Europe A Great Experience For Our Newcastle Youngsters

11:42 am, Friday, September 21st, 2012 by Ed Harrison · 64 Comments

Newcastle overcame a slow and sluggish start last night, to create some decent chances, some of which we probably should have converted, but the lads came away with a good 0-0 draw at a place where it’s very difficult to get a result.

Alan Pardew – on the sidelines last night in Madeira

And Alan Pardew is sticking to his guns, and playing a lot of our younger talent in these games, and we saw some good performances from many of them last night.

This is what Alan told the local press today:

“With the injuries we had before this game, I’m hoping that will be the weakest we will be this season. I hope so.” “We have had three or four injuries that have been costly to us. Having said that, the performance of the team was outstanding, I thought.”

“I don’t know what Dan Gosling’s meterage was, but I would suggest it was over 13km, because he was just everywhere.” “He and Bigi were terrific in there, Sammy Ameobi came on and looked like he was going to open the door, so we had some real bonuses in terms of those young players.”

“I know Dan is not classed as a young player here, but he is still a young player, and so is Gabby Obertan, and I thought he played well, he threatened that right side.” “I am very, very pleased with the experience – have young Adam Campbell here experiencing all the dynamics of this game is invaluable to us. It a great experience.”

Gael Bigirimana was the star of the game along with goalkeeper Rob Elliot – who put in a terrific performance between the sticks for Newcastle last night.

Here’s the latest results of our Man of the Match poll – and an opportunity for you to vote, if you haven’t already done so.

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Comments welcome.

You can also reach Ed at admin@nufcblog.com

Buy your Newcastle tickets here.

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Tags: Dan Gosling · Gael Bigirimana · Newcastle News · Newcastle Youth · Rob Elliot · Sammy Ameobi

64 responses so far ↓

1 Rotonda heights // Sep 21, 2012 at 11:45 AM

but why no Abeid, one of our best youngsters who did exceptionally well in pre-season?

Abeid should be way ahead of Gosling
2 cupiddstunt // Sep 21, 2012 at 11:45 AM

I think someone already said it but to play the “B” team away and use more of the “A” team at home with the intention of three home wins is not a bad idea
3 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 21, 2012 at 11:50 AM

@ Rotonda

I agree
4 MUTINYbyLEMONS // Sep 21, 2012 at 11:50 AM

Why is there NO GOSLING in the list???????
5 IITianToon // Sep 21, 2012 at 11:52 AM

I dont think defensive or central midfield is where Gosling likes to play… he is always at least looking to get into the box, so maybe better used as an AMF. Thats the only plus I see in him.
6 mindshaft // Sep 21, 2012 at 11:53 AM

No Gosling ??
7 Carryingcoals // Sep 21, 2012 at 11:53 AM

cupiddstunt

Exactly, that’ll see us through the group.

Having seen Bordeaux’s 4 goals from last night I’m looking forward to the game in two weeks time. Some dangerous players but not the best side, with a good amount of first teamers we should take the three points and see a good game too.
8 G // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:01 PM

What’s the format for EL games now. Do 2 teams progress from each group, or only 1?
9 Carryingcoals // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:04 PM

G

The top two teams in each group advance to the round of 32, where they are joined by the eight third-place teams in the Champions League group phase.
10 G // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:05 PM

Cheers @ post 9. I must have dreamt it, but I was convinced that every game was must win now in order to progress as top of group. If we are playing with the kids throughout the tournament, I will be happy enough with 2nd, although the extra kudos of coming top would be nice.
11 cupiddstunt // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:10 PM

G @ # 10

I think there is some theoretical advantage like homeground advantage or some such in coming top of the group but like all things seeded it is just theoretical.
12 Transfer Sage // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:14 PM

Must be something going on with abeid

He featured heavily in pre season and looked good, probably as good as bigi did in thine games.

I wonder if he has ha some problems recently with his attitude or something as I thought he would have had much more game time.
13 Rotonda heights // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:18 PM

sage

It makes you wonder. Trouble is when you fall out with pards that’s usually curtains. As he’s still young hopefully he’ll get a second chance
14 Rotonda heights // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:20 PM

gosling may have run a bit, but what does he do exactly?
15 check the toastie // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:38 PM

Abeid upset Carver last year with his attitude, maybe it has happened again this?
16 Rotonda heights // Sep 21, 2012 at 12:44 PM

check
I hear his attitude was a bit dodgy in france too but I thought a change of scene had knocked it out of him. obviously not then.
17 cupiddstunt // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:05 PM

Must admit to hearing similar stories.

So by rumour he appears to be another talented youngster that thinks they are a lot more than they are.
18 Grafton83 // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:11 PM

Here is a question, not including Tim Krul the banner at the top has ten players to the right and left or Pardews head.

Which side is better left or right side (not including Tim Krul as he is the only keeper)

I’m voting left but it’s close
19 cupiddstunt // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:23 PM

Grafton83 @ # 18

A nice aside I think the left has the better defence but the right has the better mid.

I think the right just shades it for me.

But as you say hard to choose from.

For an easy solution email pards and ask him to set up a training game with the sides as per the banner.
20 Ian Toon // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:23 PM

Ed – I wanted to vote for Gosling last night but he isn’t listed. I thought he really worked hard and clearly he’ getting back his overall fitness. With being sidelined he ‘d bulked up and that had an impact on his general short sharp movement . Still some improvement needed.
Vuckic has the same problem which is why fans constantly criticise him for being slow and lethargic. The areas of the field both play calls for better balance/ movement. Watch. Brad Inman who’s clearly worked on that part of his game.
21 jamesnufc86 // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:25 PM

I didn’t really see what all the fuss was about surrounding Bigi until I watched him last night. He really was very composed , never misplaced a pass, and often got his head up and looked for direct passes rather than the old Barry back pass. He was terrific , what a prospect we have on our books
22 Grafton83 // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:28 PM

@cupidstunt

I went for left as it has HBA, Colo and Ba.

I appear to have lost Pardews number but if someone could send him a text on my behalf I’m sure he wouldn’t mind giving this a go.
23 Carryingcoals // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:31 PM

My thoughts on last night’s game

http://www.carryingcoals.com/?p=145
24 Jail for Ashley // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:33 PM

Quite a lot of positives to take what seemed like a lacklustre affair not helped at all by the empty concrete stadium,but whats worrying me about the team, I’ve worked out who can cover who in different positions considering we’re playing two games a week till the end of the year but with Simmo, Tiote and Collocini out when are the two CBs going to get a chance to be rested,unless Curtis Good is going to start at Old Trafford I can’t see an opportunity to rest either of them.
25 cupiddstunt // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:35 PM

Grafton83 @ # 22

Agreed a strong character in each zone but I think the midfield on the right swung it for me feeding a Shola Papis strike force.
26 Grafton83 // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:42 PM

Your right cupid but your side is pretty much a player down with Obertan there. End of debate I think
27 cupiddstunt // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:43 PM

JFA @ # 24

As has been pointed out in another thread over the whole the defence generally covers less ground so should be able to play more games consecutively.

Funny you should mention manure as it was them that were used as an example of defences being used almost unchanged while the rest of the squad rotated.
28 Ian Toon // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:45 PM

Carryingcoals- Excellent write up wouldn’t expect anything else.
29 cupiddstunt // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:45 PM

Grafton83 @ # 26

Ha maybe
30 Carryingcoals // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:49 PM

Ian Toon

Thanks a lot mate, appreciate it
31 Shane // Sep 21, 2012 at 1:50 PM

One of my all time favourite Newcastle players is Aaron Hughes. Dependable, consistent, reliable and versatile. Absolutely loved him.
32 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:04 PM

Cupid
I think the only reason manure didnt rotate the back 4 much is because of long term injuries to vidic and frequent injuries to smalling and jones when all are fit to be fair they rotate heavily during cup competitions and even league matches depending opposition and champions league, they often had to use players like carrick and valencia in there back 4 and im pretty sure fergie blamed there injuries and not being able to rotate the squad as much on there CL exit
33 LGFUAD21 // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:04 PM

In response you your last article ed.

That was a nice insight into the inner workings of Ed Harrison.

1) You were clearly a grounded man even at 15 not choosing education over pursuit of football.
2) Pele was the greatest player I would literally sell my kidney to have ever seen.
4) Gascoigne never reached his full potential. Which is a shame because he was a brilliant player.
7) So happy you said Ronaldo and not Messi. On that debate, he is a much more rounded player than his often media placed rival.
Did not know we were interested back then either.
And you are right. one thing that also puts him above Messi in the “who is the best player at the moment?” is that he was great in the Premier League also.
8) Lambert is a great manager. Apparently very hands on too with the whole way the club is so not sure he would survive long at Newcastle. If it wasnt Pards I would have to say Brian Clough, that is providing that Mike is actually investing money into bringing back the dead rather than on players. I’d also have to say that I think Martinez could probably do a great job with some more funds. He has picked out a few good players that have gone on to success elsewhere. But mainly because under the set up with Carr, he could bring the technical side that we sometimes appear to lack.

9) While it would be nice to have some more success. I would personally feel no honour in having a rich owner buy it for us. Would rather build to it along the Arsenal approach.

13) Purely speculation but I think the board would agree and we will see some investment come January. Who knows, maybe some deals have already been struck.

16) That goal brought Maradonna to mind for me. I would agree.
18) I got shot down for being “anti-england” when I once proclaimed England will never win a major trophy in my lifetime. I hope I am proved wrong of course.
34 dave 1961 // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:08 PM

corporate hospitality seems to be booming at the moment, the clubs building 6 new boxes, £2,000+ vat per game or £25,000+ vat per season for a ten person box, wonder what the wife would say if i got her one for her birthday?
35 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:08 PM

LFGUAD21 (what does that stand for by the way always wondered)

Yeah was a nice insight into the legend that is ED!
Personally if pards wasnt here my heart says clarky but my head says moyes
36 cupiddstunt // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:17 PM

Tads @ # 32

You may have a point there we often only see what we want to see.

Or another way is we see what suits us at the time so do not look beyond it.

I read the comment and did not look beyond it as did not feel the need
37 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:32 PM

Cupid
Dint get me wrong i get the theory in the fact the back four dont run as much during the games so should be able to play more etc. but when you look at our current back four santon should be ok the lads a proper athlete, perch is a great player but has he played often enough in the last 3 years to be physically up to playing 3 games within 7 days? Willo i’d say is solid but not really an athlete and stevie taylor is possibly the most injury prone player on the books and we could be pushing are luck playing him that many times in a week thought tav or good or fergie might of played to 90 last night
38 LGFUAD21 // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:35 PM

toonarmydownsouth

Moyes would be there if I didnt think it would be impossible to get him away from Everton.

LGFUAD is a song title from this band called Motion City Soundtrack. It stands for Lets Get F**k*d Up and Die. Which I understand sounds a little silly. You have to hear the song to understand it i guess. It’s not some emo “i hate my life song”.

The 21 is there because it’s my lucky number.

I picked this as a username for another site like 6 years ago, i have no idea why i thought it was a good name. and it’s stuck. I use it as my username for everything to keep things simple.

Really wish I could change it now.
39 Thump // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:42 PM

So who’s the joker who voted for Willo?
40 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 21, 2012 at 2:43 PM

LGFUAD21
Haha cheers mate no need to change it, makes ya stand out!!
41 Ian Toon // Sep 21, 2012 at 3:04 PM

Carryingcoals- good to have read such positive comments on Gosling.
It was a long road back for him and thrilled that finally we see glimpses of what he is capable off. Thought your piece was well balanced and with no obvious bias-LOL
42 Rake // Sep 21, 2012 at 3:07 PM

Motion City Soundtrack a literal soundtrack to my youth.

I don’t often post but to me Vuckic needs time to mature physically before we will ever see him succeed at newcastle. Talented lad but seems a bit frail.
Obertan for me isn’t a winger we should use him as a striker, i was abit in shock watching every attempted cross never getting near head height…
Bigi for me is very much like Anita but due to Bigi’s game time last year for Coventry i think he deals with the pace of the game in midfield better than Anita as it currently stands.

Amalfitano looks like a great player can beat a player with skill which is hugely important just needs a season or two in cup games.

Gosling has some real critics on this blog. For me he could be a real solid player in the Kevin Nolan mold. The fact he’s also English for me is always a plus the more English lads in the team the better. But i do love our french piece de resistance.
43 Ian Toon // Sep 21, 2012 at 3:25 PM

Shane- He could play anywhere across the back four. Souness sold him for £ im.
44 LGFUAD21 // Sep 21, 2012 at 4:05 PM

Rake

Agree with you pretty much 100%

My earlier point about Gosling is pretty much the same. I just feel bad for him because He will struglle to get in that midfield with Tiote, Cabaye, Anita, Bigi plus when you have Amalfitano who I see more in the centre of the park and the possibility of Jonas being converted there. With Pard’s tendency to play both Ba and Cisse.

Vuckic has struggle to get into all of his recent games. You could see on his face that he was upset by his contribution to the game.
45 check the toastie // Sep 21, 2012 at 4:11 PM

Gosling will never make it at NUFC, doesnt have enough speed of thought and pace. Cant fault the lad for effort but not good enough.
46 LGFUAD21 // Sep 21, 2012 at 5:32 PM

Ive not heard about this Abeid stuff. What has he done?
47 Nufc-83 // Sep 21, 2012 at 5:48 PM

Totally agreed check gosling has no stand out attributes that are required of a cm in a good prem side.
48 tarie4 // Sep 21, 2012 at 5:48 PM

check the toastie

That’s a bold statement, so pple this time last year said the same about perch, and look how that turned out.
Oberton last season hardly got to the by line, or beat his man. He is doing it more regularly now, although his crossing is poor, but there is a clear improvement.
I still think gosling has a future with us, maybe not as a starter, but still an important cog in the team.
49 Ian Toon // Sep 21, 2012 at 6:43 PM

It’s always good to see the reinvention of a football fan. What am I talking about! Well those fans who thought Rob Elliot was a Fred Karn’s circus waiting to happen. At least some of them were man enough to recognise that maybe he does have something to offer.
Jimmy Magpie- Catching up on your earlier posts. If you had been managing Arsenal when Thierry Henry was signed you would have bombed him out after a few months and clubland fans would have missed his superb time there. It’s said that it takes Carr on average at least ten checks on a player before he would consider recommending
them to the Toon. But your quite happy to. Write of half the squad( I exaggerate for emphasis) having watched them a few times. Players foreign and domestic need time to adjust to the rigours of the EPL.
I too have not been overly impressed with Amalfitano but give him time.
Armchair critics -to many to mention individually
You should recognise that you don’t always pick up on individuals
contributions when their not physically on the ball. Such as, the provision of defensive cover, running of the ball, dummy runs and tracking players to prevent switch play etc. Those that made fatuous
comments on Gosling ‘s contribution to the team last night. Begrudgingly given after Pardew had praised him. ” He might do a lot of running but what does he do”. Clueless.
50 Ian Toon // Sep 21, 2012 at 6:44 PM

Karno’s.
51 check the toastie // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:04 PM

Tarie – bold statement maybe, but true, you can tell the lad hasnt got what it takes, think he could do a Nolan role in a team that flitters around the lower part of the PL, but as for taking NUFC forward, no way.

Think inside Obertan is a really top player trying to break out, however it is taking some time, personally didnt think he did too bad last year, people jumped on the bandwagon and started slating him, he needs people to give him a break, its pretty clear his character is flaky.

Perch always had it, people wrote him off after a few games in the PL, playing in front of the largest crowd he ever played in front of, he has turned it round but never really understood the criticism he got either.

Vuckic is struggling currently, not sure he has what it takes either but at least he has a rasping shot, just needs to be a bit braver, offer a bit more and improve his fitness, not much really, he really does lack pace.
52 G // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:11 PM

Bit harsh on Gosling I feel. It’s fair enough I suppose, as he hasn’t been at his best in a toon top yet. Give him time though, and he will come good. When he was at Everton he was playing very much in a similar role to how Scott Parker was playing for us. If he can get his mojo back, we will have a gem there.
53 tarie4 // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:13 PM

check the toastie

“Tarie – bold statement maybe, but true, you can tell the lad hasnt got what it takes, think he could do a Nolan role in a team that flitters around the lower part of the PL, but as for taking NUFC forward, no way.”

What qualifies U to state that though?? I would rather trust AP than U. If AP believes he does not have what it takes to take us forward then yes, he will be sold.

“Perch always had it, people wrote him off after a few games in the PL, playing in front of the largest crowd he ever played in front of, he has turned it round but never really understood the criticism he got either.”

So U can sew that Perch had it in him, but gosling U can’t??? Wow. Talk rubbish much?? how many games has gosling played for us??? And U have written him of completely. Wow
54 Novocastrian66 // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:16 PM

Looking forward to saying a big thaks to Chris Hughton on Sunday. What he achieved at Newcastle was remarkable in my opinion.
He galvanised the club and the fans during a tumultuous period in our recent history.
55 Nufc-83 // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:22 PM

The thing with gosling is when we first signed him i thought we had a real young talent on our hands. I have a large amount of friends who are everton fans and so i obviously asked their opinion and was shocked that all of them said he was a poor to average player had no stand out attributes and didn’t even have a set position. I took this as sour grapes but was constantly being told hes only hyped because of the goal he scored. Then i seen the lad play and to say i am shocked at how woeful he is would be an understatement. Even if he improved 100% he would still be nowhere near our 1st team. If bigi improved he100% he would imo be one of the best cms in the country and that’s the difference.
56 Pushy Pardew // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:22 PM

Ian Toon
Dont know whether your still around . Soon to be meeting up with mates from my sunday football. Decent pint and a bit of crack, a number were with me at Goodison. Have not been on here for a few days. Still find it hard to believe that
the majority are our fans . I used to read the blog 3-4 years ago and Ed used to regularly comment on posts and there was a real fan spirit. i thought we had shed all the baggage with relegation. Your post really pressed a few buttons on fan mentality towards the players. Maybe you could post something on that when you’ve
finished the novel-LOL. I fancy us to win comfortably on Sunday. Chris will get a good reception i’m sure.
57 bollance // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:33 PM

Cheese toastie

Gosling started and played full game on Tuesday night and started on Thursday night. Just thought it should be brought to your attention
58 G // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:35 PM

Agree it will be good to see CH here again. Not too many ex-managers who could get a standing ovation from us. I wouldn’t mind seeing him do really well with Norwich, but obviously not too well this weekend.
59 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:41 PM

@ Bollance

“Cheese Toastie” are you being condescending or was it a mistake ?
60 Nufc-83 // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:44 PM

Bollance who gives doesn’t make a masssive difference to his playing level just he may tire quicker in which it looked the opposite as he prob covered more ground than he ever has for us.
61 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:46 PM

I am very worried about Vuckic and Gosling like. Skill wise they seem behind a few of our other youngsters and both seem to be made of glass. I reckon if they do not make a big impact this season it could be their last at the club
62 bollance // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:52 PM

Pappa / nufc83

The reference made to check the toastie because check was adamant that no player starting on tuesday would start Sunday. I disagreed and bet grafton83′s £25 that he would b wrong.

To clear things up Gosling is in the team because he is young and English which makes him more valuable then other players but only if he comes good. Will he come good? No.

Of course I would love to see him succeed. He gives 100% for our team but something just isn’t right. He was a hot prospec at everton. When CH signed him it was a bit of a coup.

The only thing gosling has going for him is that he puts it in and has an eye for goal. We need pards to work a miracle on this one.
63 bollance // Sep 21, 2012 at 7:56 PM

Sorry – no player starting on Tuesday would start thursday
64 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 21, 2012 at 8:30 PM

Yeah, Vuckic, Gosling, Tavs and in his turn Abeid, good young players like these reach a certain age and get a window of opportunity that only stays open for so long. It’s just the way it has to be. We’d be doing well if only one of them becomes a regular in the match day squad.. Even Fergie, good young player but more will be expected of him and if he doesn’t deliver another top youngster will take his place. I’m not sure if all young players fully recognize this.