Our next game is at home to Cardiff City at St James’s Park on Saturday afternoon, and since Cardiff are rock bottom of the league right now with two games to play, we could in normal circumstances expect to win the game – but Cardiff have already beaten once at home this year, and these are not normal circumstances.
Koscielny scores first goal last night
This is what Alan Pardew told the Shields Gazette last night, after fans had Pardew Out banners on display and were not too happy – to put it mildly:
“I’m not going to moan about what they were singing and their feelings.” “I can’t hide from that. It’s six defeats and they’re not happy.”
“The only way we can put it right is get ourselves in a position to win the game on Saturday.” “All I know is that when you’re manager of Newcastle, to lose six games is going to bring massive pressure on you.”
“I have to accept that, but I still have to focus on my job.” “And my job is to try to get this team in the best possible shape for Saturday.”
“I want a top-10 finish, and I want to get that on Saturday.”
Newcastle have lost six games in a row and seven of the last eight, and in those eight games we have managed to score just two goals. 🙁
And after such a pathetic run of form, it’s a little surprising that if we can beat Cardiff City on Saturday then we could still finish in 9th place in the league.
The last game at Liverpool will be like last night’s game, and Liverpool will be far too good for a Newcastle team that’s looked hopeless for most of this year.
And to think after Boxing Day and the 5-1 win at home to Stoke City, we were in 6th place and just three points behind Liverpool.
We are now 34 points behind Liverpool. 🙁
As we said these are not normal circumstances.
Comments welcome.
121 comments so far
toonarmydownsouth
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:24 AM
Comment #41TDS
In no way shape or form will the club admit finishing below 10th means the season is a failure
Yes the club have said it was a minimum, 2 seasons ago they told us European qualification was the target for every season
They will, once again, lower expectations and tell us this season was a resounding success
Lilongwe Geordie
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:28 AM
Comment #42Cyprus,
I don’t think anyone (other than Pardew) is blaming HBA for some of our results. If they are, that is foolish.
However his situation at the club just mirrors his problems in the past. Falling out with team mates, managers throwing strops threatening to walk out on a club. He has done it all before. He is no different from Pardew in that he refuses to accept that maybe, just maybe with his club careers repeatedly ending in this similar fashion he is more the problem than the rest of the world. Like peas in a pod when it comes to blaming others.
catchy in norway
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:31 AM
Comment #43Lilongwe Geordie
whether there pros or not, they are only human,
if they have lost faith in the manager and /or don’t believe they in his way, they are doing that none of us wouldn’t do,
they turn up for training, just like you would turn up for work,
they get frustrated with there managers just like we get frustrated with our managers,
what I don’t like is the bullying that pardew is getting away with, him and NUFC, they don’t like or want MARV or HBA, but spreading lies around to back there story is wrong, and will only blow up in there faces,
I believe 2 people are in the wrong,
firstly Ashley, he hired pardew, and is not only putting in the bare min to get us by
secondly, pardew, his best just isn’t good enough FACT
Average_Contents
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Comment #44Tds
You believe it because they said it? What about what parsnip said, is he not part of the club? the manager no less! Conflicting expectations to dampen down the amount of animosity directed at this dictatorship by constant spinning of targets, like someone else mentioned, even if we finish 11 this season will be viewed as a success because the only REAL target was to stay in the division which we achieved early on in the season, hence why fatty thought it was perfectly acceptable to sell our best player!
As I said who knows and quite frankly who cares anymore because it’s just lie after lie!
NEoffers.co.uk
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:33 AM
Comment #45Big American Breakfast FOR TWO – Only £8 (usually £17.02)
http://neoffers.co.uk/products/big-breakfast-for-two-newcastle
Based at arguably Jesmond’s best cafe.
BandB
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:37 AM
Comment #46Alan Pardew….The Wizard of Drivel.
TADS
They probably will argue that 10th of 11th is neither here nor there, as it was only a goal and never an instruction.
I think it at least SHOULD be a harder message to sell.
The argument will devolve down to claims that 10th/11th is “just about where we should be.” It is a claim that will find support in the national media and among influential ex-pros who regard us as a nothing club.
It will ignore that larger truth that we still appear to be on pronounced downward curve which faith rather than evidence suggests will be reversed.
Toon Darn Sarf,
Welcome back from the dead. You were a week late. Good to see you back.
Oldgit1
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:38 AM
Comment #47I can recall attending a match at SJP that only had 8,500 in attendance. A cup match I think, that sent a message to the board.
I would luv it if this happened at the Cardiff match. It’s the only power we have as supporters, to not turn up. Nothing else will work. I so want this motly crew away from my club.
It’s about time the supporters realise that filling Ashley pockets is not going to achieve anything.
What are supporters expecting to see at the Cardiff match, a great match? Us winning, us scoring, some sublime skill from any of the players, us winning. I think not so what are you giving up by not attending this one match, don’t you think it’s worth it to send a message of discontent to Ashley and Pardew.
I’ve given up going, are you going to do the same??????
Average_Contents
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:39 AM
Comment #48N.E offers
I probably would take you up on that offer if I lived anywhere near! Instead I’ll just get fat and punish myself for supporting this poor excuse of a club, drowning my sorrows in crisps and left over easter eggs!
Thump
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:39 AM
Comment #49“I’m not going to moan about it”
…yet he continues to moan about it.
cyprus
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:40 AM
Comment #50Lil,
Saw your reply about the ‘continental style’ manager thing, I think we agree. Although generalizations both ways would be wrong we all understand the jest of the term. Here’s a good one regarding England:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/5/4696672/england-national-team-world-cup-qualifying-uefa
On HBA, I’ve noticed you don’t ‘dig’ him, I’m not sure why. He has been way more patient than I would have been, for sure. For months on end, after he was fully recovered from a horrendous injury sustained in the line of duty for NUFC, he was kept on the bench by a below championship level reject of a bigger club. For months! He has been substituted, or blamed, on many occasions when not only he, but the whole outfit was crap! Thus removing any chance for creative forays.
We must realise: not all players have the energy levels of a Scott Parker but many many players are way better than a Scott Parker! Our best ever players have had the same mistreatment, yet it is those we remember most: Fat Ginola, lazy Robert. God I miss those players 🙂
Average_Contents
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM
Comment #51lol Cyprus fat ginola indeed!
Lilongwe Geordie
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:45 AM
Comment #52Catchy,
I’m not sure on this lies, I wasn’t about much last week, so haven’t really read or seen what was said. Pardew said last night he picked the squad on merit as to why HBA wasn’t there. Seems like rubbish, as I can’t believe Gosling is showing enough in training for him to have come in from the cold.
Yes, they are only human. However, if an office employee isn’t performing properly then they are accountable to the company. No member of the public is paying to watch them work on a spreadsheet.
These players are accountable to the fans of this club, and as such should have a bit of pride and put in a shift when playing, or kindly reimburse the fans out of their own pocket. A bit of personal pride should be enough to over come ill feelings to the manager.
Players come out week in week out and say they are doing all they can to get a result, or they want a result for the fans. If they then don’t put in the shift then they are telling lies just like the management. Of course they should share in the blame.
toonarmydownsouth
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:46 AM
Comment #53BandB
As per, I fully agree
The club should take a firm stance over what has been a complete failure of a season where are sole focus has been on the league with no cup run in sight
But i highly doubt they will, what’s left or the clubs PR will laud our efforts of cementing top flight status in a brief statement that reassures the masses they are still working there fingers to bone to ensure we continue to strive to compete in the top flight of English football but becomes harder to achieve each season due to crippling financial restraints and they will try there upmost to ensure 1-2 senior signings per calendar year to help achieve this goal
mag
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:46 AM
Comment #54Pardews has lost more matches in a row than any other Newcastle United manager in history. Sack the idiot!
Ancientcoptic
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:47 AM
Comment #55What are the odds that we sneak a win against Cardiff, parking the bus for the last 15 minutes… then get thoroughly beaten by Liverpool.
The result being that Pardew keeps his job, with everything being portrayed as rosy and ‘on the up’ because Pardew got a result against the bottom side.
If we lose Ben Arfa, keep Pardew & have another skivvy like transfer window… the result for me will be the withdrawal of my support.
I am already too ashamed to buy/wear the current skip of the club I love, because of the wretched wonga logo emblazoned across the front.
Something has got to change.
Ancientcoptic
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Comment #56“The only way we can put it right is get ourselves in a position to win the game on Saturday.”
^ The definition of delusional.
mag
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:51 AM
Comment #57Pardew needs put out of his tyneside misery and sent back to London.
Rotonda heights
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:54 AM
Comment #58Although we’re playing a good team, they still expect us to win.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
no Alan we expect you to compete.
from Tott
– – – – – – – –
The meek shall inherit the earth apparently – and they’ve already made base camp in our dressing room….
Toon Tang
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:55 AM
Comment #59strolla meets pards to discuss his playing bonus =
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee925OTFBCA
Lilongwe Geordie
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:55 AM
Comment #60Cyprus,
Funny you mention Scott Parker, I can’t stand him.
I don’t particularly like HBA, I did at first, but I honestly don’t think he does enough to justify the high praise he gets, and his mind has him in cloud cuckoo land – remember his Balon d’Or comment last year.
He is incredibly talented, but has rarely been a regular starter at any of his two clubs prior to us – down to attitude and form. It has been the same here. I do get why some fans like him, he is an incredibly talented individual, his feet are magical, his brain on the other hand is slightly lacking.
I have never asked for him to track back, that isn’t his game. I would like to see him press the opposition more, but again I can live with him not doing as much as long as I can see intelligence in his play on a regular basis. You mention Ginola and Robert, Ginola had a wand of a left peg, but he also knew when to release the ball, when to cross, and when to shoot. For me, that is what HBA’s biggest weakness is. Robert I seem to remember caused a big divide amongst Toon fans as well, and he had similar issues in that he didn’t always do the right thing. People talk of HBA as potentially a world class player, he is 27, I think that ship has sailed.
Pardew is taking a lot of flack over this HBA debacle, and some of it is totally justified, however he had similar issues at both Lyon and Marseille – so surely people must see that he isn’t innocent in this whole sub pot to a miserable 6 months.
BandB
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Comment #61TADS,
Its a while since I published the club’s end of season statement.
Target hit, successful season, challenging window, period of transition, World Cup year, inflated prices, the offer was too good to refuse, ad nauseum. And, of course: “I am doing a Martinez. I have identified the dead wood, and am now bringing in cheaper players who share my footballing vision. I see an opportunity for myself in this.”
Rotonda heights
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Comment #62Ancient
And we will be working hard on the training pitch (2 days a week) to put it right! Play match and repeat, play match and repeat!!
Apparently after we the fans ”were the problem” we are now apparently the ”best fans in the world!!!” Funny that, after the banners and chants have finally started!
Sav
Apr 29, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Comment #63No passion. Our best player is a loanee who is leaving, our previous best player was sold midway and not replaced. Our Captain has been making noises about shoving off to Argentina for 18 months and this is all infecting the journeymen around them with a sense of ‘where are we going?’ We are treading water, killing time, killing a football club. Its Mashley’s move.
Rotonda heights
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Comment #64BandB
That comment ” I see a long term opportunity for myself” sent shivers down my spine.
geordie157
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Comment #65For the remainder of the season I’m cheering on Gateshead in their battle for promotion.
Ancientcoptic
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:02 AM
Comment #66Lilongwe Geordie – Ben Arfa said dreams of winning the Balon d’or – which creative player doesn’t?
Ben Arfa didn’t say he thought he could/would win it.
Anyways, if you think you have seen the best of Ben Arfa under Pardew – fair enough.
Apart from when Cabaye & Ba were playing to get moves AWAY from Newcastle, I doubt I have seen the best of ANY player at Newcastle under his reign.
Ancientcoptic
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:03 AM
Comment #67*said he*
Rotonda heights
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:03 AM
Comment #68sav
the tragedy is he doesn’t have to make any move at all.
Not unless the 14000 less season tickets rumour is true.
Ancientcoptic
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Comment #69Exactly what problems did Ben Arfa have at Lyon? They won titles when he was playing for them.
Why did Marseille pay so much for him, if he “had problems” at Lyon.
Why did Marseille not want to sell him to us, if he was such a problem for Marseille?
ToonDarnSarf
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Comment #70BandB
Thanks! A week late…what did I miss??
Lilongwe Geordie
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Comment #71Ancient,
He said he dreams of it, and is sure it is still possible. Here is the quote
“People will think I’m crazy, but I still dream of winning the Ballon d’Or. I’m sure it’s still possible.”
He also says he wants his name to be mentioned alongside Pele, Maradona and Platini. The bloke is as deluded of his abilities as Pardew is of his.
BandB
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:10 AM
Comment #72Rotonda,
As long as the Wizard of Drivel can still see long-term opportunities for himself in the situation we can all be reassured, surely?
Lilongwe Geordie
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:10 AM
Comment #73Ancient,
He had a punch up with a player on the training ground which the club said he was at fault for, this was hot on the heals of a rumoured sizeable fall out with Benzema.
Ancientcoptic
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Comment #74Lilongwe Geordie – I don’t see anything wrong with that statement. All players dreams of being legends in the game… it would be a bit different if he said he thought he was already at that level.
As for the few scuffles he has had in the past, I am pretty sure these are regular things in French football. I have never heard any reports of Ben Arfa being unprofessional since he has been with us.
Anyways – I have to go. Have a good day all.
Lilongwe Geordie
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:14 AM
Comment #75Ancient,
Howay man, even Hatem has admitted he caused problems at both those clubs due to his ‘bad boy’ attitude. He said he had matured at Newcastle and those days were behind him.
We can argue his ability and value to the team all day, but lets not hide things that are fairly public knowledge and admitted by the individual himself.
ToonDarnSarf
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:14 AM
Comment #76TADS/Average_Contents
There have been a lot of misquotes attributed to the club that weren’t quite what people said so I’m not going to worry about those.
But, on the official NUFC site in their official minutes for the Fans Forum is “The board explained, as in previous Forum meetings, that the aim for the Club is always to finish as high up the league table as possible, with top ten a minimum requirement this season.”
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT. If people don’t meet the minimum requirement in their job, they get sacked unless there are serious mitigating circumstances, which there are not. Even if they do just meet their minimum requirement, then surely their position would be tenuous.
I drew the line at the beginning of the season and I’m sticking to it. 11th means Pardew has to go 100%. Regardless, there should be a serious review of his time as manager given the best we can hope is to scrape 9th or 10th. And my vote would be that he goes.
mag
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:15 AM
Comment #77Remy played his way out of a move to Arsenal last night, Anita is one of the worst players the club has signed.
Ibizatoon
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:15 AM
Comment #78BandB…As if any pundits will say that we’re “where we should be”.
In other news, anybody see the Gary Neville article on Pardew?
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/29326/9288497/alan-pardew-gary-neville-says-newcastle-are-where-they-should-be
nut meg
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Comment #79Pleased I missed the game last night after reading some of the comments.It didn’t come as a surprise that we got turned over but the manner in which we are getting beat is stomach turning. Pardew’s post match interview’s are really embarrassing, he talks right out of his khaki button. I’ve given him every chance to convince me he can get a team to play attractive football & get decent results….as in 6 / 7th position. He has, in my opinion failed miserably on both accounts. He certainly looks to have lost the dressing room from what I am seeing & the players look confused as to what he wants them to do,it really is producing kicking around in the park with your pals football.I’m fed up to the back teeth with Pardew’s idea of on the front foot football,enough is enough I want him gone.I’m off for a cold bottle of Chang……again.
Rotonda heights
Apr 29, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Comment #80Lilo
The thing is when Cabaye was sold Pardew turned his back on Ben Arfa and Marveaux to spark even a modicum of creativity.
They were all sent to Coventry along with Obertan and MYM who may have provided some much needed pace in crucial areas and we now play a team completely devoid of any flair, invention and speed whatsoever.
Ben Arfa and Marveaux aren’t perfect bya long stretch but what the hell are Gosling and Shola going to give us.
Well we’ve seen since January – sweet fa yet they are persisted with no matter what.
When things are going so badly would it have killed Pardew to try a Brazilian / Martinez 343 with Debuchy and Haidara as attacking wing backs and Colo sweeping behind MYM and Willo, with Tiote and Sissoko as a 2 man hard working central midfeld pairing and Ben Arfa and Marveaux / Obertan flanking Remy and just for once let other teams worry about us.