We knew Rafa Benitez though that Chris Hughton was a good manager as do Newcastle fans after Chris brilliantly got us promoted at the first attempt with 102 points back in the 2009-2010 season.
Rafa Benitez repeated that feat last season in what was a much more competitive Championship because of the big money now available in the Premier League.
And both managers seem to like each other although once the game gets underway tomorrow at St. James’ Park it will be serious business on the touchline for both managers.
Chris Hughton – at Stamford Bridge
At Rafa’s press conference this afternoon Rafa talked about the opposing manager:
“Chris Hughton is a great person, a great manager.” He is doing a very good job. We know Brighton are dangerous.”
“My concern is to be sure that we approach the game with the belief we can win. If we win, my next press conference will be easier. If we don’t, we have to carry on.”
“The message is clear.”
“We will try to score goals tomorrow and try to play at the level we did at West Ham and when we were doing well.”
“You have to change tactics against different teams. We know what we have to do.”
“The reaction of the fans, it’s clear they know all the players are giving everything. It’s crucial we have the fans behind us.”
“You can say what you want about our fans, but they are supporting us and are trying to help the team.”
“Our fans know these players care. That is the way – stay united – and be together. Happy New Year.”
“Feliz año nuevo!”
“Feliz año nuevo – Happy New Year in Spanish of course.
We need a good win to finish off the year well – we need all 3 points tomorrow.
Note on comments:
Please refrain from criticizing other readers because they have the audacity to have different opinions from you.
There have been a number of complaints today about some readers and their unwelcome and inappropriate comments.
I am now forced to moderate their comments – although I wish I didn’t have to do this.
Here’s the guidance on comments for this blog – please try to help:
253 comments so far
Bobbybee
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:10 PM
Comment #41Jail, really? I thought, under the circumstances, that was a reasonable post. If I’ve insulted him it wasn’t intentional, just genuinely curious as to why he bothers? He appears to hate with a passion anything Newcastle related, from the manager to the fans, so I’m wondering why he does it?
I hate Sunlun FC, but wouldn’t waste time or energy going on their site just to insult them. Better things to do. Pins in the eyes springs to mind, or matchsticks under the nails?
He’s made his point. He hates NUFC. Will never go to a game or watch on TV – his words, not mine. So why bore us with his inane ramblings? Strange personality. Although maybe ‘personality’ is stretching the term a bit.
Like I say, why don’t those who write nothing but destructive posts offer an alternative with constructive posts? At least that’s worth reading and invites discussion. Even his insults are repetitive and predictable. Why bother, that’s all I ask?
giimps
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:10 PM
Comment #42I’m nit too bothered about Dick starting for loserpool, I’m more worried about coutinho, mane, Can, etc I’m pretty sure Dick won’t start as he can’t register till the 1st and he has to be registered 24h before playing.
Our incommings won’t matter either for the same reason and since the majority will be loan signings ,we probably won’t get them early as they will be keeping their options open.
Our outgoing son the other hand will probably be on the bus at midnight on the 31st to get them off the wage bill for an extra day
giimps
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:12 PM
Comment #43Welcome back Bobby, hope you’ve had a good xmas and are looking forward to an even better new year
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:13 PM
Comment #44Munster,
I didn’t say he wouldn’t be here if we all took to social media to discuss his tactics. I said he wouldn’t be here if we all took to social media and insulted him the way you do. It was the support from the fans that kept him here was it not.
giimps
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:15 PM
Comment #45That and the potential of the last sleeping giant
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:16 PM
Comment #46Bobby,
Completely justified. He hates the fans, the manager and the owner. The players are shite and he wants an empty stadium. He wants Rafa out Ashley out but I don’t think he wants anyone in. What is the point of him even pretending he is a fan.
Munster Mag
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:18 PM
Comment #47Jeez you’re a sensitive flower ? if you thought critical open minded analysis and comment was strong criticism.
Munster Mag
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:19 PM
Comment #48I insulted him? Really?
posada
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:20 PM
Comment #49Jib
Unless it is a direct lift from Google you get it wrong on most occasions.
For those that missed it.
He called me a Dick as I failed to mention Kevin Nolan in a list of Big Sams signings for us.
Nolan was signed by JFK.
Munster Mag
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:20 PM
Comment #50Jail/ bobby who are ye talking about ré hating nufc etc?
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:21 PM
Comment #51Munster,
If we translated your fair, balanced and open minded criticism in to a terrace chant, we’d all be screaming you don’t know what you’re doing at the guy.
giimps
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:22 PM
Comment #52Darlow in nets tomorrow, Elliott injured his thigh……come on Karl, show the form you were in when you were saving shots for fun and keeping us in games….forget the bad luck and concentrate on being the best you can be…..HWTL
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:23 PM
Comment #53Bladeuser Munster
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:23 PM
Comment #54giimps,
Elliott injured???
lesh
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:25 PM
Comment #55Mm mm
Just looking at todays threads and there seem to be a couple of troublemaker’s names missing. Maybe they’re having a period of reflection or perhaps they’ve decided to spread their bile elsewhere?
TyneMouth, don’t be surprised if one of two other names disappear having decided to spend some time with their family!
posada
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:26 PM
Comment #56Bobby
I don’t know why you put such an effort into a post about Bladeuser.
Also, on the basis of a blog comment or several I don’t ever see any reason for making comments like your a loner, have no friends, have personality issues etc.
It’s a personal attack and there is no point to it at all.
giimps
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:26 PM
Comment #57According to Chronic Elliott will be missing, shame as he’s done well since coming back in, hopefully Darlow don’t dwell on the mistake and concentrates on the positives of his form earlier on
toon kk
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:29 PM
Comment #58The majority of posts when people are having a go at each other is all down to ONE reason, We all want more from our club, some defend it probably because Rafa is here others call it and blame other fans as well as the board/MA
YoungMag :P
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:33 PM
Comment #59______________Darlow
Yedlin_Lascelles_Clark_Manquillo
__________Saivet_Merino
Ritchie_______Joselu_______Atsu
______________Gayle
Rotonda heights
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:46 PM
Comment #60Dyche is doing very well this season but was previously relegated with Burnley, but they stuck with him and are now reaping the benefits of the previous experience gained in the PL by himself and players alike.
At the moment we really have no really regular well seasoned PL players as such.
All gone very quiet on you know what from Shire, Dubai, Sparky and Hibbit. Any New Year joy on the horizon guys?
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:51 PM
Comment #61Elliot got injured first half diving at the feet of ageuro limped rest of half and was struggling taking goal kicks Gallowgate were screaming for him to get one of the outfield players to kick it
Belfast
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:52 PM
Comment #62I wouldn’t worry about Van Dyk. He’s been absolutely crap this season. He still added 15 million to his transfer value though. Southampton probably couldn’t believe it either.
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:54 PM
Comment #63I’d be praying Rafa stayed if we end up going down. If we got new owners who better to get us straight back up. However if we don’t get taken over I’d prefer we just got put out of our misery and stayed where we were until Ashleys gone. I don’t think I could handle another ten years of him.
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:58 PM
Comment #64Can you imagine Ashley spending that much on a player once we were safe lol.
hibbit
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:59 PM
Comment #65still waiting !!!!!!!!!!!!!
check the toastie
Dec 29, 2017 at 4:59 PM
Comment #66Darlow is terrible, lad is uncomfortable being in goal for the toon, Woodman should be given a go, keepers can be unbelievable when young. Given and Paul Robinson where great keepers as kids. Darlow is out of his depth
SPRINGY
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:00 PM
Comment #67Hope we get off to a good start 2morra as it will be a tense old day at the game….atsu,merino,ritchie,gayle and joselu have to start to give is something in attack and lascelles at cb the rest for me u can flip a coin whether they start or not…all the rest are either match shy,returning from injury or in indifferent form so hard to say who should get the nod more then anyone else tbh.
check the toastie
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:03 PM
Comment #68You gone to The Denton to make new friends Hibbit and been stood up.
Awww Forever Fwiends….
Hard case Hibbit… Blog enforcer
c-dog
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:05 PM
Comment #69Most seem to put Josiére in their ideal line ups. I’m guessing this is because you know he’ll start and not because you want him to start.
Anyhoo hoping he’ll get the winner. You’re my boy Josiére.
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:07 PM
Comment #70check,
Not sure what went on re the keeper situation. I know he wanted a new keeper but still wanted rid of Krul, Sels and Darlow, so when was the intention to let Woodman go out on loan? We’d still be in the same position regarding cover.
toon kk
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:07 PM
Comment #71MA has no choice but to spend in January if he hasn’t sold up. Just hope it’s enough on the right player’s.
YoungMag :P
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:07 PM
Comment #72Cdog
Mitro isn’t an option anymore. Joselu has proved far greater then perez and Diame in the number 10.
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:09 PM
Comment #73C-dog,
I’m guessing the majority would like to see Mitro in there but it’s not happening. He’ll be starting next week or on the bench somewhere. Just won’t be here.
c-dog
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:13 PM
Comment #74If he goes to a rival and does the business it’s gonna cause mayhem.
SPRINGY
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:16 PM
Comment #75I think joselu struggles for pace and hasn’t looked a finisher but grafts and can link the play and wins a good percentage of aerial battles….whereas gayle has the pace,can finish but cant link up,hold the ball up and a little light weight…. basically we have a decent striker in both of them…..if they were one player!lol….but i think both need each other to get anywhere near the best out of them….i doubt this will happen,with mitro out we are very light in strikers so will be one or the other more then likely.
c-dog
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:20 PM
Comment #76I’d still go with Gayle. We don’t get many chances and he is clinical if he gets one. Our midfield don’t really link in attack at all so don’t see the point in Josiére. Our transition from back to front is where the real quality is lacked. So for me it’d be go for the guy who can bag half chances if they fall his way.
Jail for Ashley
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:20 PM
Comment #77It would handy if he did go to WBA mind and nutted the ref five minutes in to his debut then gouged Pardew on his way down the tunnel.
posada
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:24 PM
Comment #78It’s been said that Rafa is the only thing that stands between us and oblivion.
May be true, but how long can that go on for.
Trouble with MA is he has been good at one thing. Getting promoted.
Why ?
1) He’s comfortable with the investment it takes to put a good Championship side together.
2) He has a great incentive. Getting us promoted and being worth more money.
When in the Prem the trouble starts as he won’t invest and won’t sell.
posada
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:25 PM
Comment #79Take 200M.
That’s a 60M loss over 10 years minus ten years of free advertising for SD.
He’s lost more than that in a short time with other ventures.
toon kk
Dec 29, 2017 at 5:31 PM
Comment #80I preferred Rivi to Joselu, or should I say one player is no better than the other, Rivi had more pace. The money could have been used towards a far better option.