We thought Alan Pardew’s interview with Sky Sports today was almost all positive – but the point he made about getting at least 48 points and it would be a good season – is the one quote that’s getting all the headlines.
Siem de Jong – could be one of the best
Alan Pardew seems to just love Siem de Jong, whom he expects to be fit for next Sunday, along with Cheick Tiote – and Cheick – if we are to believe the recent news – could be on his way out of Newcastle this summer.
This is what Alan said about Siem:
¨I absolutely think he’s a terrific player, I’ve been lucky enough in my career to manage some great players and I think he could be one of the best.”
¨I’ve worked with Teddy Sheringham and he reminds me a lot of Teddy in the way that he conducts the game, the way he conducts himself, and that’ll be shown on a match day.”
”I think we’ve been very much on the ball with transfers. I think if something comes along that we think is right for us, we have got scope to move. Whether we do or not will depend on the finances and whether it’s right.”
Siem can certainly fill in for Yohan Cabaye as the withdrawn striker in the number 10 role, and he has similar skills to the Frenchman.
And we saw his skills with that terrific goal the Dutchman scored after 14 minutes against Oldham Athletic in our very first pre-season game.
Here’s the goal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm1ZP35V6X8
We have to hope that Siem is fit enough to start next Sunday, and if Cheick is also fit, then we could have a very good side out against the Premier League Champions.
Maybe we can even win that game?
Comments welcome.
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80 comments so far
Pizzicato The Arizona Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 4:18 AM
Comment #41http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_football_clubs_in_England
A lot of SUFC on the list, but no Sunderland.
brklyngeordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 4:42 AM
Comment #42SUFC hitting a real low their by throwing Allah in your comment no place for that can we please get ED or whomever to block that blasphemous account
jeff
Aug 13, 2014 at 6:13 AM
Comment #43Dispicable mackem bastard get of my blog.Altidore sucks he is not world class like Cisse!if you dont believe me check out Cisse’s goal replays on youtube or bing
Klatoon
Aug 13, 2014 at 6:40 AM
Comment #44dont want to lose Tiote but not too worried as clubs might have been put off by his indifferent wc perfomances.
~A Riviere of Goals~
Aug 13, 2014 at 6:54 AM
Comment #45Sorry, but SUFC_Rule is really showing his level of IQ, if he cant even get his name right.
Its not Sunderland United Football club, you muppet. How can you even label yourself a Sunderland Fan, if you can’t even get that right. #idiot.
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 6:59 AM
Comment #46Wouldn’t risk either De Jong or Tiote this weekend. Why bother? They certainly couldn’t be match fit, so why play them against City? Even if they play, City are still big favourites to win. Surely we would be far better off making sure they are fully fit for the trip to Villa.
toonincheek
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:06 AM
Comment #47Lilongwe –
Abso bleedin lutely.
Also hope we don’t lose Tiote.
Based on his recent form, I’m not so sure
he would make my “strongest” team, but
for sure we need him to cover for injuries,
competition and the inevitable suspensions.
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:13 AM
Comment #48Toonincheek,
I think Tiote will be very important to us. We need his presence in front of the defence. He had a poor season when we came 16th, but I put that down to him trying to drag the team forward, and this meant he didn’t play his normal game. Last season he did very well in patches.
If we build the team so SDJ is in front and he has Anita or Colback next to him (add Sissoko as well if you like, but I expect him on the right) then he can get on with his primary job of breaking up opposition attacks. Let’s face it, that defence is going to need all the help it can get!
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:17 AM
Comment #49The more I look at our fixtures after City the less I think either should even be considered. We have 7 winnable games after the City match, and it would be far better to be able to play our top sides in those games.
I think anything less than 15 points after 8 games is a very poor start to the season. City (h), Villa (a), Palace (h), Saints (a), Hull (h), Stoke (a), Swansea (a), Leicester (h). All of those sides are very beatable with the exception of City.
scdoty
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:19 AM
Comment #50I never post on here because it’s full of idiots like this tit from Sheffield.
Players flop from Dutch league? Really?robben
Ruud” van Nistelrooy
Krul
Van der sar
And that’s off the top of my head, I’ve just woke up. Cock
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:20 AM
Comment #51Lilo
Tiote i agree i wouldn’t start him, he’s had extra time off, no real pre season so surely can’t be anywhere near fit enough match wise
SDJ i possibly would, he’s looked in great shape pre season and heard the injury was bruising if that’s the case is there much risk in re aggravating the injury? However if it is a strain I’d agree don’t risk the lad
scdoty
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:21 AM
Comment #52And when did huntelaar play in England?
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:26 AM
Comment #53Tads,
If they have only got back to running (which I think it says in the previous blog) then they can’t be Premier league match fit surely. Unless we arrange a behind closed doors friendly for today and give SDJ a run out. I have not heard what the actual injury was, but he has been out a while so it must have been more than just bruising.
I know it would be great to start with a win, but chances of that are unlikely and the next run of games are more important imho in terms of how our season pans out. Maybe have SDJ on the bench, give him a run out if we are still in the match come the hour mark.
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:31 AM
Comment #54SUFC,
“Players from the Dutch league always flop”. I assume you are basing that on the small first hand evidence you have of Altidore flopping?
toonincheek
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:33 AM
Comment #55Lilongwe –
I don’t think Tiote has been as effective since
he was made to reduce his recklessness in the
tackle. Just not quite the same player.
Less yellow (and red) cards, though.
toonincheek
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:36 AM
Comment #56Initially, SDJ was supposed to have a bruised toe.
Later, it has been identified as a calf strain.
I don’t think we should take any risks.
He cannot be match fit.
Ethiotoon
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:38 AM
Comment #57Lilo
A good start is very important ,esp in our home.I agree with u lilo on siem & tiote.But we haven’t beat city for long time.Probably this is our best chance to show city we didn’t concede a defeated memories when they arrive.might seem early days,but one of them should play considering we haven’t beat city for 10 straight games or so.siem may have some chance to make it.
IMO,a draw will be satisfactory..
lesh
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:44 AM
Comment #5848 plus points’ll make a good season?
Gripes! Were I in Grenier and Lacazette’s boots, I’d be crawling to SJP on all fours to be part of a club with such stellar ambitions.
Or on second thoughts….. mind a decent wage packet might help me make my mind up and counter the doubters!
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:46 AM
Comment #59Ethio,
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to win our opening match, even just a draw would be a fantastic result. You say, a good start is important, and I’d agree, but for me the start isn’t just the opening game, it is the first 5-10 games.
I don’t think we should be basing our team selection on how long it has been since we last beat them. Let’s not be so short term in our thinking. If we risk them and they aggravate the problem I can guarantee Pardew will get dog’s abuse for playing them. We should be looking at the campaign as a whole, in which case if both aren’t 100% then neither should play.
lesh
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:47 AM
Comment #60toonincheek
Bruised toe? calf strain?
You not know that these injuries can spread!
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:48 AM
Comment #61TooninCheek,
A bruised toe became a calf strain?? Who the hell is diagnosing them? If it is a calf strain he shouldn’t play at all. Let him get another weeks recovery in.
Ethiotoon
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:54 AM
Comment #62Lilo..if they started running yesterday,both may have good chance to make it. he should give them start & play them for 60min.most probably we should go for
4-5-1 formation and counter attacking game.
you know he is good at game setups. remember how he put mourinho & Chelsea in his pocket last season at SJP..
Pardews Prolific Boys
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:57 AM
Comment #63Ethiopia and how he used shola to dominate Phil Jones?
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 13, 2014 at 7:57 AM
Comment #64Lilo
It’s a fair point mate, no real arguments here
However given all the talk and the crowd at the Cardiff game i have a feeling Pardew being Pardew will throw out his on paper best 11 to attempt to appease the masses!
70TWO
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Comment #65Lilongwe Geordie @58
“for me the start isn’t just the opening game, it is the first 5-10 games”
are you AP in disguise?
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Comment #66Ethio,
If they started running yesterday that means they are yet to do any ball work, any contact work any work alongside their team mates etc. They have today, tomorrow and Friday to fit all that in. Not to mention that starting running is a long way from being match fit to run in a Premier league match against world class opposition.
If SDJ’s injury was indeed a calf strain then he will have to take it slowly to get back, or risk aggravating it and ending up with a niggling injury that prevents him playing to his max for a number of weeks. Plus he has never played in the Prem before, so to throw him in to a much higher tempo then he is used to, while not 100% is a huge mistake in my book.
I have no idea what has been up with Tiote, but he has just started training so he is way off a required level of fitness.
Good at game setups? I also remember a number of hidings we got last season where he was incapable of setting up a deck chair. I’d agree with 451 for this game, I’d have Anita Colback and Sissoko central with Goofy and Cabella out wide then Rivi up front. There is pace in the width and up top to hit on the break.
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:02 AM
Comment #6770Two,
No idea what your point is there.
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:04 AM
Comment #68Tads,
I agree, that is most likely what Pardew will do. However if it backfires he must surely also know that he will get pelters for playing them too soon. It is a bit of no win situation for him so I would want him to look at what is best for the club, not his personal ego or battles. Probably wishful thinking though.
70TWO
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:09 AM
Comment #69Just joking (forgot to add smiley face / lol). Whilst what you said is true it just immediately struck me as something from APs’ excuse generator. No personal insult was intended.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:11 AM
Comment #70Lilongwe
I was talking to one of the players Saturday afternoon and asking on De Jong and Tiote injuries – he said they trained on Saturday morning doing running exercises but no ball work
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:14 AM
Comment #7170Two,
No offence taken, just didn’t quite get it. I wouldn’t class it as an excuse, I’m not sure he will need one if City beat us we all know they are a far better side. If we were to get hammered by 3/4 on the other hand….
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:16 AM
Comment #72Charlie,
Did they say what injuries the two of them had? That is probably one of the more relevant details. Knocks/bumps/bruises shouldn’t pose a risk if we hurried them back. Pulls/strains/niggles/twists etc are far more risky.
Markaccus
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:19 AM
Comment #73Morning all
Just been catching up on the false-mackems comments. Priceless! Dutch players always fail when they leave Holland?? Ffs what a tool! I notice he chuckd in a comment about Allah too. How would a mackem pronounce Jehad??
Jeeyhad?
Jail for Ashley
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:20 AM
Comment #74Whether your catchys or Rotondas like it or not Pardew will not be getting sacked after Sundays result, a severe hiding and the type of atmosphere at the Cardiff game will only affect the team in the long run,
I think Mashers would dig his heels in until it’s too late rather than submit to fans wishes.
HWTL.
ToonMatt
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:21 AM
Comment #75We are worse off then this time last season, we will finish 14th.
MassiveG
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:25 AM
Comment #76I’d rather have Ayew than Zaha as Ayew plays as a striker too so is familiar with the back of the net. Why spend big money on Zaha when we can develop Aarons?
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:27 AM
Comment #77Tiote for me can be sold in January if the money is right – it needs to be reinvested of course or else why bother.
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Comment #78Jail,
I agree, a negative atmosphere from the off wouldn’t be good for the team. I don’t think it will start that way but ship a couple of early goals and it could turn nasty very quickly. I doubt anyone honestly expects him to be sacked after the first game. I think that he has probably until December to get us doing well, if we are really struggling at that point Ashley may act.
I honestly don’t remember going into a season with so much ill feeling surrounding a manager. WE have had it before, but the majority are normally excited for the season to begin, and that hides any negativity. This time though, there are such strong feelings of dislike, distrust and a significant lack of faith in Pardews ability that it is likely to all boil over very quickly if we don’t start the season well.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 13, 2014 at 8:44 AM
Comment #79Lilongwe
He didn’t say just they were back in training.
Also he was impressed with the new lads especially Di Jong and Riviere
MidlandsMag
Aug 13, 2014 at 12:35 PM
Comment #80¨I’ve worked with Teddy Sheringham and he reminds me a lot of Teddy …”.
Hasn’t Pardew said the same sort of thing about another player (or 2 or 3). Is he just name-dropping?