James Perch has already played 33 times for Newcastle this season, and has also scored his first goal for the club, and after a very tough first year at Newcastle, James has seemed to blossom under manager Alan Pardew.
James Perch – Perchinho – has come good at Newcastle
Last season he made 28 appearances for the side, and a large portion of those appearances were in the second half of the season, when he really started to come through with some solid performances for the Magpies.
And this season he has continued to be a key player for the side, and because of his versatility he has been used a lot by the manager and he’s played at full back, center-back and in defensive midfield – and he can do a solid job in all of those positions.
James reminds us a bit of Nobby Stiles in the England World Cup winning side – he’s not as good as other players technically, but his temperament, solidity and consistency adds a lot to the team.
This is what James Perch said today in an exclusive interview he gave to the Newcastle Journal:
“Things have changed a great deal for me since I’ve been here,” “I can’t really complain.” “I feel it has changed a bit for me. When I go out there now people aren’t groaning.” “I think before, if a supporter saw my name on the team-sheet they’d think ‘Oh no’.”
“They were doing that. I hope now it’s not the same reaction, or not as much anyway! I think that’s a fair reaction.” “I have to be honest with myself and say that people probably were saying that when I first came but now I hope they don’t.”
“It was what I always intended to do a year ago when I got my opportunity. There’s no better feeling than turning people’s opinions round. When I first came it was tough and the fans didn’t take to me, but that was because of my own performances, not through any fault of theirs.”
“It’s good to go out there and enjoy it now. When you enjoy it, it’s better and you do get a sense of achievement.” “I love the city, my family is settled up here now and I’ve been here two and a half and I’ve loved it.”
“Even when things weren’t going my way and I got some stick. I absolutely loved it from the start – Newcastle is such a nice place.” “It is the friendliness of everyone that gets me. I lived in Nottingham where it is a bit rougher.”
“There’s gangs and everyone has to be a bit careful, but there is a freedom about this place that I love. You can go anywhere and in some places it’s not like that as a footballer. “People make you feel welcome and whatever happens you’re part of it.”
Those are great words from the unassuming Perchinho – who has become something of a cult hero on Tyneside.
James signed on in the summer of 2010 on a four year contract, and that will run out in fifteen months time – and we think the 27 year-old former Nottingham Forest player has earned an extension to that contract.
We would expect James to get a new deal soon, before he starts his final year of his current contract – we think he deserves it.
And he’s not been a bad buy for around £1M either.
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127 comments so far
toonLYF
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:36 AM
Comment #1Captain Perch.
…reading between the lines on the injury front, Haidara, Krul, Colo and Debuchy will start.
in all seriousness though, i’m really looking forward to seeing Tim back in goal for us. Elliot has been very good, superb at times, but Tim offers a great presence, and is my favourite Newcastle player along with Cabaye and Debuchy.
IrishToon009
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:41 AM
Comment #2I just love versatile players like James, dead handy to have, must be a managers dream!
Byker Boy
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:42 AM
Comment #3Never thought I’d be saying this about Perch but he’s an ideal utility player Newcastle would be foolish not to extend his career at The Toon.After all he’s progressed from “That Bloody Perch” into “Perchino” not seen the likes of this transformation almost reincarnation for many a year.
estechco
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Comment #4About as honest an interview from the lad as you are likely to see. Reads more like a blog post on this site.
I like it when players turn the crowd’s opinion around (much like Wazza did under KK) and Perchino just goes from strength to strength.
Top fella
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:47 AM
Comment #5Perch Out! Who does he think he is, changing our opinions? I shall not accept it. Good performances, good attitude, general improvement. Disgusting, this is what is wrong with the modern footballer.
beddersmag
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:50 AM
Comment #6@4
Yeah good call was about to say its like Barton. Always helps win favour with the fans if you can nail some big tackles too 🙂
Well done perchinio. Theres an arvument for him to play ahead of the more physical but sloppy tiote in dcm at the minute
Troy Stavers
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Comment #7I’m over the moon he has been given authority to have Perchinho on his back next season.
Pards was a bit dubious with the idea at first but the players have apparently swung him into thinking it would be a good publicity stunt for the club.
The club made a brief announcement; James Perch has been given the green light to have his surname changed for next season to Perchinho. The FA have reviewed the proposal and have filed no objections. We are aware Perch has be one a bit of a cult figure with the fans and almost 1 in 4 shirts we sell in the supporters shop have Perchinho printed on the back.
This is a trial this season and certainly a first of its kind that the FA have had to face for a British player.
Of course, this is commonplace for foreign players, particularly Brazilians but a first for an Englishman, said the club.
RedMissionBells
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Comment #8James Perch is a very simple player who always goes for the safe options. If he sees an opportunity to release an attackers, he will pass it. Else, he will play it safe. He is also quick and jumps well. I enjoy having him on the bench as he is the type of player who can bring stability to the last 20 minutes of the game. We should definitely keep him. In fact, I think England needs a player like that in its national team too.
Anyone who is able to out jump Carroll or mark Suarez should not be under rated.
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Comment #9Troy…It’s astounding how many exclusives you break. I’m very impressed 🙂
Bambams
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Comment #10@Troystaviio….
Open a window……
estechco
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Comment #11Troy – Are you getting in some practice for next Monday?
yo-yo
Mar 25, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Comment #12Red Mission Bells
As long as Perchinho doesn’t out dive Carroll and out kick Suarez I’ll be happy.
He is a key part of the team and has earned a new contract.
Troy Stavers
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:04 AM
Comment #13@Estecho
Next Monday?
@Bambams
You want an XXXL ordered? 🙂
@Ibiza
I’ve got a hotline to SJP. Bloody murder though when they answer and pretend to be from the ticket office.
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Comment #14Troy…Sounds like a right ordeal. Have no idea why people pretend, it’s such a waste of time 😉
Bambams
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Comment #15@Troy……
I hear you are one of the few who are allowed to use the lift to get up to level 7.
Although I am also now aware extra handrails are to be fitted below the existing ones to help small children as they climb the stairs. …. No need for the lift next season fella ….
toonincheek
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:13 AM
Comment #16“almost 1 in 4 shirts we sell in the supporters
shop have Perchinho printed on the back”
Amazing.
ilovetoon8788
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Comment #17One of the most improved players i’ve ever seen in English Football. Just over a year ago we were saying he’s championship standard at most.
And right now, he should be walking into the team ahead of Tiote. One of our unsung heroes this season, and has consistently outperformed Tiote and Anita.
Premier league top 10 standard player at the moment. Very solid and reliable.
WWYCD
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:20 AM
Comment #18Good for Perch average for NUFC imo
Troy Stavers
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:37 AM
Comment #19@Bambams
Do they still let you bypass the turnstiles cos you keep getting stuck and let you through the fire exits? 😀 😀 😀 😀
Troy Stavers
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:39 AM
Comment #20@Ibiza
Honesty is the best policy. I agree. 😉
ichrisho
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:40 AM
Comment #21PERCHINHO – Savour of the ordinary footballer… he a good’un – get him signed… Nice fella too.
robin
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:44 AM
Comment #22Perch is the sort of player, that people who know nothing about football latch onto and delude themselves that he is a good player rather like they delude themselves that Pardew, is a good manager. When really neither are up to the required standard of top flight football. Perch cannot nail down a first team place, much like Pardew, cannot nail down a top five place, un-like the flukey season he had last year, he has over- achieved and now is returning to his usual level, fighting relegation.
lucasnufc
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:49 AM
Comment #23I’d rather have him than Tiote in the team right now, far less error prone and I actually think that technically he’s a decent player. Sign him up.
ichrisho
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:50 AM
Comment #24Boo ROBIN…. Boo….. Come on… it could be worse… Someone else could have a Perchinho… he was captain at Notts Forest so couldnt be that bad – plus I will add he makes Tiote’s tackling look amateurish and wild… he is cool and calm and what this club needs…
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:52 AM
Comment #25Robin…Bravo. Took a post about how far Perch has come on and managed to put him and Pardew down. Top stuff.
JackButler
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:53 AM
Comment #26Perch is someone who has been slaughtered by everyone on here, myself included, but……………….as a squad player he has been nothing but professional, has always given 100% when called upon and has improved so much over the past few season’s I’d love to see him rewarded with a new long term deal
Doomsayer
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Comment #27Robin…. Completely agree dont pay attention to what these little minded people have to say pardew is nothing but a puppet who’ll drive our club into the ground. We’re doomed as long as he’s in the job.
Rainrix
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:57 AM
Comment #28Must admit i still get a little apprehensive when perch starts, don’t know why he never lets us down. Admittedly i don’t think he’s as got as tiote or anita but form-wise he is atm
Rainrix
Mar 25, 2013 at 11:58 AM
Comment #29*good
TorqToon
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:01 PM
Comment #30Robin..you need a hobby!!!
And pardew hating doesn’t count!
Anybody who’s actually watched Newcastle play wI’ll see the improvement and importance of James Perch. The lad deserves a new contract.
NEWEXPATMAGPIE
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:02 PM
Comment #31Always liked Perch, went through a bad period when he first came !
Some of you on here hated him even sitting on the bench !
On the strength of this season and the second half of last year he deserves a new deal? Sign him up !
Troy Stavers
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Comment #32@Robin
Jeez! I don’t believe anyone doesn’t think we over achieved last season. The players we had all excelled and over achieved themselves. However, credit where its due. Pards did it. 😉
We are now left with a team that isn’t top 5 standard. Do you expect Pards to get in the top 5 with a team that isn’t capable. ? Is that not the clubs fault ?
Perchinho has done fantastic from being utter shite at right back to adapting to a holding midfielder and is still learning and progressing in that position.
Anything constructive to add Robin?
JackButler
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:13 PM
Comment #33@Robin
Out of curiosity who would you like to see as our manager in place of Pardew???
carl
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:14 PM
Comment #34Tsunki
Not you as we’ll! Courage is the most important of the virtues. So playing scrabble with more than 3 letters and writing plain English makes me guilty by association. I had you down as a normal poster not a neurotic extreme or just mischievous type. I bought into Ibiza (Back By Popular Demand) request not to seek to score cheap points .
I do not know Pushy. I went to the same uni as IT and I got him part time work whilst he was studying. We have not met up for around 18 months although we correspond from time to time as were in the same line of business. You can take whatever line you wish but for me IT remains inviolate. He’s not at all like his 3 critics portray him but great company, great fun in a quiet sort of way( IT you can send me the £ 20 you promised). The poster with two names( the one with the elasticated waistband and Indian background) and an elderly poster
mate constantly abuse me when I come on line hence the I am owt. This derives I am told from Duncan Bannatyne and was used by Ruddy. I will persevere on here but my patience is not endless. Just ask yourself wouldn’t you prefer quality football chat than the inane endless tedious drivel some dish up! The lecture is over. Phew!
Troy Stavers
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:18 PM
Comment #35@Jack
He won’t be able to give you a sensible nomination. Anyone who wants Pards sacked can’t name a realistic proposal.
We would all love Morinho, Pep, et al but we know that any manager would have to work with a budget which balances the books and the managers contract would be a low basic and based on bonuses. Forget any top names. Pards is doing fine under the restraints he has.
Rainrix
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:18 PM
Comment #36Dont interact with robin guys. He’s essentially the blog equivalent of the westboro baptist church, completely insane and so far away from mainstream thinking he might as well be on neptune.
At least kets is funny, robin is a humour black hole 🙂
JackButler
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Comment #37@Troy Stavers
Was thinking the same thing mate!
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:22 PM
Comment #38Rainrix…I suppose there is no point interacting as there is hardly any interacting done on his part anyway.
Where has Kets disappeared to recently?
geordiemark
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Comment #39yeah id agree with a new contract for perch hes always done very well where ever hes played and always handy to have a utility player like him on the books
Rainrix
Mar 25, 2013 at 12:26 PM
Comment #40Ibiza… Im sure robin use to interact back? Obviously “interacting” is stretching it a bit, its more incoherent rambling than interacting 🙂
Kets is probably in hibernation until the transfer window opens, that or he’s compiling his transfer wish list under an effigy of paul scharner. 😉