanted) and £10M to spend on what was need

  I do think Mike’s stance here is a bit hipocritical…

  Well that was my thought…so y’all owe me a penny now lol

• 45 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:30 PM

  Also, Jimmy probably knows Cabaye was a little pissed off as they are neighbours and his wife talks to Mrs Cabaye as she is about to walk the dog….

  Sound believable? No? But….but…..but jimmy said….jimmy said it….

• 46 BelfastMagpie // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:30 PM

  Give over Ruddy.

  I didnt say he had inside info.

  He just said the exact same as Steve Wraith did.

  Only he said it about 3 weeks ago.

• 47 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:31 PM

  I agree, in hindsight I’d be happier if we still had both Best and Guthrie in addition to what we have.

• 48 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:32 PM

  Belfast

  Not having a go at you fella, just think we should take things Jimmy says with a pinch of salt.

  If I said a few weeks ago that Cabaye is pissed off because we didn’t sign a few players would that make me an ITK? No, simply because Jimmy CLAIMS to have inside knowledge people seem to pick up things he says.

  For all we know he is taking a wild stab in the dark and hoping it is true.

• 49 jesperfuglsang // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:34 PM

  We’ll be alright until January as long as we don’t get too many injuries…we are a bit unlucky at the moment.

  …lets hope it evens out

• 50 bollance // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:34 PM

  In terms of getting through the group stages of europa we may play a string side for the home matches and go for 3 wins. Then what ever we pick up away will be a bonus with a weakend team. We will have a strong bench for the away games so pards can chase a draw or sneak a win if possible.

• 51 BelfastMagpie // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:36 PM

  I dont have a clue if he has inside info or not.

  Though he did come on one day & say Nolan was leaving & got laughed at.

  Then Nolan left a few days later.

• 52 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:36 PM

  Right well things are a bit dead on here and I don’t really want to risk getting in a mud slinging session so I will bid you fellas adieu!

• 53 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:37 PM

  He also said Simmo out Debuchy in was a “certainty” one weekend in July.

  Swings and roundabouts. Throw enough mud some will stick, or to paraphrase, tell enough lies sometimes it will be true.

• 54 bollance // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:38 PM

  Watching Spain vs Georgia. Ketsbia is the manager of Georgia. Not the Ketsbia from the blog but of course the former toon player.

  If Georgia score he will run over and kick the sh!t out of the advertising hoardings. But I cant see georgia score.. ever

• 55 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:39 PM

  Ibiza, i know both side of the argument get each others backs up, we got relegated with a team of over 400 international caps who for me is not a patch on the team that has been assembled here at this moment.

  We have had a metioric rise this last three years, and most have got it wrong each season i did last for sure but i still thought we would finish above the previous season. this for me at this moment is our strongest most hungry squad i can remember our full team today would give our prem runners up team a right good game, and if anything i like the rest of our squad better.

  in a way if fans keep knocking the squad in certain ways it will make them stronger.

  loads of wins loads of good times and loads of great memories this season with more wonder goals to come as well!

  im not bating other fans with this i truely believe this is a special time for NUFC.

• 56 toonLYF // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:39 PM

  Jamie McClen – Now there’s a real footballer.

  thanks for that post Toon-Barmy

• 57 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:41 PM

  Leavemyarsealone…I didn’t state an opinion, I asked a question

• 58 bollance // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:42 PM

  Kitchenarsevilly (not sure how to spell it is playing for Georgia)

• 59 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:43 PM

  Sorry, had a call and got left in the dust there

• 60 jesperfuglsang // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:45 PM

  Is anyone gonna be watching the England game?

  …Denmark is not playing so I thought I might give et a go; or maybe I’ll watch Cabaye play…

• 61 jesperfuglsang // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:45 PM

  *it

• 62 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:45 PM

  Sorry ibiza i ment do you think wraith is believeable buddy haha

• 63 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:50 PM

  Beefman…..We may well fall short this year or the clubs, fans or both expectations. However we’re nowhere near that point yet.

  More bodies would have helped….probably.

  I think it’s fair to say the people p*ss*d with Ashley believe we should have paid the extra we were asked for (if reports are to be believed). This figure ranges from peanuts to £2m.

  As for selling Best, Guthrie and Lovenkrands…..Guthrie didn’t want the new contract as he wanted first team football. Would any of you guaranteed it to him? No. Best, whilst a canny lad who can chip in, he didn’t feature for large parts of last season and whilst it cannot be assumed the same would have happened if he had stayed, but is he currently playing or is he injured again? Lovenkrands…did he even kick a ball for us last season?

• 64 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:53 PM

  leavemyarse….For once, I really have no opinion as I have zilch to base one on

  Any ideas lads? Does he normally speak the truth? Would he have such knowledge?

• 65 toonLYF // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:53 PM

  France’s team tonight is good, we’ve been linked with half the players too…

  Lloris (c) Evra-Sakho-Mapou-Jallet-Capoue-Mavuba-Cabaye-Ribery-Benzema-Giroud.

• 66 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:55 PM

  Lads, Krul, Anita, Santon, Colo, Saylor, Cabaye, Tiote, Marveaux, Ben Arfa, Ba, Cisse. would give any team anywhere a hell of a game

  im a marveaux fan ahead of jonas but its all opinions and i think a back up when fit of perch, raylor ,simpson, fergie, bigi, amalifitano, tavernier, shola ,sammy, obertan, campbell, harper,elliot, vucic, good, gosling. is loads of back up and there is some talented players in there who can step up to the plate no problem

  surely it is not all that bad, i think its brilliant from were we were 3 years ago.

  im proud of all the work that has been put in to make our club highly respected and affluent again.

• 67 jesperfuglsang // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:56 PM

  The French team is good but I would drop both Ribery and Benzema in a heartbeat

  Ribery is not going to pass the ball, Benzema shots at everything and what is Giroud doing on the right?

• 68 rainrix // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:59 PM

  Has the mobile site changed for anyone else? Mines gone back to the horrible one where if the articles too big you cant view the comments

• 69 jesperfuglsang // Sep 11, 2012 at 7:59 PM

  I’ll see y’all tomorrow…

• 70 cupiddstunt // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:00 PM

  Nufc-83 @ # 34

  I am assuming that is directed at me.

  I have never claimed one way or the other anything to the possibility of the movements in the transfer window having any effect on the coming season negative or positive.

  But then again I have never posted either optimism, or doom and gloom using ill conceived fucts to back it up.

  I merely ask the doom and gloomers to explain where they are coming from, and occasionally point out how they have taken two and two and arrived at,,, well anything but four.

  Much like your opinions that you were masquerading as facts, which in reality were not.

  So no I am not deluded but I would like an explanation why when someone is positive on this blog i.e. they disagree with your outlook, they are accused of being deluded, surely being negative is equally as delusional?

• 71 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:03 PM

  Beefman…I have full faith in our squad. Imo the only real problem people can have is that we didn’t fund for better players to take the EL perhaps more seriously – if you feel so inclined.

  I personally am a believer in bringing through our young players. They may not shine everytime, but they will come on and we will build a good team imo.

  I think the new issue is player unrest. It’s all speculation, as we don’t know what our players have been told with regards to new players coming in, targets and the timeline for said targets.

  Pretty much every player has said what a great achievement it was last year and how no one really expected it, right?

  So why must MA fund the next step now? I suppose we get back on to the argument of whether he really wanted to sign any players of just low balled offers to try and please the fans. I personally don’t buy in to that theory – but that’s me.

• 72 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:03 PM

  I think we are all ecstatic about how much we have improved from 3 years ago however with such a massive opportunity to push on and really challenge for a top four with investment of a few extra players not taken it is very dissapointing.

• 73 nick_9 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:05 PM

  Does anyone else think that £45 for a midweek cup game on sky is a little bit overpriced?

• 74 dave 1961 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:05 PM

  beefman13 @31
  if you do a bit resurrect before posting you will find last seasons development squad was split up because they were in fact crap, that’s why the club let 9 of them go, they were so poor because as a club we have ignored the academy from day one so 20 years of neglect, led to something like 10 games without a win at the end of season, and I’m sure most of those 10 were in fact defeats. our academy was rated second class.

• 75 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:06 PM

  Nufc-83….Nail on the head. Expectations have changed, not the board or their ambition. Isn’t that perhaps unreasonable? We can argue missed opportunity, but that really is it.

  That shouldn’t imo (yes, lots of opinions flowing now) take away from the ambition shown to date and yes, there has been ambition shown over the past 3 years.

• 76 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:07 PM

  Newcastle United FC ?@NUFCOfficial

  Here we are again, @stevewraith attempting to disrupt the club with unnecessary negative comment.

  Game on?

• 77 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:13 PM

  Cuppid its clear that the way you write your posts you want people to think you are highly intellectual and therefore you try and justify your opinions based more on this point rather than looking at the basis of the original post and coming back with a view from a football perspective.

• 78 rainrix // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:14 PM

  Hmm whats wraith said now?

• 79 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:15 PM

  Beefman13,

  I have heaps of faith in our youngsters as well; Marveaux, Bigi, Campbell, Good. The future is certainly bright for us if we continue to develop these guys.

  I just fear when they are inevitably called upon later this season to cover for our thin squad, they will have too much pressure put on their shoulders, and their every mistake and failure will be blown out of proportion.

• 80 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:16 PM

  Ok then boys and girls. Let’s say players are unhappy with the summers business or lack thereof, what are the pro’s and con’s of players or insiders voicing this to the public?

  I am all for free speech, but is there a line that shouldn’t be crossed as it unsettles the club/players further? Or is that just a good excuse for the board to do as they please without a backlash?

  Let’s debate this one as grown ups though, whatever your opinion on it is.

• 81 toonLYF // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:17 PM

  means nothing but, my French team//

  ——————–Lloris——————-

  Debuchy—-Sakho—-Varane—-M’Biwa

  ——————-M’Vila——————–

  ———-Cabaye———-Capoue———-

  Ben Arfa———–Remy————Nasri

• 82 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:18 PM

  You are correct ibiza but as a fan am i not allowed to air my dissapointment without being labelled a negger. I am not asking for ashley out intact i am very happy he is around .

• 83 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:19 PM

  Ibiza,

  The press can have major influence on the game imo if the players buy into it mentally.

  Just look at our stars like Ba, Cabaye, Tiote and Ben Arfa. If enough speculation is placed on their displeasure with Newcastle’s ambition or progress, why would they not consider moving to the bigger clubs that want them?

  These guys may love Newcastle now, but most players ultimately want trophies and to create a legacy for themselves.

• 84 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:20 PM

  https://twitter.com/stevewraith

  There you go rainrix.

  89Norcal…Isn’t that the point though, it’s the fans job to support the players and give them a chance. Obviously is someone isn’t cutting it long term, then they should be replaced, but not one of our youth players have had that chance yet…so far, they’ve mainly looked impressive imo and still room and time to improve.

• 85 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:20 PM

  And may I just add; if the price and salaries are right from the buying club, you can be sure the player is off and we are weaker for it.

• 86 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:24 PM

  Ibiza,

  I’m sure our players will always have the backing of the fans, but my concern is with the senior players rather than the youngsters, who we cant expect much from yet.

  After watching our reserve players, U-21s and subs in various matches so far, I no longer think we are lacking in depth, but that doesn’t mean we should bolster to compete with the other 19 teams that improved their lineups (most of them).

• 87 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:25 PM

  1961, i did not say everyone of our younger players were the biz.
  what i can tell you is when elliot, tav, fergie, abeid vucic, dummett, and sammy played in our reserve team we were the best reserve team in the league.

  yea some kids were shown the door but that happens at every club in the world.

  we have kept the all of them.

  to be fair dave i dont know why you would be downbeat about our club at the moment.

  we are light years were most thought we would be 3 years ago.

  you know it could have all went tits up, they thought the owner would cut and run, we were boro leeds sheff wed portsmouth and the might rangers all rolled in to one. we are worth more than the lot of them put together. can we be thankful that we are once again are a big player in a massive league thanks to sound scouting and sound managment of both team and club.

  i may sound optomistic plus, im just glad we are not looking forward to a game against peterboro at the weekend. it could have happened if the plug was pulled like so many said it would be.

• 88 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:27 PM

  I can remember having a difference of opinion with people on here who said Simpson is better than glen Johnson and cleverly is a poor player. Laughable tbh.

• 89 rainrix // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:27 PM

  Ha i like how he’s had to retweet about 50 people just so he can get some self justification.

• 90 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:27 PM

  nufc83….This is a two sided story and one I completely understand. There are fans, arguably from both the positive and negative inclined camps that take things perhaps a step too far. This snow balls very quickly. Therefore, people from the opposing camp (god I hate the fact it needs to be seen as side taking – are we sure we all support the same team ) feel the need to jump on it a.s.a.p.

  Perspective is needed by everyone. There will be things that aren’t good at the club, but there will also be good. We can discuss both, it just seems people seem to lean one way or another…where is the middle ground these days? Or am I being naive, was there never any middle ground?

  89Norcal…..Absolutely down the line they may feel the need to move on to what they perceive, rightly or wrongly, bigger and better things. Is it not the clubs job to try and limit these distractions? Keep the players as long as possible? I suppose the other side of that is to spend more money and try and keep the players happy on that front. But spending say £10-15m this summer would not have really increased our chances of winning something if we’re being honest. We’re slowly building imo, fans and players are either on board with this concept or not.

• 91 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:37 PM

  Sterling if your good enough your old enough. Cambell anyone?

• 92 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:39 PM

  Were the fck is miner if Johnson is covering the run on the outside.

• 93 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:40 PM

  Milner*

• 94 JTOONJ // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:43 PM

  NUFC-83

  Maybe if he gets a few apps in premier league? as sterling has

• 95 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:45 PM

  Tom notso cleverly

• 96 AndyNUFC // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:45 PM

  Steve Wraith is a nakka. He says that he “had a conversation” and has some proof of our players ‘not happy we haven’t bought more players’. Rubbish. The players get paid to kick a ball around – surely they will now all get a chance and we have funds for January ( remember Ashley – guy who gave Carr an 8 year deal and bought Cisse our number 9 ). His desperation was summed up by a tweet saying things haven’t changed since Keegan #blinded by results. What do fans want, a 3rd league newcastle that we own?

  Nakka.

• 97 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:45 PM

  Jtoon ye that’s what i mean to get on for us not England lol.

• 98 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:46 PM

  Ibiza out of curiousity are you from newcastle but living in ibiza

• 99 JTOONJ // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:54 PM

  Hope so, lets hope hes got the determination to break through

• 100 gfp13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:55 PM

  Nufc 83

  I too would like to see what Campbell can do with a proper run out. We are going into games with no strikers on the bench, yet we have hyped massive over Campbell. He looked like he had good movement in the 5 minutes or so I seen him play away to atromitos but unless your ole Gunnar solskjaer you ain’t gonna make a difference in that 5 minutes. He needs a proper run out. He’s being likened to Michael Owen(in his younger years). Owen was given the chance and when we have no other options surely he should be given the chance.

  I don’t know when we play arsenal but if we play them while mertesacker is still first choice cb I would like to see him play against them, his pace would cause real problems for mertesacker. But there is obviously a reason he isn’t being used and pardew knows better than me so I’ll wait and hopefully he does get a chance soon. In the prem not just the ‘lesser’ competitions

• 101 MagpiesFlyHigh // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:56 PM

  leave MAA

  Ibiza is a spiritual Geordie..

• 102 Dannyo // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:57 PM

  @ibiza
  The point here is Wraith is delibratly causing an unrest with tweets like that.
  “Would never tweet anything i didn’t belive to be true myself”.
  Anyone who bases their allegations on hear say should never be trusted.
  I can’t belive he’s doing that against his own club.
  It’s despicable.

• 103 cupiddstunt // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:57 PM

  Nufc-83 @ # 72

  Agree 100% with your first line, although I see around half a dozen teams spending, some far more than they in reality can afford to spend attempting to consolidate a top four position.

  I prefer the slow growth plan myself, if we can get a decent couple of results in Europe and domestic cups, and a top 7/8 finish I will be a happy bunny it will mean we are on the right track and heading to become serious contenders.

  To expect top four placings within two seasons back in the prem is in my opinion definitely heading towards delusional as is expecting to jump further up the table just on the premise of purchasing another defender and striker.

  Agreed it COULD make a difference although not guaranteed, every bit as much as not getting those players COULD make a difference.

• 104 toonLYF // Sep 11, 2012 at 8:58 PM

  gp – i understand what you are saying, but i wouldn’t like to play him against Arsenal, it seems they’ve been working very hard on their defence over the summer, and i think they would show him a tough tough lesson.

• 105 Ian Toon // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:01 PM

  All the negative posters/ pessimists– it’s not difficult to understand:
  Optimism breaths life into you
  Whilst
  Pessimism drains you of energy and drags those around you down.
  Negative situations like injuries or the failure to secure players provide an opportunity for others to step into the side and excellent. A positive outlook of believing things will improve provides a stimulus
  whereas a negative outlook doesn’t help to energise . Supporters have
  a part to play in winning and when losing not adopting a negative
  we’re doomed attitude. Certainly winning or losing at this juncture will not determine our season. Negativity spreads like a virus so just let’s get our act together.

• 106 Ian Toon // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:02 PM

  For excellent read excellent- LOL

• 107 Ian Toon // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:03 PM

  For excellent read excell–LOL

• 108 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:06 PM

  AndyNUFC, I agree with you son he is stirring the shit, he heard this he heard that then not saying what he has heard,
  he is as we all know the main torch bearer at the toon waving the lited torch and stirring up the hornets nest.

  no need for it at alle have had a team spirit second to none, barton was shit stirring about the owner that was the reason they would leave was beacuse he would not invest.
  well im glad that headcase f..ked off for sure enrique as well who upt and ran, nolan as well, are we in a better place without them, yes we are!

  so i take it its cabaye who is causing the unrest by all accounts????? the player who took the place of the player who was stirring the shit in the first place.
  the player worth 20 odd million who we bought for 5 million.
  for me if cabaye is stirring it and i dont believe it by the way, then i would kick him out asap.

  no need for any of this it gets everyones back up in different ways. the same wraith who agreed with barton nolan and enrique about what they were saying that the club has no ambition. he looks for any opportunity to self promote himself and his up and coming boxing promotions. i frigan hate all that shit.

• 109 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:09 PM

  Leavemyarse….No mate, southern fairy, but I do have genuine geordie blood running through me (mums side).

• 110 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:09 PM

  England being the 3rd best international team in the world is a joke like. Ox is having a nightmare aswell

• 111 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:10 PM

  I don’t think anybody would ideally want Best, Lover or Guthrie back. I wasn’t unhappy when we let them go. But three players of atleast that quality in addition to what we now have and i’d be delighted, and certainly one of them a centre back and another a striker.

• 112 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:13 PM

  Beefman….So Steve is not someone whose comments I should be taking on board? I don’t really know who he is….for now I will presume he’s full of it.

  But agree, no player is bigger than the club and if they’re causing grief withing the squad they need to be dealt with. Surely not dreamboat, he’ll shatter the hearts of geordies everywhere (inc. adopted or spiritual ones – thanks MFH )

• 113 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:16 PM

  That number 10 for the Ukraine looks decent

• 114 AndyNUFC // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:16 PM

  Bloody right beefman. You can say Ashley doesn’t do sentiment or speak for the fans, but his decisions are dragging this club into Europe. No one player is bigger than this club. Ask Carroll, Barton, Enrique, Nolan. We made 5th without them!

  Fact is if any player ain’t happy, bar Xisco or Ranger, we have a valuable squad and know we won’t lose millions on replacing them. That’s the way clubs need to be run.

  If Wraith wants to stir it he should pick a better conspiracy. Since when will a player complain about a marquee signing not challenging them for a place?

• 115 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:18 PM

  Their number 11 aint to bad either

• 116 Ian Toon // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:19 PM

  Beef- I don’t believe Cabaye is a trouble maker. But a long ball game by passing him makes no sense. HBA and he can sort out the central attacking midfield area because their both intelligent players He’s certainly excelling for France who lead 1-0 . The French are playing a pass and move game which suits Cabaye’s passing style.

• 117 AndyNUFC // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:21 PM

  In fact to add to the point, Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Tiote, Santon, Ba and Cisse were picked up for peanuts! Krul got his mate Anita here and the rest of the team are settled and fight for our cause. To say a player doesn’t like there not being more in the team has to be rubbish. Its only Pardew who would want more in but we’ll fight on, January could see some in and fact is all the other teams are paying mental prices ( the unwashed for one ), he wouldn’t risk falling out with a 5 year deal over something like that.

• 118 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:21 PM

  I don’t think those players who might be disgruntled are thinking about there own spots at all.

• 119 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:22 PM

  What makes me heave is the fact that, Steve Wraith was backing barton and nolan and enrique as i have mentioned, since they have left stating we had no ambition, we have bought in tiote world class, cabaye world class, santon going to be world class anita world class, cisse world class BA world class, NO AMBITION we know how to get the players at the right price at the right time we are a business he knows how to build a business he has found a formula to build a football club as a business.

  i dont give a monkeys how much MA makes out of HIS investment, beacuse if i can watch the afore mentioned players everyweek including king arfa i am more than happy.

• 120 cupiddstunt // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:22 PM

  Nufc-83 @ #77

  Sorry but that is just the way I am.

  I have been a supporter of NUFC for over 55 years so have see a lot of crap, suffered a lot of disappointments, and now I am feeling quite upbeat about the future of the club.

  I then read on here people posting up rather outlandish claims about how we have missed this opportunity and that opportunity because we did not pay out enough money, and I think what on earth are these posters going on about.

  I agree I do not often post as you put it from a football perspective as I am not a particularly demonstrative person and I accept that the club and it’s board know far more that I do so I leave it up to them, although I do react to posts from people that show little though or rational in their posts.

  So all I am doing is asking in the most unambiguous way I know how for an explanation of the claims.

  I am not trying to make anybody think anything other than are their posts genuine.

• 121 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:23 PM

  Who’s Ukraines 10 play for?

• 122 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:24 PM

  Ibiza,

  I agree that our players should be more concerned with getting results than jabbering about their issues to the press.

  Pardew is a strong manager and I know he can talk some sense into them. Ben Arfa was my main concern considering his surge in form but so far he seems more than content at Newcastle.

  I sure hope Cabaye, of all people, is not the one causing the problem.

• 123 tarie4 // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:25 PM

  What’s wraith saying??? Can anyone pliz tell me

• 124 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:25 PM

  Pardew said he admired the way Spain play and that if you control the midfield you control the game. Spain didn’t even play with 1 striker whereas we play with two. I know we arent like Man City being able to leave world class forwards on the bench but Pardew could atleast try it for a game or two ideally rotating the Demba’s and starting Marveaux. Come on Alan sort it out

• 125 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:32 PM

  TARIE4. WHAT HE IS SAYING IS THERE IS UNREST WITH THE PLAYERS AT THE TOON, IE THEY ARE UNHAPPY WITH THE PLAYERS BEING BROUGHT IN AND THE PLAYERS THAT DID NOT, CHRIST BIGI WHAT A BUY, AND ANITA MAYBE THE BEST BUY IN THE TRANSFER WINDOW FOR THE MONEY REAL TOP DRAWER. ITS STIRRING STUFF UP AND HE DOSNT EVEN SAY WHAT OR WHO IS DTIRRING IT UP JUST INSINUATING.
  sorry for the caps got carried away. really peed me off that tonight.

• 126 toonLYF // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:32 PM

  how did Kevin Nolan never get an England cap? Think of some of the average players who are in the squad now and have been over the last 10 years. He would’ve done the job.

• 127 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:32 PM

  I’ve seen a number of well argued posts on this blog essentially saying that Newcastle have indeed missed an opportunity and further taken a big risk in not being more adventurous in the transfer market during the close season. Without diminishing what has been achieved by the club in recent seasons.

• 128 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:33 PM

  beefman13,

  In some ways I agree, we are lightyears ahead of what anyone though we’d be.

  But we should use our fortune to press on and not be Ok with have just a decent team. Sometimes I think MA got into the wrong business, from my own studies in different sports, owning a team sometimes isn’t HUGELY profitable for the owner and seems to be more about status.

  You would figure with NUFC on the verge of CL football and higher paydays, he would INVEST a bit more for quality players to enhance his chances. Otherwise we’ll just become stagnant and our class players will eventually leave or retire and we have to start from square one again. I’ve seen it countless times between all the different sports teams I’ve supported.

• 129 rainrix // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:37 PM

  Toonlyf…. Nolans only good point Is he seems to always be in the right place to nick a goal. No doubt if he’d been on the pitch tonight he could’ve put one of the chances cleverly has had.

• 130 Nufc-83 // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:38 PM

  Ukraine number 10 has unbelievable tekkers

• 131 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:40 PM

  Nolan’s a legend, struggle make the bench at St James’ nowadays though.

• 132 tarie4 // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:40 PM

  beefman13

  Thanx. Also may I ask, who is this guy?? What does he do?? Is he famous?

• 133 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:41 PM

  Nolan has never set the world alight really like. He got alot of goals for us in the Championship and our first season back in the PL but how many do you reckon he would have got without Ameobi or Carrolls knockdowns ? . Nice guy but Cabaye plays football on a whole other level and he is dreamy

• 134 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:46 PM

  Big Pappa…Thanks for that. Was waiting for a good moment to leave and head to bed…what better than dreamy Cabaye?

  Night lads….it’s been a pleasure as always

• 135 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:46 PM

  Is it bad that I am an Englishman and very proud of my country but I dont really celebrate England goals half as much as NUFC goals ? . Someone reassure me

• 136 rainrix // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:47 PM

  Cisse…. Well he’s already got 2 this season already. I’d take cabaye any day of the season but sometimes popping up at the right time is all you need. I mean does cisse really have any stand out abilities apart from being more deadly than ted bundy in front of goal? Not really but thats all he needs

• 137 beefman13 // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:49 PM

  tarie4 steve wraith is a local lad who likes to get his name in the paper, ex bouncer, he has a boxing promotion coming up shortly in newcastle, im not knocking him for promoting boxing but all his twitter patter tonight has ended with him telling everyone who has tagged on to the thread about the boxing night coming up soon, he was carrying the coffin of st james park through the street next to the match when the ground was renamed. bit of a poundland don king he would like to think.

• 138 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:56 PM

  Steve Wraith couldn’t promote Angelina Jolie vs Jennifer Aniston naked mud wrestling on top of a T-rex let slone a boxing match . Seems like a bit of a plastic Geordie that revels in our bad fortune if you ask me.

• 139 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 11, 2012 at 9:57 PM

  Alone rather

• 140 Dannyo // Sep 11, 2012 at 10:02 PM

  @BPC
  The only time Wraith rares his head about NUFC is when he has the chance to pounce on bad things.
  It’s pathetic.

• 141 Krul to be Kind // Sep 11, 2012 at 10:07 PM

  Lads, Lads, Lads… I used to run in a Mod Squad with my wee vespa, all dressed up impeccably, loved a good party with some good aul ‘Northern Soul’ playing in the front (i’ve noticed of late a quality music theme casually appearing from Ibiza and Jesper – good taste lads btw) and we had a saying you -ve lads could well begin to embrace, for a more fulfilling life… ‘KEEP THE FAITH’

  We are ahead of schedule players like Abeid (ready), amilfitano (ready), Tavernier (ready), Bigi (ready) , Campbell (raw, but worth a punt from the sounds of it) all champing at the bit now, say we purchased a player of similar ability for several millions whom is on a par with what we have coming through would you be happy then when realistically we are no better but several million down which wasn’t required to be spent, lets see where we get taken on the Newcastle United Magical Mystery Tour

  I said it on a blog recently and I’ll say it again, I can’t wait for the plan to start bearing fruit so you -ve lads would all f**k away aff somewhere else, i don’t blog much but enjoy reading the banter and you guys ruin my happiness by constantly bitching about shit that ‘might’ happen.

  This is it

  Now make like a banana… and split.

  ps. to Ibiza and Jesper… how many song titles/bands did i manage to get into my rant

• 142 toonLYF // Sep 11, 2012 at 10:08 PM

  Cisse – i’ve only ever celebrated 1 England goal in my life and it was a Sol Campbell header years and years ago, haven’t followed them for ages now.

• 143 ToonDownSouth // Sep 11, 2012 at 10:08 PM

  Wraith is no better than that nutter cwarr on twitter.

  He spouts off once a year when something bad happens, then goes into hiding when everything’s looking up.

• 144 leavemyarselona // Sep 11, 2012 at 10:10 PM

  Nolan in my eyes is a legend he scored a hatrick against sunderland .. Guareenteed applauds of me when west ham play at st james park.. Am sure you will get the odd potato booing him

• 145 cupiddstunt // Sep 11, 2012 at 10:12 PM

  89Norcal @ # 127

  Go back and study the MA takeover of NUFC and I think you will read enough to show he di not buy to make a quick profit.

  I honestly do not believe that MA bought the club to make a profit as such, certainly not from NUFC as a direct income stream.

  He said when he bought the club his intention was to use the club as a figure head so to speak to promote his SD empire.

  He also said he was prepared to lose 30 mil a season financially supporting the club, but I do believe that was before the announcement of the ffp rules coming into action, he now has to bring the club forward under its own steam.

  For the club to stand still serves no purpose or benefit for SD to be associated with it so I believe that he will continue to try and advance the club in a controlled manner.

  I think the players have all been researched for their personalities and character as well as playing ability so think a lot more is being made f this unrest crap than actually exists.

  Solid foundations support the soundest buildings and solid foundations are never fast.

  MA has made billions doing it his way and I for one am prepared to let him continue as I think the club is benefitting from his model.

• 146 cupiddstunt // Sep 11, 2012 at 10:13 PM

  sorry 89norcal @ # 128

• 147 89Norcal // Sep 11, 2012 at 10:31 PM

  Cupid

  I understand, and Nufc are now one of the most financially stable clubs in Europe. But sports teams are different than ordinary businesses in that you have thousands of fans who demand results and have expectations. If Newcastles wasted opportunity becomes apparent, it will show in attendence, merchandise sales, etc. The opportunity cost would be significant. NOT catastrophic (let me emphasize I’m not a doom n gloomer) but still significant considering CL payoffs and benefits of a bigger fan base and more sales.

• 148 magpiebop // Sep 11, 2012 at 11:03 PM

  I was at T in the Park and the best live band there by a mile was Reverend and the Makers.

• 149 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 12, 2012 at 12:23 AM

  If I was asked to speculate on Newcastles’ prospects this season with this squad I’d say we’d likely finish around 7-8th with a decent run in one of the cups. Not bad, even very good considering where we were 2-3 years ago, but as a result we’d probably have a harder job keeping our best players and moreover attracting better players and potentially then end up going backwards.

  If we had a bit more depth in experience I think we would be challenging for a champions league spot and if we had a bit more depth in quality I think we could well have won the Europa League as well.

  To my mind, Ashley and Llambias were overconfident that their approach to transfers would be successful and it wasn’t. So now we live with it and hope for the best.

• 150 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 12, 2012 at 4:55 AM

  I’d love to see our young players step up this season and challenge our established players for starting roles.

  But these players, Tav, Abeid, Vuckic, Campbell, Amalfitanio, even Bigi have not proved that they are ready to wear the heavy first team shirt at Newcastle and the players they will need to fill in for are top, top players.

  I’d be delighted if even one of them genuinely broke through and I’m afraid Newcastle are now almost banking on more than one of them doing just that. It’s a tall order.

• 151 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 12, 2012 at 8:24 AM

  Magpiepop…Great band. Haven’t they split though?

  Krul to be kind…..I look forward to engaging in some music chat, obviously only when we’re not mid-football discussions – as that would only upset the residents