Alan Pardew – I Learned A Lot From Jose Mourinho

10:56 am, Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 by Ed Harrison · 340 Comments

It has been revealed today in an interview in the Evening Chronicle that Alan Pardew studied Jose Mourinho’s methods when he was at Chelsea, and the Newcastle manager says he learned a lot from the manager who was mentored at Barcelona by the great Bobby Robson.

Bobby Robson and Mourinho at Barcelona – 1997

Pardew still keeps in touch with the special one - and he now gets text messages from Jose, and he keeps in touch with the Real Madrid manager.

This is what Alan told the Chronicle this morning:

“I used to watch Chelsea regularly because it was on my doorstep.” “It was when Jose Mourinho was there. There were things that I was seeing that I hadn’t seen in English football before.”

“Some of the managerial traits that he was bringing I’ve learned from.” “And I can’t help but say I’ve nicked a few of them.” “The big managers that I’ve come across and been lucky enough to deal with have influenced me too.”

“The impact of the foreign managers can’t be lost on my education. Arsene Wenger is another.” “There are a few people who have influenced me throughout my career – Steve Coppell for sure.”

“Unfortunately Jose is not in the country at the moment, but hopefully he will be coming back here soon.” “Pep will be, too. And then we really will have the best coaches in the world.”

“That’s the one beauty about this country – we’ve had a melting pot of the best coaches. That’s why it is the best league in the world.”

When Bobby took over at Newcastle in 1999 he tried to get an unknown coach named Jose Mourinho to join him as the Assistant manager, after he had been with Bobby at Barcelona, but Jose had visions of becoming a full-time manager himself and turned down the offer.

But Bobby had also been impressed with one of the coaches already at Newcastle – a young John Carver – and Bobby was happy to appoint Carver as his Assistant Manager, and of course the two of them steered Newcastle to the Champions League in Bobby’s last two seasons as manager.

And John is now doing a great job as backup to Alan Pardew.

Newcastle have an excellent coaching staff at the club right now – and long may that continue, because we need to get back into that Champions League – and we can do it too.

Comments welcome.

You can also reach Ed at admin@nufcblog.com

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Tags: Coaching · Newcastle News

340 responses so far ↓

1 Grafton83 // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:10 AM

I don’t want to be the last person in the World to say this so here it is:

I too learnt a lot from Jose and Bobby, everything I know about managing my department of 3 people I learnt from them.

Glad I got that off my chest
2 Grafton83 // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:12 AM

1st as well, Ofcourse I’m dedicating that achievement to my great mentors.
3 blew // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:15 AM

Send JM a text Pards and ask him how to motivate a midfield
4 Quasi.modo // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:19 AM

So the poor performance of our midfield on Sunday was Pardew’s fault? I certainly hope that the players themselves don’t have that attitude as it stinks.

I hope Cabaye has been busting himself in training since and not sat moaning and blaming Pardew for his poor performance and I would strongly suggest that out of the two possibilities the latter is more likely as he is a professional footballer with common sense. If he plays badly it is his fault, not Pards.

Like it or not you can’t blame Pards for everything.
5 Grafton83 // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:22 AM

I watched the Liverpool Everton game at the weekend and seeing the crosses players like Leighton Baines were pumping into the box made me think why don’t we ever appear that dangerous from the wings.

I honestly think young Ferguson is the only one who can cross. It would make such a difference to our side if we could fix that.
6 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:35 AM

The setup here at NUFC is really great – we just need to find the right formular (and if Pards have learned something from Jose, then it is time to put it into motion )

…common Pards, I have seen you do it don’ be shy! lol
7 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:38 AM

Grafton…I agree we don’t have many players who are natural crossers, but you can setup your game play differently – you don’t need to rely on crosses.

…maybe that is what we have too do (though I like a hybrid formation so I would like to see Fergy in our lineup think he adds quite alot from either the wing or fullback)
8 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:39 AM

Baines truly is England’s best player. He’s so exciting to watch and consistent too. Well gutted we won’t be going for him.
9 TorqToon // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:43 AM

Morning gents! On sissoko –

Mark my words lads, Sissoko is a QUALITY player!!! I spend a lot of time working in France and have seen and heard plenty about this lad. Should he sign, he will well an truly take us to the next level. Even the great Zidane speaks very highly of him of potential to be one of the best in a France shirt.

He is strong, composed, skilful and dictates play with apparent ease. He is great in the tackle and positionally superb. I would risk a backlash here…but I would state that he has more refined attributes than Mr T and is only 23. Along with a better diciplinary record.

I hope Cheik stays with us, but either way, bringing this lad in would be a hell of a coup!!!

Truly a MASSIVE signing!!
10 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:45 AM

Off topic but this is why i hate liverpool and everything about them..

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11671/8210338/Liverpool-captain-Steven-Gerrard-has-dismissed-Everton-as-a-long-ball-team

Shock horror they cant except that everton are actually a better team than them, Steven gerrard you good sir are a idiot.
11 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:46 AM

Sounds good torq. I must admit I don’t know much about him at all.

Very exciting if true.
12 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:48 AM

Repost
Would love to see this lad on tyneside nice to be linked with a player rather than our players leaving!!

By the way
http://www.nufcblog.com/2012/10/30/newcastle-dont-have-the-hang-of-this-thursday-sunday-stuff/

Apart from dannyo did any one who posted actually read the article or just read the headline?
At what point did pardew say the players were tired from playing on a thursday? Simple he didnt he’s saying the club are struggling to fit in with training with two different styles of tactics for upcoming games!
13 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:49 AM

Torq…been in Toulouse lately mate?
14 wolfshead@toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:49 AM

we nearly had the special one as asst manager wow didnt know that
15 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:50 AM

Rainrix…there are plenty of reasons to hate Liverpool just go on to teamtalk’s rumor room and have a read (you’ll hate the fans as well lol)
16 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:53 AM

Jesper… I already hate the fans as it is. I imagine if i go on there i’ll end up wanting to go to a high place in liverpool with a sniper rifle
17 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:55 AM

TADS…read the article, but I don’t think I commented on it!

…it is not always easy being Pardew, but he needs to find a way to make it all work (that’s his task at hand, might not always be easy, but that’s life).

…he might need to sacrifice something along the way to make it all work – others have done it before him and others will most definitely do it after him.

…from where I am sitting training is the least of his problems (but hi I am on the sofa I know lol)
18 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:58 AM

Rainrix…you probably will lol

..I don’ really hate the club that much (don’t really care for it) but I really really really hate their fanbase

—I hate Tottenham though (always have and always will )
19 Grafton83 // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:03 PM

Jesper I think how ever you set up being able to put crosses in will be part of ever match at one point or another. Fergie has created a number of good chances with his crosses recently.

Is Santon naturally right footed, if he is then we’d probably see some better crosses from him if he plays at RB.

As for wingers Obertan is probably never going to develop that part of his game, Jonas hasn’t got a killer cross on him either. Therefor if no1 else leaves then two wingers who can cross would be my priority in January.
20 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:05 PM

Jesper… I know what you mean about the fans. The seem to have a sort of undeserved sense of entitlement because they’ve won the league 17 times.

I generally just hate everything about them, theres a show on channel
5 over here in the UK about them which is just pure tripe and propaganda. I wonder how much the upper echelons of liverpool payed for it.

Also i agree about tottenham, although i hate them less now that old leatherface isn’t there
21 Grafton83 // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:06 PM

Sell Obertan, Marveux and utalise Jonas somewhere else. That would be my plan
22 santonthenewmaldini // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:11 PM

Got a couple of mates from University who are Liverpool fans and the way they go on before games on Facebook is shocking you would think they were top of the league!!

AND THEY WE ARE DELUDED!!

Really hope we beat them i think Santon and Colo will snuff out Sterling and Suarez no problem its just that bell end Gerard he always seems to score against us
23 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:12 PM

Grafton.. I agree I think with our current players, we do have to go through the wings. Cabaye and tiote are hardly pacey/tricky so we cant really go down the centre unless cabaye plays a killer ball through, and that really is easier said than done, although cabayes more than capable.

Given our current wingers, id reckon we’d be better off beating the Fb and drilling low crosses in hard. That way ba and cisse can use there feet, which is what they’re best at.

Counterattacking is something else to consider, but the only time ive really seen it come off was WBA away last season.
24 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:22 PM

I think we’ll do alot better with throughballs than crosses – the only player that can cross is Fergy and Benny is much better at going inside (not so sure what either Obertan or Marv is good at )

…sammy is good at going inside as well
25 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:23 PM

I think use obertan and fergie wide, have Ba or cisse through the middle with Ben arfa and cabaye playin behind to make runs past him or play him through, then have tiote holding.
26 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:25 PM

That way we have options, if teams squeeze narrow to crowd cabaye and Ben arfa, obertan and fergie can exploit the flanks.

If teams cover the wide men it leaves room for cabaye and Ben arfa in the middle
27 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:28 PM

I have been toying with idea of a 4-4-2 diamond style formation without wings (since Pardew is clearly not going to ‘kill his darling’ anytime soon ).

…I am not completely sure if we could pull it off, but I would like to see it with both Fergy and Santon at fullback delivering the crosses.
28 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:47 PM

Jesper

A similar 442 diamond to what man utd have been playing?
29 bettyswallocks // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:48 PM

I wasnt suggesting we sack Pardew forthwith just pointing out that the style of football we are watching is not entertaining .

As a long term solution we need maybe a more modern thinking coach to work alongside Pardew.

I think if we were all honest it would be agreed that Pardews system never loks like scoring lots of goals and hammering a team 4 or 5 nil.

To me that is exciting and entertaining. Why shouldn t we expect that.
30 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:52 PM

TS…I think so; I am not sure the construct their midfield though, but idea is to bridge the gap between MF and att. defense and MF and extra firepower from the fullback when we go forward.

The anchorman in MF makes sure we don’ get overrun on counter attacks.

Benny gets to play as a #10 and Ba and Cisse/Shola can go wide if necessarily
31 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:53 PM

* should have read ‘I am not sure how they construct their MF’
32 santonthenewmaldini // Oct 30, 2012 at 12:59 PM

It might not be a bad idea looking at getting a coach in to work with Pardew

Remember when Man Utd had that Queiroz as assistant they were really entertaining and had Ronaldo and Tevez in that team

Now its Mike Phelan and they have more British players and they are not that good to watch!

We should get Phillipe Albert or Ginola as assistant they could show the team a thing or 2 about entertaining!
33 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 1:20 PM

Ed…I think this thread is dead

…can we please have a new one!
34 lesh // Oct 30, 2012 at 1:53 PM

Rainrix…. it’s not as though our scouse friends have a sense of entitlement becuase they’ve been champs a number of times, it’s something that’s difficult to put a finger on other than that they feel a sense of entitlement period. No matter what, always the victims, they’re always the wronged, ever seeking sympathy.

It’s fair to say that a lt of ‘em are balanced…. with a chip on each shoulder!!!
35 lesh // Oct 30, 2012 at 1:53 PM

Rainrix…. it’s not as though our scouse friends have a sense of entitlement becuase they’ve been champs a number of times, it’s something that’s difficult to put a finger on other than that they feel a sense of entitlement period. No matter what, always the victims, they’re always the wronged, ever seeking sympathy.

It’s fair to say that a lot of ‘em are balanced…. with a chip on each shoulder!!!
36 lesh // Oct 30, 2012 at 1:54 PM

* It’s fair to say that a lot of ‘em are well balanced…. with a chip on each shoulder!!!
37 lesh // Oct 30, 2012 at 1:56 PM

Whoops, and before anybody says it, if I appeared to be going daft a bit it’s because my comment seemed to take forever to upload!
38 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:09 PM

@lesh
You have my sympathy . .
39 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:12 PM

lesh… The blog police lets you off for quad posting.

I know what you mean, horribly whiny supporters. I’ve always felt it comes from them winning the league and champions league, such as they feel entitled to it, man united are similar in that sense.

I don’t know maybe they’re just horribly deluded. The accent doesn’t help either
40 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:14 PM

I think we should be worried about ED
- Most of the USA has been washed away by a super-storm, and I think large parts of New York have dissolved.
41 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:18 PM

. . . well that’s what I heard on Fox News
42 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:24 PM

I think the comments about pardew seem fair.

We do play a dull, efficient game, not an entertaining, taking on anyone style.

He says he learnt from mourinho, his Chelsea team was renowned for being boring but ruthless. They won the title playing tight, defensive football.

It’s had taken mourinho a move to Madrid where a trophy means nothing if won being negative to get him to open up more.

Maybe pardew just worries our defensive is too weak to let all our stars off the leash anymore than they are.
43 Deadpool // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:27 PM

Guti is the problem in the 4-4-2.

Always tracking back, giving 110% but not offering any quality going forwards.

With Danny Simpsons refusal to attack up the right and Santon being the only option on the left we are unbalanced and offer little to the front 2.

Cabaye and Tiote are both poor in a 2 man midfield but are world class in a 3. Why play 4-4-2 when it’s so fcuking obvious what we need!

Pardew is at fault, he chooses the formation, chooses to blunt Ben Arfas brilliance and refuses to drop Jonas despite him being 2 stone overweight and offering little more than effort.

Pardew would rather get by scraping past opponents by the odd goal than actually playing positively and taking the game to the opposition.

He will lead us nowhere. Neither will Ashley. We are doomed to boredom for 8 years unless we find a saviour.
44 Dannyo // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:41 PM

@Transfer Sage
I think u are right in your estimate, and AP pointed this out last season when saying why he didn’t field HBA like we all wanted.
It’s due to a not tight enough defense.
This year, HBA is much better at holding the ball in the team, altho not the greatest. But he creates allot, which is his role.
But it comes with a risk, but AP cannot afford to not take that risk.

Altho i like seeing Tiote and Biggie together, it’s bound to be a boring game with them in the middle of a 4-4-2. They’re not creative in the same manner.
Jonas is going into a similar mold with his age, but he’s no Tiote.

If we want more attacking threat, then the Fergy type is the way to go. Can help defend, but fantastically attackminded too. Plus he’s got the best left foot in the squad.
45 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:41 PM

TorqToon

He is not a DM and is not the same type of player as Tiote. And his tackling isn’t great. Just because he is black and 6’2 doesn’t mean he can tackle well. In fact his tackling is bad and it doesn’t matter because he is a box to box play maker who prefers attacking much more than defending. Also in France’s last game against Spain he played like 30 minutes as a Right Winger!!. And he played very well.

Just the fact that you are comparing him to Tiote and implying that he will be his replacement shows that you’ve never seen him play and you are making things just up to look cool.
46 Deadpool // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:51 PM

Ashton you massive prick

Torqtoon doesn’t say he is like Tiote he said he has more refined attributes and a better disciplinary record.

You stupid looking oaf. You’d better think before you talk fool.

We won’t sign Sissokho anyway. More bull shite. I think he’ll end up like Debuchy, Douglas and the rest
47 surreytoon // Oct 30, 2012 at 2:58 PM

With Obertan on the wing we always look more of a threat. With Guti on the wing we have better defensive qualities as he attempts to shield the ball and pick a short pass and often gets fouled in the process.

As for central midfield I haven’t seen Cabaye take hold of a game for a while. Tiote is unlikely to pick a killer pass and seems to think his job is purely to break down an opponents attack or take the ball away. Despite midfield being our most well stocked area, currently it is weak. Bigi at the moment seems a better bet than Tiote, but Pards seems to want a pure destroyer and goes for Perch.
48 Quasi.modo // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:00 PM

Ashton being a total d!ckhead today again?

Cue rants of how we all know nothing about football and should bow to his superior knowledge. Remind me why everyone should be entitled an opinion again?
49 surreytoon // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:02 PM

Also, unless you have a super confident and capable midfielder like Scholes or Wilshere, you can’t seem to get away with a lack of height and build in the centre. We miss a Gary Speed type player (God rest his soul) who can pick up the ball, protect it long enough to pick a forward pass.
50 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:03 PM

Deadpool

lol did I touch a nerve there? Why are you so mad?

He is clearly comparing him to Tiote and if you can’t see that then I suggest that you try to improve your reading comprehension before looking like a rambling fool. Also he said”He is great in the tackle” which he isn’t! But you and him wouldn’t know that. Because you’ve never seen him play.
51 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:05 PM

How about this formation with everyone fit ?

———————Krul————————

–Simpson—Taylor——-Collocini—-Santon–

———————Tiote———————–

——HBA———Cabaye———Anita——-

————-Cisse————Ba—————-

With the 4-1-3-2 and Ben Arfa, Cabaye and Anita in midfield the passing range would be great and hopefully create more chances for the Demba’s which for me has been one of our biggest problems this season.
52 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:07 PM

Quasi
Aye and apparantly now skin colour is massivly dependant on your ability to tackle ppl

Oh and at no point did TorqToon say he was a CDM he said he has better all rounded attriubutes than tiote and doubt he’s “making stuuf up too look cool” because
A) no one looks cool a here your just letters on a screen
B) has always given a heads up on up and coming players in Ligue1 and seemed to know alot about amalfitano and the deal before the club said much about it
53 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:07 PM

Quasi.modo

He wasn’t sharing an opinion. He was projecting pseudo facts. He is just lying.
54 dead man walkin // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:14 PM

sorry for the repost, but yesterday it was waiting moderation
first time poster

im a fan for more than 30 year andd a season ticket holder for 16 year now, and i can honestly say, something is not right with our team

i hate the idea of changing managers again,, but he is gona make pretty hard for himself if he continues on this path he seems to be walking,,

yesterday he said after the match in his interview that we had just played thursday,, i hope he ment the club had played thursday,, tired legs out there,, ?? these guys are professional footballers that live a very pampered life style, and on top of that we are only 9 games into a new season,,
most of that team had had a weeks full rest,, only training,, or lack of training as it is starting to look like, we can not pass to each other, we can not hold onto the ball,

me and a lot of guys around me are baffled by team fornations and team selections tactics and substitutions , and now questions are starting to be asked if he knows what he is doing,, that game yesterday was the worst game i have seen at SJP in a long time, and i just dont know which game some ppl where watching in the first half to say we just shaded it,, that is so far from the truth,, we had a couple of chances,, but we where being tought how to pass the ball by an average team in our own home,,, the second half only got worse,,

last season we carried a fair bit of luck, and its followed us into this season, which is great, we all need it,, but that has got us as many points as his tactics have

im not sure what he is trying to prove by playing so many of our footballer out of position, in every match players are swapping like it is musical chairs,, now there was a time wen the 2 wingers would switch,, but pardew has taken 3 steps on from that, there isnt many of our team that finish the game where they started it,

he can blame injuries all he wants , but we have a good squad of players, that for some reason he has split into 2 groups, europe and league,, the european squad looks a better one than the league one, right now, but why wont he mix them up and come up with a great team for the league

yesterday,, jonas, he is being made to look like a joke, and that is a shame, because i know he is a good footballer,
perch, out of all the players that have had a bad start to there NUFC carreer, he has improved the most, but only in tackling,, he can not pass 5 yards,, his highlight yesterday was a pass with the outside of his foot,

sorry i can not see any improvement in Obertan, still runs fast, he tried 2 crosses yesterday but sent them accross like bullets,, an outlet holds onto the ball,, he just runs into trouble, step over step over loses the ball

williamson, a big brick, slips trips and falls,, thats who he is,
shola,, is he really a right side of a 3 up front,, now as much as i dont think Obertan is any good,, he would have been more suited out there, sholas game is now flick ons, from long balls,, but he got a game because of being subed and walking down the tunnel against the scum
i hear ppl on hear say we are give someone a tanking soon,, im sorry but unless we get a few pens in there we will never score more than 3,, we nearly always score, then sit and defend and try counter attack football,

im sorry, but pardew needs to shapen up soon, or he will lose the fans,,

we are making very good footballers look like league one footballes, and i know we have good players

jonh dahl thomason is a good example of us playing a guy out of position and making him look poor,, he left us and had a great carreer ,, lets not lose some of our good footballers this way please
55 Super Magpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:14 PM

On the subject of Sissoko…

Is he more like a Yaya Toure type of player who can drive through teams at will? I’ve never saw him play so wouldn’t know how good he is.

Although, if Fifa 12 was anything to go by, he was an animal.
56 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:21 PM

toonarmydownsouth

“Aye and apparantly now skin colour is massivly dependant on your ability to tackle ppl”

lol your friend Torq was insinuating that notion in an abstract and obsolete way. And I told him to not do that( omg he is big and black so he must be good in the tackle!!!!” Because that doesn’t necessarily mean he is. But you just struggle to understand this simple idea because you are too stupid to do so. I shouldn’t be surprised anymore by your massive lack of any coherent and rational analyzing to anything I say. But you just surprise every time.
57 surreytoon // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:21 PM

@Big Papa

Certainly worth a try. We are not getting anything from the wings anyway, and with that midfield we make be able to retain the ball and string a few passes together.
58 Super Magpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:24 PM

@54

Some very good points there, I wouldn’t go as far to say Pardew should walk if things continue like they are though.

I don’t like him blaming us playing Thursdays too. If he realised we would struggle he should be screaming at Ashley and Llambias for some money to spend. Everyone knows our squad is too small, injuries have only worsened things.

That 2nd performance performance on Sunday was pathetic. There was no rhythm, no movement and no energy. We actually started in a 4-3-3 yesterday like I wanted us to. But Shola RW? He’s never going to beat his man there. He put a decent ball in which should’ve been scored to his credit.

Tactics need to change. I think there’s also some complacency in the camp. We’ll get beaten on Sunday if we sharpen up because Liverpool seem to clicking atm.
59 dead man walkin // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:25 PM

one point on this article

maybe he should have said this when his team is playing a bit better than it is right now,, as it look like he is getting coaching tips from a sunday pub team manager
60 Super Magpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:26 PM

If we don’t sharpen up*
61 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:27 PM

Ahton , torq never insinuated anything, he stated he was a good tackler. You brought up the colour issue. It is possible to disagree with someone without suggesting they are an idiot.
62 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:28 PM

dead man walkin

I agree. The timing of such an interview is comical to say the least.
63 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:30 PM

I think we do play better when we haven’t had a europa game midweek. Against sunderland we played really well until tiote went. Then against WBA we played rubbish really. The extra prep time really does make a difference. If only UEFA would switch europa games to Wednesday or tuesday, then maybe things would be easier
64 Krul to be Kind // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:31 PM

on formations I believe we look fantastic playing a 433 variation but lack something which i can’t work out but when we play 442 it’s far from easy on the eye yet effective to a point, look at the bruge game, 433 first half (played well, easy to watch but no goals) then revert straight back to 442 at half time (scored a goal but gruesome to watch).

I think we will eventually become a 433 side but don’t quite think we are ready for it as yet as a squad ufortunately
65 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:32 PM

Hello all,

Have I picked a good time to pop on?

Tads…What is this nonsense about not being able to look cool and just being words on a screen? Of all the things I’ve read on here, that insults the most.

Deadpool…You’ve made some interested points on Pardew etc, incidentally not ones I agree with, but good points all the same. Imo, I think you’re being a little bit too cold cut with your analysis of him. Yes, at the end of the day, he is the manager, that is a given and to some extent removes any argument, but to me, it’s not really a rational way to win a debate. I don’t agree that we’re in for 8 years of boredom, I completely buy in to the point made above (believe it was Torq, but being too lazy to check) that he isn’t too confident in his defense (and possibly team overall) as he likes to make out. Therefore, he’s “playing it safe”, or at least what he deems safe, until a point in time where he feels he can loosen the shackles and try and dominate games.

I fully expect our style and performances to pick up this season and in to the future. I sure am glad though that he seems to be able to do the dirty stuff when required, that is an aspect of a big club – being able to grind out points from poor performances. Not what we want to see each week, please don’t think that’s what I want, but if this is the slump, that would indicate good things to me – I have been called somewhat delusional in the past though.

That felt good….didn’t think I had missed the blog this weekend, but now I’ve started typing….oooh yeah. Back to therapy for me.
66 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:34 PM

tequilamag

He wasn’t directly implying that of course. But my point was to showcase how redundant such an idea is. If there was such an idea in the first place!. Because he is not a great tackler and when he tells us that he is in fact a great tackler. It just makes no sense other than looking at his size and color and going “wow he is a great tackler!”. Do understand?
67 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:34 PM

Ashton
In no way did torqtoon suggest that and if thats something youve concieved from his post that suggest more about your small minded backwards mindset
Also notice how i was talking around you rather than too you, this because your incapable of having any for of discussion or debate without insult, probably to do with the above mentioned mindset

But these are for you

http://talentspotter.fourfourtwo.com/blogs/thespotter/scoutedtoulousemidfieldermoussasissoko.aspx

http://thefootballasylum.com/premier-league/liverpool/scouting-report-moussa-sissoko/

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moussa_Sissoko

http://www.tomwfootball.com/tag/moussa-sissoko/

Well all of these reports suggest that the lad is great box to box midfielder with fantastic defensive duties and continually claim the lad is tough in the tackle and has brilliant timing

“Ashton
Oct 30 – 3:07 PM
Quasi.modo

He wasn’t sharing an opinion. He was projecting pseudo facts. He is just lying.”

Think that describes your posts more than torqtoons and perhaps if you are to keep telling people to inprove there reading comprehension maybe you should learn what it means

No doubt this will greeting with a well thought post from you with the usual of “oh your just stupid” “youu prooobbb cannrnnennnttt reeeaadeed thiiissss duuuuuhhhhhhh” try not to drool over your keyboard when your typing it
68 Deadpool // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:35 PM

Deadman

Spot on.

Although I think questions are being asked already and I for one have been asking questions since the beginning of last season.

Too many fans bought into the 11 games unbeaten and the 6 wins in a row. If you look past the results and take away the luck we have had we have easily one of the worst footballing teams in the top 2 leagues of English football with players of immense quality who could make us one of the best teams in the PL if used correctly.
69 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:35 PM

*Do you
70 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:37 PM

ibiza… Thanks for sharing that, now get back on your fence. Good boy!
71 dead man walkin // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:37 PM

Super Magpie

i dont think he will walk or be pushed,
i just think he is making it hard for himself, all this season has not been good,
only europe,

more funds would be great, but using the squad he has would be better right now,,,

one minut the guy says us up here know our football, then the next he telling us we arnt gelling , surely a guy that has been learning from JM can see his tactick are all wrong, and that it is hard to score goals with 9 men in your own half,,

and yes shola is not going to put in many balls like that one very often

on the camp,, im starting to wonder if the team are playing for him,, are they behind him,

i dont know,, but he needs this srorted, or the only drubbing being handed out will be us conceding

one final point about the sunderland game,, i wasnt there but watched on tv,, tiote being sent of is one thing, but if you watch the game,, pardew handed them a rout back, any other team would have killed us off before half time, but sunderland are poor, and wont scor many goals
72 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:39 PM

Ibiza
Well ofcourse your the exception lad theres no way anyone can sit on top a fence with a laptop and look anything less than cool
73 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:41 PM

AAshton, not really, colour is no gauge of how good somebody is at tackling. I dom`t think Torq was suggesting that he must be a good at tackling because he is Big and black. I think it was probably his opinion based on watching the player. Personally I have no idea how good he is at tackling. He may be right or you may be right. Would not be that first time people have disagreed about the relative merits of a player.
74 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:41 PM

You do have to ask yourself what a manager like Martin Jol could get out of our team, playing style wise ?
75 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:42 PM

Afternoon Ibiza how`s it going?
76 Krul to be Kind // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:44 PM

bpc

interesting point, ive always liked Jol, comes across as a football man and his teams play nice football

I do like pardew though and how he always give the fans their place but occassionally comes across a little tactically naive
77 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:45 PM

Tequila
According to those scout reports i posted he’s avery tough tackling CM who can also play CDM and has a proper engine on him
78 dead man walkin // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:45 PM

Deadpool

it was january last year which opened my eyes to pardew, but, when he tucked his lip in and gave into the fans and dropped obertan for HBA, things looked on the up,,

but last jan, BA, tiote went to ACN, and pardew changed the whole set up , to very defensive, again saying one thing and doing another, best is a great striker,, im lucky to have him, but not supporting him with chances

its only one mans opinion, and in no way am i as qualifide as him,, but you dont need to be that smart to see its his stubourness to try new things that is his biggest problem,,
79 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:45 PM

Wtf are all the neggars still doing here? We played badly yes. We won. Bitch about it for a day then move on.

And again, all the people saying that Pardew is blaming players being tired of Thursday, he’s not!! He’s saying its hard to train properly, which it would be.
Monday to Wednesday/Thursday morning – train for Europa game.
Then you only have Friday and Saturday to train for the Sunday game, and if you have just played away on the Thursday, then you can train Friday as you will be travelling. Then if you can’t really train Saturday if you have an away game.
So it is difficult to train properly for both games, so they need to play a much more generic set up in training, which I believe is responsible for our “flat” performances.

And people suggesting Pardew needs to be sacked/ will get sacked soon if we keep going the way we are going? Howay. If we keep going the way we are going we will be in the knockouts of Europa league, and probably around 7th. Hardly sack-worthy is it? Although again I find myself saying that “fans” like that are the reason sir bobby got sacked when we were 5th.

Pardew has done incredible things at this club already, not just finishing 5th, he’s started to build the best nufc squad in 10 years, he broke loads of records last year and he’s the double manager of the season.
Pardew isn’t going anywhere, so either back the team, which includes Pardew, or don’t bother supporting nufc. Ask yourself this though, would you rather stick it though with Pardew through 5 or 6 rough performances, or start the revolving door of managers again and get relegated.
Also, if Pardew goes, who do we bring in? The only available decent managers are redknapp, (who would never come here, and I don’t rate him higher than Pardew,) and pep guardiola (let’s be serious). So there’s No one better than Pardew, not that I would want anyone different.

The persistent negativity is boring, and there is no reason for it. We are 3 points of 5th, we have some very winnable games coming up, we are top of our Europa group, give yer heads a shake will you!
80 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:46 PM

Tequila…Good afternoon. All good here, hope all is swell with you.

Tads….Glad to hear it. Don’t forget that I constantly get a new hair cut – it’s not just the height and laptop that brings all this coolness together.

Rainrix….Oh alright then.
81 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:48 PM

Marveaux is a quality player. He is the best player in the squad in terms of technical ability. His footballing brain is magnificent. He needs to be brought back into the fray, as does Medhi Abeid.
82 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:48 PM

Tads, well I would not be one to turn my nose up at a French international , especially on a free. The only question it raises in my mind is that midfield is the one area we have a lot of competition. Raises the question as to whether it would mean Tiote is on his way out.
83 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:49 PM

tequilamag

Of course color isn’t medium to scale how good someone is when it comes to tackling. It’s absurd! that is the only reason why I think Torq would think Sissoko is good at tackling (not literally). Through an absurd and a nonsense notion. Because I’ve seen him more than 20 times and he isn’t good at tackling.
84 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:49 PM

Dead pool

I still struggle to blame pardew.

What I see, not sure if others share this view, is that we have a good midfield and forwards but the defence is weak.

Pardew pushed for debuchy, Douglas, even mariappa but ultimately the owner/chairman let him down in transfers.

If we had 2 ball playing defended to go along colo and santon we would be much better at playing it out from the back.

Unfortunate, as much as I admire willo and Simmo they struggle worth the short game and bypass the midfield too often.

We don’t have many good options at the back and therefore this limits us.

Teams can get tighter to colo and santon knowing krul can then go long, pass to Simmo/willo or play a risky ball to the two defenders being pressed.

This messes up the balance of the team.

While I still think pardew is too negative picking Jonas over fergie and perch over Anita just for work rate, not for quality in the ball, he is limited as well.

So really I think pardew could so more but he is also not helped entirely well by lack of ability on the ball of some players
85 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:49 PM

Conaldo… Imagine how many neggars we’d have if we’d lost *shivers* the horror
86 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:49 PM

Also – 8 years of boredom, this nufc man, when are things ever normal or boring! watch, we’ll probably go out on Sunday, come back from 3 down to win 7-3. That’s just how Newcastle go man. it’s never boring for long.
87 alanrichie // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:49 PM

@ Dead man walking,

Excellent post. Our team is nothing short of getting cained 5 or 6-0 even against liverpool

Colo and Santon are only decent options in defence at the mo.

Our formations are a joke, playing players everywhere in stupid places, shola right wing sums pardew up at the mo.

Im seriously considering lumping on liverpool beating us this week. I can see it being an absoloute walk in the park for them, where a joke and have been all season, players dont know there roles, there positions and there is now continuaity so nothing to get use to, people are not making runs and not looking commited, Ba looks so pissed off at the mo and Cisse aint firing, Im so worried about our club…
88 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:51 PM

On Martin Jol – A really decent manager imo and probably one of the few somewhat realistic names to have been mentioned. I think a lot of people (not all) when criticising Pardew and saying we need someone else, someone better in, fail to think it through. Firstly, at the time, who would we have got that would have been better? Secondly, who could we get now that would work with the owner and do better in both performances and points achieved.

On that note, just want to say, he’s a clueless puppet and should be thrown out a.s.a.p. Grrrr.
89 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:51 PM

tequila… Well tiote will be away for AFCON, plus injuries and suspensions. Also by the looks of things anitas gonna take some time to adapt, especially if pards intends to play him at CM. Plus an extra body never hurt.
90 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:52 PM

Conaldo
Epic great post!

BPC
Jol is a decent manager and has fulham playing okay football
But look how many players he pissed off! Zamora johnson that russian lad dempsy he had all the ingredients of a decent squad and tbh blew it last season and im amazed he was there at the statt of this season and is not overly popular with the fans there
91 bettyswallocks // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:52 PM

I was just reading the other nufc blog and the statistics of our performances are clearly listed.

The amount of long balls we play, hoofing it back to the opposition etc etd are there for all to see.

We all opposed Big Sams philosophy of dont lose at the expense of trying to win with his direct route one style.
according to the stats we are more route one now.

I dont know the answer but i do know that this type of football for the next 8 yrs. is not very inspiring.
92 dead man walkin // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:53 PM

martin jol,, good choice

you know there are many good coaches in this league right now,, and most of them would kill to have players like
BA/CISSE
HBA/CABAYE/TIOTE
COLO SAYLOR /SANTON
KRUL,

most teams would kill for a good goal scorer,, someone who could get 20 a sason,, i think we have 2,, they need chances made for them,,

ppl talk about systems 442/433, players you have dicktate your style of play,,

we do have the players in our squad to play both of these,, and jonas/perch/shola/obertan are not them,, with each of them its only flashes,, we need closer to 90 mins of football from them

obertan 23/ shola 31 , it wasnt long ago we where saying shola is 23,, he will shine soon,,,

if there not good enough, ship them on, loan or sell them, but play your best team, it gaves you a better chance of winning
93 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:54 PM

Rainrix – I think the blog would have just exploded in a grey cloudy explosion.

I think it’s safe to say, unless we suprise me and beat Liverpool ( I think it will be a really difficult game) this blog will be a dangerous place for anyone of an optimistic nature, or infact anyone who doesn’t think puppies and sunny days are evil.
94 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:57 PM

Ashton, to be fair to Torq he did say he spends a lot of time in France and he based his judgement on that. We both agree colour is no basis on tackling ability so maybe you should also give Torq the benefit of the doubt on that one as well.
Rainrix I would be happy to have them both. Just wondering out loud on the basis of the purple issue.
95 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:57 PM

Okay then. Whilst I recognise Liverpool “could” do some damage, to feel we’re on course for a thrashing is, imo, way off the mark. Where has that come from? Have we been battered so far this season or is this just the game that everyone will finally realise what the smart people of the blog have been saying all season?

For me, it feels as though if you say something long enough eventually you will be proved right. What a way to approach the team you support. Have concerns and voice them by all mean, but for your own sanity, can you not be a little more upbeat?

For me, we have as much chance as wiping the floor with Liverpool as we do having them wipe our floor. I don’t see us tipping the scale one way or another really – if you want to call that mediocre, I can somewhat understand (somewhat, not completely), but some of these remarks are a little bit silly. The current PL leaders and last seasons champions of Europe beat us 2-0, why would Liverpool be beating us 5-0?
96 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:57 PM

Tequila
Agree and disagree perch does a decent job, anita looks some way off first team gos and vuckic i honestly dont believe will be here next season and when tiote or cabs are off form we look desperatly short of ideas in CM
97 rainrix // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:57 PM

Conaldo… Indeed I’m surprised theres so many neggars still lurking around, they’re usually dispersed by now. No doubt if we do win against cesspool they’ll still be here. Oh well
98 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 3:59 PM

Tads – why thankyou. I try to sprinkle a small amount of epicness in all my posts.
99 Super Magpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:01 PM

Dead man walkin

I think Pardew doesn’t like to attack games if Tiote isn’t playing.
He did this last season and we lost 5-2 and 5-0 in the time he was away.

The problem with Tiote is he can’t get a run of games together without getting suspended or injured. There have been worse teams in the league than us though and we can only improve after Sundays performance.
100 bills-son // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:02 PM

dead man walkin – so Pardew who took us to 5th and Europe last season, who has got us to top of our Europa Lge and in the top 10 of the Prem this season (despite injuries which have seen us without 4 of our 1st team back 5 in some games), you question whether Pardew know what he’s doing?? It was all down to luck which has carried on this season??

Get a grip man. Last season in the unbeaten start and the great run near the end of the season we had a settled team – our really iffy spell coincided with Colo, STaylor and Willo all being out injured.

This season we’ve already had Krul, Colo, STaylor and Simmo all out at the same time, Tiote out, and Cisse struggling to find last seasons form. And yet, we are unbeaten in Europe and have lost Prem games only to Chelsea and ManU and we are in the top 10.

It might not have been pretty at times this season but you and others want to look at the positives instead of whinging and moaning about Pardew. There has been no consistent line up to the team this season and that’s hardly Pardews fault is it??

The guy has done a brilliant job and the last thing we need at the club is to start firing and hiring managers again. As tarie4 said yesterday, if Everton had sacked Moyes after a bad start to a season he’d have gone long ago. And they were often in the the bottom 6 after the first few games – we are in the top 10 !!
101 dead man walkin // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:02 PM

Conaldo (The Wizard)

im sorry

but i am one of the most opitmistic ppl in the world,, see good in every thing normally,, but since pardew has taken over, if you believe his words, all is great, but if you watch his actions,, things are not so rosey,,

its very hard to be optimistic when i get to my seat and start watching the same lump it long football,, and im all for winning ugly, but spending the amount of money i and others spend id like some entertainment to,,

trust me,, there are more moans at the ground now than when JFK was the boss,, the only time we seem to cheer is when we score,, it is getting very quiet there
102 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:03 PM

Tads don`t forget Abeid he is much better than Cabaye and should be starting every game.
103 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:05 PM

Ibiza – exactly. Whilst I think it will be difficult, I think we can probably edge a win, but more than likely get a draw. Anfield is a tough place to go, and Liverpool will be hurting of there last game. It will be a good match, and to suggest we will get thrashed is just idiotic. It may happen, as football is a strang game, but to say it on the off chance that you are right, and then do the I told you so thing is just childish and not “fanlike” behaviour.
104 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:07 PM

@ Conaldo

Let me ask you one question. Are you happy with the way the team has been playing for most of last and up until now 10 with the talent we have in our squad ? . Anyone who answers that question yes is either like my dad (sugar coats everything) or doesn’t watch anymore than the highlights on MOTD.

Results wise Pardew has done a brilliant job and I respect him for that but other than our 6 game winning streak last season we have been average at best. Its not as if us fans are wanting a team like stoke to suddenly pass it around like the Spanish national team but with the likes of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Anita, Collocini, Ba, Cisse, Tiote and Santon is it really to far-fetched to question why we seem to knock it long all the time and get out played by the likes of WBA ?
105 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:07 PM

Conaldo
Well congrats good sir it was a huge success!

Agree btw the amount of negativity on here is astonishing! Were top of our group 3 points off 5th having already played utd chelsea and spuds this season with half our first team missing ffs anyone would think were proping up the table!
106 dead man walkin // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:10 PM

bills-son

do yuo watch it on tv or pay for a ticket,, do you see the whole game,,,

injuries,, arrrr is that why we dont create much because we lost our first choice defence??

not the corect long balls going forward??

when i was a lad,, midfield was the main providers of goals,, but you and pardew must know something new,,

listen, defence put to one side,, he has had his first choice midfield and forwards,, and we still dont look like scoring,,

and last season,, yeh yeh,, liverpool and chelsea where imploading, and when i and a few others around me thought we could go for it,, (champions league) pardew seemed to bottle it,
BA should have been playing but not on the left side of 3,, we got nothing from him there
107 Super Magpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:10 PM

Liverpool will be a tough game as always on Sunday. But this is the best chance in years we have of winning there. They are very mediocre and are prone to making mistakes atm. However, they are starting to click and will be up for it like they always are against us.

I can’t remember the last time we won at Anfield, meaning hopefully we are due a win this weekend.
108 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:10 PM

@ Conaldo

Let me ask you one question. Are you happy with the way the team has been playing for most of last season and up until now with the talent we have in our squad ? . Anyone who answers that question yes is either like my dad (sugar coats everything) or doesn’t watch anymore than the highlights on MOTD.

Results wise Pardew has done a brilliant job and I respect him for that but other than our 6 game winning streak last season we have been average at best. Its not as if us fans are wanting a team like stoke to suddenly pass it around like the Spanish national team but with the likes of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Anita, Collocini, Ba, Cisse, Tiote and Santon is it really to far-fetched to question why we seem to knock it long all the time and get out played by the likes of WBA ?
109 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:11 PM

Oh Epic Conaldo the Wizard…I really hope people don’t do it just to say I told you so. Given we would have been defeated, that little moral victory would hardly make me feel any better. I suppose it’s a case of, the only difference between you and I, is I am not you. We all have our opinions, but I do find some of them simply baffling.
110 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:11 PM

tequilamag

He will probably play tonight against Lille. Watch the game and just observe his style of play, you will find out that he plays in a much more advanced role than Tiote and that he isn’t good at tackling.
111 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:12 PM

Ahton, will try and catch the game.
112 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:15 PM

Dead man – the atmosphere was sh1te last year aswell even when we were playing well. I don’t think it has anything to do with how we are playing. The atmosphere has been pathetic for a while now, but that’s a separate issue.

Read bills-son post, he is one of the most levelheaded people on here, and speaks a lot of sense. We haven played great football so far, but it’s not bad ATM, we are in a good place considering injuries and Europe. The style will come back once we get top players back/ in form. Cabaye, cisse, tiote, Jonas, even Ben arfa has been off form really. When we can lay out a first team 11 for a few games in a row, the style, fluidity, and people precious 433 will come back.

Have Patience. Best advice you can give to a toon fan. This will be a long 5-6 years, but of we keep going the way we have the last 4 seasons, there are great things ahead.
We aren’t going to spend tons of money or buy 10-11 players. We will build the squad slowly, and build on the previous seasons work. Stand by it and we will win something in the next 8 years. Get rid of Pardew, start that revolving door again, we will only end up back in the fizzy pop leagues.
113 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:15 PM

bettyswallocks- there’s only one Bettyswallocks . Are you the Bettyswallocks ?
Ibiza- it’s good to see the one and only back by popular demand
Transfer Sage- it’s hardly a surprise that Pardew recognises the weakest part of the side as being the defence and therefore seeks to compensate by having Jonas and others support the back four. Our structure going forward is too predictable with Simpson defensively grounded and the time is ripe for Santon to play on that side and either Jonas or Fergi to play at left full back. Regularly watching Jonas home and away he is and should be a regular starter possibly alongside Perch/Anita . He plays in a disciplined way under orders and single handedly solves structural weaknesses as in the Man Utd game.
The poster who suggested he is 2 stone over weight is clueless and should look at his OPTA stats to appreciate just how much mileage he covers and how much closing down he fulfills. I want us to take a positive approach vLiverpool and get at them because defensively they are vulnerable .
114 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:18 PM

A little hair therapy required

Ability to tackle is related to your hair cut – need I say more ?
115 Munster Mag // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:20 PM

I’ve been a Pards fan since his first press confereance, but I’m getting a little concerned. We were very poor, again, the other day, and the amount of long balls and long diagonals we play is very high. We dont have the right players on the wings to play 4-4-2, and he doesnt seem fully convinced by 4-3-3. The other problem, is that if we dont improve, I cant see decent players wanting to stay here. I always hate Allardyce ( despite wanting him here b4 he came!! ) , but our football is no better than West Ham’s now. I always felt West Brom would be a great test for us, and although we won, I really dont think we convinced anyone that improvement is coming. Very poor, but delighted to be 10th, and of course that has to be factored in.
116 bills-son // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:21 PM

dead man walkin – our midfield isn’t, and never has been – anywhere near as good as most fans make out. Both Tiote and Cabaye (especially) are way overated by most fans. We didn’t create loads of chances last season and we haven’t this season either. Fact is we had Ba and Cisse converting a high % of chances last season and Ba’s doing it again this season.

As for the midfield not being injured, that’s a ridiculous statement. Are you saying we could play four 17 year old’s across the back and it wouldn’t affect the midfield?
117 Santon03 // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:22 PM

———————Krul———————
Simpson—Saylor—Perch—Colo—-Santon
———–Cabaye———-Jonas————
HBA————————–Fergie/Sammy
——————–Cisse/Shola————–
If Ba is injured. Santon & Simpson will be bombing forward mostly backing HBA & Fergie/Sammy. Maybe Jonas as RWB and Anita in the middle with Cabaye.
I hope the team would be like this vs liverfools, but it won’t be.
118 bills-son // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:23 PM

dead man walkin – and by the way, I’ve been a season ticket holder for 23 years.
119 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:24 PM

BPC – to start with, i go to all the home matches, and watch all the away matches on tv/Internet. Unfortunately i can’t afford to go to away matches at the moment. I know you weren’t suggesting I didnt watch the matches, it just felt important to say.
A lot of the performances this season, and last season have been sub-par. I would rather we played fast, passing football and scored 4-5 goals every game. Of course I would want that. But even with the players we have, we are not yet good enough to play like that week in week out. Every great manager will tell you that a great attack is built on a solid defense. Last year, for most of the season, we had a solid defence, bar a few blips due to inured players, bad games etc. this season, we haven’t been able to field 4 out of our starting back 5 for most of the season. Only santon has played consistently (and he’s played great) so defence has been our major weak spot so far this season, and the rough patches of last season. Because of that, we have to set up more defensively that we would like, and thus play poorly.

Basically, I’m not entirely happy with the way we have been playing, but it’s not the end of the world. We need some of our big players coming back, and we need to give youngsters a chance, (sammy and fergie). Then the performances will come. West brom are not a bad side. Quite the opposite really. They are a well built squad, and will do well.
We are still winning, still picking up points, and the style and the form will come. That’s what I think.
120 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:25 PM

archaeomag…..Point well made. Perhaps with further studies, we could prove that all footballing attributes come down to a players hair style?

Ian….I’d say it’s good to be back, but possibly a little premature, nor was I away that long to justify saying it’s good to be back There has also been doubt cast over the “back by popular demand”. Oh well. What were your thoughts on the WBA game? Are you worried about our long term objectives or do you view this as a minor (ish) problem for now?
121 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:27 PM

I know no one likes hoofball, but if this gets practiced in training, I think it’s great. The easiest goal set up there is.
Krul – shola – ba – GOAL!
One of those each game would be alright.
122 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:28 PM

Afternoon…

Ibiza whats your ps3 name ??

Then I can abuse you directly.
123 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:28 PM

Ibiza- I find most of them baffling . Pardew works under the mantle of the art of the possible. According to many posters It’s as if he is deluded and doesn’t recognise the strengths and weaknesses of the team. Aside from my much laboured point that I wish he were sometimes braver in being more attack minded and viewing it as the best form of defence he’s doing a very good job. I don’t want to look
back to the players we should have bought but who’s currently on board. Obertan and Sammi should feature more which immediately injects pace- on Sunday 2nd half WBA played through the midfield
in a manner that were capable of displaying on the counterattack v
Pool.
124 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:32 PM

Without sounding like Ketsbia lol

I think if were signing a midfielder on the cheap in January we should go for Wes Hoolahan..
125 Santon03 // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:32 PM

I like Swansea style of play, Fulham too.
126 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:32 PM

bills-son

Cabaye is France’s best player. And that’s not only my opinion because Del Bosque and Deschamps seem to think so. And Tiote is the best DM in the league. His disciplinary record could be improved but on his day he is the best in his position in the league.
127 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:34 PM

Ian…..Securing your status as the minority of well balanced and dare I say, reasonable, posts. Well said.

Belfast…..It’s a shocker, “Ibizatoon”. Should I assume yours is something along the lines of “abusivec*nt”? I don’t make it online much, but look forward to the abuse….just don’t play 4-4-2 or you will obviously lose.

Wizard….Hoofing the ball will always have it’s place. Whether it’s for defending or attacking purposes. It shouldn’t be used as our main tactic, but when stuck or lacking options, I have no problems with it and sometimes it will work out. It does generally invite pressure back on, as we rarely keep the ball after hoofing it, but in theory, it gives us a chance to regroup and prepare better.
128 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:35 PM

That actually did sound a bit like Kets.. Haha

But I swear im not wanting to sign him,because he’s good on championship manager..

Promise…
129 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:38 PM

Ashton…I think most toon fans love Tiote and would argue he could be potentially the best in his role. The issue is, as you have said, “on his day”. If he’s suspended or constantly playing with a yellow card to his name, it limits his effectiveness somewhat. That said, I don’t want him sold, far from it.

On Cabaye, I find it hard to be objective as he’s our dreamboat. Is he overhyped? Quite possibly, but it’s clear he is a decent player, I imagine the level of quality people are debating is minimal.
130 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:39 PM

Irish ketsbaia – how much would he go for like?
131 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:40 PM

Belfast…To sound like Kets you would of had to say we should sign Hazard from Chelsea for £Xm as he will take us to the next level and we will be relegated without him. Also, you didn’t criticise Simpson, Williamson or Obertan. So you’re clear on this one. Not a kets post, just your normal cr*ppy run of the mill stuff.
132 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:46 PM

Ibiza- good to be amongst friends I’ll take the helmet off. I said last night that we lost the initiative 2nd half by attempting to play a containing game rather that going for a second goal to kill the game off. I was impressed with the Albion midfield and particularly Mulumbu who we had been linked with. Had they not subbed Lukaku we could well have lost. Our passing was devoid of any invention and
we just could not keep the ball. Perch is good at winning the ball but could have done with Anita to dispatch it forward. We’ve got a nucleus of good ball passers manipulators in Santon, Colo, Anita, Cabaye, HBA and Jonas. If Ba is out v Pool let’s play a shorter passing game
and look to control the midfield for longer spells than of late. Just my ever so humble opinion.
133 jawballsaswallwell // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:48 PM

We have had a good week and we are reasonably placed in the league and well placed in the Europa, but West Brom did come to St James’ and out pass us with a group of players that wouldn’t get into our team, that is a bit of a concern and unfortunately didn’t come as a great surprise. The notion that it is down to lack of time to prepare doesn’t persuade me greatly as the tactics are not that radically different from match to match. I think we should be playing better football and also that the criticism Pards is starting to get because of that is not premature.
134 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:49 PM

So who let Ibiza down from the fence?

…there will be repercussions lol
135 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:52 PM

He would be on the cheap probably mate.

Right up our street lol

Would be very good cover for Cabaye in my opinion.

And Ibiza shut up.
136 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:54 PM

Jesper – my bad. I needed help fending off the neggars, and thought Ibizas indecision would drive them crazy
137 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:54 PM

Ibizatoon

The people who want us to sell Tiote should not be taken seriously. It’s not only his aggressive play and ball wining ability, he brings much more than that to the team but alas it goes unnoticed by some of our uneducated fans. For once he is always available for his team mates when they have the ball no matter how many oppositions are pressuring him. He is fearless in that aspect and it helps us so much that when he isn’t playing you can immediately notice it. This gets him in trouble sometimes but most of the time it helps the team to retain possession and slowly build a meaningful attack. He also never stops running or pressuring the other team no matter what the score is. And this has a significant psychological affect on our players because when they see such a thing it encourages them to do the same. He is also very fearless and never shies away from putting his body on the line. I could go on for days on how much Tiote brings to the team. And just the idea of selling him should be laughed at and ridiculed.
138 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:55 PM

Are you gonna give me your f***** ps3 name or what ??

Im sounding like a stalker here ffs…

My missus doesn’t let me on it at night,so there will be no late night chats I promise….
139 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:56 PM

Wizard…in that case all’s forgiven lol (did it help?)
140 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:57 PM

Ian…..Seems a fair unbiased assessment. They certainly could have won and were far more dangerous in that second half. I try not to adopt the attitude of judging one’s own performance based on others, but overall, I feel we’re doing okay. I felt before we needed these 3 points to stay with the right pack of teams (I.E the top 10) and we did. Mission accomplished. Could have asked for more, it could have been worse, but hey.

Jesper…I let myself down. Bring it.

Belfast….Big words from a little girl like yourself. May I suggest a little time out before you get yourself in to something you can’t finish. Wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself and have to get your mummy to come on a fight your battles for ya.
141 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:58 PM

That was to you Ibiza..
142 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:59 PM

I gave it to you ffs. Learn to read you moronic incompetent low life.

IBIZATOON!!!!!

No late night abuse? Aw man, that’s when I need it most.
143 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 4:59 PM

Ashton- Tiote brings an energy and vibrancy to the midfield which was lacking on Sunday. He does need to play in a controlled aggressive manner though for obvious practical reasons
Ibiza- catch you later.
Jesper- hello and tatty bye.
144 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:00 PM

Ibiza…I meant to be asking you how come you all of a sudden have a life (you are not on here that often) …is a the alcohol in the weekends, a young Ibiza girl or that damn Fifa? lol
145 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:01 PM

Ian…that care mate!
146 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:01 PM

Ian Toon

I agree but to even suggest that we should sell him is a lunacy!
147 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:04 PM

Ashton…I generally agree with that assessment on Tiote…sort of. The lad is a warrior, end of. I know all of the positives, but some could argue that it shows a lack of education to not realise there is another way to play football effectively without needing to miss a bunch of games each season due to suspension.

Whilst I doubt you need people to agree with you, can you not see by dismissing others opinions by saying they are uneducated you are gaining yourself zero respect. If you hadn’t realised, they the bunch of people telling you recently should have sunk in by now. We all have our views, sometimes we’ll agree, sometimes we wont, try and make your point without insulting. Unless you’re “debating” with Belfast (I quoted debating, as it was a bit tongue in cheek, the guy doesn’t even know where to start ) then just hurl as much abuse as possible. The tw@.
148 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:06 PM

But yes, selling him imo is lunacy, unless of course, we’re offered “silly money” – never tire hearing that one.

Ian…Until next time, take care.

Jesper…Just trying to take little breaks. Don’t let that fool you that I suddenly have a life
149 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:07 PM

Ibiza- do you sometimes feel that Jesper’s your father- LOL
Jesper- spare the rod and spoil the child!
Ashton- the same people who have suggested Pardew’s going to be on his bike.
150 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:07 PM

Thanks.

Will be on after work 2moro,I’ll add you then.
151 dead man walkin // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:09 PM

Bils son

That midfield got us to 5 th last year, now one minut your saying dont say anything about Pardew cos he got us there, I’m confused

One of them isn’t good enough Pardew or the midfield?

No one said play 17 olds in defence , he played players there, what was said is that why we miss the midfield out so much , because its crap?

And if like u say u have a season ticket, u to must hear it more and more now ppl questioning most things he is doing and saying

Bill I know your not a fool, so even u must have some things that u would like an answer to

Jonas maybe
152 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:09 PM

Ibiza…probably a very good idea mate

Did you have time to catch some football in the weekend?
153 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:10 PM

Belfast…Have just looked through the posts and well, this pains me greatly, but I must admit, I made a mistake. My post to you isn’t there regarding my PS3 username.

Oh the shame. What a useless c*nt I have turned out to be. I bow to your superiority.

What pains me most is I managed to insult you in every single sentence in the post and now it is just gone – not even awaiting moderation (which would probably make sense seeing as I called you everything under the sun from a pig to a dog). Damn it all.
154 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:11 PM

Ian…I just take interest in his well being (that is important to me )

…I still think that saying is better in danish:

‘kært barn har mange navne’
155 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:12 PM

Ian….Is this a backward way of breaking some news to me? I’d love Jesper to be my daddy – we’re wondering in to dangerous territory here.

Daddy Jesp……I think it’s needed from time to time. I saw our game, but that’s about it.
156 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:13 PM

Ibizatoon

Some of our fans are uneducated about football. There is nothing wrong with projecting that, because it’s true. Hence the “sell Tiote” shenanigan.
157 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:14 PM

Belfast…>Cool cool. Take it easy.
158 santonthenewmaldini // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:14 PM

We need to be able to learn to play without Tiote as we do play well when he is in the team but that means we play well once every 3 or 4 games!!??Sometimes longer as he is not great in every game he plays!

He goes missing with suspensions, injuries too much and it will be the same just as we get a bit of form he will be away for the ACON so we will probably struggle again then!?!?!?

Dont think we should sell him but i think we need to get someone who can basically take his slot as it cant have a good effect on the players that every time he is out he comes right back into the team no matter how well his replacement has played for example Guthrie last season was playing great for a good spell and then Tiote came back in and Guthrie then left pretty much!

Cabaye would be amazing at a team that keeps it on the deck him and Cazorla in the Arsenal midfield would be unreal lets just hope it is a temporary form dip with the team and we start playing more free flowing football!

I think we will probably try grind a result till January and if we are still top half we will sign players who will make a difference could actually see us getting some bargains in the January sales due to contract situations imagine we were 5th or 6th by January and then we signed Sissoko, Debuchy, Douglas and Mbiwa on either pre contracts or got them “over the line” in January??
159 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:16 PM

Ashton….Some indeed may not be. However, I would imagine if we looked at each poster you have called uneducated or an idiot we would find more incorrectly diagnosed posters than those you were right about. Perhaps a better point to concentrate on is why you need to point it out. Let your vast knowledge do your talking, unless you feel you need to belittle or put people in their place to make your point more valid?
160 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:19 PM

I think we would honestly be looking a totally different team if pardew had been allowed to get debuchy and another CB in the summer. It would allow a much better balance to the team.

I don’t think we have played great football for a long time. Certainly nothing special since air bobby was here.

It’s not like pardew has come in and ruined a good flowing style.

I think he is just struggling to turn it around, our team was set up for long balls when he came in and with budget restraints we are slowly turning it around and look good in flashes.
161 jesperfuglsang // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:19 PM

Actually we played without Tiote for almost half the games last season – thought it went quite well

…I am not sure what the problem(s) is(are) this season; maybe because Cabs have been a slow starter this season and we just seem to lack creativity in the MF.

…maybe it is a bunch of other stuff All I know I enjoy the El games more than the PL games(hope we stay in tournament for the long run).
162 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:28 PM

Santon….On your Cabaye comment (being excellent at Arsenal as they play their football on the ground). Probably very true, but just further illustrates why Pardew needs some more time. Pardew has been here almost 2 years. A lot of the players nearly 18 months. Hardly a long time to implement changes and reap the rewards of it. We still have players who have been trained to play a different style (the one we’re currently seeing – I use “style” loosely there). I see a team in transition, a team that is still gaining points and keeping the pace somewhat and really don’t see what the panic is about.

The majority have been screaming for stability for a long time, well, we have it. Let’s not turn at the first sign of trouble. There will be good and bad patches and aspects. I like to focus on the big picture (or at least what I consider the big picture), I think some people like to make a mountain out of a mole hill and it’s as simple as that for me.

TS…I still blame you for Debuchy not coming. You itk types are always to blame
163 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:28 PM

Ibizatoon

You are greatly overestimating the idiots who got called idiots on this blog. It seems that I’m throwing that word a lot but in reality it’s no where near that. Calling someone “idiot” 10 times in a single thread would probably look like I’m calling 10 different people idiots to you. But the fact is we do have idiots who think they are quasi intellectuals, and they seem to feel pretty good about themselves spouting complete nonsense and making complete fools out of themselves.
164 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:30 PM

I don’t criticise Obertan. He’s not that bad. Just needs to improve his final ball and try and learn from Marveaux.
165 josh // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:31 PM

If kets’s tongue gets lodged any further up abied’s rusty sherrifs badge, he’s not going to be the player he bigs him up to be because he will be impeded from walking let alone running with a ball. Some serious dumb and dumber ski lift esc removal is needed.
166 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:33 PM

Damn it Ibiza, I did my best to get him here.

And I find cabaye a strange one. He hasp pies fantastic for France in the internationals yet terrible for us. It must be down to the role he is asked to play for us. I think France give him a more advanced role with 2 players behind him.
167 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:34 PM

Ashton I agree with Ibiza @ 159. The relative merits of players is an opinion. I am always surprised when posters don’t recognise the quality that is Cabaye. You may see it as a lack of football knowledge but I imagine that many PL managers would view Chiek as high maintenance and not rate him as highly as we do. Most managers have a picture in their head as to the composition and style they want to play. Most posters when recommending buying this and that player and posting a team for the next game don’t. There are of course many
Posters who have an excellent knowledge of all things football but can’t express themselves. Football though is all about opinions with limited right and wrong answers.
168 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:35 PM

Hasp pies should read has played
169 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:36 PM

Any fool can see that Abeid’s a very promising player and I think he will set the premier league alight in years to come. We need to get rid of:

Gosling
Tavernier
Williamson
Simpson

Gosling should be playing in 4 divisions lower than Abeid. There’s a massive gap between them. Bigirimana is overrated, but he’s a decent prospects.
170 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:37 PM

Kets- I would like Obertan have a spell through the middle where he can use his blistering pace against a flat back four.
171 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:37 PM

Bit harsh Josh. Kets has a few off the wall opinions but he is harmless enough.
172 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:38 PM

Kets….I do apologise. I felt three names would have more effect that just Simpson and Williamson. Do you think Marveaux could learn something from Obertan? Something along the lines of how to get on the pitch?

Not sure what’s happened with Marv. Last season in his brief appearances, he looked a cracking player. Haven’t seen it this year.

Ashton….I can tell the difference between calling someone an idiot ten times or calling ten different people an idiot, but thanks for pointing it out. You are entitled to your opinions (on football and who you think is an idiot), I just feel your process to title people idiots could perhaps use some revision. Anyway, you will do what you feel is best, was just trying to say that for someone who does know a thing or two from time to time, you make your task a lot harder by belittling others (as has been pointed out to me in the past). If you’re right, take the high road, if someone is really an idiot, you telling them is unlikely to make much difference.

So, to football…..
173 tarie4 // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:38 PM

So the westbrom debate goes on.
174 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:39 PM

Abeid and Raylor need to be on the banner in place of Williamson and Simpson.

People seem to forget about Raylor. He’s the reason why we finished so high last season. We were unbeaten in the first 11 games. It all went wrong when Saylor got injured and had to be replaced by an absolute clown.
175 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:40 PM

TS hasp pies sound very tasty.
176 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:40 PM

Lets just sell everybody and buy Wes Hoolahan and the two benders from Germany.

Sack Pardew and give the managers job to Scharner.

Im away for a lie down..
177 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:41 PM

“Any fool can see that Abeid’s a very promising player”

Nice paradox you got their chief. You can see that he is a promising player does that make you a fool? Yes it does. Your words not mines.
178 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:42 PM

TS…..With your “I tried” lines you could get a job at NUFC As for Cabaye, he will be well rehearsed with their system, whereas ours is still evolving. Give it time and more additions and he’ll become an even more integral part of our team, I am confident about that. P.S. Hasp pies sounds lovely.
179 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:43 PM

Kets you are harmless but also a bit deranged.
180 toonLYF // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:45 PM

On Sissoko – I’ve followed Toulouse for a bit over a season, and on what i’ve seen from him, if we lost Cheick and bought Sissoko, we would suffer. He is not the same type of midfielder as Tiote. His game is not breaking up the oppositions play; but attaining possession for his own. If i had to compare him to any of our current players, i’d say he is somewhere between Cabaye and Tiote, and would have to be played alongside the two in a 3 man midfield to be fully effective.

By no means a DM, his attacking workrate is far more prominent. Fantastic prospect, and would be an exciting addition, but i don’t see it happening sadly.
181 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:45 PM

tarie….Has it been discussed much then?

Belfast…..Not sure a lie down will fix that one mate.
182 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:47 PM

okay kiddy winkles….it’s been a pleasure, but I must ease myself back in to this.

Until next time, will you all stop being idiots (light hearted joke, not a dig, I promise).
183 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:49 PM

toonLYF

Totally agree. Now this is a man who knows what he is talking about. And who has seen the player play before spouting complete nonsense. I bet some people here feel like idiots right now. Like the guy who went through the internet and researched every article about Sissoko in hope to prove me wrong. lol
184 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:55 PM

People have been suggesting that Cabaye, Tiote and Sissokho would be the best midfield in the league. I am suggesting that the midfield three of Anita, Abeid and Sissokho would be one of the best.
185 89Norcal // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:57 PM

toonLYF

Thanks for that info on Sissoko as I havent been able to watch much Ligue 1 lately. Hopefully we aren’t forced to sell Tiote. But at least this shows our scouting team is looking for some suitable replacements for worst case.
186 SupaToonKid // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:05 PM

Ketsbaia you are deluded and idiotic please shut up.
187 tarie4 // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:06 PM

181Ibizatoon – Back by popular demand // Oct 30, 2012 at 5:45 PM

ooohhhhh you have no idea mate where have U been since 5pm Sunday hahaha
188 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:13 PM

This would’ve been a dream team:

Krul

Debuchy Alderewerield Vertonghen Santon

Anita

Boudebouz Marvin Martin Ben Arfa

Steven Fletcher Ba
189 josh // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:18 PM

@ tequilamag. I do not care one bit. I cannot stand him.
190 Blaydon-Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:20 PM

Trying to work out who the biggest idiot on here is …. And the winner is Ashton you self righteous PRICK ! At least Kets brings comedy value ….
191 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:21 PM

Anita will prove to be a quality player. I’d keep Gutierrez as a squad player until he reaches the age of 32.
192 89Norcal // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:24 PM

Kets, sub Ranger for Ba and have him threaten the center backs before the game. He will get a hat trick every game
193 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:26 PM

I still think tiote is no loss.

Our record without him last season was almost identical to our record with him.

Rather keep him than lose him but he isn’t as vital as some think.

Sissoko seems a pointless signing. From what I read he is a similar mould to Anita, deeper playmaker, not overly offensive or defensive.

We seem to only play with two in midfield and we already have tiote, cabaye, Anita, perch, Jonas, bigi, amalfitano and gosling who all play there.

He might improve the squad but I can’t see pardew selecting any others than tiote and cabaye when both available.
194 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:27 PM

Blaydon-Toon

Lol why are you so upset?
195 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:35 PM

It’d be a great coup if we got him for free and got rid of Tiote for £25m. Perch will move to right back and centre back cover. You’re also forgetting Abeid and Vuckic.

He should select players based on performance rather than alleged ability. Abeid should be playing ahead of Cabaye at the moment and Anita should be replacing Tiote.

If Pardew dropped players based on poor performance levels, then Williamson and Simpson would’ve been dropped ages ago. He seems to give players the benefit of the doubt and teams have punished us because of it. We need to play our strongest 11 every week.

Xisco should at least be on the bench.
196 Blaydon-Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:36 PM

Ashton you seem to think you are the football oracle an encyclopaedia of knowledge and the rest of us bloggers are clueless idiots – I bow down to you sir oh great one …. !
197 josh // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:39 PM

Kets, just shut up. For the good of man, shut up.
198 Transfer Sage // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:39 PM

Kets

I do think pub have some points.

Some players are selected for no reason, Jonas works hard but hasn’t offered anything positive for over a year now.

I think abeid has done something wrong, same as marvoux. Both features heavily pre season and looked good but not getting a sniff now, not even on Europe. Same as amalfitano.

I do want to see more of then, I like the 3 of them and would love to know why they aren’t selected.
199 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:40 PM

Blaydon-Toon

You are welcome!
200 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:42 PM

Ashton
Blaydon’s prob as pissed off as others by the fact that you’ve come on and attempted to twist a resular posters view in atempt to make he’s showing prejudice towards a player based on his skin colour
201 roshan MAGPIE // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:44 PM

I think marveux is injured the last time I heard about him he was playing for our reserve team and after that he was not involved in europa league or premier league squad
202 roshan MAGPIE // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:47 PM

kets why don’t you rate ranger
203 fray bentos // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:48 PM

@big papa

Where do you get this idea that our only good performaces last season were during the 6 winning streak!!!

what about the the 10 game unbeaton run or whatever it was at the start of the season, yeah i remember we had a little of luck for a couple of the games but i seem to remember playing very well against Tottenham (who were amazing at that point) and other teams, you don;t go that many games unbeaton without playing good football for most of it.

I think maybe your only satisfied if we keep winning, which says alot about you really, go and support Man U or Chelsea or something

Now just get a grip all you neggars
204 roshan MAGPIE // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:48 PM

it looks like adam Campbell is injured in his last game against sunderland
205 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:51 PM

Roshan
Its a possibility that marvs injured although pards hasnt mentioned it in any interviews about squad injuries
206 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:51 PM

Kets is the only one who knows what he’s talking about here.
207 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:52 PM

lol It might seems that way to you because you are retarded. I’ve already explained that point to tequilamag in this thread. I won’t suggest that you read my posts about them because it’s way over your head and you won’t comprehend anything. But if any sane person want’s to understand my point and what I meant, should go through my discussion with tequilamag.
208 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 6:59 PM

Ashton
You didnt explain at all you made a pathetic attempt at backpeddling which ppl with your mentality normal do, its a trait of cowardice

The fact is torqtoon gave an opinion on a player you straight away attacked it as normal completly wrongly, he never said he was a CDM and he never mention his assesment was based on colour
You couldnt back your arguement so attempted to discredit his arguement by implying he’d used the lowest form of prejudice, something you clearly use alot given your casual use of accusing ppl of prejudice and your readiness to call anyone that disagree’s with you a retard
Ppl like you dont deserve the facilities to view your bile
Your not big and your certainly not as clever as you think you are
Your (unt ppl like you are generally the lowest form of scum in civil society
209 Toonboy_84 // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:00 PM

Kets for prime minister!
210 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:01 PM

I’m not young enough to know everything.
211 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:04 PM

lol u mad?
212 Blaydon-Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:13 PM

Ashton said so – he must be right ! For god sake man get back in your bubble and do one if you can’t accept other views wy bother coming on here … Does it boost your ego to belittle and insult other posters intelligence ! You are the retard here but your so stupid and can not admit when your wrong !
213 santonthenewmaldini // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:14 PM

@Ibiza

Good to have you back on the negativity on the blog at the moment is unreal!!

I have a positive outlook with regards to the future of the Toon people forget we have some players who have been with us for quite a while and may not have the technical skill of others but give me Simpson and Williamson 100% effort in every game over Owen, Viduka, Bramble and Boumsong any day of the week!!!

Think people forget how terrible we were for about 3 or 4 seasons before we got relegated did we not finish 13th 2 or 3 seasons in a row??The football served up was terrible and to be honest we have never had a team capable of grinding out results if that had been anyone of Allardyce, Roeder, Gullit etc team on Sunday we would have got beat but we have a great spirit and can battle away and pick up results

Wait till we get a spot of form we will go on one of those runs where we look like we wont ever get beat and Cisse will be scoring from all angles again…..

Also i think after the Liverpool and Brugge game we might see a lot more youngsters playing in the Premiership because we will have qualified for the next round of the Europa and these youngsters will need playing time and we are playing “easier” games so it might be the time to get more expressive and have Fergy and Sammy stake a claim for Wide left spots
214 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:19 PM

Blaydon-Toon

Where was I wrong? Who are you any way? I don’t even remember having a conversation with you before. You just expressed your opinion about me without even talking to me prior to that.
215 Blaydon-Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:20 PM

Well said Santonth my sentiments exactly ! Sense at last ….
216 Blaydon-Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:23 PM

Ashton I read your posts and you take everything out of context so I will decline any discussions with you !
217 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:27 PM

Santonthenewmaldini
Exactly mate people seem to forget a few season we were the laughing stock of the league all these high earning has beens milking the club for every penny, in truth relegation is probably the best thing to happen to the club in a long time, and now were in a rebuilding process and that doesn’t happen in a couple of season’s
218 santonthenewmaldini // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:27 PM

@Blaydon

Good man would love nothing more on Sunday for the blog to be filled with chat of a Toon win with liquid football and lots of goals!!But i would take a scrappy 1 nil with Williamson to score the winner as well!!
219 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:31 PM

Blaydon-Toon

So why are you trying so hard to get a response from me? Why even get involved when you don’t have the confidence to have a discussion with me? Seems so weird and pointless.
220 Blaydon-Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:32 PM

Can’t say how much beating Liverpool would mean to me as my dad is a Geordie as am I but my stepmom is a scouser and my bro and missus all support Liverpool who I hate with a passion come on the Toon sexy football can wait as winning Sunday is all that matters to me ! Williamson goal would do nicely
221 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:33 PM

Blaydon
Dont bother lad his last line actually sums him perfectly!
222 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:47 PM

toonarmydownsouth

lol He compared him, out of all of our player to a certain Tiote who is a DM. Also he said he is a great tackler(which he isn’t) and is something associated with DMs he also said his disciplinary record is a lot better than Tiote which is again something associated mainly to DMs. He also said if we get him and lose Tiote he would still be delighted. What do you think those thinks imply in your little head?

Also again you’ve totally misunderstood the color thing. You just don’t have the ability to comprehend what I said. Maybe try asking taquilamag to explain it to you because I can’t.

You know what, I’m really beginning to feel sorry for you right now.You should stop responding to me because it’s so easy to make you look like a complete fool, that I feel bad doing it.
223 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 7:50 PM

*things
224 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:00 PM

He is strong, composed, skilful and dictates play with apparent ease. He is great in the tackle and positionally superb. I would risk a backlash here…but I would state that he has more refined attributes than Mr T and is only 23. Along with a better diciplinary record.

I hope Cheik stays with us, but either way, bringing this lad in would be a hell of a coup!!!

He makes a comparison he never states he’s a like for like replacement he highlights this lads attributes, one of which is tackling as highlighted by nearly every report on the lad and yes have seen him play
And why dont you highlight the part where skin colour is referenced
And no your nit embarrasing anyone but yourself by regurgitating the same old line whilst dodging answer the actual question
225 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:00 PM

Somebody has given Ashton a gold star at school and it’s gone to his head.
226 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:02 PM

Ashton- I don’t agree with your totally unnecessary abuse of some posters because you appear bright enough not to have to do it. However, it is not uncommon for some posters to get the wrong end of the stick and to misinterpret what has been said and to accuse parties of something they haven’t said. If you wish to retain a level of credibility then you should take note. A number of people you frequently have issues with are, I would imagine not on most discerning football fans reading list.
227 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:06 PM

Ian toon
Dont be soft lad read torqtoons post and highlight where he indicates that his opinion of sissoko is based on his colour, which is what ashton stated not matter how much he twists it, if you cant leave your past grudges there and take sides on morals and principal not your ego
228 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:10 PM

Ashton- see what I mean.
Tads- what a load of garbage . If the cap fits wear it.-LOL.
229 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:14 PM

Ian Toon

You seem very reasonable and I agree with the way you think when it comes to tactics and our club in general. Can you explain to toonarmydownsouth what I’m talking about? He is so oblivious to my thoughts that I’m struggling to over simplify everything just to make him see where I’m going with my ideas. How can he misinterpret everything I ever say? How is this even possible?
230 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:15 PM

Tads- By the way it’s principle . A principal is the head of a college.
Lad -LOL. you old codger.
231 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:16 PM

Why do sky always show Arsenal reserves or Man utd reserves in this cup?

Far better games they could of shown 2nite.
232 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:17 PM

Iantoon
So no then you cant highlight it didnt think so
233 Jail for Ashley // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:18 PM

Why is Ian Toon such a d!ck ?
234 Ian Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:20 PM

Ashton- Just leave it he’s not somebody the discerning football fan reads. Not a nice person . Prefer to now watch the Reading /Arsenal game.
235 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:23 PM

JFA
Fcuk knows one things for sure his L and O keys must be worn right down on his keyboard he bangs on about people worth reading well he certainly aint one! -LOL his post -LOL -so dull -LOL gotta see a man about a dog -LOL maybe the dogs on the other end of this stick im always on about LOL
236 MacToon // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:24 PM

4-0 though Befast in the game they are showing, Arsenal are getting slaughterd and it’s only half an hour gone.
237 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:26 PM

toonarmydownsouth

lol I bet you are really old because you remind me of my granddad. You just don’t get it, and no matter how I try you will always somehow find a way to not get it. Go back to watering the pitch. Old man.
238 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:28 PM

What’s occurring people? What’s tonights discussion all about?
239 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:29 PM

Its rubbish mate.

Arsenal have made 11 changes.

Sunderland v Boro
Swindon v Aston Villa
Leeds v Southampton

Rather than Arsenal reserves.
240 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:30 PM

Ashton
Great material do you get ian toon to write all your stuff, i’ll give ya five minutes to lwt him think something up for ya
241 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:31 PM

toonarmydownsouth

It’s your flabbergasting level of stupidity that’s making me legitimately lol

lol
242 MagpiesFlyHigh // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:32 PM

FMJ

Ashton is setting out his stall as blog bully.
Waste of time reading or commenting on here these days. As a teacher you’ll know the level of playground banter well. Pity to find it on here so often.
243 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:33 PM

Ian toon
Fo you know what the funniest bit is? When quasi was caning ashton you weaseled in with the old the second they start name calling they’ve lost the arguement, 2 nights later boom there you are! Doing the exact thing you always preach to others about not doing why do you bother
244 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:37 PM

Ooohhh you could cut the tension with a knife in here…
245 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:38 PM

Mfh

Yea see it regularly on here nowadays. Shame.

What’s going on Ashton? You’ve always seemed like such a reasonable, patient, pleasant person. Why this recent turn?
246 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:42 PM

MagpiesFlyHigh

I’m really not trying to do that. But this pitch guy just refuses to let go of it. Just objectively read my posts and you would notice that I said nothing wrong to anyone. I don’t think I insulted Torq I just told him to not make things up. There is a big difference. Even when blaydon-toon started calling names without any reason what so ever. I didn’t respond to him in the same manner. This pitch fellow just twists and misunderstands everything I say.
247 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:42 PM

He’s having a Catchy meltdown I think..
248 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:46 PM

Christ it’s been an all out war on here the last few hours.
Why are the neggars still around? This is nearly a record. Normally they’re gone by the following morning.
249 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:47 PM

BelfastMagpie

lol I’m actually quite enjoying myself. I never get to witness such atrocious levels of cluelessness in real life.
250 jawballsaswallwell // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:49 PM

Somebody mentioned we haven’t played good football since Sir Bobby. Is that true? It could be. Maybe we are expecting too much from this team because of our achievements last season and overate the technical skill level of our players. I only see Cabs, HBA, Ba and Colo as technically top draw, finished articles. Maybe we aren’t as technically good as we think and that’s why we grind the gears more than we’d like?
251 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 8:50 PM

@ Fray

Is that your comeback for everything “oh go and support chelsea or Man City” you are a neggar blah blah. I love this club and will do till the day I die and I am just worried that we should be playing better with the players we have that is all. Off the top of my head these are the games we played well in and fully deserved the results last season

Man United home 3-1
Stoke home 3-0
WBA away 3-1
Chelsea away 2-0
Stoke away 3-1

I don’t care how you look at it we should be dominating a lot more games than that during a season especially at home. It is great getting the results but for me Pardew should be getting more out of the players in our squad and that is my only problem. Take off the rose tinted spectacles once in a while and judge it as you would any other club in the Premier League
252 wreker16 // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:03 PM

Kets

For once I actually agree with part of what your saying, bar the match at Sunderland and one pass at everton, cabaye hasn’t been that good, abeid deserves a chance, at least in Europe, so does amalfitano and marvaux. I agree with transfer sage, they must have done something. Xisco I’m less sure of but I never really saw him at all so I can’t really comment.

Your dream team on the other hand is pure b0ll0cks.
Steven fletcher- really? Really? Kets! I also suppose you thought Sunderland paid a good price for him
Also you need 2 holding mids, we’re not playing FIFA where u can get away with one.
Marvin Martin- meh, cabaye anyday
Boudebouz- not bad, could do better, miles better than guti going forward though.
Debuchy- fair enough
Alderwield- good but I dont know where you’ve been, have you not heard of colocinni?
Vertonghen- fair enough.
Anita- once he adjusts to the EPL I have high hopes for him, but he isn’t a player to win the ball like tiote, he would be epic in a three man midfield though.

However overall, your team is über unrealistic and Whilst I want investment that is just ridiculous.
253 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:03 PM

FatmanJoe

I don’t want to upset you because you are the sensitive kind. Especially after our last encounter.
254 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:07 PM

You didn’t upset me. You confirmed my decision to leave the blog because it’s full of people insulting each other. Completely different.

But you wouldn’t recognise the difference.
255 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:13 PM

Is that it? All you have to say?
256 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:13 PM

FatmanJoe

Why did you come back then? Seems rather peculiar to me. Deciding to leave and saying goodbye to everyone then coming back like a day later. Was it all because of the attention you got after your farewell message?
257 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:16 PM

So which players should ware hats ?

Gives you an instant advantage over the opposition – imagine marking someone in an Indian headress – perhaps Guti should ware his mask and take it off when he scores.
258 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:16 PM

No I decided that I missed football discussion. Is that ok with you? I don’t want to offend the blog boss.
259 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:17 PM

Don’t be hostile because I’m not trying to. I’m genuinely intrigued and just chatting.
260 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:18 PM

No hostility. Just boredom.

Tell me something about football. That’s what I’m here for. Tell me about this French fella coz I don’t know anything about him and you seem to know a lot about him.
261 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:19 PM

I hope it’s working out well for you.
262 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:20 PM

AND we should be worried about ED who might have been swept away, and had his house sucked up by a super storm. .
263 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:21 PM

Aw I wrote my opinion about him in the first article posted by Ed. It’s on the third page I think. Check it out if you want.
264 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:25 PM

Swindon 2 Villa 2!
265 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:27 PM

I’ve wikipedia-ed him and he appears like a Nolan type from the description – the words box to box were used. That’s pretty good coz we’re missing that aggressive drive in midfield at the moment.
266 fray bentos // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:31 PM

Read torq’s post, nowhere does he mention black in any direct or abstract way

Then read this below by Ashton, what a total bellsmith!

lol your friend Torq was insinuating that notion in an abstract and obsolete way. And I told him to not do that( omg he is big and black so he must be good in the tackle!!!!” Because that doesn’t necessarily mean he is. But you just struggle to understand this simple idea because you are too stupid to do so. I shouldn’t be surprised anymore by your massive lack of any coherent and rational analyzing to anything I say. But you just surprise every time.
267 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:31 PM

@FatmanJoe
Not seen many goals from midfielders making late runs into the box recently.
268 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:34 PM

@MOON
Has all this hormonal stuff got something to do with the full moon?
269 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:36 PM

I’m watching him play right now against Lille. He is playing as a Right winger/forward in a 433 formation. b b but why aren’t they capitalizing on his “Great tackling” abilities!!! what a waste lol

ohh a player just got send off for Toulouse.

And Debuchy is playing and it might got to ET
270 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:38 PM

fray bentos

Read my conversation with taquilamag. It will explain everything to you.
271 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:39 PM

I take it all back. what a comeback haha
272 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:39 PM

Jesus arsenal gone 4-4 in the last sevond of the game
273 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:42 PM

Thats cause I was slagging off the match they picked to show on tv.

If I hadnt off said anything it would of finished 4 – 0 probably lol
274 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:43 PM

Their will be an Extra time. That Sissoko is sure is very attacking DM because he is playing as a forward.
275 fray bentos // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:46 PM

@ashton

Haha nice attempt at backtracking there
276 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:47 PM

Ashton

What do you think of villa’s chances of getting relegated this season? Absolutely hate them with a passion and enjoying their plight at the moment. Do you think they’re heading for the drop?
277 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:57 PM

Arsenal have gone from 4-0 down to 5-4 up cracking game!
278 MacToon // Oct 30, 2012 at 9:58 PM

Good pick Belfast lol, cracker of a game.
279 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:03 PM

F*** off
I new you’d be back on to show off mactoon.

First time you’ve ever been right!
280 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:05 PM

Debuchy and Sissoko are the best players in the game..
281 Super Magpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:11 PM

Reading really are awful. As if they blew a 4 goal lead to a side that’s been on the receiving end of the same thing not so long ago.

Oh, and Boro.
282 toonarmydownsouth // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:13 PM

5-5!!!!! What a game cheers belfast!!!!
283 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:13 PM

5 all
284 Blaydon-Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:14 PM

And that’s 5-5 wow
285 Super Magpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:17 PM

Looks like I jinxed arsenal.
286 Blaydon-Toon // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:19 PM

5-6 Arsenal
287 MacToon // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:19 PM

6-5, enough is enough lmao, cheers belfast
288 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:20 PM

What a game.

I was wrong,savour the moment. lol
289 archaeomag // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:20 PM

Booo
290 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:23 PM

Who would of predicted that at half time like.
291 Magpie from Lithuania // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:24 PM

5-7 what a come back…
292 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:25 PM

Game of the season for sure
293 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:33 PM

game of the year rather
294 BelfastMagpie // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:35 PM

Lets just forget I said anything about that match.

Just wipe It from your memorys..
295 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:36 PM

That was a great game. Goals for everyone, late winner, excellent football, villa and Swindon was great!

Just kidding of course I was watching the arsenal match. Best cup match surely. Wether it will be match of the season remains to be seen.
Great game
296 Magpie from Lithuania // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:39 PM

Adam Campbell got injured against sunderland? Shite.. ;(
297 jeff // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:44 PM

You know what? Call me stupid but i believe pardew is going to revert to an up and coming formation with the signing of cissohko. For rerefercmce this formation is 3-6-1 and relies on dictating play in the midfield. It has already taken fifa by storm and ive been a pioneer of this formation winning division one 4 times.

Anyway this formation doesnt play any fullbacks and plays a ton of midfielders – this matches up perfectly eith pardews signings

So here it is:

Cruel
Willow colo good (left feeted)
Benava cabaye tiote cissohko anita abeid
Ba
298 tequilamag // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:49 PM

Jeff you can only revert(go back to) something you already done before. Don`t think Pardew has time to play Fifa.
299 jayphoto // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:53 PM

Abeid isn’t getting a chance because of massive tactical indiscipline! Although hes played well when hes played, apparantly hes consistently ignored positional instructions and just wanders around where he likes! Its a factor that would really hinder our team! He’s done it for the u21s too! Think if anyone should get a chance its Inman! Trains very hard and has looked good in the u21s!
300 Magpie from Lithuania // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:55 PM

4-4-2 works if crosess are going well. If we play 4-4-2 fergie should play LB or LM with Jonas and Santon RB with Ben Arfa RM, cabaye as a deep laying playmaker, bigi or pearch holding. i’d also try shola and cisse up front, if not working i’d put sammy with cisse. But i feel this formation (below) and setup would be entertaining. Subs Sammy(Jonas, fergie goes LB) and Obertan (Perch or Bigi, Cabaye goes CM, Benny CAM and Obertan RW)

————————–Krul————————

—————Colo————–Taylor————

Santon———-Bigi——-Perch——–Jonas

————————Cabaye—————–

—–Benny————Cisse———Fergie

300th?!
301 Magpie from Lithuania // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:57 PM

p.s yeah i think Inman deserves his chance in the FA cup with Capmbell and Tav..
302 Ashton // Oct 30, 2012 at 10:57 PM

FatmanJoe

No. They have a good squad and a smart manager. Benteke is pretty good. Bent hasn’t been in form but he is a very decent striker. They have too much quality to go down imo but you never know because when we went down we had a better squad then they do now.

Also Lille scored in the last minute of the ET through a former target of ours: Nolan Roux.

Debuchy played very well. He is very good in the air and that’s always good to have for a defender. He has a solid vertical and is fearless in the air.

Sissoko was Toulouse’s best player. He was playing as a right forward in a 433 formation. His passing was very good but it got a bit sloppy at the end. His work rate was impressive as well.

I was also impressed with Aurier. He started out as a RB and was pretty solid but ended the game as a CB because of the sending off. He looked good there too. Could be a cheaper and a younger alternative to Debuchy.
303 bettyswallocks // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:03 PM

dreaming of the days when we played attacking football and scored goals for fun.

The more I think of the current regime the more I realise that entertaining us fans is not in the least bit important to them.
304 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:05 PM

Jonas has been on twitter
-I never see myself as someone especially talented. Q As feature is a ridiculous, sickening work ethic. While others sleep I’m working while the others eat I’m working

(They were written in Spanish hence the grammar)

If people have been abusing him for him to come out and say that they deserve there teeth kicked out. He is arguably the hardest working player in the prem, and on his day is unplayable. He can play almost every position under the sun, is a fantastic footballer and a fantastic person. Remember the stories of him and colo organising meals out for the team and there family’s etc. he organises a night out in Munich when we were playing in Germany in the summer, that doesn’t happen at other clubs. We are very lucky to have a player like him, and he is always first on the team sheet for a reason.

If people have been abusing him they need to take a look at themselves, and they are certainly not nufc fans.
305 kevymartins // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:07 PM

Imo people in football always seem to stop performing as well once they get that big contract .It gives them some breathing space ..Pardrew needs to pull his socks up ..1st thing is shola to europe team and dont drop cisse ..all this sh it about cisse and ba playing with each other is nonsense..In those two boys there is bags of goals
306 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:09 PM

Don’t you think if they continue to suffer tho bent might try and force a move in jan? Likes a move doesn’t he.
307 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:12 PM

On further examination, it appears Jonas Might have been quoting someone. I’m not sure yet. Still my points stand, we are lucky to have him, and anyone that abuses any Newcastle player be it obertan, shola or anyone, is not a Newcastle fan in my eyes.
308 kevymartins // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:14 PM

@conaldo ..Ranger is a streak of piss sh it player

am I a newcastle fan? lol
309 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:16 PM

Kevy- I don’t class ranger as a Newcastle player, so feel free
310 Conaldo (The Wizard) // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:20 PM

Team vs bindippers

If ba out
Krul
Santon Saylor collo fergie
Cabaye Anita Jonas
Ben arfa cisse sammy

Just for it. Balls out attack.
I also think sammy and fergie deserve a chance now.
311 kevymartins // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:21 PM

gosling back soon but were is amalfitano these days?

also I think saylor should be in cb before wilo
312 kevymartins // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:24 PM

Bigi to show up sterling with his half a hair salon and white corsa
313 Magpie from Lithuania // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:28 PM

Nice formation Conaldo.
314 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:29 PM

@ Conaldo

I would stand on a street corner and get called worse than sh*t if someone payed me 50 grand a week. These are grown men in a dog eat dog world and you need to take it on the chin. I absolutely love Jonas (actually met him one time) but his performances recently have been sub par and he needs to step his game up when the likes of Fergie are chomping at his heels. As long as he gives 100% and I am sure he does no-one can complain. I despise fans that don’t support players and the only player talking to Jonas about his performances is Pardew at the end of the day
315 FatmanJoe // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:35 PM

Bpc

You are right to a certain extent but there’s got to be a level of professional pride and it can’t be easy if you’ve worked your entire life towards something to suddenly be criticised.

But he does have to up his game. His position is up for grabs.
316 Big Pappa Cissé // Oct 30, 2012 at 11:35 PM

only person rather
317 Tsunki // Oct 31, 2012 at 12:07 AM

I think Jonas is becoming more underestimated each natch he plays, we would miss him if we had a run of half a dozen games without him, thee would be some shaking around to be done to compensate for his loss. He seems to have been converted into a do-anything workhorse with more emphasis on holding and defensive duties, which is why people wrongly assume ‘his legs have gone’ or that he should be going for the byline and whipping in crosses. I think it would be a good idea to watch a game with an eye on Jonas’ entire contribution before stating rashly he should be summarily dropped.

Well, just got back in from watching Skyfall, and miss a 12-goal thriller. Still made the best choice imo ha ha.

Reading through today I can safely say Ketsy’s angry alter-ego Ashton has to be the most arrogant and selective poster seen on the blog for a long time maybe ever. Still saying Tiote is the best dm in the prem, he has some nice semantic reasons too. Still escapes his notice that the best dm would not be racking up so many cards, if it wasnt for him being a high risk-taker. If every DM in the league played his way, there would be a change of legislation to cut that out, like 6-game bans or incrementally increasing fines. He is also not secure enough with the ball sometimes, inexplicably holding on to it when a blindingly simple outlet is available. We also seem to mysteriously be able to cope as well without him as with. The only reason we will suffer badly without him would be due to having to reshape the midfield around a different player which is a problem in itself, so in summary selling him would be no great loss.
318 BelfastMagpie // Oct 31, 2012 at 12:19 AM

Think Jonas needs to man up and stop getting on like a baby if im honest.

I’ll swap lifes with him 2moro,if he wants
319 Ketsbaia9 // Oct 31, 2012 at 12:24 AM

I have always thought Ranger is a decent player, however, he needs to sort his attitude out. Anita and Marvin Martin would work. A 4-4-2 with one holding and one attacking is the norm. Two defensive midfielders within an attacking midfielder is suicidal. We’d get beat 1-0 every game.
320 wreker16 // Oct 31, 2012 at 1:43 AM

Kets
1 holding mid is not the norm,

Bayern Munich- schweinsteiger and Kroos or gustavo
Real Madrid- alonso and Khedira
Chelsea- mikel and lampard or ramires
Us when we were good last season- tiote and Gutierrez
As well as all the international teams bar bl00dy England!!

If you can name any good teams that play 4-1-2-1-2 then fair enough but I can’t think of any. Also Anita isn’t a tiote style ball winner
321 jeff // Oct 31, 2012 at 2:19 AM

wreker16 your a retard

man u play one holding mid (carrick) as do arsenal usually

your a true dumby

hmm id like to see ranger set some game time. i agree with you ketsabaha or whatever. ranger is vastly underrated – a mercurial talent who we have. fast strong and confident – the perfect striker on the left in are 4-3-3
322 jawballsaswallwell // Oct 31, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Jonas is no longer being deployed as a winger and surely then can’t be judged by how often he goes past his man and delivers a dangerous cross. He is being asked by his manager to tuck inside and essentially cover two roles. I feel he does this admirably as you’d expect, but isn’t it really a pretty flimsy attempt by Pards to play a hybid 442 and 433 with Jonas in basically a no win situation and as a result copping this very harsh criticism.
323 Santon03 // Oct 31, 2012 at 5:31 AM

Jonas should be a RWB, he has good defensive attributes, he has excellent stamina since all WB need to work harder than others and cover more ground. He played RWB for Argentina during Maradona as a coach.
He can support HBA better than Simpson, because Simpson is good at defending but not that good in supporting attack. I want Jonas, Colo, Cabaye, Santon, HBA to stay here forever.
324 Ian Toon // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:14 AM

Jesper- good morning. I just know your out there!
Have you seen Skyfall yet? Nice to see a flood of support and appreciation for what Jonas brings to the side. He’ll be a key player in bolstering the defence if we are to allow the more creative HBA and Cabaye a more attacking role.
325 jesperfuglsang // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:23 AM

Good morning Ian to you to mate I haven’t seen Skyfall yet – am I in for a treat?

I really like Jonas I think some on here are a bit unfair to him (seems he gets blamed for how we play).

I just want to add as a note to the headline of the thread that I learned alot from Michael Laudrup and Morten Olsen (just want to share it and myybe that is why I see football a bit differently) lol
326 jesperfuglsang // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:33 AM

Santon…first of all Argentina doesn’t 4-4-2 as we do and as long as that is still going on there is no way Jonas should be playing RB or LB
327 Ian Toon // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:33 AM

I was reading Tsunki’s post. I plan to see it at the weekend my brother says it’s brilliant. On my phone so I’ll catch you later. Have a fun day.
328 jesperfuglsang // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:35 AM

*play
329 jeff // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:42 AM

i think the team that would win the most games assuming pardew did not have to deal with player reactions / morale would simply be:

krul
jonas – taylor – coloccini – santon
cabaye – tiote – anita
ben arfa – ba – marveaux
330 jeff // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:44 AM

thats our best line-up. obviously marveaux’s morale / work ethic is low, but if he was given a run and did work hard – he would start for us theres no doubt. in my opinion hes a slower and less greedy ben arfa with less flair.
331 jeff // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:49 AM

every single good club these days plays something akin to holding / controlling / creative in the centre of the park. tiote holds, anita controls with passing – keeps the ball for us, and cabaye creates.

look at say liverpool – my most hated club, moreso than the mackems.

tiote = lucas (dm does not need to be black and muscly people)
anita = joe allen
cabaye – gerrard

or shall we look at another one of our rivals in arsenal

tiote = diaby
anita = arteta (i suppose arteta is somewhat of a playmaker)
cabaye = santi carzorla (assuming he is playing the central role)

now let us translate to the best team in the world

tiote = busquets
anita = xavi (sure cabaye has been compared to him but anita’s strongest points are xavis strongest points and what xavi does best is what anita is best at)
iniesta = cabaye (the creator for most of barcelona’s attacks – maybe cabaye isnt as good as penetrating the back four with great runs like iniesta)

the thing is, cabaye can pretty much play anita’s role better than anita himself so if we got a lampard (or nolan!) type player we would be set in midfield.
332 beddersmag // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:49 AM

Marv sadly really reminds me of a slightly more gifted routledge. Weak, scared of a hit and injury prone. Sorry but cant see him cutting it here personally
333 Ian Toon // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:50 AM

Jesper
Ibiza- as I am going to be out of circulation can I briefly comment on Ashton. As I posted earlier I don’t approve an abusive style but he has much to offer the blog. He is somebody who amidst the rants gives an interesting perspective. Just as BandB for example did. You don’t have to agree with all aspects of an argument to recognise or qualify the point. He is met with hostility and not surprisingly often over reacts.
I personally like the different point of view if it can be supported rather than so many trite posts. Each to his own- hear endeth the lesson.
334 jeff // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:50 AM

beddersmag- i assume you have been completely oblivious as to how well routledge has been performing at swansea
335 beddersmag // Oct 31, 2012 at 7:56 AM

No i was referring to routledges time at newcastle which was average at best. I have seen routledge seems to be doing better ie is scoring goals, but as i dont watch enough of their matches cant really comment on his recent form. However, perhaps i should have referred to marv as a less talented routledge
336 jesperfuglsang // Oct 31, 2012 at 8:15 AM

Ian…I am not really looking for ppl to agree with me – I like diverse opinions and I always think I have something to learn.

I take a standpoint untill I take a new one – I don’t have more pride than I can admit as was wrong. That is not the case with everybody on here.

I don’t take kindly on ppl who cannot keep a civil tone and just stear clear of them.

I might not agree with the ‘neggars’, but those who have been bugging me the most is those who simply cannot see fault by anything Newcastle related aand seems to think criticism is only nagative (things are as you perceive it).

These ppl bugs me!
337 Santon03 // Oct 31, 2012 at 8:16 AM

Jesper

I don’t think everyone blame Jonas, I think everyone here love Jonas.He is very loyal and always give 100%. Yes, sometimes he has an off day, every player has one.
It is just reality that he is not as good or as quick as 2 or 3 years ago. He should be like Giggs, take different roles which doesn’t need speed as priority, but he is not good passer either. He is very good at defending.
He is needed in some games against certain opponents, but starting every game will be a waste of space.If AP put him as DM, I would rather play someone who could pass and defend for DM, and play Jonas as RB.
338 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Oct 31, 2012 at 8:22 AM

Good morning,

Ian….Was that meant to be at Jesper and I? If so, then I agree to some extent. Hence my conversation with Ashton last night. All posters (Yep, every single one) has something to contribute to the blog. Ashton may be right about somethings, but surely wont be right about everything, at the end of the day, some things cannot be proved and will only be an opinion, so perhaps we could show a bit more respect to others (No, I’m not just picking up on one post where he called someone an idiot ten times).

Anyway, can we put the Ashton discussion to bed now. I have a feeling his stance is more to do with effect now as he seems to be enjoying the reaction a bit too much and not really interested in trying to find middle ground (even if you’re right about something – there is a little something called compromise, it’s something adults do from time to time so we can co-exist in some form of peace).

Sorry Ian, none of that post was directed at you, just went off on a little escapade.
339 jawballsaswallwell // Oct 31, 2012 at 8:25 AM

Jeff @328 I think that is a great team, although I suspect the inclusion of Marveaux is more based on what you believe he could be, rather than on what he has shown so far for us. He is deservedly well down the pecking order at the moment, but I too would like to see him deliver on his reputation. For the moment I would play Ba and Cisse interchanging positions as part of a front 3 with HBA on the left.
340 wreker16 // Oct 31, 2012 at 9:17 AM

Jeff

Arsenal, 1 holding midfielder? What?
Arteta and diaby? Never heard of them? Santi plays in front of them, where have u been?
Also if I’m a retard and I just disproved your point, what does that make you?