The Newcastle United Blog

283 responses so far ↓

• 1 Indian Magpie // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:16 AM

  5 years in a row i have waited for January only to be disappointed.

  Hull
  WBA
  Stevenage
  BHA
  BHA

• 2 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:17 AM

  Articles just keep coming today.

• 3 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:19 AM

  pawl250…

  Sammy’s attitude on the picture is much worse than Obertan’s. Even when he comes on as a last 10 sub he strolls about, absolutely 0 work ethic. Obertan offers more in every department.

• 4 WWYCD // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:20 AM

  Thanks for the input Nobby but if u really don’t understand u might want to look at the bigger picture mate

• 5 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:21 AM

  pawl250

  from previous

  I don’t think booing helps all the time, but people have a right to vent their frustration after spending 20/30/40 on a ticket.

  I think people are too sensitive to negative feedback now. I am only young myself, in my 20s but think that there is far to much effort put into being nice all the time and not telling people how their poor effort effects others.

  I will help anyone who gives 100%, they get as much of my time as they need. People who want things done for them, pass the buck to others or simply dont seem to care I have no time for.

  The players need to take some responsibility for this horrendous run and they can show that by putting their body on the line on games, too many games I see our players strolling around, not getting back into position, its just lazy and a good captain like nolan would certainly be giving a few of our boys a right earful on the pitch.

• 6 89Norcal // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:21 AM

  If you ask me, Pardew was just paranoid that we’d suffer another big injury.

  Course we did anyways with Perch.

• 7 Thump // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:22 AM

  He’s absolutely spot on. We were looking at the line up before the match and we were amazed at such a young side. Something that also surprised us was the inclusion of Demba Ba on the lineup on the program…

  Anyhow, as embarrassing as it was, let’s try and move on. The players undoubtedly are trying so we should too and focus on the league and Europa.

• 8 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:22 AM

  Who needs F.A Cup when you are already in Europe. We win E.L and beat whoever win CL next season. We need those signings though.

• 9 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:23 AM

  He’s a big boy – he should be able to cope with it!

  …I am with Nobby (I still don’t get what happened at that game…it looked like he wanted to lose) BUT WHY?

  Even if we could not win the FA Cup we need the boost (arrogance is confidence’s evil twin)

• 10 pawl250 // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:24 AM

  ToonLYF -

  Sammy has more determination to win, do well with the ball. He even, dare I say it has moments of magic almost Asprilla legs like, not even sure he knows what he will do.

  Obertan despite having Usain Bolt pace, lacks determination to win the ball, always misplaces a pass and when he does actually get in a 1 on 1 situation with a full back steps over the ball 80 times before attempting to cross the ball, if he does manage to actually get the cross in its to no one.

  Obertan is a woeful player, his attitude stinks. He was awful against Brighton, Sammy actually tried and in the later stages seemed like our only hope, how sad is that, relying on a young Ameobi!!?

• 11 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:24 AM

  I agree with nobby that the players aren’t pulling their weight and all are making too many basic mistakes which is what is costing us goals, nearly every goal we concede is just poor play from us and not really top class creativity.

  It’s just simple things like tracking a runner, getting in the right shape, having a commanding voice keeping people in the right place and making them accountable.

  I think other than marvoux we had our strongest side out so not too much criticism over team selection.

• 12 markmac // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:25 AM

  Nobby, yes we would all love to win the cup but this season has turned into a disaster with all the injuries, we need to consolidate in the league and any further injuries to colo/cisse [who were not risked] are not going to help that! but our performance was pi$$ poor and we need to take a long long look at our ‘youth’ because some are soooo far behind the likes of arsenal and man utd its unreal.

• 13 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:25 AM

  The One and Mr.Ortwo

• 14 canada_nufc // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:26 AM

  Legend says it as it is!

  Ashley needs to sell the club off.

  People have to realize that the club will be stuck in this ambition-less situation indefinitely, if he owns the club. Mid lower table year after year. As a businessperson myself, I know its too risky for him to ever try to break into the top 4 (last summer was as good a chance as ever- look what happened)…from a business perspective, he’ll be happy in top 10-15

  I did a university accounting course several years ago – my term project was evaluating Newcastle United FC as an investment. My term paper achieved top marks and concluded, after in depth analysis (50+pages), that NUFC was one of the best investments you could make in a football club. Guaranteed fan base of 50,000 every game, extremely valuable stadium (worth hundreds of millions), fans are as loyal as any etc. etc.

  Surely, there are owners like the group that bought PSG, that would purchase NUFC. I think the fans need to push Ashley out with protests etc again, and let the media and public know that they want new owners…That’s the only thing that can happen before we start seeing bids for the club

• 15 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:27 AM

  pawl250

  I think there is good point to be made for both sammy and obertan being poor haha.

  It’s like arguing which of the rotten apples you want to eat.

• 16 boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:27 AM

  Interesting how Nobby refers to us as ‘not playing as a team’, ‘taking too many touches’ and ‘strikers not getting any service’. An expert with a technical insight, as opposed to the semi-literate mob who populate this site and are only capable of scapegoating individual players again, and again, and again.

• 17 hotdog // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:27 AM

  Jesper – Previuos Thread – Is it not Lee Charnley or something that is heavilly invloved with getting the players signed up?

  It is astounding that the players have not arrived (except Debuchy). Ive always backed Ashley policy and cut him some flack over his mess up with Caroll. However im getting seriously worried about his intentions for our club now!

• 18 89Norcal // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:28 AM

  My only criticism is why didn’t he play Cisse? When it became evident that Brighton’s press was going to inhibit Sammy and Obertan, we were left of course hoofing it to Shola, since he cannot do much on the ball himself. Our midfield was also way too young and inexperienced to kick it around with Brighton’s big boys.

• 19 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:30 AM

  Canada

  No football club is a ‘good’ business investment, they all cost you money, there is no profit to make as any profit needs to be reinvested or fans get very angry.

  I agree newcastle is a good bet as we have a large attendance but thats chicken feed compared to TV deals and commercial revenue top clubs like man utd and real generate.

  We must be one of the best teams to take over in the prem league though if any super rich oil sheiks wish to buy a club.

• 20 TorqToon // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:31 AM

  Pawl – Sammi has shown ZERO desire to win!! He wonders around the pitch showing no real desire. Obertan has shown in recent weeks why we signed him and has come on. Sammi however seems to have gone backwards and needs to be loaned out to learn that work rate is the most important thing and the thing most lacking in his game.

• 21 89Norcal // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:33 AM

  pawl

  Have to say it seems more like the reverse; Obertan has stepped his game up recently, and is becoming a decent winger in the circumstances, while Sammy seems to wander out of position, and is slow and wasteful in the face of tougher defenses.

  He looked decent when we played Maritimo, but looks slow when playing an English team.

• 22 TorqToon // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:34 AM

  Norcal – Great minds think alike !

• 23 WesJameson // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:34 AM

  He has totally lost the plot this stupid idiot

  Sammy Ameobi did some good things but some naïve things. Bigi and Anita were great.”

  I have never seen Sammy Ameobi, do one single thing in a match, he might officially be the worst player i have ever seen in a black and white shirt

  Williamson makes Bramble and Boumsong look like world class defenders

  Feel so sorry for Debuchy coming in, he must be resigned to playing championship football next season, also resigned to the fact the he might never play for France again

• 24 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:35 AM

  hotdog… as far as I know it’s Lee Charnley and Derek Llambias (the two stooges )

  …well I guess Mike has the final say. But last year and in the summer, DL was always on vacation when we needed to sign players.

• 25 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:35 AM

  pawl…

  gonna’ have to disagree, I think Sammy is an absolute liability at this stage in his career. Obertan is far from the finished product, but has atleast stepped up and provided in the Premier League with a few assists and a goal – he offers us a constant outlet when he’s on the pitch, and when deployed on the left, has proved he can provide a good assist and be a threat. He gets the place over Sammy every single day of the week in my opinion.

• 26 boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:37 AM

  TorqToon – what happens next week when Obertan looks rubbish and Sammi has a good cameo? It must be tiring being so fickle – you have to change your slant on players every week. Maybe we should just accept that in this current environment every player is underperforming – naturally the youngsters show the first signs. The problem is clearly endemic.

• 27 Rake // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:37 AM

  You have to say we played 4-3-3 against Brighton and the front 3 where all terrible.

• 28 markmac // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:38 AM

  @25 agreed, sammi has some skills but there few and far between, he does look terribly awkward on the ball to me, he’s quick enough when he’s in behind, but thats about it at the minute im afraid imo,

• 29 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:38 AM

  I’d start obertan over sammy too…although think that obertan still isn’t that good.

  Sammy is just woeful, he has zero drive, zero passion and looks like he is just having a kick about with his friends.

  He moves even less than his brother…lets hope there isn’t a third ameobi brother or else he will have to go in goal if the trend of less movement continues.

• 30 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:40 AM

  boater…

  Being fickle is irrelavant. It’s a fact that Obertan has shown he offers the team more, and more consistently than Sammy.

• 31 catchy in norway // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:41 AM

  Why did marv not start the game?

  And as for sammy v obertan, I go for Ferg every time

  Why, unlike obertan the kid has heart, he will get stuck in , and he can diliver good crosses , sammy only runs at players , sometimes looks great sometimes very poor
  Obertans attitude is, put the ball at my feet I’m not going to run for it and I will not track back

• 32 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:41 AM

  I dont like to blame players if they aren’t good enough, it’s difficult being asked to do a job you are not able to do.

  I dont like the lack of effort from sammy, not just him though, a lot of our players seem to do this.

• 33 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:41 AM

  Vorren to Everton.
  Heitinga to Ajax
  Alderviereld to Toon

  Have we been waiting for Ajax to find replacement?

• 34 hotdog // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:42 AM

  Lads we cant start slagging off a 20 year old kid (sammi)in his second pro season. I agree he has looked poor recently but you could say that about most of the team. He showed his potential in the pre season games and if you stuck him into our first choice 11 im sure you would get a different outcome.

• 35 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:42 AM

  catchy

  I do like fergie, think he offers a good cross which neither sammy or obertan do consistently.

• 36 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:43 AM

  Alderwiereld

• 37 TorqToon // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:43 AM

  Boater – You show me where I have turned my opinions around on players and constantly ‘moved on’ to the next one? Fickle?? You must have me confused. I’m loyal to the hilt even in these dark times!

  What I am saying – and others clearly agree, that, putting sammi’s obvious talent to one side, his work rate is appalling. He tries hard sporadically when he SHOULD be trying hard the entire time! You and others seem stuck on his ‘potential’ which I get, but are blinkered with the views on gabby and simply jumping on the band wagon.

  I was part of the 2000 people who travelled down to Brighton to see that farce. I can deal with mistakes to an extent, but I can’t deal with people not trying and wondering around like, not working for the team or doing the shirt proud.

  Fickle ?? You are wrong in a big way !

• 38 Rock // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:45 AM

  boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:27 AM

  we also talk about hoofball tactics, bad substitutions, our shambolic set piece records, bad distribution by the goalie and defenders, killer passes and assists…
  when we are not lynching williamson.
  actually i was’nt sure why bigi was the MOM in the game. i thought he took too many touches himself. anita played better than him, even marv with his short presence.

• 39 boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:45 AM

  Sammi is 4 years behind Obertan in his development. I always laugh when people say ‘lazy’ – it’s such an idiotic comment. No player would be allowed to stay on the pitch if this were true. Pawl is right – Sammi has the magic feet to ghost past players and plenty of potential. But playing in this team is going to ruin him – no one is excelling or creating space for themselves. It’s a thankless job trying to create something in this team.. unless it’s a 40 yd wonder goal.

• 40 rainrix // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:45 AM

  Honestly I’m glad we’re out . Our squad is simply too depleted and teetering on the verge of relegation to bother with the cup. The fact that we lost 2 players in one match is testament, plus we still have a difficult 2 legged europa tie to content with.

  I feel sorry for the fans that made the trip but honestly this result could’ve been seen coming from a mile away

• 41 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:45 AM

  hotdog

  I dont want to be too hard on kids, they can only do so much but surely they should be putting in the effort, even if it gets them no where they should show a bit more effort.

  I appreciate its difficult in a team devoid of its key men and any sort of positivity at the moment but simply running and pressing is a basic discipline and what all players fighting for a first team sport should show.

  I saw that from bigi but not the others.

• 42 JAMSHA // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:46 AM

  from.previous post

  “It is obvious we need
  players in.” The message
  from myself is to keep the
  faith with the team we
  know we have.”

  NO PLAYERS COMENG IN

• 43 catchy in norway // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:47 AM

  Hotdog

  I never slag of the kids for trying,

  Transfer
  We all know Ferg is not the finished article , but between all three , he is the most consistant,
  Anyone remember pistone getting a Sheeps heart for Xmas , hope obertan got one this year

• 44 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:48 AM

  boater

  its clear to see sammy is lazy on the pitch.

  he doesnt close down and ambles around the pitch.

  look at bigi, he ran his heart out, pressing their defence then running back to help cover the defence, i didn’t see any other youngsters doing that.

• 45 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:49 AM

  Nobody is slating Sammy, or writing him off, we’re simply saying we expect higher overall workrate from our players, particularly these youngsters. Obertan is guilty of this aswell.

• 46 WesJameson // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:49 AM

  Miss you Sir Bobby

  Poor man, must be turning in his grave

  Never been so uninspired, so sad, so God damn angry at life, Newcastle United, have been mocked for many a year, over their questionable choices in CB pairings, no need to mention who, we all know who

  But honestly, this defence is a shambles, WORST i have ever seen, in all the leagues, i have ever watched over the past 25 years, Darren Peacock, looks like Maldini compared to Williamson FFS

  AAAARRRGGGGG!!!! WHY NUFC, WHY

• 47 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:50 AM

  http://hereisthecity.com/2013/01/07/nh-arsenal-set-to-move-for-8-million-toby-alderweireld/

• 48 markmac // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:51 AM

  @34 hotdog, your right its not sammi’s or any of the other young lads fault that there in the first team too soon, we all know who to blame for that, but what can we do except hope we get another couple of senior lads in before feb to take the burden from the younger lads who arent ready

• 49 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:51 AM

  Isn’t it Vegard Forren Everton has signed?

  …in the Scandinavian languages V and F are very different (it is not like German and Dutch)

• 50 catchy in norway // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:53 AM

  Dose anyone think Pardew could be rushing players back like saylor and cabaye because of lack of transfer activity?

  I used to think no news was good news , but right now, I would rather here we are in talks with players than not hearing anything, I mean even QPR tried to beat us to remy, and they say they have had no other contact from any other club, but they no teams are interested in him,

  Surely they should make a move , and see if he wants to join or not, if not move onto a new target, don’t wait until the last minut like every window

• 51 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:53 AM

  TS…well Arsenal are letting both Djourou and Squillaci go, so it would make sense!

• 52 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:53 AM

  …just while we’re on the topic of our youngsters – i too would like to salute Bigirimana, he is a breath of fresh air, and an example to all of our young players. Goes to show if you really have the quality, and are prepared to put a shift in, there’s a place in Newcastle’s first team for these youngsters, regardless of age.

• 53 pawl250 // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:55 AM

  M’Vila supposed to be up for grabs for 6.5m, thats a bargain for a talent like that. Although we dont need another CDM.

  Personally I would get him though and try and shift Tiote who recently has been well off the pace, hopefully using his previous season as a highlight reel to drive up the price.

• 54 boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:57 AM

  I don’t need to see strikers running around like dogs on the beach chasing balls for 90 minutes. Shearer didn’t do that. Are we Brentford Town? Is this 1975? Players need to conserve their energy.

  This blog has become a place where insight, and perspective takes a day off. It’s all about bashing players – not only is it unsavoury and pointless – it’s comically missing the point as to where we are going wrong.

  We will probably get a new centre back in place of Williamson- and he will almost certainly make mistakes – and you will all be on here slagging him off. They are not going to singlehandedly resurrect our performances or results. The difference will be a few degrees – the odd point at best.. and you’ll move on to the next perceived weakest link.

• 55 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:57 AM

  catchy

  Ashley and Co really need to crack on with transfers ASAP…the sooner we have them in the longer they have to bed in. We have a game sat, then the following sat then 10 days til our next.

  We can use the time between games to bed new players in…we probably wont have more in for norwich, in terms of doing medical, getting them settled etc.

  We need to get a CB and forward signed this week so they have all next week to bed into the team.

• 56 catchy in norway // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:58 AM

  Toonlyf

  I think you will find he is the only one being singled out every time from Pardew for praise,
  While I don’t think he is a bad player, I think some of the other kids are as good , but are not given a fair chance

• 57 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:58 AM

  M’Vila would be a steal at 6.5m like. International class, but you’re right, we don’t need another CDM. He’s about as good as Tiote defensively, but offers quite a bit more going forward. Can’t see us being in for him however, but i’m absolutely delighted with Anita personally so i can live with it.

• 58 spennymoor-mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:58 AM

  Yer jamsha I agree with you mate. Debuchy will be all we get imo! Sad but fact. What’s happening at nufc man. I no this may sound silly to some of you but if we lose at Norwich and no new players in. I think the protests should begin. Mike Ashley needs to find out how we all feel about him.

• 59 catchy in norway // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:59 AM

  Transfer

  I do agree

• 60 TorqToon // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:00 PM

  Toon Lyf – completely agree ! Bigi has been at the club only a matter of months and has shown passion, grit and determination ! He has earned his place in the side and is a credit to the shirt! It’s strange how an 18yr old can be an inspiration to others but he really is! And fair play to him!

  Now back to bashing players – up next – Tiote!!

• 61 WesJameson // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:00 PM

  @ toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 11:53 AM

  Agreed mate, Bigi, is one helluva player…WOW!!!

  Now compare him and Sammy, country fekking miles apart, to be fair

  People saying, that all the talk is unfair on Sammy…..maybe he should look half fekking interested before putting the shirt on….might help a bit, then again, he is probably so pissed off playing for Percy Hoofball…no wonder he looks disinterested and lazy ffs

• 62 walton1984 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:01 PM

  Is it just me or is Sammy starting too become very over rated, i would play ferguson before him

• 63 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:01 PM

  Any news about that supposedly medical @ SJP today?

• 64 Spotlight Kid // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:01 PM

  In defence of the indefensible….

  Look chaps, I think old Willo is getting a little too much stick on here of late. He’s no Beckenbauer, or even Jackie Charlton, but he was never meant to be.

  Willo was bought as cover for Sick Note Taylor whilst in the Championship, indeed we even used Fitz Hall on loan such was the chronic CH shortage at the time. In Summer 2010 Ashley failed to strengthen a depleted Championship squad, with only Tiote arriving at the last minute along with Perch. Gosling limped in on a free, HBA sneaked in on loan and senior citizen Sol Campbell became temporary secondary CH cover in place of OneSize. It was pathetic.

  More pathetic is the fact two and half years (and countless millions of transfer funds) later the same CH problem remains, with Championship benchwarmer Willo now looking increasingly out of his depth week in week out – especially when Colo’s support is missing.

  This is not a new problem, but in Ashley’s mind Sick Note Taylor (now with long term contract) remains our (ahem) ‘Premier class’ CH despite the fact is and has been a perennial absentee season after season. He’s another Woodgate, a 15 games a season guy at best, and the sooner someone faces up to this fact the better.

  In the meantime decent Centre Backs have come and gone (Norwich snaffled Bassong), but the board remain in complete denial, despite the goals against tally…..

• 65 boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:01 PM

  TS – 1) Bigi is a different kind of player, playing in a different role.. not a creative one trying to unlock defenses. 2) What did it achieve ultimately? If a player only runs once in a game and scores a goal – better that then runs around for 90mins and contributes nothing to the scoreline. I repeat, plenty of hardworking teams in the lower divisions – the top leagues in Europe are about balancing the work ethic with the natural flair.

• 66 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:01 PM

  catch…

  Are you referring to Obertan or Bigirimana?

• 67 canada_nufc // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:02 PM

  TransferSage..

  I wrote the report in 2006 when NUFC were still on the public market…we were valued at 97 million pounds. Shareholders were, within a year, bought out at 1.5-2 times that.

  Businesses can be good investment opportunities as long as they present undervalued ‘opportunity’ – this is what creates the overall valuation. Not just today’s profit.

  People talk about how Ashley has been so great to Newcastle financially, and laid so much money into the books – yea, he has. But guess what – that money is now included in the valuation, for sale purposes (and likely with a growth multiple, once he decides its time to sell).

  So he’s doing no favours for the club. He has helped the books, improved what damage Freddy Shepherd did to the books – but he will get this money back, and more, once he sells the club.

  One more thing to add – Newcastle has the 4th largest revenue per fan in all of Europe – in terms of merchandise etc.

  I agree with what you said about TV money – its key. This comes when you buy good players, perform well, get into Europe etc. But it will come if a good owner comes in.

• 68 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:02 PM

  boater

  very naive approach to football there.

  We accept that all players will make mistakes, it is inevitable, especially at the top level when up against world class players.

  I like williamson, seems a genuine lad but the long and short of it is that he is not good enough and we should look to improve.

  Sammy was not a striker in any games this season, he was played on the wing, the job of a winger is to not only attack but also to press the opposition and to also assist with defending.

  Look at the bets side in the world over the last 10 years, barcelona. They are not the best just because they have the most talent but because they work the hardest. Every single player from puyol to messi never stop moving and press the opposition into making mistakes they can capitalise on.

  I’m not saying sammy should spend most of his time in our half or constantly running around, but when the ball in near him he should be pressing the opposition into making a mistake

• 69 TorqToon // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:05 PM

  Jesper – I was thinking the same! And where has proudtobeageordie gone??

  I enjoyed his posts and his insight but has no doubt been forced away by constant put downs and insults.

  Shame.

• 70 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:06 PM

  Has anyone read the Mike Williamson interview?

  Ha h ah ah ah aha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ah ha ah ha

• 71 danuneek // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:06 PM

  I’m not going to pretend to know what the problem is. But … you have to look at some of our players and think are they good enough?

  This blog has a tendency to overate some of our squad and younger players. But I think the evidence is there for all to see. We have a fairly decent starting 11 but as soon as someone is injured, we don’t have a decent replacement. People can bang on about Pardew’s tactics and formations, but we don’t really know whats going in the background.

  Pardew might be playing a certain way that works with the players he has. And if those players aren’t good enough, which they aren’t, we’re going to loose. There are squad players that can do a job (Perch, Simpson, Bigi, Raylor and maybe Obertan at a push) and then there are those that can’t (Strolla, Sami, Ferguson, Williamson, Abeid, Ranger, Amalfitano, Gosling, Tavernier).

• 72 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:07 PM

  I wasn’t to far of Jesper. I got Heitinga right at least.

• 73 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:07 PM

  boater

  bigi had a a defensive midfield role and he was running ahead of shola and abeid to press the centre backs.

  It makes no difference whatsoever if only one player does it as they have options, if shola, abeid obertan and sammy joined in they would have either had to go long or play a risky short pass.

  Watch barcelona, when they lose the ball you have messi, iniesta, pedro, sanchez, villa, fabregas (whoever is playing) all push and press the oppoistion and then 8/9 times out of 10 they win it back high up the pitch and can go right on the attack.

  By standing off like we do we win the ball back in our own 3rd and all our players than have to run the 70 yards to get near the goal before even thinking of creating a chance.

  Equally as tiring but not as effective.

• 74 canada_nufc // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:08 PM

  TransferSage..

  I wrote the report in 2006 when NUFC were still on the public market…we were valued at 97 million pounds. Shareholders were, within a year, bought out at 1.5-2 times that.

  Businesses can be good investment opportunities as long as they present undervalued ‘opportunity’ – this is what creates the overall valuation. Not just today’s profit.

  People talk about how Ashley has been so great to Newcastle financially, and laid so much money into the books – yea, he has. But guess what – that money is now included in the valuation, for sale purposes (and likely with a growth multiple, once he decides its time to sell).

  So he’s doing no favours for the club. He has helped the books, improved what damage Freddy Shepherd did to the books – but he will get this money back, and more, once he sells the club.

  One more thing to add – Newcastle has the 4th largest revenue per fan in all of Europe – in terms of merchandise etc.

  I agree with what you said about TV money – its key. This comes when you buy good players, perform well, get into Europe etc. But it will come if a good owner comes in.

• 75 nightfa11 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:08 PM

  Newcastle are also interested in the France striker and are reported to have sent represenatives to France to try and secure his signing.

  d

  Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has also been in France, with the club hoping a lucrative offer will convince Remy to move to Loftus Road.

  Newcastle are obviously a step closer to a deal, but it seems the French star has another priority, telling L’Equipe: “I know of Newcastle’s interest but I would like to play in Germany.”

  QPR now want Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones, the Sunday Mirror report.

• 76 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:09 PM

  ”I enjoyed his posts and his insight but has no doubt been forced away by constant put downs and insults.”

  Or the fact he was speaking bull shit as is to embarrassed to ever return. He did say Remy would be signing today!

• 77 WesJameson // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:09 PM

  @ Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:02 PM

  Very well said, and couldn’t agree more mate, have always been in complete awe of Barca, like you say, not only are their skills sublime, but oh my word, how hard they run, and chase down too, simply beautiful to watch

• 78 rainrix // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:09 PM

  fergie is much more of an impact player for me atm. When he’s been brought off the bench he has looked really good and chipped in with a few assists. When he’s started a match ive not been too impressed, southampton was particularly bad, then again the entire performance was bad.

  Weighing into the obertan debate people seem all to happy to embrace the bad before the good. `yes his last 2 appearances have been woeful but the 2 before were very good and he also chipped in with 2 assists. Maybe the overall poor team performance is a factor. Consistency and confidence are the key with obertan although he hasn’t really had any since he joined.

• 79 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:10 PM

  News from Footy Mad!

  ‘Marseille star Lois Remy has rejected a move to QPR, L’Equipe have reported, but he is waiting for an offer from a German club.’

• 80 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:11 PM

  TorqToon…

  well said mate, Bigirimana looks every bit a Newcastle player to me. He’s professional through and through aswell. 19 year olds that make an impression are usually attacking players, as they can make mistakes and go unnoticed. However, for Bigirimana being a defensive midfielder, it’s even more impressive what he has done so far. Such a vital role in the team, and any naive mistake could easily cost us a goal, and whilst he hasn’t been flawless, he’s been very tidy, and very assured. I feel more than comfortable with him on the pitch.

• 81 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:12 PM

  Canada

  You are my new favorite blogger.

  Nice insight and opinions backed up by facts

• 82 TorqToon // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:12 PM

  Beattie – Can tell you are a fan of his!

  Is that what was said?! It would improve my Monday no end – but alas isn’t going to happen if we haven’t even bid for the lad.

• 83 John Tudor // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:13 PM

  pardew tells them to stand off

• 84 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:14 PM

  Wes

  Exactly…to be at the top you need natural talent but you also need to make sure that talent is on display by working hard.

  No surprise players like lampard (bets goal scoring midfielder in the leagues history) works extra sessions on shooting and movement.

  Players like beckham worked on free kicks hour after hour.

  Roy hodgeson did a great interview with sire clive woodward for sky recently where they discussed their sports.

  Roy said a lot of players who are at the top go away after training and do extra fitness work, more gym work to improve power, speed, etc and also a lot of technical drills as well.

  He said its quite easy to spot which ones put the effort in and which ones don’t.

• 85 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:14 PM

  Sage, At least I gave Alderwierld lovers few seconds of hope. Arsenal linked to Mbwia, Rami, M,vila and probably 100 others.

• 86 WesJameson // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:14 PM

  @ boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:01 PM

  Mate its not a direct comparison in terms of what they do on the pitch, or what their positions are…

  It’s just so plain to see a real quality player over one that’s to be fair, is rubbish….

  Scary thing is lad, i swear to God,this is no joke now………. i would any day of the year, play Bigi ANYWHERE on the pitch instead of Sammy, that includes the wing or stiker

• 87 toonLYF // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:14 PM

  TS…

  Very good point about Barcelona, people think they simply win matches due to having a team of world beaters, but that in reality is only half the story. It’s a beautiful thing to see them lose the ball in a way, because of the shape, the concentration, the intensity, and desire in their team. World class.

  …and as you say, all the players who are seen by some as “luxuries”, all do their bit. Iniesta is outstanding at this.

• 88 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:15 PM

  sazzer

  thats just speculation in that article i posted, you never know we could be in for him.

• 89 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:16 PM

  How sad though that we have to look to Bigi to do so well on the pitch.

  The kis is 19 and in his 2nd year as a pro. As good as he is he should not be playing for the first team. Some teenagers walk into the 1st team and perform like seasoned pro’s. Bigi needs another 2 seasons for me. He should be out on loan learning the trade like all our youth, but hey, they will be able to play lots of lower level football next season…

• 90 Pardews Perfect Battleplan // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:18 PM

  @john tudor is it rashly telling pards to tell them to stand off though? lol

• 91 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:18 PM

  Beasttie25
  Kone vs Canadas old Trafford?

• 92 Pardews Perfect Battleplan // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:19 PM

  rashly = ashley

• 93 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:19 PM

  toonlyf

  I do think barca are just a great side, sometimes boring to watch but its purely because they dominate so many teams it isn’t competitive, the stuff they play is fantastic to watch though.

  I’m not expecting us to be as good as them and as skilled as closing down but they could show the effort.

  I know its not always important to press high, we didn’t last year at swansea, we limited them to no real clear cut chances and then we countered well from deeper.

  Chelsea also stood of barca well to keep a shape and not allow as many gaps in behind.

  There is merit to both strategies but its important to use the right one at the right time.

• 94 boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:20 PM

  Transfer – Naive? Thanks for the critique. You are generally coherent but you labour the obvious too much- with respect.

  If the question is why have we slumped to 10 out of 12 defeats? – then Williamson is not the answer. I am happy he is replaced with a shiny technical, upgrade but he is not the answer to why we have collapsed. His replacement will make mistakes… who will you blame then? You must like your little player-blaming hamster wheel circles – not for me thanks.

  I was drawn to this article because it gave an intelligent reason as to why we are struggling – was interested to see if it would still descend into individual player scapegoating for the millionth time – course it does.

• 95 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:20 PM

  From Ba

  * * * * * * *
  “The three behind me make football look easy. I just try to run in behind and try to create space as well for them.

  * * * * * * *

  So basically a 4231 with Ba alternating with Torres, not a 442 with 2 number 9′s getting in each other’s way!!!

• 96 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:20 PM

  Torq

  I actually enjoyed his posts when he wasn’t insulting people who questioned his integrity.

  He said on Friday that Remy would sign in 48 hours. Perhaps he believes this world is Fifa and that Fifa is the real world..

• 97 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:21 PM

  KOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

• 98 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:24 PM

  Sage, yep. Heitinga to Ajax certainly increasing the possibility of Alderwiereld leaving.

• 99 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:24 PM

  After watching Remy yesterday I must say he looked so far away from the player I saw last season that I don’t know if we should sign him.

  He looks unfit, uninterested and lacking all his best attributes. Perhaps being in the situation we are in, now is not the time to pin our hopes on him.

  With the £10 million we could buy Belhanda, Brahimi, Lens, Sulamnjani, or any number of quick LW/SS. They’d be cheaper and then we could focus on a CB.

  Wait a minute…we aren’t going to get anyone else so what am I even talking about?

• 100 WesJameson // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:25 PM

  @ Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:16 PM

  How can you say, you feel he needs two seasons?? Makes absolutely no sense at all

  Bigi, has out shone ALL our “seasoned” first team players, he is a million times better than Tiote….WHY? For one fact, he has a football brain, we played Manure earlier in the season, with Bigi coming on as sub, they had their signing on, Powell i think it was, Bigi made him look like an under 15 girl footballer

  Seriously, Bigi is here now, and thank baby Jesus for that in my opinion

• 101 nufc 11 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:25 PM

  We desperatly need a CB Willo was awful against brighton, Pieters, Roger Johnson, Carvalho on loan, were def need a body back their tho and can cut it aat CB in EPL:

• 102 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:26 PM

  Boater

  Well if you had read my other comments on here and in general over the past few weeks I don’t tend to blame one player and have never said replacing Williamson will guarantee improved results.

  I have said for a long time we have players playing out of position which doesn’t help as they may be able to do one aspect of that position but cannot cover all the bases it requires.

  We have had a lot of injuries so although only 2/3 are out at once usually we have no coherent team as its always changing.

  I blame Europa as we change the team too much for each game and also it interferes with our preparation for games. And with the routine being different from last year it means that is a other thing which takes players then to adapt..

  I have said players don’t seem to be putting in the same effort and their is no leadership out on the pitch. Nobody to organise the shape when things are against us.

  Also we play. Style which suits only a few in the team, long ball suited Ba and shola, but it didnt help cabaye, Ben arfa, cisse, marvoux etc

  I have given plenty of reasons as to why I think the team is underperforming and not just bashed one player.

• 103 wreker16 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:28 PM

  So now our possibly soon to be new signing whom we are relying on to save us from relegation is bad now?!?!!? …… Sigh

• 104 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:29 PM

  Wes

  C’mon man. Bigi on top form is nowhere near the standard of Tiote on form.

  I know Tiote has been atrocious this season but when he is fit and playing well he is better than Bigi.

  Bigi has the potential to be amazing, but lets not jump the gun here. He has been one of our better performers but instead of concentrating on what that means to you, think about what that means about how poor our team has been.

  He has hardly come in and transformed us into a winning side. He is good, but not ready for the pressures of first team football. just because he tried hard against Brighton.

  Ask yourself, if the other youth players had as much game time as Bigi could they have done better against Brighton?!

• 105 gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola) // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:30 PM

  I just hope and pray sn Arab family come in and buys us off…I cant stand watching this enormous club fight for relegation ever again…I am sorry its actually un acceptable.

• 106 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:31 PM

  Scroll down a third if you want to see the commercial revenue 2010/11 (£ mins).

  …we don’t fare that well. The English numbers are a bit further down the page.

  http://swissramble.blogspot.dk/search/label/Newcastle%20United

• 107 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:32 PM

  Wrecker

  Not saying he is bad now and forever, just unfit and lacking match practice probably.

  It might take half a season for him to get back.

  That’s another thing to feel sad about. When Cabs, Saylor and Benny come back they’ll be far from being match fit.

  We need a fcuking micracle.

• 108 sweendog // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:32 PM

  see Carr was watching Gomis last night ..

• 109 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:33 PM

  I love Gomis but without creativity he is as useful as Cisse.

• 110 toonheroes // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:33 PM

  Dummett re: Brighton

  “The fans were disappointed – they travelled a long way to see us get beat, but I think they could see the players tried their hardest and put the work in”.

  Nothing against the lad but if that’s what the rest of the team think we are truely Fcuked
  Could see the lads tried their hardest. Fantasy football

• 111 hotdog // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:33 PM

  Carvalho – Now there is a player with experience that could come straight in – good shout NUFC11

  Canada – Good posts mate

  Right ive got to get some work done, can we have a new signing when i check back at tea time please!

• 112 sweendog // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:35 PM

  Beattie25 .. whats that about .. you mean Kone from Lyon?

• 113 boater // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:35 PM

  Transfer – They are all subsequent reasons. The problems started with Pards tactical pussyfooting in attack – and have become a confidence issue. We were creaking with the first teamers playing – so how is injuries the main issue? No team has their best side available always.

  Still think Nobby’s comments are the most interesting explanation I have heard.. especially about the amount of touches – symptomatic of individuals trying ‘too’ hard to compensate for the lack of team compactness.

• 114 rainrix // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:35 PM

  Toonheros…. He cant really say the truth though can he, “yeah half the squads not good enough pardew sucks williamson is a championship class defender” Bad PR

• 115 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:35 PM

  No I mean KOOOONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

  From Lorient

• 116 sweendog // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:36 PM

  Beattie25 .. bit similiar to Ba..

• 117 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:37 PM

  Rainrix

  Better to say nothing at all than tow a company line.

  He could’ve just said:

  ‘Thanks to the fans, sorry we could’nt get the result.’

• 118 nightfa11 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:37 PM

  tiote is class…ok..he wasnt good this season..but who was? almost all starting 11 was poor..apart from anita, hatem & marveux (ok & ba).. cabaye was poor when he played, colo, krul, santon, cisse, etc.. & thats pardews fault…

  this season we didnt play well in 1 single match..& please…dont say how good we were against man utd.. it was the weirdest match ever..all players were already on holidays..it showed..noone was running..not us..not man utd players..it was like a pub match.. but ppl say we were so good cos we scored 3 times..

• 119 WesJameson // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:38 PM

  @ Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:29 PM

  hahaha, yeah i know mate, just using a little hyperbole, to describe you Bigi BUT

  No i fully believe Bigi, is a child prodigy, when last have you seen an 18 playing defensive midfield mind……..and so damn well, who from our youth/second team is better?

  Do however, sad as it is….agree with your feelings about us getting anyone new….i highly doubt it’s gonna happen, been let down too often by this club!!

• 120 sweendog // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:38 PM

  what about him .. is that the new CB rumour

• 121 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:39 PM

  Sween

  No he is like a black version of God, if God was a French Center Back,.

• 122 WesJameson // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:40 PM

  oopps our not you*

• 123 fray bentos // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:41 PM

  Great!! lets get on a youngsters back just because he says the players tried their hardest when you don’t think they did, talk about going overboard jeez

• 124 rainrix // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:42 PM

  Beattie…. But then it isn’t enough for an article really. i Honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they do say short stuff like that to the journos but cattle-wranglers like ryder add the old “oh we tried our best yadda yadda yadda” It all sounds the same anyway from every player wouldn’t surprise me in the least if that happened

• 125 sweendog // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:42 PM

  not watched him .. sounds like a brute at 6 foot 2 ..

• 126 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:43 PM

  boater

  I think injuries have had an influence but so have all the other things i mentioned.

  Nobby is right.

  You look at games where ben arfa played. He would pick the ball up and our team would look at him, as if they expected him to run from the half way line and score.

  There was no movement around him, players haven’t shown for the ball all year.

  We have so little movement from players off the ball it is embarassing.

  I know i keep saying but its the perfect example, when a barca player has the ball he always has 3/4 good options available.

  I know we aren’t that level but sometimes you look at our lads and people just run away from who has the ball and leave them with either having to beat their man or knock it long.

  Its terrible to watch, thats what really annoys me, we have players not pressing the opposition, just letting them play then when we do win it back nobody shows for it and tries to help their team mates….kind of ties in with what nobby says about players not helping each other.

  If we do have a player press its just one of them, not the whole team, so that player is running around for nothing as players can pass around him. Same as when we have the ball and nobody is there to help, its shambolic and its basic football to offer a pass for your teammate.

• 127 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:44 PM

  Wes

  I agree, he is a sensation but won’t hit his peak for a while yet and should be nurtured and moulded into a magnificent player. To put so much emphasis on him at so young (not your praise, just Pardews demands) is unfair.

  Everyone Else

  Do you not get the feeling that Ash is seeing how the Norwich and Reading games go before spending. I almost feel like if we win 1 of those 2 he will think ‘fcuk it we’ll be ok.’?!

  If we lose both he might sack Pardew but still refuse to bring in a player, thus making Pards the scapegoat.

  Either way this lack of movement, and looking back at our history, is frightening.

  Was it not Pards who said we will look to do ALL our business at the beginning of the window?

  I am scared.

• 128 sweendog // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:44 PM

  was he injured .. 41 appearances since 2010 isn’t much ..

• 129 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:46 PM

  Sweendog

  That’s Wiki, it never gets updated for the lesser know players.

• 130 Mister Tuff // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:47 PM

  gorgonzola @105 – the rich Arab family you dream about -have been and gone. They made enquiries some time ago and were apparently told by this lovely charming man I think he is referred to as Dastardly – that the value of the Toon was £900 million. We did not hear from them again. I understand the same people later purchased Man City.

• 131 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:50 PM

  beattie

  i am confident we will bring in another 2-3 players.

  But i wont get my hopes up as I know what ashley is like.

  He wont want to go down as it will cost him too much but I think that he wont spend 20 million to make sure we get premier league surivial.

  I think he will spend a smaller amount and hope that keeps us up. why spend 20mil to stay in the league when you probably can do it on 10mil ey?

  no ambition

• 132 Tsunki // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:55 PM

  The important thing is that erm… Well what I mean to say is that, for me, er what seems to be the erm… Its just that all things considered… Dammit has Loic been seen modelling that Club shop Onesie yet or what?

  Bang us a choon out on yer horn Nobby cheer us all up will ya?

• 133 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 12:57 PM

  If the comment from remy about wanting to play in germany is true lets move on and secure another target.

  Or at least pose the question to him and see if he wants to join.

• 134 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:00 PM

  If he spends another £10 million i’ll be amazed.

  Saying that, in reality, that is probably all we need if spent correctly.

  You could get 3-4 players with that (or perhaps £12 million) that would come in and give an immediate impact and even if we got relegated, they would stay.

  I’m talking of course about my new boyfriend Lamine Kone for £2 million, Isimat-Mirin for £4 million, Moussa Sissoko for £4 million and someone like Gamerio on loan with a view to buy.

  It can be done but I’m worried why it isn’t even starting to happen.

• 135 Sir Braveheart // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:02 PM

  You’re absolutely right Nobby. After all why leave the likes of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Colo and Cisse on the bench against Brighton. Oh…wait…

• 136 Tsunki // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:03 PM

  They were prepared to stump up £12m for carroll last time and £4m for thingumabob so there’s £16m they thought they had.

• 137 lesh // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:05 PM

  Transfer Sage wants to give players time to bed in………

  C’mon Sage, get a grip man…

  You can’t be serious when you want to give players to bed in when we can delay any signings (if any) until the window’s near closed so we can lose more games in the meantime!!!

• 138 lesh // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:10 PM

  Ed, well impressed that you had a pal with a telly.

  If it was owt like when I was a kid, word spread like wildfire that somebody’d got a telly, there’d have been thousand of ‘friends’ turning up at the front door… or kids at the back door to sneak in when ma was answering the front one!

• 139 Black and White with an army lol // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:13 PM

  i got to get this off my chest first of all against Brighton no excuses but it was a win win deal we only had tav and abied as our young players and the rest were actually our recent first team players look at the line up and compare them to our regular team only cisse and colo where missing the rest had played in most of our prem games so cut the shit and stop saying that we had our young side out ffs.

  and for perch did you’s realize he’s not an midfielder he’s an DM and a cover from DM and under so he can play LB,RB and CB.

  and last for Cashley who should sell out, won’t. saying that i would love Richard Branson to come in and buy our team and complete his monopoly

• 140 geoff777 // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:15 PM

  Hard to believe after losing 12 out of 14, getting knocked out of the FA Cup for the third year by a lower league team that the fool is still in his job.

  Even without injuries we have no style.

  Sack the inept loser today and lets move on.
  The time for change is NOW.

• 141 Black and White with an army lol // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:19 PM

  i would sack pard’s end of January if we lose all our next 3 games there’s hundred’s of unknown managers out there that can do a better job even i could do better than pardew and im just a coach

• 142 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:20 PM

  I tell you something about wor Alan.

  I never liked him but he always came accross as someone who had balls.

  The way he went at Wenger, benched Tevez and stood up to the owner at southampton.

  What’s happened to the fool? I’ve seen gigger ballsacks on fluffy kittens.

  He is not fighting our fight.

• 143 Big Pappa Cissé // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:23 PM

  How can you not love Nobby Solano

• 144 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:26 PM

  The chance to sack him has gone.

  It should have happened end of November/beginning of December!

  We have to stick with him as there is a better chance of survival with him at the helm thean anyone else Ashley and co could get in.

  At the end of the season sack him and get a young manager with a good reputation to come in takeover. Someone used to working on small budgets and getting the best out of players.

  2 I’d go for are Alain Casanova of Toulouse or Rudi Garcia of Lille.

  In an ideal we could get Blanc or De Boer but they wouldn’t come after this shower of shit season.

• 145 geoff777 // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:28 PM

  Managers are like light bulbs.

  Get a duds you swap it out.

  This guy has failed. Next please.

  His press conferences make me sick.
  He blames everyone, youngsters, injuries, bad refereeing, Europe, but never takes any responsibility himself.
  You’re the manager, it’s your job to plan for injuries, Europe etc.

• 146 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:32 PM

  From Sky sports

  Nobody has impressed more at Reims than young Gaetan Courtet. The 23-year-old striker has been in excellent form so far this season in netting four goals and his meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed. With rumours of a January switch to Newcastle United surfacing, he could be set to team up once again with former team-mate Romain Amalfitano who joined the Magpies from Reims this summer.

• 147 Toon-Prodigy // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:33 PM

  I knew you were from Walked Ed. But i never knew you lived near St Anthonys. I live just around the corner from there now, i’v recently bought my own place. Just 2 minutes walk from the dome. (Lightfoot sports centre). Place hasn’t changed much i doubt.

• 148 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:35 PM

  I’m a bit surprised how much support Pardew has received but it would appear to be on the wane. Lets face it, saturday was abysmal and the attitude of some of the team was really poor. I’m begining to wonder if some on here will ever see any sense. Have disagreed with so many of the point below, maybe they should review them now and see how correct (!) they were

  -Newcastle play too much long ball
  -Odd substitutions – eg v Everton.
  - Pardew gave Ba everything he wanted to the detriment of the shape and performanvce of the team, probably because he has a more forceful personality that Cisse.
  - Pardew continually makes excuses, including blaming the Senegal FA over Cisse ( as if Cisse was in great form out there on the wing)
  - Pardew has stuck with 4-4-2 for too long this season, to our cost
  -Almost all the players are playing worse now than last year
  -The club talks big talk about youth etc, but Brighton game showed us a lot
  -Obertan was shocking the other day , and this guy is going nowhere. As I said from day 1, 3mill stitch up by Fergie
  - Santon cannot defend and he isnt much of a midfielder either . The Bull spaniard has not been replaced.
  - Relying on Cabaye to dig us out of this is dangerous. He has not been good this season, possiblky in part because he is being played too deep
  -Shocking dead ball results. Who is training these guys??
  -The investment by Ashley in the summer was a slap in the face of the happy cappies who consistently defended his stewardship and the “5 year plan”
  -I’m not certain about this, but given the lack of effort v Everton ( booed off ) and Brighton ( laughable ) , has Pardew lost his dressing room ?
  -Is Pardew, and his style of play, the best manager to get the most out of guys like Anita and Marveaux
  -Can you imagine the sort of winning football that a manager like Laudrup could give us with HBA, Cabaye, Anita, Marv, Cisse on the pitch, playing to their strengths??
  -Have we played 4 good games this season??

  I’d love to be proven wrong, and have been a fan of Pardew since minute 1, by the way. I’m afraid i’m seeing too much evidence to the contrary now , sadly. I’m still hoping that a different formation and Cabaye at full fitness will help us but I may be hoping for too much.

• 149 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:36 PM

  Inter Milan to bid for Loic Remy….. 10 mins ago from Lequipe

• 150 Black and White with an army lol // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:38 PM

  spot on mate

• 151 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:39 PM

  Pardew ”fans want to see better players than we have here at the moment”

  Way to motivate your team Alan!!!

  Demba Ba: “When you play for a team like Chelsea, you always have possession of the ball.

  “At Newcastle we went straight forward but here there is a lot of passes and you have to be patient

• 152 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:40 PM

  Lack of tactical know how from a ex window fitter and a Sunday football team manager… that’s why we are poor

• 153 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:43 PM

  Munster

  I keep defending Pardew myself, but I find it harder with each passing week.

  I will still stick to my guns and say I will reserve final judgement til the end of the season but pardew has a lot to do to win me over.

  I appreciate that injuries never help, first season in europe for a while will also test players fitness and how quickly they can prepare for games etc.

  Not sure if he can turn this around but I will be willing to wait and see. Also I dont trust the board to bring in a good manager anyway, never mind mid season when he wont have chance to mould the squad his own way.

• 154 Ginger // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:43 PM

  I can’t believe some people are wanting Sammy to start against Norwich, that performance from him was the worst footballing performance I have ever seen in my life. Sick of all of our youngsters getting overrated.

  Bigirimana will definitely make it, he already looks like he can slot in well as a replacement for Tiote and in the future that’s what I think he will be. Heck, he can already pass well.

  Ferguson is terrible at left-back, too little, skinny and easily pushed off of the ball. Seems alright at left-mid/wing, don’t think he’ll ever make it past a squad player for us though. Seems decent though!

  Sammy is Shola. One good game for every five horendous ones.

  Vuckic is constantly injured and seems too slow when he’s alright, could end up good if he’s loaned out. Has a cracking shot on him.

  Medhi Abeid shows glimses of brilliance, but then does the basics horrifically wrong… Needs a loan out.

  Personally I like Tav, although the more I see of him the more my opinion on him begins to sink.

  Dummet looked class when he came on, even better then Santon defensively. Get him back out on loan and to challenge Santon for the position next season.

  Ranger looks decent but terrible at finishing, prefer him over Shola though.

  Cambell, Streete and Good haven’t seem enough of to judge.

  It would really help there development if they were just loaned out! We need a bigger squad.

• 155 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:43 PM

  Munster

  that is a very refreshing read. Someone who isn’t in denial any more just because pardew had 1 good season last year.

  A laudrup type would have our flair players expressing themselves and playing in the right positions and not just playing for a draw every match

• 156 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:47 PM

  Florian Thauvin is apparently being coveted by Graham Carr. and River Plate’s Germain Pezzella

• 157 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:47 PM

  Rotonda

  That comment from Ba says a lot really.

  Are there players really better at keeping possession than ours…luiz, mikel, ramires, mata, hazard, moses

  we have tiote, ben arfa, cabaye, marvoux, anita…all equally as capable of keeping the ball even if they lack the class of mata in the final ball, we should keep possession much better than we do currently.

  It would also help the defence if we kept the ball as it would be less opportunity for the opposition to attack us.

• 158 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:48 PM

  Gazzetta Dello Sport are reporting that Inter Milan want Remy on loan until the end of the season to have time to assess the player before thinking of making a bid to take the lad permanently, so that still leave’s us in pole position as Marseille will not consider loaning the player out

• 159 Toon-Prodigy // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:49 PM

  Some very long posts here and I respect everyones thoughts, but im still behind Pardew. When this squad has all its first teamers back to choose from, plus an extra body or two where we can have a go, coupled with the way WE want to play aswell. I’ll only want Pardew out if these results are the same come that time. Then for me, his time will be up. Until then, i reserve my judgement and continue to support. Im glad we are out of the cup. Less games the better for me. If i could make them drop out of Europe i’d do that aswell. All I care about right now is the league

• 160 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:49 PM

  geoff

  well said. the guy out does souness in the excuses department. everything is something or someone else’s fault. it couldn’t possibly be his team selections, formations, one tactic only, subs, team talks etc etc

• 161 Twatter // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:51 PM

  Nice to see the medical appears to be happening then!

  Ahaha, muppets!

• 162 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:54 PM

  sage

  that’s what i’m saying. We have all these highly skilled technicians but a very typical english hoofball manager putting round pegs in square holes.

  You build teams round benny not stick him out on the wing and say track back all the time or play Cabs so deep he has no influence. if people can’t see this it’s worrying.

• 163 geoff777 // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:55 PM

  ED,

  Time for a sack Pardew poll. Please.

• 164 Rake // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:57 PM

  The problem i feel is just because a good player comes back from injury does not mean he will be in form… get some inform players in this window!

• 165 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 1:58 PM

  It hasnt been said much, but the players are all playing with fear. Pardew is so obsessed with keeping defensive shape, at the cost of anything else, that as soon as we lose the ball, we back off to hold formation – always. That means we dont hunt the ball, or close down. Everton was a case in point, and did you see how long the Brighton player had to pick up the ball, pick out his full back/winger and nail that long pass, to lead to the goal? No aggression – its all about bloody shape!! And did you see Obertan’s ;ack of effort ? And then he has the cheek to storm down the tunnell ( Sunday Times ) . Cheeky git!!

• 166 Pardews Perfect Battleplan // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:00 PM

  if we start playing pretty football and winning how many would still complain about something? how many would disappear off here?

  and im not saying that im not very disappointed i just feel some will take the negative view of everything

• 167 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:00 PM

  Toon-Prodigy , but what WAY does Pardew want to play?? Nobody seems to know. Its a bit like the 5 yr plan.

• 168 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:00 PM

  beattie

  you say ” At the end of the season sack him and get a young manager with a good reputation to come in takeover. Someone used to working on small budgets and getting the best out of players.”

  * * * * *

  Couldn’t agree more. Not every manager is high maintenance. if we lose to norwich with cabs, debuchy etc back I would get rid of pardew as the recoord of losing would just make it untenable to continue. West ham did it just in time with pardew and it was later than this in the season.

  Pards claim that it’s a united dressing room doesn’t ring true at all, especially when colo and ba hve gone public.

• 169 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:01 PM

  Munster

  Thats a good summary.

  We are far to worried about the opposition that making them worry about us. This gives them the higher ground before the game has even begun.

• 170 Klam3r // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:01 PM

  Rotonda @162
  “You build teams round benny not stick him out on the wing and say track back all the time or play Cabs so deep he has no influence. if people can’t see this it’s worrying.”

  I couldn’t agree more. I think HBA would terrorise opposite formations if used in the middle, with pacey wingers to make space for him and Cabaye right behind to support.

• 171 jettson1971 // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:02 PM

  Sammt amdobi was nothing short of a disgrace on sat. Infact he is not even div1 standard problem is that i think he bievez he has made it already. Hos far from reality that is!!overall performance was shockibg no desire or fight not good enough.
  We do quickly need s striker, two centre backs and a box to box midfielder. Its embarresing at the min sny other manager would hav been sacked by now

• 172 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:04 PM

  If Pardew where to leave either by being sacked or resigning who would you guys want as our next manager???
  Then who do you think Ashley would employ???
  I guarantee you that the two lists would be very, very different

• 173 Ian Toon // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:05 PM

  Munster- Keep the Faith. You know it makes sense. Do you really want to end up under canvass with the likes of Catchy, Rotonda and Co. Trust me!! Your right to mention Cabaye, a fully fit Cabaye plus HBA and a restructured defence and. A replacement for Ba. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear just like me. You want that rather than being miserable with the flaky flip flop types.

• 174 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:07 PM

  Parsees perfect….

  I can’t speak for everyone here but personally I just want to see us play some decent football to suit the players we have.

  I don’t expect champions league or anything like that. I’d take being a regular top 10/8 team and pushing on to become a regular side on Europa league over the next 3/4 years.

  I want us to spend a bit more money, not silly amounts but another 10-15 mil maybe and try to cement ourselves in the top 8 over time pushing as high as we can

• 175 Ian Toon // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:11 PM

  Klam @ 170. Once we have defenders who can defend we will not need the more creative types to play so deep. The defence we bear no resemblance to the dysfunctional unit containing Simpson and Williamson. We will get the best out of Cabaye who can play behind the ST.

• 176 Pardews Perfect Battleplan // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:13 PM

  @ts i like that. a realistic ideal. all i expect for the next 5 years at leasy

• 177 Ian Toon // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:16 PM

  Transfer- 4-2-3-1. The formation Pardew spoke openly about pre season after having been promised a RB and CH. Marveaux has improved his fitness level and looks a polished performer capable of
  Featuring on a regular basis. I am not around but would welcome your view on where we are in securing and wh is most likely to be landed. Can’t plough through all the speculation and learn nothing.

• 178 alf // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:17 PM

  The 3 former managers were far superior than this incompetent PR man but don’t worry Hughton will end this guys nonsense revenge is so sweet!

• 179 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:17 PM

  Ian

  I’m with you on giving Pardew time…for me its the end of the season to show he can turn things around. Not expecting title winning form but hope they will show enough to get around 10th.

  At what point for you does his position become untenable though?

  For me it is a finish below 14th providing we have had big players back and he still isn’t getting the best out of them.

  Hypothetical I know but thats where I draw the line I think.

• 180 fray bentos // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:18 PM

  @alf

  You knob!! you should be ashamed wanting us to lose

• 181 Pardews Perfect Battleplan // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:18 PM

  @Ian we also need the midfield not to put so much pressure on our defence

• 182 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:19 PM

  Ian

  I heard there was a medical today but that seems ot have been hit on the head.

  The only player I heard we were in any sort of talks with was remy.

  All the others I have heard have just been enquiries which have been knocked back.

• 183 alf // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:20 PM

  Butler Laudrup has to be in the frame his team formations are spot on!

• 184 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:22 PM

  Ian

  4231 is a good formation and one pardew spoke of.

  We had players available to play that and we didn’t…and when we did we played it in a weird way with cisse on the right.

  I want Pardew to turn this around but I am beginning to have my doubts that he can even identify the source of the problem . Hope I am wrong on this.

• 185 alf // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:22 PM

  Fray bentos you fat twat belt up!

• 186 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:22 PM

  Wandering Geordie
  Pezzella! ?! Progress on him would be great news, haven’t seen anything lately.

• 187 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:24 PM

  ian

  Thanks for the patronising comments yet again. I didn’t realise you were campaigning. I’m sure people can think for themselves and reach their own conclusions.

  Pardon us not exactly jumping for joy at the moment as we have such an inspirational and tactical genius of a manager. Oh wait…

  Pardew has taken us on a run of 13 defeats in 15 games. unheard of in my time as a supporter and when you see what other people have been sacked for.

  Yes we are very limited with simmo and willo but are you seriously saying they can’t be coached to do short passes.

  There are plenty of teams with far less resources than us, Norwich being an ironic example of one..Hoof ball and direct route 1 football is an ingrained philosophy in some managers. Pardew is one of them. Everyone knows he would love non – scoring, perma- crock, hoofball magnet carroll back

• 188 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:24 PM

  alf

  And you really think that notonly will Ashley pay Pardew off but he’ll then pay compensation to get Laudrup to SJP???

  You can sack the manager a thousand times but the issue lays with Ashley and co.

  How long to do think Laudrup would be in charge before he has players sold from under him??? or how many windows do you think Ashley would back him in???

• 189 Klam3r // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:26 PM

  Ian Toon @175

  I hope you’re right, and i think you are. But then again i’m never completely sure of what Pardew comes up with next. This month i hope we get the answers we want though, and i really hope the dressingroom is still Pardews. Cross my fingers.

• 190 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:28 PM

  jack

  I think Laudrup would get much more out of this team regardless of who is bought.

  And in fairness to ashley, he may not buy enough players but he doesn’t sell our top stars either

• 191 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:28 PM

  I would trust other mangers used to working with budgets to bring through players and coach them a lot better.

  Pardew doesn’t look as if anyone has improved technically under his coaching. I think I have more passing drills with my under 9′s than he has. I would love to know who does the skills training

• 192 Toon-Prodigy // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:29 PM

  Munster,

  I was happy with last seasons efforts and know what this squad is capable of and what Pardew is capable of when this team has few injuries and is high on morale. I blame the board whole heartedly for the lack of cover brought in. Huge gamble that made absolutely no sence.

  The luck we have witnessed since is pure Karma aimed towards MA and co. I know its rough times, but they have this window to sort it out or they all get found out. I cant blame Pardew, not when he finished 5th last season with very few injuries. This squad when fit is good enuf for top 6. They have proved that, there is no argument. Lack of bodies in and low morale which points to the board is to blame for this run of form imo. I won’t stand by and watch Pardew take the flack for this predicament when i know it was the boards gamble in the summer. If its Pardews fault, we will find out when everyone is fit and starting. We have had no rythmn all season so far.

• 193 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:29 PM

  The only sale I have disagreed with over the past 2 years was nolan.

• 194 fray bentos // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:29 PM

  @Klam3r

  That is the scary thing, if he has lost the dressing room. If he hasn’t then i really think we should easily avoid relegation, hopefully the new face or faces will help.

• 195 tequilamag // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:30 PM

  Rotanda , campaigning? is that not what Catchy has been doing all season? Thought you would have known that as his number one recruit.

• 196 nightfa11 // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:30 PM

  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1447630-newcastle-united-5-potential-replacements-for-alan-pardew

• 197 Pardews Perfect Battleplan // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:30 PM

  @alf wanting your own team to lose is a dick move, regardless of your motivations.

• 198 alf // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:31 PM

  Butler we havent won an away game for 16 games paying mangers off is part of the game and Pardews contract only entitles him to one years salary. And if we went in for Laudrup he would come apart from Fergie we are still a big club

• 199 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:32 PM

  Sage

  I’d love for us to have a better manager, but thats not going to happen under Ashley, why would Laudrup leave Swansea where he’s working with a very good squad, where expectations are realistic, where he has a chairman that understands football and backs him at every turn to come and work for a retail maverick who undermines his manager at every turn and doesn’t give a toss about what the fans whant???

• 200 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:35 PM

  How’s that medical goin’ by the way

• 201 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:35 PM

  Jack

  Not saying we would get laudrup, but somebody in his style.

  And why would he come? well he would have a much more talented squad to work with, he can spot a bargain, michu and hernadez were both cheap and seem very good.

  Swansea don’t have any more money to spend than us. We will pay higher wages. We are a bigger club and will attract bigger players, especially with a manager as famous and loved as laudrup.

  Even with Ashley we are a much bigger attraction than a team like swansea.

• 202 Klam3r // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:35 PM

  fray bentos

  With our squad we should cope quite well if not the dressingroom is lost. With a bit of luck and an openminded Pardew we could still end up around 10th. But there are signs. Let’s just hope it’s signs only

• 203 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:35 PM

  alf

  We could be the biggest club in the world but the fact remains that we have a small time owner

• 204 Nufc-83 // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:36 PM

  Hearing a large number of people not impressed with Remy’s performance yesterday. Not good!!!

• 205 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:37 PM

  Sage

  Ashley will simply not make a move for a Laudrup type manager, he doesn’t want someone who thinks for themselves hence the 8 year contract for Pardew

• 206 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:41 PM

  Ian, its not really about who is flippy or floppy, positive or negative. Its about judging what you see in front of your eyes. Look at some of the points I make and try to address them – always interested in a fair opinion, well argued. Naturally I hope I’m wrong, but I think Pards got lucky, or else talks a good game. We cannot just keep accepting the injuries and not get answers as to why a team with a good few talented guys cannot play well more than about 4 times in a half season. Also, what does it say to you that almost all our firts half performances are poor, and that when the reserves got chances at Bordeaux and Brighton, they didnt lift a leg for their boss. And then he comes out with his comments about players not being big enough to wear the NUFC shirt?? I think he’s looking for any scapegoat he can, and he has alreadt tried the Senegal FA so cant use that again!! One of my few sources of hope was the signing of Anita – surely to play as part of a shielding two? But I could hang so many negatives on Pardew its untrue – just look at what I have written elsewhere and tell me I am being unreasonable?

• 207 Toon-Prodigy // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:42 PM

  I was happy with last seasons efforts and know what this squad is capable of and what Pardew is capable of when this team has few injuries and is high on morale. I blame the board whole heartedly for the lack of cover brought in. Huge gamble that made absolutely no sence.

  The luck we have witnessed since is pure Karma aimed towards MA and co. I know its rough times, but they have this window to sort it out or they all get found out. I cant blame Pardew, not when he finished 5th last season with very few injuries. This squad when fit is good enuf for top 6. They have proved that, there is no argument. Lack of bodies in and low morale which points to the board is to blame for this run of form imo. I won’t stand by and watch Pardew take the flack for this predicament when i know it was the boards gamble in the summer. If its Pardews fault, we will find out when everyone is fit and starting. We have had no rythmn all season so far.

• 208 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:42 PM

  Jack

  You never know though.

  Surely Ashley would want a manager who can get the most out of his squad. It means he gets more for his money in the transfer market as a better manager gets more out of his players.

  I wouldn’t rule it out. Ashley wouldn’t appoint a keegan type manager again who wants total control. But there are plenty managers out there like laudrup who would work in tight budgets and be happy to do that.

  Granted a few of these may be looking to step up from a lower level but surely thats where wee could have a scout looking for a good manager with talent in the same way we do for players.

  I dont think laudrup is demanding as he seems to get by at swansea. The only money they really spent was from the sale of scott sinclair (laudrup didn’t kick up a fuss when they sold their best player)

• 209 Mister Tuff // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:44 PM

  rotonda @187
  Accuse ye not Percy Parsnip of hoofball tactics he denies the accusations. Believe in the chosen one and his words of wisdom, believe in his faithful disciples. Not what you see.
  Cast out of your mind what the false prophets state. Ba speaks not of the truth of hoofball being played, Collocini speaks of hoofball -cast out his false teachings, throw from the temple football statistics they tell not of the truth.
  Retain the faith and you will be delivered to the promised land. Hallelujah. Amen.

• 210 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:48 PM

  Toon-Prodigy, that smacks of naivity in my opinion. Sorry if that sound patronising, but in fairness, who asks Krul to whack it long? Who trains the team to put most free kicks down on Williamson? Jeez the rival video analysts must have an easy day working out our dead ball tactics. Who decided to give Ba his own way all the time? Who trains the team to back off teams so that we keep shape, and therefore lose our aggression. Who comes out with excuses about the Senegal FA?? aND REMEMBER, i ALWAYS LOVED pARDEW MAGNANIMITY WHEN he spoke about other teams. He never acted like a tool , like Tony Pulis and Co, and always praised others. Now all I hear are excuses. I wouldnt mind, but his here Cabaye has hardly played well this season, and his “warrior” Tiote is playing like a pub player.

• 211 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:51 PM

  Sage

  I’d love a better manager, someone who could improve us, some one who is tactically aware and can motivate players to play at their best, but look at Ashley’s appointments since he’s been at the club???

  It frightening that he has employed managers that no one else would touch.

  His managerial appointments along with his spending during the transfer window shows that he has no ambition and the only way we will be successful under him is if there’s a cheap option to do it.

  We have one of the best scouts in the game in Graham Carr who’s proven eye for a player isn’t being used as he won’t spend the money

• 212 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:51 PM

  Ian, I’ve said this before but I doubt Carroll has the ability to lead the line in a 4231 . So I’m not sure what Pards has made his love so publicly known.

• 213 tequilamag // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:52 PM

  Munster I wish Krul could whack it long, how many half arsed clearences has he made this season that went straight to an opposition player in his own half ?

• 214 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:54 PM

  Jack

  I agree we wont get a better manager as Ashleys appointments have all been the same style of manager.

  There is no reason we couldn’t get a more technical manager with flair but I doubt we will get one.

  By the way, Pardew has until the end of the season for me.

• 215 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:56 PM

  Jack, how dare you. Billson says MA is the best thing ever!! I mean, Joe Kinnear – how could that appointment be even vaguely possible???

• 216 hotdog // Jan 7, 2013 at 2:59 PM

  Ahh no new signing news – im off again, check back later!

• 217 mattyNUFC // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:00 PM

  his days have got to be numbered….

  if he intends on setting us up as he did for the first quarter of the season when we DID have a full strength squad (i.e. no excuses to hide behind…..oh wait, cabaye was still injured from the euros, right. coupla players had their heads turned, right.) MA has to get rid. reguardless of investment, this team should have been playing better all season

  When and when he is out of a job, he really should think of either becoming a PR officer for some major corporations…..maybe sand mines companies? Tobacco? Either that or he could move to the US and become a politician.

  spouts more **** than any other manager and doesn’t feel the least bit in the wrong when he’s outright lied to the fans, time and time over. biggest joke of a manager and i can’t see how anyone is content with this man being the face of it….let alone the abysmal season we’re having under his stewardship. i said i’d judge by the new year. time’s up for me. get this clown out of the club. it’s like watching a slow motion train wreck.

• 218 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:00 PM

  PPB

  No one was complaining when benny finally came in for raylor last season and we went 433 on a 6/7 game winning run. That’s the most tragic thing of all pardew had a very good luck at what does work even with simmo and willo and kicked it in to the long grass this season. Go figure!

• 219 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:01 PM

  The thing thats really scaring me at the moments is that with Saylor, Cabaye back this weekend and with HBA due back early next month i can see Debuchy being the only addition and the same old excuses being rolled out come the close of the window

• 220 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:01 PM

  Transfer Sage – yes MA would want a manager to get the most out of his squad – who wouldnt? But Pardew got this gig UNOPPOSED !!! He was in the job before we knew it, and it doesnt appear that any other man was interviewed. So the casino man got his buddy in. Given that he appointed Kinnear, I wonder how many mad decisions MA can make. He;d probably re-name the club if he thought it would nake us a million more a year. And plenty of tools on this site would say he’s right! ” We’ve got to get more commercially focussed. Newcastle City reflects the city of Newcastle more and allows us to generate a new revenue stream which will allow us to sign fellas like Amalfitano and Obertan ” Nice

• 221 tequilamag // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:02 PM

  Sand mines should be banned

• 222 eaststandgeordie1982 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:04 PM

  JB

  I can see the same mate and its boiling my piss

• 223 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:05 PM

  mister tuff @ 209

  still laughing 10 mins later!!!

• 224 Twatter // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:06 PM

  It’s the same Pardew who led us to 5th last year. You can’t honestly be telling me you want him gone and that our last season was purely down to luck alone…

  Until someone explains how we got to such a high place in the league with this “awful” manager by way of logic I’m going to ignore whoever says AP should be sacked.

• 225 Mister Tuff // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:07 PM

  I see Olympique Marseille are off today to a training camp in Morocco. Do not know which players are in the party – ie if Remy has travelled this may not be a good sign.

• 226 JackButler // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:08 PM

  eaststandgeordie1982

  It’ll be ‘We’ve got Taylor, Cabaye back in the squad with the addition of French international and Benny to come back very soon, thats like four new signing for us. We tried to get players in but money is tight and January isn’t the best time to but as no one wants to sell and so prices are inflated. So we’ll make our move’s come the summer’!!!

  I could be a PR officer with NUFC any day as it’s always the same BS thats put out

• 227 BRABOT // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:09 PM

  Hello
  Sur le site footmercato.net,Remy serait a Newcasttle,
  20 minutes ago,

• 228 Nufc-83 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:09 PM

  Twatter the side barring of course Willo and simmo are of a high quality and although 5th was above our weight we still have a team capable of challenging the top 8. Pardew got lucky last season with not manay injuries to key players (at key times and overlapping) , Cisse scoring wonder goals every week which was never going to continue etc.

• 229 Mister Tuff // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:10 PM

  rotonda – glad you appreciated the humour – I confess I had some difficulty trying to think of bible type phraseology.

• 230 Nufc-83 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:11 PM

  BRABOT // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:09 PM

  Hello
  Sur le site footmercato.net,Remy serait a Newcasttle,
  20 minutes ago,

  What?????

• 231 eaststandgeordie1982 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:11 PM

  JB im sure its just the same tape that gets played after every window

• 232 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:15 PM

  tequila

  You may need to take your lead from Ian but I can think for myself thanks. Catchy like many others, just happens to make some of the same observations as me.

  Munster seems to be the most reasoned guy on here right now as he has objectively seen it from both sides.

• 233 mattyNUFC // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:16 PM

  twatter

  that’s exactly what i’m saying. don’t believe as pro-Pardewers do that I’m being short-sighted or whathaveyou

  i’ve had many criticisms during his entire two years, and not just because i do not think much of him as a man. i’ve explained to no end innumerable times my qualms with him from last season but i’m exasperated from it. you already know my and others discontents with his entire tenure. on this occasion, namely as i’m sick and not entirely up for it, i will not grace you with another honest assessment of his time here and why i’ve been critical only for you to pick it to bits

  he’s a poor manager and as much as i want stability, as much as i want real, supported continuity from the playing staff on up, we need someone who is honest and someone tactically capable of lifting us in times like when we’re on a three game losing streak….not when we’ve lost 12 of the last 14. far too late

  but, twatter, above all, i want to be entertained. this is what this is about, bottom line, and he proves week in, week out he is incapable of such

• 234 fray bentos // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:17 PM

  That french site just says they believe Remy should be a toon player within a few hours, so its not confirmation

• 235 mattyNUFC // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:17 PM

  tequila

  If AP was doing the public relations you’d probably feel differently

• 236 JAMSHA // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:18 PM

  Metronews.ca Remy website
  would be a Newcastle

  translated

• 237 Toon-Prodigy // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:18 PM

  I dont want to start a debate over tactics. im short on time. Its hard enough for us to get a decent side out these days without delving into anything like that. Yes, it is frustrating. But we are playing kids for god sake. We have had to play players out of position all season. The amount of injuries is absolutely ridiculous. We have never had a chance to get any rythmn going. If wr had signed adequate cover in the summer i have no doubt we woudnt be where we are. Thats just my opinion.

  What i will say is the team and Coaching staff have been put under an enourmous amount of pressure due to the board and their gamble in the summer. And now its hit home in a monumental way. All i say is, lets wait it out. Lets see how we are doing once we have a chance to get our rythmn going with our 1st teamers and a few fresh faces in. Then we can look at Pardew, the rest of the staff. And tactics. Pardew is working with the bare minimum and is under a hell of alot of pressure which wasnt his fault to begin with. Lets wait it out. I have faith in this situation and this squad.

• 238 mattyNUFC // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:19 PM

  “dem salt mines is really good joo know fur d’country n’all dat. peoples says well dey harmin the en-vi-ron-ment but who’s des people? I neva seen ‘em?”

• 239 Mister Tuff // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:19 PM

  fray 234 that is what I read as well.

• 240 bzak12 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:20 PM

  Stan James have cut the odds twice after receiving bets on Pardue being next manager to go.Good news?

• 241 Rotonda heights // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:20 PM

  pardew is 52 and by the law of averages you’e going to have 1 good season somewhere, but the guy isn’t and never has been consistently good anywhere and after an initial burst he’s always been found out. his record is no better than roeder’s.

• 242 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:21 PM

  Twatter, Pardew impressed me most with his rigourpous analysis of opposition, and orientation of the team tactics to combat opposition strengths. He also had us defending aggressively. I also liked how he didnbt bullshit us and praised opponents like a reasonable man would . Most of that is gone now. If you want a critique, look at my previous long posting 148 and give me some replies.

• 243 geoff777 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:23 PM

  Remy isn’t exactly a goal machine.

  He’s only scored twice this season, non in the league where he’s made 8 appearances.

  Hopefully he creates lots of chances for others, like the prolific Ameobi.

• 244 Nufc-83 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:26 PM

  One of the main things i want from a new forward is lightnening pace. If Remy has lost this attribute from injuries etc then i certainly hope we do not get him through the door.

• 245 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:32 PM

  River Plate defender German Pezzella left out out of team against Sam Martin San Juan in December…Has been watched by Mr Carr previously..A very tough defender at 21

• 246 gonufc (up and Hatem) // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:33 PM

  Seriously, if Pardew dares say
  “him coming back from injury is just like a new signing really”

  He deserves to be sacked for taking the p!ss one time too many.

• 247 Lynxie // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:33 PM

  Pardew said ‘that was the weakest team I have ever fielded as a newcastle manager’. Ok then genius. WHY?
  you had better available, and once again the tactical cjoice is YOUR mistake no one elses. Because you got it tactically wrong (Yet again) we were outplayed and passed to death by Brighton who won at a canter. you should be ashamed of YOURSELF, never mind the performance. This is becoming a regular occurrence (Stevenage, West brom, Hull, BHA, BHA) why dont you save the long travelling supporters a fortune and hours of arseache, and just tell the fans that you have decided to politely bow out and meekly surrender ?

• 248 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:38 PM

  I Know who he is. Left out interesting. Keep us updated on Pezzella.

• 249 catchy in norway // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:40 PM

  munstermag

  total comon sense,, all your points where well said

  the biggest transfer i want to happen is pardew out and ibiza in

  but when mike is about to change pardew , (i hope soon) they do due diligence on this next one,,

  martinez
  laudrup
  ole gunner (its the end of the norwegian season right now)
  Sami Hyypiä
  3 of them have great experience of the prem to

  im thinking that the reason we have not signed anyone else is because they may be looking at a replacement for pardew,,

  i know from talking to friends back home( yes i have them) that not many are happy with him, even my norwegian friends are asking me what is going on at the club,

  not many are buying the excuse of injuries, you dont lose 13 out if 16 because of injuries alone, other teams have them too

• 250 Novocastrian66 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:43 PM

  From footmercato.net. Literal translation from google translate:
  Not seduced by the project QPR despite the presence of Harry Redknapp in Marseille, Loic Remy would ultimately engage in the hours to come up with Newcastle.

• 251 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:45 PM

  German Pezzella in action. A CB but can play RB LB

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-SoRjZclkU

• 252 Jail for Ashley // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:45 PM

  Toon prodigy @192 or 2:14pm
  If I could write as well as you I would have said exactly the same as that.

• 253 gonufc (up and Hatem) // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:46 PM

  @catchy – I agree it isn’t just injuries. I think it’s injuries and how the squad is.

  We have a fairly average base of players with some key players who are very good (Cabaye, HBA, Cisse, Colo etc.) which I think reflects the ‘tactics’- i.e. Give ball to Ben Arfa and hope he does something special.

  So when those very good players are out we’re left with absolute mediocrity.

• 254 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:49 PM

  Most people are happy with the signings Pardew have made. So makes no sense to fire him during a transfer window. Unless we will get no new signings and new manager that is happy with that.

• 255 Ian Toon // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:51 PM

  Munster@ 206 When you have injuries and suspensions most PL teams have the squad depth to cope. The realisation of the lack of quality to bring in to replace our top draw players is just not there. When everyone is fit we have a good starting eleven. We were without Coloccini against Spurs and Tiote was injured in the game. Aside from Bigi who else of the young crop is n adequate stand in- Dummett
  did well for 45 minutes on Saturday so I reserve judgement on him. That’s also not considering that Simpson and Williamson have been permanent. Features. Pardew can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear.
  He has slowly brought Marveaux on after a bad injury and nursed him into being a good addition. Generally the cupboard is bare. There needs to be a cull of a number of youngsters who have under performed. The answer short term is to bring players in to start and that’s MA call. It really is not Pardew’s fault he has been dealt a poor hand.
  Transfer – Pardew longevity? To answer your question. If Ashley provides the finance to bring in say 3 starting quality players and with the return of our key players we continue to play badly. Because we doubtless would be relegated. This Armagedon is not something I believe or want to contemplate.

• 256 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:57 PM

  I have been told Pezellas agent has been in Newcastle …Dr Oliver Wendt as he was staying at the Hilton

• 257 pedro // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:58 PM

  German Pezzella is a great prospect but dont think he is on is way to the Toon. River are have travelled to Tandil for their pre season and he is with the squad. Sorry.
  Still Wednesday we start the under 20 championships so a good opportunity to look at some more players

• 258 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:59 PM

  Wendt is also agent for the mackems Fletcher too..maybe I am putting two and two together..could be visting him

• 259 chris_g // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:02 PM

  geoff777 // Jan 7, 2013 at 3:23 PM

  Remy isn’t exactly a goal machine…..

  Hopefully he creates lots of chances for others……
  ———————————————–

  apparently not:
  “Another downside to his game would be his creativity; he lacks any sort of creativity, which is why he doesn’t have many assists to his name…..”
  http://www.player-profiles.co.uk/loic-remy.php

• 260 Williamsonsuks // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:02 PM

  Isn’t Wendt Colos agent as well?

• 261 Indian Magpie // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:07 PM

  Lee Ryder ?@lee_ryder
  Remy not on Tyneside just yet – despite reports in France. Quest to sign the player still “ongoing” from what I’ve been told #nufc

• 262 Dannyo // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:10 PM

  Guys, Rob Scanlon is going away with his family for the next 3 days.
  He does all NUFC related video interviews, or NUFCtv related.
  We’re not signing anyone until he comes back as he usually helps unveil the player through the website.

• 263 Magpies-till-d3ath // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:11 PM

  Lee Ryder always has to ruin it!

• 264 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:11 PM

  Interesting digging. He’s agent for Fletcher,Arshavin, and the Russian guy in Reading. Probably tried to sell us Arshavin.

• 265 Wandering Geordie // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:12 PM

  @ williamsonuks

  No Colos agent is Marcello Lombilla

• 266 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:13 PM

  This is the link to the remy article

  Stick it brought a translator

  http://www.footmercato.net/premier-league/transferts/info-fm-loic-remy-vers-newcastle_98473

• 267 davybtoon // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:13 PM

  To be fair lee Ryder n co knew nothing between about till it was practically signed so how would they know if we’ve sneaked remy into the country

• 268 fergies left foot // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:13 PM

  cant agree completely with playing ben arfa in the middle! Id stick Marveaux in there for now. Id like a front three a la chelsea to play behind cisse switching places with cabaye and anita sitting behind picking out passes. Remy would do nicely since he’s very good making runs behind defences, something i feel marveaux and ben arfa lack or are unwilling to do.

• 269 Robby Bobson // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:14 PM

  Remys been out for a long time through injury but he was very much part of the french team for the euros which is no small feat as hatem only just squeezed in before he got injured.

  Theres bags of talent there, we just need pardew to do what he did with hatem and get him back to his best.

• 270 davybtoon // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:15 PM

  Dannyo – what so we’ve no one else who can do videos at the club

• 271 Jail for Ashley // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:17 PM

  Ian Toon ,
  In your last post you have just eptomised how very wrong Dirk Dastardly was in announcing his purple strategy,and if you look at results things have gone from bad to much worse since he announced that infamous game plan.

• 272 Transfer Sage // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:18 PM

  Davy

  We only have 3 CBs…do you think Ashley would pay for 2 video guys? Haha

• 273 Robby Bobson // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:18 PM

  Dannyo….doubt the clubs transfer activities stop because of rob scanlon.

• 274 Beattie25 // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:19 PM

  Southampton foooooking Southampton are set to sign Phillipe Coutinho and Davide Astori.

  How can we not compete with Southmapton??

  Davide Astori is exactly the type of player we need and will cost 6.5 million and we are sitting back, watching the days pass by.

  I fcuking swear if I had a choice i’d never support this club again!

• 275 davybtoon // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:19 PM

  Anyway thought rob scanlon was leaving nufctv

• 276 Sazzer // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:24 PM

  Read next tweet from Rob.

• 277 Robby Bobson // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:25 PM

  Hmm check out the comentators name at 1.44 of the pezzella video…

• 278 Dannyo // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:25 PM

  They’re not stopping the transfers due to Rob Scanlon, christ, i’m just saying it seems they belive naught will happen so he takes a few days off.

  @davy
  I’ve not ever seen in my 2 year subsricption for NUFCtv, anyone else that Rob doing the vids for them. Interviewing or being on camera.

• 279 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:30 PM

  Beattie, this is the same as we have been saying all season. Villa got Benteke and we did nowt. Same with Michu. How could we not know about his goals rate from midfield??

• 280 NorseToon // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:32 PM

  When i was a kid growing up in Norway, my room was filled with posters of my heroes, Andy Cole, Beardsley, Lee, Ferdinand etc, but also I idolized the fans living in Newcastle, going to the games, home & away. I still do. Keep it up lads, you truly are great!

• 281 Munster Mag // Jan 7, 2013 at 4:42 PM

  Ian, I have a feeling , with all due respect, that you would have been one of the ones supporting the 8 yr contract at the time. Or maybe the invisible 5 yr strategy. Yes we can all see that Pardew had had injuries but he has also had plenty of players who were not injured. We have enough quality to be doing far better than 11 losses in 14 or whatever it is . And losing to Brighton. Did u see the level of motivation on the pitch???? Its been an appalling season and Pardew and others ( including you ) need to stop hiding behind injuries. Pardews tactics, team set up, negative vibes, shocking free kicks and corners are nothing to do with injuries, just bad training and a stupid approach. Who dictates that we play a longer ball game than Stoke? And believe ne, if Pards doesnt cop himself on, Cabaye and other will leave NUFC because they wont want to waste their talents on him. If he firnly believed in 4-3-3 and a tighter passing, possession game, then why do we depart from that so much on the pitch, and why do our players back off so much in order to keep theoir formation. Its because, probably, the manager has a negative approach, and believes also in long ball football. Weere Ba’s comments today inaccurate ? Nope.

• 282 Toon-Prodigy // Jan 7, 2013 at 5:41 PM

  There is a huge problem with the lack of quality in our pool of first team players. I.e. The quality of players we have as cover is huge. This should of been rectified in the summer. Just look at what we have been doing this season and the massive jump in quality from our first team 11 to the cover we have:

  Simpson – Tav, Anita, Perch
  Colo – Perch, Tav, Williamson
  S. Taylor – Perch, Tav, Williamson
  Santon – Ferguson, R Taylor
  Ben Arfa – Sammy, Obertan, Cisse
  Tiote – bigi, vuckic, Gosling, Anita
  Cabaye – bigi, vuckic Gosling, Anita
  Jonas – Sammy, ferguson, Obertan
  Ba & Cisse – Shola, ranger, campbell

  My point is the cover simply is not good enough, and this is the boards fault for not bringing in the adequate cover in the summer. The jump in talent and quality is enormous. This is not Pardews fault, it was not his gamble. It was the boards. We have had no consistency, no rhythm, which results in no winning formula being found. No one has had a chance of being comfortable at any stage on the pitch this season, where they have a good run in the position they would favour with the players around them they would prefer.

  We need good quality first team players brought in this window as cover. And to upgrade what we already have. We have started that via Debuchy. If simpson goes which he will then we should be looking at adequate cover there aswell. This is how a football club should run. Not by buying adaptable players who can maybe do a job here and there on their day. The board seriously need to address this problem this window, if they dont I worry for the future of NUFC.

• 283 Billythefish // Jan 7, 2013 at 6:19 PM

  We have some very good players in our first team, I worry if we are not active in this window the players will become more disillusioned with our board, and the rot really sets in. Pardew has to grow a pair and not revert back to players coming back from injuries. In the past when players have came back we know it takes 2-3-4 games to get them fully match fit. We need a quality CB and CF at the least. Then if things don’t improve at least the powers that be have tried to do something, rather than gamble things will be ok. I go to all home games and Pardew lacks a plan B in 99% of the matches we have played this season.