We first heard about Jonas Gutierrez’ fight with cancer in the week following our 4-0 demolition at Southampton, and it was just before the home game with Hull City on Saturday, 20th September.
The messages on Newcastle’s warm-up kit on September 20th before Hull game
And in that game the Newcastle players wore T-shirts in support of Jonas during the warm up for the game.
We played quite well that day and were in control, but two goals out of the blue by Hull City still had us losing 2-0 with just 20 minutes to play in the game.
Alan Pardew then brought on Senegal striker Papiss Cisse after 69 minutes – for his first appearance of the season, after breaking his knee-cap in April.
And Papiss looked inspired in that game and scored two late goals to get Newcastle an unlikely draw, and after each goal he revealed a T-shirt under his strip that said “Always Looking Forward Jonas.”
Papiss Cisse reveals Jonas’ message after scoring two against Hull City
We got a draw in that game and that was only 3 points from our first five games and we were 3rd bottom of the league.
But then we got an unlikely win after extra time at Crystal Palace, and reached the last sixteen of the Capital One Cup – after extra time – a game that Pardew has since said was the turning point in the season.
But then we lost a close game at Stoke City 1-0 when it looked like it was curtains for Alan Pardew- as we slumped to 2nd bottom with three points from 6 games.
It wasn’t, and the next weekend we got a good 2-2 draw at Swansea – again coming frpm behind twice in that game.
And we finally won a game against Leicester City 1-0 at home the following Saturday, and we’ve won the four games after that – including an amazing 2-0 win at Manchester City to reach the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup.
So since we all found about Jonas’ brave fight with cancer, Newcastle have played 9 games, we have 6 wins, two draws and the single defeat at Stoke.
Jonas after completing the Buenos Aries marathon recently
That’s not a bad record, and maybe it’s not a coincidence that all that has happened after we all found about Jonas’ courageous fight with cancer.
Jonas may not be playing for Newcastle United right now, but his bravery may have had a dramatic impact on the playing and coaching staff at Newcastle – and the results seem to reflect that.
It’s a possibility – and quite a story.
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82 comments so far
goommy
Nov 11, 2014 at 9:58 AM
Comment #1Wait to see him back to team again soon. 🙂
hibbit
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:10 AM
Comment #2if all the talk about a new contract is true he wont play for us again
jimmysmith
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:13 AM
Comment #3Make a decent understudy at right back, that’s he only place I can see for him, now that Ryan Taylor has usurped Teeny Tiny Vurnon Anita as central mid back up. Taylor was genuinely outstanding there against City, and Guti should never ever be entertained as a winger again, after what we’ve enjoyed in recent weeks. Doesn’t matter how good a bloke he is, or how good a winger he once was, when he that extra yard of pace.
Transfer Sage
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:23 AM
Comment #4Jimmy
Harsh but true. There is no place for sentiment in getting games. Be nice to give him the option to do coaching badges or work as some for of ambassador for the club.
Reward him off the pitch even though we can’t on it.
Mag52
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:27 AM
Comment #5Lesh (previous post)
The reason that certain of the bloggers on here can’t get off Pardew’s back can only be that they want to see him out no matter how he performs as the manager of NUFC.
Even now they see the improvement in recent performances as luck rather than managerial ability (changes forced on the manager because of injuries etc.)
In the face of the praise AP is getting from most of the media pundits, former players and present team members, these clowns still insist they are right and that we have a lucky, rather than an able manager.
A well-known golfer once said ‘ the harder I work at the game, the luckier I get’.
Graeme
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:35 AM
Comment #6You could say the same things about “Pop” Robson – he celebrates his 69th Birthday today and should have the same chance as Jonas playing for NUFC again – NON!!
Jonas is a great bloke, played very well for us but he is no longer the player he was, by some margin. His legs have gone, his pace has gone – he runs up and down a lot and then falls over.
Unfortunately, it has to be accepted that his days as a Premier League player at SJP are over. Maybe NUFC will release him from the last few months of his contract to allow him to play elsewhere, if he wishes to continue playing.
Sliema
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:46 AM
Comment #7Mag 52
You’re an idiot. Probably not as big a one as Pardew, but you’re still thick mate.
We all know he’s done well the last 2-3 weeks. He really has, whether by luck or judgement doesn’t really matter, he deserves some credit for sure.
How much credit I hear you ask? Well not quite enough to undo the previous couple of horrendous years, the endless line-ups with goofy, jonas, moussa etc on the wings and a pathetic routine of bringing on Shola and a LB to try to change a game. (When all these young lads who are currently winning games, were left to watch from the sidelines)
He’s broken too many records. Let’s have him break a few positive ones before we jump on the “we have an ABLE manager” bandwagon.
You know why the media and pundits think we are idiots? Not cause a lot of us dislike Pardew, but because we are so gullible and jump ship so fast for no reason.
5 wins? Yes, 5 awesome wins which I’ve loved every minute of! But 5 years of crap football? Indeed, and enough to mean Pardew certainly has a lot more to prove.
I repeat. Mag52? You’re an idiot, and pretty much what is wrong with our fan base. Now pull you trousers back up and regain some dignity mate.
tequilamag
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Comment #8Running a marathon while recovering from Chemo treatment is not bad for a man whos “legs have gone”
Not suggesting he will feature much if at all this season but I think it is impossible for anyone to give an informed opinion till he is back and training with us again.
We have options on the wing but as back up for fb on either side he may still have a part to play.
tequilamag
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:51 AM
Comment #9Sliema calling somebody an idiot because he has a different opinion to you reflects more on your intelligence than Mag52
SuperShearer
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:53 AM
Comment #10@tequilamag well said.
tequilamag
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Comment #11Supershearer, cheers
Sliema
Nov 11, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Comment #12Tequila
Calling a person who I believe to be an idiot, an idiot, isn’t really a sign of a lack of intelligence on my part.
It’s not just a different opinion. He’s very clearly wrong. And it’s getting annoying now. Not Mag52 personally, but this “haha you’ve all shut up now” or “where are the haters?!”… Why are our fans the only ones stupid enough to never see the bigger picture?
tequilamag
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:03 AM
Comment #13Sliema , has it ever entered your head that there is a chance not matter how remote that you could possibly be wrong?
I an guessing you are quite young.
expatmag
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:14 AM
Comment #14Sliema
Name calling is unnecessary childish and counter productive to a decent debate where there are good points made on both sides of the discussion.
This is what is wrong with this blog. You do yourself no favours mate.
mag92
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:22 AM
Comment #15Being without Williamson and Anita, has proved a postive move, since they have been missing the team has won every game.
lesh
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:23 AM
Comment #16Mag52
Good post about Pardew, hard work and good luck.
Very apt and hard for some to swallow.
I knew a guy who for years was poor at his job, and followin a training session, his performance improved dramatically, so much so, he became best operator in the team.
Don’t know what brought the marked change in his output on, it may just have been something said that triggered it, but sure as hell, whatever it was, it worked and he’s never looked back.
tequilamag
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:23 AM
Comment #17Good morning/ evening Expat.
One of the few advantages of getting a few years under your belt is that you learn by experience that many of the things you were absolutely convinced about can change.
For example I was convinced Perez was too lightweight to play as a striker. I though he would need a bigger player to play off as a classic no 10 in a 442 or behind a main striker in a 4231. I am delighted he has proved effective in a role I thought was beyond him.
I have crossed swords with posters like RH and Mister Tuff but I have no doubt that they are both intelligent posters.
optimistic prime
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:25 AM
Comment #18I think it’s a bit naive to just say we have a able manager who’s come good after a bad run which he wasn’t to blame for .
I also think it’s naive to think he’s turned a corner all is good and we’re out the woods.
It’s also naive to think Pardew never played some part.
Maybe I’m classed as a Pardew hater because I haven’t forgot his complete tenure at NUFC, 5wins against the previous twenty odd games is a push in the right direction. Get us another 3 or 4 wins before Christmas and a semi final and I’d probably start to view things in a different light.
I’ve said I’m looking foward to Decembers games I see them as a good opportunity for the players and manager not something to be feared.
I’m not a Pardew hater more a hater of his excuses and mainly negative aproach I also dislike his use of the squad until recently.
Like I said a cpl things have changed and we look better for it, I’ve praised Pardew in last few days but it has to continue for the short and long term.
I may not be convinced yet but it’s Pardews job to change my mind with positive performances and wins.
I don’t think that’s to much to ask.
Give the mackems a good spanking would be nice to!
mag92
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:25 AM
Comment #19Its certainly no doubt that Pardews, had a epiphany, regarding his recent revival.
Lilongwe Geordie
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:33 AM
Comment #20Mag52,
I think that you are being premature with the Pardew praise. I am not saying he won’t continue this up turn, but that doesn’t make the complaints that many have had any less valid. Ask yourself why we have managed to win as many games in the last 2 weeks than we have in the previous 10 months. Particularly when the people who have played were mainly here last season – Janmaat, Ayoze and Cabella the only new lads being involved.
Long may the upturn continue, and if it does, people will get behind Pardew. That isn’t fickle, that is reacting to changing situations. In reality if you didn’t query the managers capability, then it is more a question of your judgement during our worst run in the Prem.
Funnily enough, a lot of the thing that have happened in terms of tactics and style of play are things that fans have been saying Pardew was previously getting wrong. Now Pardew has altered things to a closer match to what fans wanted we are having more success. In my opinion that makes these fans fairly shrewd judges.
Credit is being given to Pardew by even some of his harshest critics, but 5 games doesn’t make everything else forgotten. I would have happily seen him gone when we finished 16th, but gave him another chance, he looked to be improving in some areas, so I backed him but when our form collapsed then he could have had no complaints if he had been relieved of his job. People have been, and will be again for far less. While we are on a good run all is well, but I want to see more consistency and a sustained improvement.
Even then, his critics will not be wrong for criticising, as it was an appalling and abysmal run under his tutelage. Some of the name calling and insults thrown at him were OTT, and some of the accusations of ruining players were wrong (imo) but to criticise the way we were playing, his tactics, selection and our results were perfectly justified.
Scottiedog
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:46 AM
Comment #21Would love us to get to the league cup final and then bring Jonas on for the last 10 mins!!!
Re: Ayoze – lets keep starting him up front and interchange Sissoko and DeJong (when he is fit) / Rivierre
All in all it is good to see us playing with confidence again!!
Jail for Ashley
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:47 AM
Comment #22Lilo,
What gets me is that the tiny minority who defended him over the last few months seem to be posting in a manner suggesting those that criticised him aren’t allowed to enjoy our recent up turn, largely due to Mashers transfer policy and the real threat of relegation the fans, I’m have been unusually patient with him. Pointing out the ‘where are they now’ is prematurely smug, the fans are still here, the 40 odd thousand who jeered him against Cardiff haven’t gone away but are giving him another chance.
Jail for Ashley
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:49 AM
Comment #23I’m =imo
mag92
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:49 AM
Comment #24If Pardew had spent as much as Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United, then he would deserve all of the criticism, but he hasn’t so lay off!
expatmag
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:51 AM
Comment #25How are you Tequila
Yes. You are quite right in what you say. Experience in all forms counts for a lot but we are all human and capable of making mistakes. The trick is to admit it and learn from it with the minimum if fuss.
Some of the arguments on this blog stem from a clear lack of understanding of the entire issue and contributing factors. Some posters believe what is placed right in front of them as gospel without a clear understanding of what is behind.
For example, people are quick to judge Pardew on his failings from what they see on the pitch especially over the last 9 months or so but do they understand the contributing factors behind this.
1..The sale of Cabaye and the failure to replace a player clearly integral to the coaches system.
2..The appointment of Kinnear who immediately cancelled the Douglas transfer and failed to bring one permanent signing to the club.
3. .Injuries and suspensions to key players (Remy in particular).
4. A squad lacking in depth and quality due to the mismanagement of 3 transfer windows.
There are probably plenty mire examples of contributing factors to poor performance which i dont need to go into and whilst i am not supporting Pardew here, I certainly dont think all the problems we gad were down to him solely.
Lilongwe Geordie
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:56 AM
Comment #26Jail,
Yeah, it is all a bit cringeworthy. I guess there argument would be that it was regularly rubbed in their face by some on here in a not so nice manner as well. I’m sure the second we lose some will be straight back on here and doing the same to those currently with the bragging rights.
Still, we all want to see our club do well. Imo this calendar year has been appalling. Yes, there are mitigating circumstances with our transfer policy, but this is the same policy that has allowed us to get Ayoze, Janmaat, and in the past others who have done very well for us. So it isn’t just a one way street of Pardew having players taken away from him.
I do agree that fans showed a lot of patience, although in spite of our run last season there was very little real threat of relegation. The year before I think abuse was predominantly aimed at MA, which is what bought Pardew time.
I’m enjoying the run, and hoping it will continue. If we continue to play in a similar vein then I won’t be having a go at Pardew when we inevitably lose a game. If he reverts to previous set ups though then surely all fans would then query his ability.
mag92
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:56 AM
Comment #27Arsenal spent 12 million on Debuchy and Newcastle United spent 5 million on janmaat, who has 11 appearances, 1 goal and 2 assists to Debuchy 43 appearances 1 goal!
expatmag
Nov 11, 2014 at 11:56 AM
Comment #28Lil
Good post sir
Jail for Ashley
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:00 PM
Comment #29expat,
Pardew bought in to that philosophy and publicly stated he was happy at every opportunity, even going as far as thanking his boss after a barren and depressing transfer windows.
Lilongwe Geordie
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:01 PM
Comment #30Mag92,
Very simplistic way of looking at it, and ignores the obvious failings that were present for most of this year. The money spent can be irrelevant if you have people above you spending it poorly – a la Spurs, or if you spend it in the wrong areas a la Man U, or if you spend it all on one player when you probably required 2/3.
Point is, we have spent reasonably, and Pardew has a decent mid table squad. That our form of the last 10 months would have us relegated – even with these recent wins – means that he hasn’t being doing the job all that well. Fingers crossed this change in approach will stick and we can start to build as a club, and everyone can start looking forward again.
Lilongwe Geordie
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:02 PM
Comment #31Expat,
Cheers mate.
mag92
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:03 PM
Comment #32Pardews got the team playing some lovely football, full of young gifted players. The man deserves some praise!
tequilamag
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:05 PM
Comment #33Expat, context is everything.
JFA I appreciate given the strength of your feelings about MA that Pardews comments would not sit well with you. Having said that to criticise your boss in public especially a boss like MA would not do your prospects of staying employed much good.
Lilongwe Geordie
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:06 PM
Comment #34Mag92,
Your posts suggest that you think Pardew is heavily involved in recruitment then? Personally, I don’t think he has as little involvement as some like to claim. But at the same time I don’t think he is the pivotal figure when it comes to selling or purchases. That then begs the question of whether Ashley is also doing a good job for the club, as we are getting decent payers at a good value.
Scottiedog
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:06 PM
Comment #35Mag92 – The problem is that for some people on here Pardew could win the league cup and the league but they will say he is not good enough!!!
Go toon gooooo
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:06 PM
Comment #36Like Muamba and Petrof ,Jonas lives his second life.Health is ALL that we have to wish in the future for these football game professionals.Football life on the pitch is temporary anyway.
Jail for Ashley
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:12 PM
Comment #37Scottie dog,
By some people, I think you mean catchy
expatmag
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:12 PM
Comment #38JFA
Quite true but regardless whether he agreed or not, the failings of management to support him in what was obvious to all, clear issues which would effect performance was unprofessional and lacking in any form of ambition to see the club progress.
Admittedly, Pardew didnt help himself on many occasions but contributing factors made his job exceptionally difficult and I did have a certain degree of sympathy for him.
Jail for Ashley
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:16 PM
Comment #39tequila,
I understand that but there’s one thing criticising your boss and another kissing his as.
mag92
Nov 11, 2014 at 12:16 PM
Comment #40@34 Looks as though you read into what you believe to be fact, I’ve no idea who pulls the strings concerning transfers, but you can bet your bottom dollar, that Pardew would love some of the big spenders action in the transfer market!