With a lot of tentativeness and uncertainty in the Newcastle team at the beginning of the season, what we seem to be lacking is some experience, so it’s good news today that Tim Krul is almost fully fit again and ready to join the goalkeepers in daily training in one to two weeks.
Tim joined the club back in 2005 and he was mostly the back-up goalkeeper to Steve Harper the last time we were down below.
Tim Krul back in full training in one or two weeks
Tim has been interviewed on nufcTV today and this is some of what he had this to say:
“I’m nearly back.” “The last few weeks have been really enjoyable – I’ve been back outside with the goalie coach Simon Smith.” “I’ve been working hard with Derek Wright doing a lot of running.”
“It’s just about getting used to it again and it’s nice to be back out on the pitch.” “I’ve had three full sessions with Simon Smith.”
“It’s a bit different, because I’m on my own now so there’s not much rest unfortunately.” “Normally there’s a few goalies so you can cheat a little bit, but it’s been full on.”
“I feel stronger, my body is really coping well, my knee is obviously better than it has been so it’s exciting times ahead to be back training and I’m looking forward to maybe joining the other goalkeepers in the next week or two.”
“I’ll start to slowly warm-up with them and then slowly get back into the swing of things with the team.” “A couple more weeks before I’m ready for that, then I need some match fitness so I’ll have to play some friendly games – maybe the U-21s – and see what’s available.”
“But I’m look forward to getting that game time again.” “That’s the ultimate, but it’s a bit easier now because it’s getting closer and, the graft I’m putting in, I’m definitely seeing the positives.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Newcastle will be very careful with Tim and the last thing we want to do is to rush him back and for Tim to have a relapse.
But given Tim could be fully fit again in maybe five weeks or so, it seems it’s almost going to be a free-for-all among the goalkeepers soon.
Rafa Benitez has admitted that once Rob Elliot returns from his serious ACL injury towards the end of the year, we will have five fit goalkeepers competing against each other.
If Tim can return to his old form, he could become the number one goalkeeper again for Newcastle before the end of the year – and the 28 year-old seems really upbeat with Rafa Benitez now the new boss and Tim has always thrived on competition.
Add to that he’s in the final year of his contract and he could be going all out to get a new deal on Tyneside, but to get that he will need to be at the top of his form this season for the Magpies.
A top form Tim can be exactly what the team needs in a few weeks time.
What we don’t know is that Rafa Benitez is thinking, but he knows Tim is the most experienced goalkeeper we have so we’ll have to see how things go.
But Tim’s presence even back on the training field will help the new players who have come in.
You cannot doubt Tim’s commitment to the club and so far he has played 185 games for the Magpies and 8 times for the Netherlands.
It’s good to see Tim is almost back after 10 months out.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
113 comments so far
lesh
Aug 15, 2016 at 6:52 PM
Comment #1Can he play left back? Striker? Left wing?
Rafa Revolution
Aug 15, 2016 at 6:53 PM
Comment #2He’d be a safer bet in goal than Sels
ShirebrookToon
Aug 15, 2016 at 6:55 PM
Comment #3He’s good in the hole behind the striker, so ive heard
NUFCPaul
Aug 15, 2016 at 7:08 PM
Comment #4If he can pass a medical at another club before the window closes then he’ll probably leave instead of signing a new contract. I’ve always liked him but having five keepers, four of which who can play first team football, is ridiculous. Being on the bench as back-up is bad enough, but how will the other two potential first team keepers feel not even making the squad?
Blackley and Brownlie
Aug 15, 2016 at 7:10 PM
Comment #5How is the king doing at Palace in beating his “worst ever” NUFC records. He’s well on course, isn’t he? He must have come out with some legendary excuses in that time. I’d love to see a Palace compilation.
WWSBRD
Aug 15, 2016 at 7:19 PM
Comment #6I’d still have Timmy as our best keeper and he was given the no 1 jersey wasn’t he?
Munster Mag
Aug 15, 2016 at 7:19 PM
Comment #7Looks like Sels was another poor buy but early days I guess. Hopefully we can beat mighty Reading at home ( and one of their fans wrote an article recently and called us deluded yada yada ) but there is nothing to suggest that we are going to win. If Rafa sets up the same with the same outcome I think we can safely say that the honeymoon is long over. I sarted to worry when I saw the inept effort against Makems
Jail for Ashley
Aug 15, 2016 at 7:31 PM
Comment #8Munster,
I wish they’d just sack the fcuker and put you out of your misery.
WWSBRD
Aug 15, 2016 at 7:43 PM
Comment #9Munster
Well if Rafa sets the team up the same and the players perform as they should its quite unlikely the honeymoons over
Rafa Revolution
Aug 15, 2016 at 7:53 PM
Comment #10Jib of all people made a interesting quote yesterday:
Last year Burnley Drew 3 and lost 2 of there first 5 games and still won the league with 94 points so yes we have made a bad start but it doesn’t mean we cannot do well!!!
geordie157
Aug 15, 2016 at 7:56 PM
Comment #11Sels needs time to settle but I can’t see how he’s better than Darlow who has good experience in this league and did well after a shakey start.
jimmysmith
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:04 PM
Comment #12I don’t think you can say it’s how he’s setting them up with any authority. It’s not two holding mids for example, it’s one holding and one passing from a deeper position to counter teams who will give us possession and sit behind the ball. We’ve lacked an outlet on the left and up top, and made some unforced errors at the back.
I do see some apparently odd decisions in the transfer market though. I doubt Benitez envisioned going into the third match with this group to select from. We’ve lost some good players, found it difficult to attract the quality and type we need to adequately replace them, while others are unavailable for one reason or another.
It’ll settle down but it doesn’t look as good as we or perhaps the manner had bargained for.
jimmysmith
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:05 PM
Comment #13manager
Veltman
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:05 PM
Comment #14martoon // Aug 15, 2016 at 2:49 PM
“I have to say I still have faith in Rafa but after Saturday I am worried. It’s not a question of players gelling – to be quite blunt a lot them don’t look good enough. Gayle’s first touch is worse than Cisse’s and even his penalty was saved but he got a lucky rebound.I don’t know what’s happened to Lascelles, he looked calm and assured at the end of last season but so far he keeps making stupid mistakes and giving the ball away – I could go on but I’ll stop there.”
————-
Well said.You pretty much summed it up exactly the way my head is filled with.I expressed my displeasure early on and questioned the caliber of players he’s after.Too many dross brought to the club on long term contract.No wonder why the owner didn’t like to give free reign to managers most of the time.To be frank,
the only player I wholeheartedly accepted happily was the GK Matz Sels.I felt discontent abt z rest.
I decided not to get arsed about anything until we get promoted but after what happened, couldn’t hold my breath further.In all honesty,started to miss the likes of Marveaux, Obertan, Cisse etc. ., which I believe may have done well in this division.I don’t know what is in his head but he started to have me worried as well.The most disappointment is that it does seem like nothing has changed on the pitch.
Our Toon
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:06 PM
Comment #15I don’t agree with some of the decisions rafa has made in signings or selections but it does seem to me some are wanting him to fail. Those seem to be the most ardent of Pardew supporters. Munster I had a dig about zonal marking etc but with the way you go on about rafa etc it’s like you want him to fail. What’s your reasons?
Let’s not forgot pardew had 18 months before he got blasted and rightly so, rafa has been here for less than 7 months. I’m not telling you not to complain as I’m complaining but try to balance it if you can mate….seems like you have an axe to grind!! Let’s see what Wednesday brings
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:23 PM
Comment #16Where the f are our signings???
Suppose they want us in the Championship….not even a bid!
Rotonda heights
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:24 PM
Comment #17munster…..yawn…..
toon kk
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:26 PM
Comment #18Our toon
I think there was so much expectation before the season kicked off, the majority of people weren’t being realistic, the Mashley regime will take several years to recover from. I, like most are pleased with the Rafa taking charge, but some of his decisions have been strange tbh.
There’s a horrible loosing attitude at our club and we can’t seem to shake it off.
A quality striker and a creative midfielder is a must, or we’re going to struggle.
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:28 PM
Comment #19Munster Mag
Could not agree more. The deluded fans that are blinded and are quick to pint fingers are completely oblivious to the fact we have no sings of progression or play. Wednesday night for me is a loss, unless proven otherwise.
Scraping win does not count that is pathetic. They have not left us with ANY clue whatsoever that things are beginning to work in fact its gone backwards.
I am really interested to see what the fans will say after Wednesday if we do lose. Wan’t to see the excuse….
Ow its only Game 3
Its midweek they are tired
….
..
.
Jib
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:28 PM
Comment #20Our Toon // Aug 15, 2016 at 8:06 PM
Munster the way you go on about rafa etc it’s like you want him to fail.….seems like you have an axe to grind!
No it doesn’t
Our Toon
I never had you figured as one of the childish hyperbole and exaggeration squad.
Munster and others are merely expressing
justifiable worries about the seasons start.
We all acknowledge that Rafa has more control than previous encumbents – with more control comes more culpability
Rotonda heights
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:29 PM
Comment #21munster
pardew broke record after record for all the wrong reasons both at charlton, whu, us for 4 seasons and seemingly now at cp too, but you kept having a go at people who dared gainsay him and telling us to be reasonable. rafa’s had 12 matches ffs. where’s your rationality.
WWSBRD
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:30 PM
Comment #22gorgon
Are u a parody?
Rotonda heights
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:32 PM
Comment #23gorgon
you sound like another who actually sounds like he wants rafa to fail.
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:33 PM
Comment #24WWSBRD
You want to say something? You have a point?
Nope, thought so.
Rotonda heights
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:34 PM
Comment #25how is sels a bad buy
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:37 PM
Comment #26Rotonda heights
Sorry, am I missing something what are you trying to say?
What argument is that? What don’t you agree with what I said? You think we are making progression? Playing well?
Hell ok we are going great.
What in the hell does Rafa failing on what I mentioned? God sake no, please if anything I want to win the CL with him, hopefully while I am still alive.
So far we can’t beat a single example of Championship opposition. Wednesday not looking likely either on our showing, or you feel like we can beat them easily I gather?
WWSBRD
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:38 PM
Comment #27gorgon
Just trying to work out if what u put on here is actually thoughts or just a parody
Blackley and Brownlie
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:41 PM
Comment #28What’s Munster said that’s out of order? How about all those bloggers and pundits who took us for finishing an easy first? Would they like to amend their predictions? Or do they remain happy, still soaring among great clouds of confidence and wishing to reaffirm their bullish predictions?
toon22
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:46 PM
Comment #29Imho the players we have or what formation dont really matter atm,we need to get a team eithic going.It left us a long time ago and im sure Rafa knows this.
He just need sto find the right amount of patting on the back and kicking up the arse to get it out of the players.
As a club we have lost our mojo,find that first and the formation becomes academic.
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:51 PM
Comment #30Blackley and Brownlie
Clueless individuals who know very little about the game. Whats frightening is we have no idea on the pitch, no pace, no formation at the back.
Goals? I have no idea who is going to create them. CM is a complete static dummy Sunday afternoon kick about.
I am not sure what our plan is on signings but I really did think Rafa would do differently, have an idea he has no control there.
Frightening…
m1c4a3l
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:57 PM
Comment #31One win is all it takes. If we were to win on Wednesday let’s say 3-0, the whole mentality changes in that squad. Exactly the same way our views would become instantly positive. It will happen on Wednesday the first three points will be on the board and then they will build from there.
m1c4a3l
Aug 15, 2016 at 8:58 PM
Comment #32I honestly cannot see another defeat this week.
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 15, 2016 at 9:00 PM
Comment #33m1c4a3l
Half truth. Honestly I don’t see it happening quite like 3:0 but if there is to be a win which I don’t see happening it will be scrappy.
Even if we do win, its no guarantee from recovery of poor form. I want to see them play football. Win is game 3 but is there a sign we are truly playing again or is it just a blip?
I stay true to my comment. We need 4-5 signings if we want to come back up. So far this is not happening….
BandB
Aug 15, 2016 at 9:10 PM
Comment #34I’ve just been watching deadly rivals Anna Mears and Victoria Pendleton chewing the cud and smiling over their shared experiences. In the end we all bow out.
Two women, bitten by the same bug.
It made me think that, at the end, we all compete because we care about a competitive sport.
We are not Olympians. We do not sweet blood over our keyboards, though some of us put in long hours we could otherwise spend with our loved ones.
Some strive to be the best of the world’s few hundred heptathletes. We blog to the death. We all have our choice of trivial pursuits. We are all loonies.
God stand up for loonies, and keep them competitive in their trivial pursuit, while they fret their hour on this insignificant stage.
In the end though, grant them the day they share their brief moment of recollection and respect for all the days when they were kings… of the blog.
WWSBRD
Aug 15, 2016 at 9:13 PM
Comment #35m1c4a3l
I hope ur right bud. I do have my worries about how ready we are for the season, not sure we’ve been able to do the business we needed to get, we are short a LW and in dire need of a LB
I don’t see us losing again, pretty sure Rafa doesn’t either so I imagine the squad has been rightly slaughtered by him. Maybe a shake up in the CM area, Hayden out Colback in would be my choice (unless Tiote can be convinced to hang around)
m1c4a3l
Aug 15, 2016 at 9:17 PM
Comment #36gorgonzola
Don’t get me wrong I think 3-0 does seem extreme and was purely a wild figure of a scoreline, but I do agree and think like you just mentioned that once that win comes the football has to improve with it.
The Championship can be a scrappy league and I don’t think the games flow as fluidly as the Prem. With wins that in turn brews confidence in to individuals which in turn then helps Rafa and the coaches that what they are doing is right and it also keeps a smile on our faces haha 🙂
m1c4a3l
Aug 15, 2016 at 9:25 PM
Comment #37WWSBRD
I think your spot on there in regards to a shake up in the midfield. A Tiote with Hayden pushing on may work. The balance will come this week. The penny will drop.
Can you imagine how the players must be feeling, I feel the nerves for them. I don’t think they could stomach anything but a win this week. The grief from the crowd would be horrendous.
bettyswallocks
Aug 15, 2016 at 9:28 PM
Comment #38It is obviously very worrying that the team looks so disjointed and devoid of confidence when we were supposedly ready for a fast start to the season. We still need to address our left hand side as we all realise and desperately need some midfield creativity and a big fast proven goalscorer.
However if the team is playing the ball forward quickly and accurately in training but not during games then this is a serious problem for Rafa.
That second of hesitancy followed by a launch up field or a backward pass has come back to haunt us yet again.
It is common knowledge amongst visiting teams that if they quieten the crowd then the atmosphere becomes tense and the players can’t perform fluently.
Rafa is aware of this as he has mentioned it several times and is why he keeps stressing how important it is for the crowd to stay behind the team.
Many managers have tried and failed to maintain confidence and self belief in the team and only KK and SBR have succeeded.
It remains to be seen if Rafa can do it.
WWSBRD
Aug 15, 2016 at 9:31 PM
Comment #39m1c4a3l
U reckon Hayden has it in him to push forward? Am not so sure tbh, I’d have Colback and Diame behind Shelvey, ball winner, carrier and a play maker
No idea who to play on the left unless Sissoko is deemed available. Also think questions need to be asked about our CB set up unfortunately
Blackley and Brownlie
Aug 15, 2016 at 9:33 PM
Comment #40I’m guessing BandB is watching the Olympics whilst enjoying a bottle of wine.