Newcastle were in the game last Sunday at home to Tottenham until Jonjo Shelvey was sent off just three minutes into the second half and we ended up losing that game 2-0.
We don’t know what would have happened if Shelvey had behaved himself but we’re pretty sure we would have taken at least a point out of that game.
But we didn’t because of Jonjo’s moment of madness.
Tomorrow we are at fellow promotion side Huddersfield who did really well last Saturday at Crystal Palace winning 3-0.
They will be full of confidence, but in our poll, 80% of our voters think we will take something out of the game tomorrow at John Smith’s Stadium.
57% believe we can win the game and only one in five believe we will lose our second game in a row.
That would equal last season’s start when we lost at Fulham and then at home to Huddersfield Town, who were the surprise team in the Championship under their young manager David Wagner.
David Wagner – Huddersfield manager
We are hoping that Newcastle can get back to their winning ways of last season and this is the team we think Rafa will start tomorrow afternoon in the game that kicks off at 1:30 pm.
Elliot
Manquillo Lascelles (c) Mbemba Clark
Hayden Merino
Ritchie Perez Atsu
Gayle
Given we have Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett injured, and Jonjo Shelvey suspended that looks like quite a strong team.
And the key man tomorrow could be Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino who will be making his first start and second appearance for the Magpies; we expect him to come in for Shelvey.
Let’s hope he and the rest of the lads do very well tomorrow, and maybe we can get our first win – which most of our fans are expecting.
Comments welcome.
9 comments so far
AncientC
Aug 19, 2017 at 2:56 PM
Comment #1ToonTime, from previous blog entry. The link I posted was by Martin Hardy.
lesh
Aug 19, 2017 at 2:57 PM
Comment #2In regard to the Rafa/ Ashley debates, it seems clear to me that what’s been conspicuous by its absence has been meaningful and ongoing dialogue between Ashley and Rafa.
Things change in business, we all know that and if someone’s had a change of mind about our finances, that should be discussed to ensure understanding and any changes to plans or strategies agreed by all concerned. Ashley had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with Rafa on Sunday but he didn’t. That spoke volumes.
Ashley’s published commitment that be would commit ‘every last penny etc’ to Rafa seemed so supportive yet so vague a bus could be driven through it. There’s a lesson for all concerned – talk to each other and pull in the same direction before the wheels come off the cart!
AncientC
Aug 19, 2017 at 3:00 PM
Comment #3“I think somebody else suggested he could just use SD to spend the cash on new players. Er, it’s a limited company listed on the stock exchange. He has a board and shareholders to answer to and they might just not agree with us that £50 million on Ross Barklay would be a sensible investment!”
Nobody suggested Ashley should buy Ross Barkley with Sports Direct’s money. Another straw man argument…
It was suggested that if Ashley wanted to invest some money into the playing staff, he could, which he should already be doing – is pay for advertising, and if he wants to increase the amount, back-date it. There is nothing untoward about this. If SD shareholders wanted to complain about the company paying for advertising, then I am sure they would pipe down, once questioned why they believe they should benefit from free advertising at a football club they have no link with.
AncientC
Aug 19, 2017 at 3:01 PM
Comment #4Btw, Mike Ashley is the majority share holder. Why do you think he went out and bought himself a £40 million jet using SD money. Where were the shareholders to answer to then, I wonder.
Tsunki
Aug 19, 2017 at 3:06 PM
Comment #5Nothing like a simple explanation eh, toontime?
Ashley has had enough clout these last ten years to push a decent deal for NUFC being sponsored and advertised with SD. After all, he bought the club as another “trophy brand” to add to the collection, however even at his peak worth in 2014 he didn’t exactly splash the investment cash did he? And it’s been rightly pointed out a deal not long ago saw him write a £200m cheque easy peasy. Surely he can convince his board to elevate the NUFC brand and invest in a club with a high pl finish, TV revenue bonuses, brand awareness overseas… It looks to all intents and purposes that the “wiping its own nose” remit has been there from day one and continues to this day..and beyond. Just like many of his other bought in brands, NUFC is a cheapened version of what it was. But it serves its purpose. It flogs stuff.
Tsunki
Aug 19, 2017 at 3:08 PM
Comment #6Ancient – spooky ! 😀
Oldgit1
Aug 19, 2017 at 3:16 PM
Comment #7I love to hear people’s views re power struggles at NUFC.
I know Ashley in his interview stated that Charmley is answerable to Rafa, however, can’t see Ashley being comfortable with this situation by the handing control over to a manager.
This really goes against the grain.
So I’m thinking, that’s the reason he has brought in Barnes and feel that both Rafa and Charnley are both answerable to him now.
I’m sure Barnes was not in the equation at the time of the end of season chat, regarding Rafa being given all monies.
Ashley probably knows that charnley has no backbone and that Rafa is to clever for him, hence the reason for Barnes.
ToonTime
Aug 19, 2017 at 3:17 PM
Comment #8All I said was that the commenting on here of Ashley’s net worth was bollocks which on the previous thread at least it is.
ToonTime
Aug 19, 2017 at 3:22 PM
Comment #9Very few fans are happy with their football clubs owner. Very few fans waste as much breath on them as we do. That is why the journos love talking about us. I dread to think who we might get after Ashley. I’d say it’s no more than a 50/50 on being an improvement.