It was good news from Rafa today in his press conference that Ciaran Clark is in full training with the first team squad and hopefully the Irish International can start against Preston on Monday night and help to keep the back door bolted.
Twice in the last 7 games we have conceded three goals and in those games we have conceded a total of 10 goals – far too many.
That’s an areas Rafa will want to improve over the final three games of the season after we have gained a measly one point in our previous three games.
That has put self inflicted pressure on the team.
Rafa Benitez – Newcastle manager
Here’s a team that could be strong at the back and if we play near our best form we can win the game against the Lilywhites.
Darlow
Yedlin Lascelles (c) Clark Dummett
Shelvey Hayden
Ritchie Perez Gouffran
Murphy
Daryl Murphy has shown that when he is played he can score goals why we have him up front in preference to Mitro.
A possible change could be Mo Diame in the number 10 position but Ayoze can score goals when you least expect him too – Monday night could be that time.
There’s room for some heroes at Newcastle – players who for instance can score the goals to propel us back to the Premier League.
Somebody needs to take that chance for glory.
What would your team be for Preston?
130 comments so far
AncientC
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:00 PM
Comment #41I have high hopes for Adam Armstrong, myself. He reminds me of Shane Long in his style of play; therefore, I would love to see us sign Shane Long, to see what Armstrong could learn as understudy to Long.
That said, to use Bobby’s quotes on Benitez regarding Armstrong: “He has a future in football.” That really means very little, other than Armstrong will be playing football at some level. Had Benitez stated, “Armstrong has a (big?) future at Newcastle” – then you could really pay attention.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:01 PM
Comment #42Sing, dreams, are what makes a football fan. I was believing we could stay up last season and only accepted it when the points ran out 🙂 You gotta dream following our lot, it’s all you ever get.
Jib
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:02 PM
Comment #43PNE are on 61 points
Nowhere near either the playoffs or relegation
How will that effect their performance on Monday ?
Hopefully they’ll have their flip-flops on.
tonynufc
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:03 PM
Comment #44Yea Bobbybee we certainly need all fans behind the team. Not enough just having gallowgate corner and level 7 corner singing. I’ll admit to signing my heart out for team but the leezes stand that I’m in is very quite. And can b awkward when only a handfull sing or cheer on. To b out sung by 1000 away fans
sing in the corner
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:04 PM
Comment #45Rafa knew he wasn’t in his comfort zone going into the championship. Everything to lose, not least in terms of reputation. And he knows what the owner has been capable of over the years…
Big risk, and it’s great he stuck with it and us.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:05 PM
Comment #46Ancient, actually he did say big mate! I put it in last time I think but missed it out this for some reason. He’s rated highly by England as well. You just need to watch him play to know he has what it takes. Not just his pace and quality finishing power, but he thinks the game as well. Makes those quality runs and when he plays in a team with someone who can pick him out, the goals flow. I’m still convinced he’ll make it mate, despite Barnsley not helping his cause much! 🙂
Jail for Ashley
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:09 PM
Comment #47Ok Bobby, I’ll shut up on this blog when you do you nut job. Welsh has given more than most on here, gives it takes, so you say!!
I’m not sold on the idea of Arma not playing in the PL under Rafa just because he isn’t this season. It is a different ball game this year with a whole lot of pressure and not fair to ask Armstong to do the business when so much is at stake, next season will be entirely different imo as I don’t think there will be anything at stake. We’re not going to be relegated and won’t be in a race for the CL so a steady sequence of run outs will do him the world of good in the second half of the season. Loan him out to a top Championship team for half a season then bring him home.
AncientC
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:10 PM
Comment #48Bobbybee, I rate Armstrong highly myself. The club has had England youth internationals in the past, but nothing like the pedigree of Armstrong.
Benitez is similar to Mourinho in his managing style – younger players suffer; unless senior players need a rest. It will be some time until we are in a position to rest senior players.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:10 PM
Comment #49Tony, I’m in the NW corner. Many a time I resort to ‘sing up ye mugs ye’. 🙂 Was decent against Leeds though. I could see them singing but couldn’t hear them, which is always a good sign. Hopefully we’ll get an early goal Monday night to settle the nerves and the fans will be in a celebratory mood. Love it when I come home with a sore throat.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:18 PM
Comment #50Jail lmao. See, it works both ways mate. Come on, be honest, it was funny. 🙂 Aye, I wanted Arma to stay this season, but Rafa was right. Not fair on the kid at his tender years. I am hoping to see him next season though, even if only half a season. As Ancient points out though, it is tough for kids under Rafa because he likes to buy proven players. Hopefully though, not having so much to spend will help Arma to get a chance. Honestly, when he playing for the academy and U23’s, he was a joy to watch mate. Those runs and his finishing, you don’t teach that. He’s a natural. Love to see our kids coming through tbh. Something special about it.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:22 PM
Comment #51Ancient, you are right there about Rafa, I just hope Arma shows him what we know he’s capable of and forces the issue. You just don’t get a player like that coming through the ranks too often, as you pointed out. I even went to watch the fifth round youth cup at Derby County, just because he was playing. He scored the only goal, so didn’t let me down. 🙂
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:27 PM
Comment #52I’d play Mitro Monday night. Made an impact against Sheff Weds when he came, which resulted in a goal. Was a handful against Leeds and set up the goal. Didn’t have enough time against Ipswich. Scored 3 this season against Preston in the previous 2 games. His time has come!
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:30 PM
Comment #53Oh and has anyone got a spare ticket for Barnsley game. Lol
Jib
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:35 PM
Comment #54The chaps training today
toontaff2
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:35 PM
Comment #55Canaries v Seagulls with Magpies watching on!
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:37 PM
Comment #56You might struggle for Barnsley Shirebrook, seems the whole world wants to be there. You need to hope Brighton keep losing so we get on the telly. Talking of which, I’m gonna watch that game right now. I will be hoping they lose obviously, but not holding out much hope. Just hoping very very hard 🙂 stranger things have happened…
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:39 PM
Comment #57Aye Bobby
While there’s still hope of a slip up I’ll hold onto it.
toon kk
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:45 PM
Comment #58Have to say congratulations to Houghton.
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 7:58 PM
Comment #59Howay Norwich
Its annoying watching Brighton beat teams so easily in this division when we utterly dominated them twice, shame they arent the scalp we are
toon kk
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:04 PM
Comment #60Norwich 1 up
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:04 PM
Comment #61Get in Norwich
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:05 PM
Comment #62Get in Norwich haha
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:06 PM
Comment #63Oh dear!
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:07 PM
Comment #64Score a few more now. Get their GD down for us lol
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:07 PM
Comment #65Brighton have some dirty players maybe thats where we went wrong this season
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:11 PM
Comment #66That Bruno is a right dirty cuuuunnnttt
lesh
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:14 PM
Comment #67Now if officials show the same impartiality to Brighton as we’ve enjoyed and conversely become less critical towards us, well you never know what might happen
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:14 PM
Comment #68Glenn Murray as well hes a right sly get as bad as Nolan ever was
andrew84
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:25 PM
Comment #69Doubt we’d ever be given a free kick like that haha
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:26 PM
Comment #70Haha wish our lads could foul players and win free kicks
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:27 PM
Comment #71What’s the chances of that happening, to quote Harry Hill. Get in there. 🙂
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:27 PM
Comment #72Wow Norwich 2 -0 up.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:27 PM
Comment #73Brace for stockdale lol
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:27 PM
Comment #74…Hahaha…
Jib
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:28 PM
Comment #75Great diving header by Stockdale !
😀
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:28 PM
Comment #76Tbf when ur built like a fridge its hard to get out of the way of the ball, Stockdale needs to lay off the take aways
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:29 PM
Comment #77Stock Dale on a hattrick. Good odds for that before ko!
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:30 PM
Comment #78Bobby
Match fixing scandal lol
toon kk
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:31 PM
Comment #79Norwich not bad,no shots on target and two up.
ShirebrookToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 8:31 PM
Comment #80Is he not in the team of the Season too