We had reported earlier in the week how well James Tavernier is doing on loan at Rotherham United, and last Saturday he scored both goals in their good 2-1 home win against Bristol City, and both goals were scored from outside the penalty area.
James Tavernier – doing well at Rotherham
James has spent quite a bit of time over the last couple of years out on loan, and he’s also played at Gateshead, Carlisle United, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons and Shrewsbury Town, and in total has made 73 appearances with five goals to go with his 10 appearances so far for Newcastle.
At Rotherham he has 21 appearances and five goals, and James had this to say in the local press today:.
“I’m really enjoying it here, and playing a lot more games than I’ve ever done.” “When I first played here and saw the stadium I thought ‘this will be a great experience’, and that’s been the case.”
“It has really helped my career, and I’ve shown what I can do.” “They are a great group of lads here and the manager puts faith in us, and we are playing with more and more confidence, which is good.”
“We are currently on a great run, and you can see that confidence throughout the side, but it won’t become over-confidence, and the gaffer will ensure we keep our feet on the ground.”
We had reported earlier today that Mathieu Debuchy’s future at the club is uncertain at best, so there will be every chance given to James in pre-season to show he can challenge for the right-back position at Newcastle.
If Debuchy does leave, Newcastle will bring in a replacement at right back, but with the right back spot at Newcastle uncertain, there is an opportunity for James to show he should be part of the first team squad at Newcastle in the final year of his three-year contract.
Mehdi Abeid – doing well at Panathinaikos
Alan Pardew will be assessing James in pre-season, as well as other players like Mehdi Abeid, who has done particularly well out on loan at Panathinaikos this season with 6 goals in 30 appearances for the Greek club.
It seems that Mehdi is finally showing the potential he has always had at Newcastle, since he signed on as a free agent from Lens, back in the summer of 2011.
Mehdi also spent some time on loan at St. Johnstone early last year, and played 12 games for the SPL club.
Both players will have a chance to impress Newcastle manager Alan Pardew in July.
Comments welcome.
11 comments so far
Laurent Robert 32
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:08 AM
Comment #1Mehdi was in the group of youngsters that were publicly slayed by the poisonous puppet.
It’s no surprise to see that the lad can actually play some good football and score goals when coached by a manager with an ounce of a clue of how to try and attack.
Of course, when even Tevez, like Cisse and Remy (yes, Remy) can go on the worst goal scoring drought of theirs careers, you know that it’s just not a coincidence.
Alan, you do contain and try to nick a goal, so don’t lie to us and say you don’t.
mindcompressor
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:09 AM
Comment #2you know what is sad? that these have to impress pardew – not other manager… he still will be here and still will be devastating players with his ancient football “ideas”. apart of that i’m glad that some young guys will have opportunity to play for us. i can bet that their attitude will be much better that current “senior” players. i hope that they will include also armstrong, campbell, aarons, maybe kemen, bigi, satka and good.
Blofal
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:11 AM
Comment #3Pardew will not give youngsters a good run even if we are 4-0 up at half time.
He would rather play his usual grafters regardless of their form or fatigue and will shoe-horn into whatever formation the dice has rolled that day.
Not an environment for young talent to show what they can do. Pardew would bench Messi for not tracking back. Two names from the past spring to mind… Tevez & Mascherano.
Geremi's Prosthetic Leg Fund
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:12 AM
Comment #4What has happened to Bigirimana? Another youngster tossed by the wayside here going backwards?
He was championship young player of the year a couple of years ago was he not? Now I bet he wishes he’d never signed on.
Blofal
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:13 AM
Comment #5He was Pardewed.
Blofal
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:15 AM
Comment #6I honestly used to be very forgiving for Pardew because of the environment he had to work under. I never liked the way we played but I wasn’t as vocal as most people on here.
But after that loss to Southampton I’m furious as you can probably tell. That was all Pardew. I think our players would light up under a different manager.
Laurent Robert 32
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:18 AM
Comment #7Pardew couldn’t assess how to use a player in their correct position, never mind help further the careers of young players with potential. What a waste.
However many players he gets, he’ll still complain that he wants more and more when his tactics are once again found out.
Out of the cups, no Europe, so about as minimal as we can be and we’re apparently still got “no energy”. So basically it is a newer spin of “we wuz toired”.
Disgusting.
The sooner him and the April edition of the Mr. Obese calender have gone, the sooner a weight will be lifted from my shoulders.
Geremi's Prosthetic Leg Fund
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:19 AM
Comment #8I do think we need a change of direction. Pardew really is the definition of a Championship manager in my eyes. He’s suited to English predominant teams in a smaller set up. This job always was and always will be just too big for him.
Wayayman
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:20 AM
Comment #9Is Armstrong back in time for this weekend? If Pardew had any balls, he’d reward Arma for his England displays with a start against Man U. There’s (literally) nothing to lose and I’d love to see him running at Ferdinand or Jones and Vidic. Vidic is a top, top defender but Armstrong is very quick and direct, his movement for the short time he got against Fulham was exceptional and we all looked at each other when we saw how quick he is.
When the only other options are Shola and Cisse, I’d gamble on Arma playing off Cisse. It could be a breathe of fresh air, and the very worst that could happen is that we don’t create any chances at all and the las doesnt get a sniff.
We’ve got nowt to look forward to, the entire stadium knows it and the feeling of restlessness is palpable. One more sh!te team selection or performance and Pardew will feel the full force of the disharmony he has helped create. Playing Armstrong is his chance to show he really is thinking of the future.
Never gonna happen though, is it?
Laurent Robert 32
Apr 3, 2014 at 10:48 AM
Comment #10Wayayman, as much as I’d like to see Armstrong involved for a period of time, I don’t want him or others to be a ready made excuse for Pardew to blame. He does do it, see the kids in the cup games.
Plus, if there is very little team cohesion with the first team in, then a kid is likely to fend for himself and possibly be Pardewed at the same time due to getting caught on the ball because there isn’t the correct movement going on.
Again, in a better setup I’d like to see him get a bit of game time though.
oldbobaycliffe
Apr 3, 2014 at 12:27 PM
Comment #11when cabaye left w were left with no one to take his place why ddn,t we bring back mehdi abeid and give him a chance nohng to lose better than playing 3 left full backs