Jonas Gutierrez has played his last game for Newcastle United, and the Argentine International made 205 appearances for the club with 12 goals, the last appearance and the last goal being yesterday in the sensational 2-0 win at home to West Ham that saved Newcastle’s Premier League status at the death.
Jonas was easily our Man of the Match with 64% of the vote – as he cemented his place in the annals of Newcastle United’s great history.
Jonas after scoring after 85 minutes to seal the vital win
Jonas has been an inspiration to many, the way he fought testicular cancer and won the battle, but also by the way he has come back this year. and showed unbelievable courage and fortitude to force himself into the Newcastle first team and has been one of our best players – certainly no other player has given more than the 31 year-old this year.
This is some of what Jonas has said after yesterday’s critical win:
“This club needs to change to improve and move forward.” “It has to fight in the top 10, no less than that.” “We have to learn about this season, the mistakes that we have been making and don’t do it again.”
“Since I had the treatment, the only thing that I was thinking was recovery,” “To be honest, playing football was not even in my thoughts.” “Chemo is a harsh treatment. Your body really feels it. You lose your hair with the medication.”
“It is hard watching your body in that state.” “But then when the medication is finished, it got nicer because every day, I was improving.” “Then the doctor said ‘okay, you can start again’ and I thought ‘Let’s see what happens’.”
“I did not know how my body would react but one day I did a two minute run, the next day four and so on.” “I ended up running the Buenos Aires marathon!”
“I have finished my contract so I take it like that,” “This club has been a big part of my life. Seven years? Not many players stay that long.”
“Of course I have not played much in the last two years because of my illness. There have been many ups and downs but I have enjoyed playing here and it has been an amazing finish.”
Mike Ashley gave his first interview ever since he bought Newcastle eight years ago, and it was to Sky Sports when he arrives at the ground, and while he’s been taken apart by some sections of the Newcastle fan base.
What he did say was encouraging, and we were impressed with the way Mike explained himself and how he took the responsibility immediately for the plight Newcastle were in yesterday – before the game started.
Mike did talk to the press for the first time, and he did say for the first time that he now wanted to win something at the club – and those two things taken together should have been very good news.
But there is cynicism among the Newcastle fans, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens this summer.
We are very hopeful that Mike was so shocked by what has happened this year – that he will spend big money this summer to build up a bigger and better squad for next season.
Unfortunately it will not include Jonas Gutierrez – but he made lasting memories yesterday, and will now leave Newcastle as a real legend.
Jonas will always be remembered for the unbelievable guts and courage he has shown over these last two years – which came to a head in sensational style yesterday afternoon – when he scored the all important second goal five minutes from time to seal the win – our first in more than twelve weeks.
You really cannot make this stuff up.
Well done Jonas Gutierrez.
Comments welcome.
81 comments so far
Canny in Canberra
May 26, 2015 at 3:30 AM
Comment #41Fair enough about the wage thing. that could be worked out though. He’s unlikely to get that elsewhere so maybe he’d be alright about coming down a bit. I guess it depends what his outgoings are and other options for income. Or maybe it doesn’t work the same for footballers as the rest of us.
Canny in Canberra
May 26, 2015 at 3:33 AM
Comment #42Prodigy
Shocking or not, its Lip Service mate, plain and simple. The dude was backed into a corner and is thowing a curve ball to stem the discontent.
I’ll believe what I see him do. Until then that was just a publicity tactic in my view.
one fine day
May 26, 2015 at 3:35 AM
Comment #43Lee Charnley Bunga Party @2
Don’t see why he cannot be kept on the staff in one way or another and encouraged to do his coaching badges .
His positive outlook will rub off on everyone.
That picture of him after scoring the goal should be put between the home dressing room and the tunnel so every player understands what this club should mean if you are every lucky enough to play for it.
Don’t think Terry Mac was ever the greatest coach but he was apparently formidable as part of the keegan era .
Lets loose the current dinosaurs pronto (carver ,Watson (every corner we have conceded made me shake this season) and stone.
On laudrup sorry disagree unless he has taken the huge chip off his shoulder the guy is a time bomb.
He took a lot of credit for the way Swansea played but he inherited the whole ethic from Rodgers(who may be available soon) and ground work done by Martinez and Paulo Souza in my opinion and bailed when he could see cracks appearing .
For me I’d be happy to see karanka (now boro aren’t getting up)and his staff brought in as garde clearly doesn’t fancy the pressure .
hey I am sure guti would be happy as they all speak the same language
ANYWAYS ANYONE BUT MACLAREN
Canny in Canberra
May 26, 2015 at 3:41 AM
Comment #44OFD
Good call about the coaching thing but he got himself dropped for speaking his mind which isn’t a good fit in the current set up. He’s obviously still got the knives out for Carver so it’s unlikely he’d relish the thought of working with him in that sense. Good plan if some one else comes in. If that sounds like I’m not convinced that JC won’t be sticking around, that’s because I’m far from convinced.
Toon-Prodigy
May 26, 2015 at 3:53 AM
Comment #45Canny,
I hope it’s not a curveball but a show of intent.
But it could clearly be a p1sstake to get arses on seats next season.
What is good about it is he has to back this up now so im seeing it as a positive.
But we all know there was a massive overhaul needed also because the football club has been neglected.
Punching above are weight ill take as a positive at this point in time.
Were going to have to wait, but atleast there is a little bit of positive going into this window this summer. Nothing will make up for this past 8 years though.
If he can get us battling on all fronts though with a decent squad i’v nout to cry about. Let the good times roll next season. One can hope.
jimmysmith
May 26, 2015 at 3:54 AM
Comment #46I don’t know if it was lip service. I do know it’s not easy to deliver, even if he’s prepared to change an approach that was never going to bring success on the pitch. I think in the past the club has functioned more in hope than expectation team wise, and been far more calculating expenditure wise, although I doubt the club has been near as cynical as we might imagine. Hopefully, an adjustment can now bring about a better balance. What choice have you got anyway? You won’t rally the fan base against Ashley at the moment, after that interview and that performance.
one fine day
May 26, 2015 at 3:55 AM
Comment #47CANNY
He did speak up as I think he cared about what was going on in a way Nolan and Barton may have in the past , those are characters we clearly miss in the dressing room these days .
Too many this year went missing when things went to shit., including toonbrothers best mate
I was thinking about nufc post carver when I mentioned a role for Jonas
Yes it is a concern Jonny hasn’t been peddled before he goes on his Jolly’s .
And yes that interview.. watched a few times classic bishop and isn’t David Craic connected to bishops media company so was never going to ask the hard questions?
Still say no one buy a ticket / anything from them until we see real proof of a decent club finally emerging from all of this
Scary thing is you can get in Guardiola but if carver is on the coaching team its pointless as his influence will still there.
I say keep guti around as ,if a much as anyone he knows how to get rid of a cancer in the club 🙂
#HWTFNUFC
one fine day
May 26, 2015 at 3:58 AM
Comment #48I’d be getting rid of woodman and bringing in Stevie harper too as goal keeping coach (that’s if he would work under Ashley)
theartfuldodger
May 26, 2015 at 3:59 AM
Comment #49On Ashley and his Speech ::
Ashley, by that interview has used up his last “Lifeline”
He must produce in the summer otherwise protests wil begin frm Day 1 of the new season and with more vengeance and hatred.
On Jonas::
Give him a 1 Year Contract. We have no leaders in the team and we desperately need a few.
On Carver::
Everyday that he remains in the job, Ashleys speech loses credibility. Thats how much on the edge Ashley is.
I think they are just waiting for the atmosphere to cool and McLaren to be free frm Derby before bringing him in.
one fine day
May 26, 2015 at 4:05 AM
Comment #50theartfuldodger 48
Ashley did mention something about bolting a” horse” to the cart so in that sense schteeve ” when I smile I look like Mr ED” maclaren must be nailed on
one fine day
May 26, 2015 at 4:07 AM
Comment #51When you think of all the positives that can come out of the next few weeks ending up with carver and Maclaren is not even on the list
Canny in Canberra
May 26, 2015 at 4:08 AM
Comment #52Guys,
Don’t get me wrong it’s not that I don’t want him to do what he’s saying. Him saying anything is a big leap forward from where we’ve been, I’m just running low on hope but then like some one said earlier that’s always been a big part of supporting our club.
So relieved we stayed up. At least I don’t have to listen to the plastics giggle about that!!
one fine day
May 26, 2015 at 4:08 AM
Comment #53And if we are keeping riviere can uri geller maybe spend some time with his boots ?
one fine day
May 26, 2015 at 4:12 AM
Comment #54canny
Plastics and makums
I travelled 12,000 kms and I still have two in my work place
Made my life a misery for weeks since the derby (they both called in sick on Monday)
However they will keep
🙂
Toon-Prodigy
May 26, 2015 at 4:27 AM
Comment #55If that transfer policy changed I think we would shoot up into top 8 no bother. It’s alreet making money but it’s hurting the club on the footballing side.
I’v no doubts if Nolan and Barton were here we would of finished top ten.
Get some experienced lads and leaders in. I hope it’s true we have ditched this transfer policy, it’s half the battle.
expatmag
May 26, 2015 at 4:50 AM
Comment #56On the Ashley interview, in my opinion, it can be nothing else but a statement of intent for 2 reasons.
1….Having made his intentions quite clear on national TV to the surprise of just about anyone, if he doesnt come up with the goods now especially after having admitted full blame, the damage done to his reputation as even a businessman after the crescendo of vitriol he will get from everyone could be irrepairable throughout the business sector and ultimately greatly affect the market valuation of all his businesses but most of all, SD.
2… He would be blind if he couldnt see the major overhaul needed at the club to be even competitive without the threat of another relegation next season and the associated costs. I am damn sure he wouldnt want to go through that again.
theartfuldodger
May 26, 2015 at 5:40 AM
Comment #57Our Fixture Schedule at the beginning of next season will be very important, specially if we get a mediocre manager.
If the first few (3-4) games are against Top 8 sides and we manage to lose all of them then Protests will gather momentum.
I also think Charnley has communicated to Mike that he is finding it difficult to persuade coaches or players to come here after our debacle. Hence Mike’s Speech. If it turns out to be false watch out for another loss for morale in the second half of the season and the return of the blame game.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
May 26, 2015 at 6:03 AM
Comment #58That Mike Ashley interview or statement of intent if you will is still just static to me! It means nothing unless he removes Charmless in install a football guy!
We need to pressure this as a crucial point in turning a stone. Carver not getting the job and being shown the door should be a no brainer otherwise we have another pressure point!
Everything else in terms of signings or playing style will fall in place afterwards! Protests should be on going, but these childish “open letters” need to stop as they are counterproductive!
The protests should be about establishing a line of communication and tell him what we want!
Until then that interview means nothing.
cyprus
May 26, 2015 at 6:07 AM
Comment #59A must see. This guy sums it up well. And if you think he’s a big softy, watch him dig into the players etc. in previous videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kai4JTWMAVY
expatmag
May 26, 2015 at 6:10 AM
Comment #60Artful
Your comments are quite plausible although I feel unlikely in the grand scheme of things IF Ashley is as good as his word and he spends money.
I actually think McLaren will be approached and will accept the job with Carver staying on as his assistant.
I also think we will buy more home grown players rather than continental because with the possible sale/release of the likes of Raylor Williamson Ameobi Elliott Vukic and Ferguson, we will be well down on our home grown allocation.
By the way, dont be surprised to see a certain A.Carroll returning this summer especially with WHU wanting rid.
expatmag
May 26, 2015 at 6:12 AM
Comment #61Jesper
I wouldnt be surprised if Carr is the football voice on the board more in a Director of Football role than Chief Scout
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
May 26, 2015 at 6:46 AM
Comment #62Expat…if Carr is working more as a DoF then Charmless needs to stop making the crucial decisions which should be above his pay grade 😉
I don’t know what the setup is at the club, but it doesn’t seem you have to have the credentials or that you will be measured on what you deliver!
This is what need to change…it’s the whole attitude that is in question not just our ownership.
nut meg
May 26, 2015 at 6:48 AM
Comment #63On Jonas, i’d much prefer him to go out on a high & yesterday was a REAL high.Very best wishes for your future & thanks for your service to NUFC. On that interview with Ashley, it was the softest interview I’ve probably ever heard in my entire life so therefore i can’t believe nothing that was said .I’ll wait until the end of the transfer window to see who comes in. A new head coach is the most important signing this club has had to make for a good few years,we can’t afford to get it wrong. Over to you Charnley & Carr, don’t fcuk it up !!!
Charlie in the Gallowgate
May 26, 2015 at 7:04 AM
Comment #64Nut-Meg
I don’t know what Jonas wants to do himself, but I would like him to stay at the TOON in some capacity…
1 year contract or in some coaching/admin/ambassador role as I think he could be a great inspiration to people on and off the field with what he has had to go through and how he has fought back got his place back in the team scoring to keep us up!!
And in the last few weeks he seemed to be the leader trying to drive the couldn’t care less we’re on our holiday players on
Mister Tuff
May 26, 2015 at 7:05 AM
Comment #65I see Ashley Out have ammended their open letter to Mr Tubbs. They have removed the reference to him being like a 14 year old and aslo removed all the references to him repeatedly saying “erm”.
Better late than never -should never have been included in the first place and whoever wrote it- including- those who sanctioned it have shot themselves in the foot.
I fully support Ashley Out but this “episode” is very embarrassing both to AO and to the fans. At least it has been rectified.
expatmag
May 26, 2015 at 7:12 AM
Comment #66Morning Tuff
I havent read the AO letter although I have heard several people call it unprofessional.
I doubt Ashley takes much notice of them to be perfectly honest.
How us it going over there? I rock in to the NE on 18th September
Mister Tuff
May 26, 2015 at 7:18 AM
Comment #67expat – morning. The AO letter was OK but quite a few folk made adverse comments about the taunts. The letter should not have veered into stating silly comments -but kept “business like”. At least it has been corrected -but clearly a gaffe by whoever wrote it.
Lovely and sunny across here and I’m going back to the pit.
Pushy Pardew
May 26, 2015 at 7:19 AM
Comment #68Mr Tuff
Spot on with your AO comment.
I have been waiting to point out that you don’t always get it right particularly with me. Your scatter gun approach mate just doesn’t work. I spoke to Ed on the subject and he told me just to forget about it and also revealed that your mate Jail had posted under Raj and also Sack Llambias.
Don’t worry I don’t plan to post but just wanted to get that out in the open.
Ron Knee
May 26, 2015 at 7:20 AM
Comment #69Horror story from The Chronic:
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-carver-chance-make-sales-9326335
Ron Knee
May 26, 2015 at 7:26 AM
Comment #70PS The suspense could be worse than Survival Sunday!
firebug666
May 26, 2015 at 7:43 AM
Comment #71I haven’t been on for a couple of days, been busy.
Just wanted to ask anybody.
Mike said the Lee Charnley and the football board makes all the decisions regarding managers etc.
My question is; Are there two boards of directors at Newcastle?
Because I remember reading that Mike Ashley was going to take a more hands on approach at Newcastle and that he had joined the board of directors.
If there is only one board of directors then Mike has to have an input into who the next manager will be, and which players we sign.
Is Mike lying to us again or have I got it wrong?
Ron Knee
May 26, 2015 at 7:48 AM
Comment #72firebug
Wasn’t it Fatso, Charnley and Carr? Don’t know if Irving also had a place.
theartfuldodger
May 26, 2015 at 7:53 AM
Comment #73I am least interested in dissecting Ashley’s Words now.
The ‘new’ Head Coach, Players Bought and Investments Made will be decisive. And we wont have to wait that long- Just a couple of months
I had not noticed that McLaren has been officially sacked by Derby yesterday.If he does end up here (which he could) he would be despised by both newcastle and derby fans.
John Tudor
May 26, 2015 at 7:56 AM
Comment #74postman pat =pushy
Jail for Ashley
May 26, 2015 at 7:58 AM
Comment #75That is a clear and blatant lie. As everyone knows I posted under raj of hailsley as a send up of that loon above. I have not posted under any other name.
sparky55
May 26, 2015 at 7:59 AM
Comment #76After all the devious fat slug said on sunday, then if he does employ Mclaren we will know right there right then it’s all a load of bollox because there’s no way he’ll get us to a champions league spot with all the money from all the tea in china at his disposal.
A Mclaren appointment will show a distinct lack of ambition and all his words will be seen as hollow.
IMO the appointment needs to be made in the next three weeks and all the players we’re going to get in (if any) need to be signed up and with pre-season training by the 2nd week of July otherwise we’ll be pi$$ing in the wind as usual.
sing in the corner
May 26, 2015 at 8:02 AM
Comment #77If Ashley is serious about this change of policy stuff, surely the obvious first thing to do is slam the door on the worst selection of an interim manager I can remember – NO to Carver.
Most awkward moment of the weekend? That SKY TV super slo-mo of Guti sprinting bare chested towards the dugout…Carver leaping out to accept the expected embrace only to be completely bypassed. Classic misjudgement Carver, right to the end.
firebug666
May 26, 2015 at 8:03 AM
Comment #78Ron Knee
Yeah! Irving was on the board as well. In my opinion, Fatty has a say in all things Newcastle regardless of what he spouted to sky sports.
More lies from those who should NEVER be trusted.
John Tudor
May 26, 2015 at 8:07 AM
Comment #79what loon jail
mindshaft
May 26, 2015 at 8:20 AM
Comment #80Well Carver said he wanted his future sorted before he goes on holiday tomorrow – hopefully he’ll be told to take Stone and the rest of those muppet coaches with him and not bother coming back
Saying that, if McClaren is coming in I’ll be severely underwhelmed , an improvement on Carver but hardly going to win anything or excite the fans
On another note – Boro looked awful yesterday and every time I’ve seen them – Karanka has them playing a Mourhino type system of functional football without the players available