The former Evening Chronicle sports reporter Alan Oliver is reporting in the People today that Newcastle could give 17 year-old goalkeeper Freddie Woodman – the son of Newcastle goalkeeper coach Andy – his Newcastle debut at Tottenham on Wednesday night, in the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup.
Freddie Woodman – could make his debut on Wednesday at Tottenham
Newcastle are in a bit of a bind for the next seven games or so – through to sometime in January, when either Tim Krul or Rob Elliot are fit again – because we only have two inexperienced goalkeepers available – Jak Alnwick and Freddie – to play for the first team.
And if Jak cannot get the job done, we could see that damage Newcastle’s season – but that’s what happens when you start a season with only two experienced goalkeepers – the worst thing usually happens when you are not adequately prepared.
Newcastle have put Jak in a difficult situation for one so inexperienced at the top level.
Newcastle were hammered at Arsenal today 4-1 – and that’s five goals we have conceded in one and a half games since Rob Elliot was injured last Saturday against Chelsea and couldn’t continue after half time.
The People report is that Newcastle are concerned in case Jak Alnwick gets injured and misses Sunday’s derby with Sunderland at St. James’ Park.
Another way to think about this is that if Jak does get injured, we would probably qualify for an emergency loan deal, which we don’t at the moment.
If Jak was injured we would have only Freddie available as a goalkeeper – and that’s because Karl Darlow is on a season long loan deal to Nottingham Forest and cannot be recalled.
In that case Newcastle could appeal to have a goalkeeper brought in as an emergency, and they would probably get approval from the Premier League for that.
This is what a Newcastle source told Sunday People Sport:
“We could not rate Freddie higher. But would it be fair to play him in a derby match of such high intensity against Sunderland, which is what Alan Pardew would have to do if Jak got injured at Spurs?¨
“Pardew is now starting his fifth year in charge and whether to play Jak or Freddie at Spurs is probably one of the hardest decisions he has had to make.”
We’re sure the display by the Newcastle defense with the inexperienced Jak Alnwick in goal this afternoon, will be cause for concern for the manager.
The only way this thing is going to work until Tim or Rob return, is if experienced defenders like Colo, Willo and Steven Taylor take control of things, and protect the goalkeeper.
We didn’t see much of that happen in today’s game at the Emirates – but it was probably just one of those games where we didn’t play well – and the Gunners were far too good for us on the day.
We would be very surprised if Freddie Woodman plays in goal on Wednesday night, because then Alan Pardew will (again) be accused of not caring too much about the local Cup competitions.
What do you think?
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45 comments so far
Reyantoon
Dec 14, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Comment #41I’m afraid there are no positives to take from yesterday jimmy.Except glad to see Reviere on the pitch personally.We were dominated by intelligent opposition.
I do believe those Perez’s Flick goal against wba were well taken and meant to be and he again scored great goal yesterday.
But that headed goal at spurs from him was simply brilliant!!
FAU
Dec 14, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Comment #42Alnwick is the worst nufc epl keeper so far i ve watch this decade. 4on target 4goals for gunners. Need to loan somebody .
nut meg
Dec 14, 2014 at 8:35 AM
Comment #43I thought the commentator summed it up pretty accurately when he said we looked like we were suffering a hangover after the shift we put in against Chelsea.
sing in the corner
Dec 14, 2014 at 8:38 AM
Comment #44Watershed moment for Pardew. Will be interested to see if he ‘learns’ something this time, as many feel he never does. Encouragingly he has said he has to look at himself / his selection. I can see no way how he could consider picking Willo, Tiote or Gouffran in the starting 11 v Spurs if Abeid, Sissoko and Haidara are all fit. Addressing that would prove he has learned. Win then pick the same team v the mackems…with option of Perez up front and Cisse to the bench, Off to work…damn missing the Man U scousers dust up!
murvar
Dec 14, 2014 at 8:53 AM
Comment #45Diggedeydaws. No place for racist comments on here. I’ve reported you to Ed and hope you are banned.