One of my favorite songs from eons and eons ago was Three Steps To Heaven by the great Eddie Cochran – and while I couldn’t think of three steps – there are two steps to heaven for Newcastle United, given where we are at the moment, and we can be even more efficient than the late 1950s rocker.
Eddie Cochran – he had three steps to heaven
Newcastle can be more efficient
It’s been extremely quiet on the Newcastle front since Wigan were defeated by Swansea on Tuesday night – which gives us a pathway to safety – a lifeline that maybe we don’t deserve – but we have to help ourselves now – which will be a change given the last four games.
There is one Premier League game on Saturday and that’s Aston Villa vs Chelsea – and you have to think there’s decent chance that Chelsea can win that game at Villa Park, which has a kick-off time of 12:45pm.
And then at 5:30pm it will be good watch the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Wigan and see how Wigan do – and watch them get tires in preparation for their game at Arsenal on Tuesday night – but if we play our cards right that game could become irrelevant.
On Sunday Newcastle play at QPR – and as captain Coloccini said today – “QPR have nothing to play for and we have everything to play for” – with the emphasis on everything.
That’s so right – but it doesn’t say we will win.
However we are hoping that our lads will come out like a steam train for the game on Sunday – and play their hearts out and get a win – and if we can do that it will be our first win in five games – so we are due a win.
And lo and behold – if we can beat QPR on Sunday – and Chelsea beat Aston Villa on Saturday – we are safe, and that’s essentially because Wigan’s last game is against Aston Villa – work it out – it’s true.
It’s Mother’s Day in the US this Sunday, and our family are going out to dinner a short three hours after the Newcastle game finishes, and my son Neil and I are hoping we can celebrate Newcastle’s safety at that time.
So in just two simple steps – it’s possible that Newcastle could be safe on Sunday – and be in heaven (also known as The Premier League) for next season, and we can all start to dream again.
It’s very hard to dream when you are relegated – we know that – because we went through hell and high water and agony and pain four years ago.
We don’t want to experience that ever again.
So it’s over to the players and Alan Pardew.
Howay The Lads!!.
Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and +1 us on Google+:
You can also reach Ed at admin@nufcblog.com
=============================================
117 comments so far
martoon
May 9, 2013 at 9:57 PM
Comment #81Catchy – agree with you about Man U squad – I’m not sure they would have won the premiership without Fergie. Moyes is going to have to oversee a rebuilding process and so results might suffer.
stuart no9
May 9, 2013 at 9:58 PM
Comment #82If we were 30 pts clear at the top of the prem with 1 game to go- and our last game was against QPR who had already been relegated , pardew would still employ the defensive tactics ,and the somewhat “cautious” approach of a pardew style attack.
The man just cant help himself. 1 – 0 QPR .
catchy in norway
May 9, 2013 at 10:06 PM
Comment #83martoon
agree with you
even when he gets the players,, im not sure he is the one,,
all the better for the prem
lump a huge sum on man u out of top 5 😉
catchy in norway
May 9, 2013 at 10:07 PM
Comment #84stuart no9
well said
stuart no9
May 9, 2013 at 10:11 PM
Comment #85JESPER – just to add to your post on insulation in the u.k
it is also 300 mm insulation but only above ceiling height.
yo-yo
May 9, 2013 at 10:17 PM
Comment #86Next season is going to be very interesting as there is boind to be some hiatus in Manure’s gelling as a new side
yo-yo
May 9, 2013 at 10:18 PM
Comment #87Aye but 300mm of glass fibre or rockwool ain’t the same as 300mm of PU foam panels – it’s really U or R values which are important
Jail for Ashley
May 9, 2013 at 10:22 PM
Comment #88A majority of people on here have a good knowledge of the game whether it be tactical or just general trivia, so I can only assume that people are talking in hope when they are mentioning these top managers, look at all the positions apparently available at the end of the season, if Benitez wins that UEFA cup he could potentially end up at Real Madrid, PSG or even Arsenal, why the fusk would he want to join a mid table team when the reward for finishing in the top six is seeing his squad reduced while he’s expected to lie for the cameras, please getreal folks.
Earl
May 9, 2013 at 10:42 PM
Comment #89@Jail
I think that is the general consensus that most of us tend to flutter with imagination when it comes to transfers or managers. Perfect example being last may when we were all brimming with excitement about what fantastic players we were going to snap up, and unfortunately becoming disillusioned with the end results (i have to admit the Jan transfers slightly changed my perception). Its kinda the same here really, everyone would like their own idea of management, like they are with tactics/formations/teamsheets without genuinely thinking their idea will happen (particularly with our regime) but getting back on topic, Seeing as though the mood around Pardews tenure is pretty bad, and rather than just slagging him off, its seems a bit more constructive to suggest possible replacements to develop some interesting discussion
stuart no9
May 9, 2013 at 10:43 PM
Comment #90yo-yo — ah rite. where in the house would you put 300 mm of PU – foam panels.?
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
May 9, 2013 at 10:44 PM
Comment #91Yes it’s all about U value and ? value!
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
May 9, 2013 at 10:46 PM
Comment #92? = Lambda 🙂
yo-yo
May 9, 2013 at 10:47 PM
Comment #93Stuart
I wouldn’t as about 150-200 mm PI foam in walls and roofs is equivalent to U = 0.15 – 0.1 = mega toasty warm.
Timber frame wall panels or SIPS
Harley
May 9, 2013 at 10:50 PM
Comment #94I know I’m a late on this but I just want to add my opinion to 2 subjects I’ve been reading on here tonight.
1. I really don’t get all of this clamour for Martinez. Every season he has fought relegation and then escaped by playing well the last 5-10 games. They are awful all season long and then somehow pull it off against all odds.
The players are a disgrace to their fans that they can only be bothered to turn up for a few games every season.
They have never once threatened mid table never mind the top 8. I know they are only a small club but have never done a Swansea or west brom etc and had a freak one off season.
I really think he is totally overrated and would be gutted if we got him.
2. Ill make this short as that went on for a while. I’m gobsmacked about moyes, i think he’ll really struggle. To my knowledge he hasn’t won a thing as a manager and I thought Man U would need a much more proven manager.
Happy to discuss with anyone:)
yo-yo
May 9, 2013 at 10:50 PM
Comment #95R value is the reciprocal of U value and you can add the values together so its easier to calculate.
Building Regs in Scotland changed so each element is worked out to give an average or overall value
yo-yo
May 9, 2013 at 10:53 PM
Comment #96Harley
Matt Busby
SAF
Moyes all tough Scots – its almost a requirement at ManU
Agree Martinez overrated – if he could get a side to play 38 games like the last 5-6 he’d be top drawer – again its lack of consistency
stuart no9
May 9, 2013 at 10:56 PM
Comment #97jesper – i think yo-yo is referring to ground stability for roads and paths with –R – values,?
stuart no9
May 9, 2013 at 10:58 PM
Comment #98yo-yo — my apologies – i thought you were discussing home insulation !
lesh
May 9, 2013 at 10:59 PM
Comment #99Ibiza. It’s good to see you’re back at the office and contributing your all to the benefit of the economy. And that you have the energy and goodness to lend your wisdom to debate. You’re a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all. Hang in there bonny lad and rather than hum ‘Three Steps to Hebburn’, try It Just Doesn’t Matter Anymore’. That’s much more conducive to a glass of good rioja. Salut!
Beattie. In Germany there are two clubs supported by multinationals – Bayer Leverkausen and Wolfsberg (Bayer and VW) and they too should be treated as exceptions to the German model.
lesh
May 9, 2013 at 11:03 PM
Comment #100Dok.
Petty’s ‘Free Falling’ might also be appropriate?
tooninspain
May 9, 2013 at 11:04 PM
Comment #101Trash…..congratulations ! You’ve just posted without mentioning Ashley by name. I really do believe you’re warming towards him.
Earl
May 9, 2013 at 11:06 PM
Comment #102On the Moyes topic, I remember Him giving an interview not so long ago about wanting to manage or learn different styles from other Countries. I think He mentioned he was interested in the German philosophy and suggested he would like to manage there. Maybe with the resources Man utd have (no disrespect to Everton) he would get the opportunity to develop his own ideas, so maybe he might not be that bad of a choice afterall. Time will only tell I guess
cbell
May 9, 2013 at 11:06 PM
Comment #103Is anyone here making the trip down for the game? If so how much did you end up paying for tickets?
AndyNUFC
May 9, 2013 at 11:09 PM
Comment #104Well Stuart I must say congratulations, takes some doing, but the “most ridiculously brainless anti Pardew comment” award has been unanimously given to you.
I had to check your comment twice to make sure, but hands down you are the deserved winner and nobody will take it from you.
To imagine a reality that Pardew attacked defensively… somehow… to 30 points clear, winning the league in the process, and face a relegated team last game and defended regardless is a creative imagination to say the least.
Add to the point you are actually insulting Pardews tactics by saying our league title would not warrant anything less than an attcking style in an irrelevant game – I’ve not heard such a fascinating analysis of Pardew’s methods before, so I can only thank you for pointing it out.
I could only think he, in that situation, would play the under 21 team for the experience and morale boost – but your devout insistence that literally every game should be met with an all out, entertaining style of football that should see us cruise at worst, a 4-0 victory, maybe even as bad a 3-2 (but only if we had 2 sent off and 5 more injured, of course?).
Well Stuart if the day does come then please, do remind me of your post, and I’ll cut all ties with my club as long as that damn defensive manager thinks he can get away with a draw at QPR when we have only won the league! I will even spray paint the statue we build of him after the title success with, “Defensive dipstick” and buy you a pint. When you’ve come off the medication though, not funny mixing that together, your doctor told you, remember?
lesh
May 9, 2013 at 11:10 PM
Comment #105Yo yo.
You can’t have been ‘relaxed’ enough if you can remember how many times you’ve seen the Floyd.
I vaguely remember seeing Osibisa at the Mayfair in the 70s. Blew me head off and I still reflect on that gig when I’m nicely relaxed and listening to ’em.
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
May 9, 2013 at 11:11 PM
Comment #106Stuart…. The Lamda (?) values, combined with thickness of product, give the thermal resistance – or R value – of each element in a structure. R value is a measure of thermal resistance, measured as:
Thickness/Lambda
The higher the R value of any element, the better its ability to resist the transmission of heat.
U-Values are calculated as the reciprocal of the sum of R values, i.e. 1/total sum of R values.
I usual just look at U values and Lambda 🙂
Harley
May 9, 2013 at 11:13 PM
Comment #107Yo yo
I hope he does succeed as I think he’s a good man. I’m in the very rare camp that doesn’t hate Man U, I really admire them. I’d far rather man U win the league than man city.
Results will do the talking. I think they need a couple of major signings as I think this is their weakest squad in many years. And somehow they still pulled it off .
My personal opinion on the manager of Newcastle is if we stay up (which I think we will) pardew will be given another crack with a few new faces brought in. I think we’re stuck with him like it or not.
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
May 9, 2013 at 11:13 PM
Comment #108Yo-yo…Kingspan Kooltherm 🙂
lesh
May 9, 2013 at 11:15 PM
Comment #109jesperfuglsand @ 106.
What’s the Danish for bollix?!
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
May 9, 2013 at 11:16 PM
Comment #110I see Martinez is not a popular choice in here 🙂
…I would gladly take him (I like his football philosophy and his 3-4-3) and I think a player like Benny would thrive under him!
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
May 9, 2013 at 11:22 PM
Comment #111lesh…I am not really sure! Do you mean bollocks? 😉 lol
AndyNUFC
May 9, 2013 at 11:31 PM
Comment #112Jesper Martinez only plays that formation because he has a bad pick of players. However I cant see why a perennial relegation battler would get the best out of a mostly injured, selfish ego driven world class player either.
To be honest I would rather take Benitez if – and only if – Ashley gave him the funds to build a team. All we want is some success, but if he wants the nice profits and bargain signings I cant see the differemce in sticking with Pardew and letting Carr find the cheap gems.
We were undersold this season, it was a big pricetag market and Ashley let it go until we pushed 5 foreign players in halfway through, only down to the fact their contracts meant they came dirt cheap.
toon22
May 9, 2013 at 11:38 PM
Comment #113Ma is a gambler(apparently)
Hes not stupid he is simply learning the game
Its a shame hes doing it with the Toon but were stuck with it arnt we 🙂
NUFC STEVE
May 9, 2013 at 11:52 PM
Comment #114Would everyone agree our No. 1 targets should be
LAURENT BLANC and RAFA. Both flawless tactically. I think Benitez is the better coach but Blanc wud fit the club better. ( French scouting and has managed 6 of our players already).
Black and White with an army lol
May 9, 2013 at 11:57 PM
Comment #115Rafa in, Pardew out. simples.
Sazzer
May 10, 2013 at 12:21 AM
Comment #116My name is not Earl
His stats overall isn’t that great, it’s similar to Pardews. He would be risky choice. But I saw great goal from Sociedad the other week. Anyhow, it was similar to some of the goals we scored last year.
Jagger
May 10, 2013 at 12:24 AM
Comment #117Beattie – just read your post at 1.07pm today. You’ve got it spot on. Bobby (and Keegan) were honest diligent blokes who understood the game, were actually very good at playing it, and had a respect for what the club meant to the fans. They could also motivate players and tactically outwit opponents. When they talked, you listened.
I know from a friend who works at the club that Pardew is a complete prick, arrogant with nowt to back it up. What he’s presided over this season, with the players he’s had available, is a disgrace. His track record proves he can fool players for only so long before they see through his bullshit.
We just have to sing our hearts out for the lads the next two Sundays and hope we can stay up and attract someone with a heart/soul/passion for the job next season. It doesn’t matter where he’s from or who he’s played for.
Martinez or Poyet would be a great fit. Wigan/Brighton defend and attack as a team, always loads of men close and available to the ball. Just that those men aren’t always the best! Given our squad, scouting network and a few quid they could turn us into a top team.
Pleeeease Mike, get ya axe oot after the Arsenal game!