There have been reports that West Ham want Jonjo Shelvey this month, but we’d be really surprised if Rafa would OK that move and help a club also struggling with relegation.
Jonjo has played well in the last few games for Newcastle, and we thought the combination of Jonjo and young Mikel Merino in central midfield against Luton Town looked solid and had some creativity – which we are really short of this season.
Newcastle have a big game against Swansea City on Saturday, one of Jonjo’s previous clubs, and it’s a game we should be winning if we are to avoid the drop this season.
Jonjo has fond memories of his time at Swansea, a club he joined in the summer of 2013 from Liverpool before he joined Newcastle in January two years ago.
But he says they have suffered by changing their manager too often.
Jonjo Shelvey with Rafa Benitez
That’s what Newcastle did under both Freddie Shepherd and Mike Ashley and it’s difficult to have any sense of building up the team with managers have different opinions on players.
There tends to be a lot of player churn – players coming and going – and it’s also very expensive for the club.
Hopefully, we will not be changing our manager for a very long time and that malady is past and gone.
This is some of what Jonjo has said on nufcTV about his former club:
“They have chopped and changed the managers to be fair and I don’t think that has helped them,”
“I think they need to get back playing the way they played football.” “Even when I was at Liverpool you wouldn’t see the ball for a lot of the time.”
“When I went there everything was about ball possession, all of our work was about the football and we were battering teams at home with the ball – even against the top teams.”
“They have gone away from that a little bit which is obviously down to whatever manager they had in at the time.”
“They have lost quite a few big players, to be fair,” “They have lost Gylfi Sigurdsson, they have lost Llorente but Swansea is a great club.”
“It is a great family club, the stadium isn’t the biggest but the supporters get behind the team.”
“As soon as I found out Newcastle were interested there was only one place to go but obviously I don’t want to see them go down because I want to play against them and I have mates in their team.”
“But football is a cut-throat business and I would rather we stayed up than them.”
“It is a relegation battle that we are in and whoever comes out on top will be the worthy winners.”
We are hoping we can keep our 100% record for this year and get our third successive win to start off 2018.
Comments welcome.
319 comments so far
willowdalerez
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:04 AM
Comment #281This should be required reading for everyone on this blog. You want a peak inside the mind of our squad in the dressing room. Lascelles tells it like it is. Got to say incredibly mature for 24 years old and what he has to say about, loans for academy players, the team under Macca, the team under Rafa, professionalism in the Prem vs lower leagues, why we need to hold onto Rafa… compelling stuff.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5260199/Jamaal-Lascelles-Newcastles-tactics-against-Man-City.html
DubaiMicky
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:14 AM
Comment #282Great interview from the Captain, and some great comments there too.
willowdalerez
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:22 AM
Comment #283Also Lascelles on the Man City tactics (I feel vindicated) and Diame incident are in there… The lad pulls no punches.
A little world about his fitness though. The Guardian has him ruled out for Swans as does Rotowire:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/jan/12/premier-league-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend (see 7)
https://www.rotowire.com/soccer/injuries.htm (see out list on right hand side)
Fatnatsy Football Scout has him at 75% likelihood
http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/fantasy-football-injuries/
PhysioRoom has him at slight doubt
https://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php/26a6us6yv4n691lq558q35j5yylkw8iyofg6sgjkdw9da0qbg7no6vu7lof9azke7bo5xddmcsaqbp6vlhhcvy5llzasfmgq3csnrez9soyrmocdr31f2dobhwq5dwmdzkvw3fkz286xdmyn7zxhy61e6ilizkqhjg9gqv72ws1cnh4yx8zchv53jmanhqm1apmh0evf%3Clink%20rel=
and finally thestatszone has him in the predicted lineup
https://www.thestatszone.com/premier-league-in-focus-newcastle-vs-swansea-preview
Seriously this is the kind of stuff that makes you believe these fellas make it up. Hope he’s fit we can use him (Guardian gives a run down of our stats without him and it doesn’t make for pretty reading).
“ewcastle have lost four of the five league matches they have played without their central defender this season, conceding an average of three goals per defeat. In the 17 games he has played, the average number of goals they have shipped is less than one. While it would be misguided to suggest these statistics are entirely down to Lascelles, they provide fairly incontrovertible evidence that his influence cannot be overstated. BG”
expatmag
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:25 AM
Comment #284DUBAI
Totally agree. You would think Staveley would know of middle eastern interest.
They should have been more analytical in their fairystory by possibly inventing made up investors from…..say…..North korea or Afghanistan. Now that maybe more believable……lol
Optimistic Panda
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:26 AM
Comment #285Good interview from Lascellss, sensible lad and I like his attitude as captain. Good luck to the lad.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:29 AM
Comment #286I think what lesh is astonished about is the so-called ITK’s on here who gives out silly guarantees about things they have no control of and even gives out guarantees (no one has asked them to) about leaving should their guarantee be insufficient!
…especially when that was also just empty words
chicousa
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:44 AM
Comment #287Regardless of takeover status, which if it is a “done deal” might indicate substantial transfer funds are soon to be available. Or alternatively if it is not done and may not be done until summer if at all, and so limited or no transfer funds. Regardless of which of the scenarios turn out to be true, one discouraging thing is the seeming lack of progress on outgoing transfers so far.
NUFC have known since summer window that certain players are surplus to requirements: Colback, Haidara, Saivet, etc. One would have hoped that deals for these players would have been lined up and ready to go prior to Jan 1st! But here we are on Jan 12th and nada!
Optimistic Panda
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:46 AM
Comment #288What a ray of sunshine
Nufc-83
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:46 AM
Comment #289Lascelles will be gone in the next 2 years for 40-50m in my opinion.
chicousa
Jan 12, 2018 at 6:51 AM
Comment #290OP,
Sorry….that last post of mine was a bit gloomy.
expatmag
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:02 AM
Comment #291Jamaal will be the mainstay for the club for years to come and if, as I suspect, we are just waiting for this deal to be signed off in the next few days, Rafa will go to his A list of transfer targets and I would expect several major changes by 31st.
The main changes will be done in the summer with further investment provided to Rafa.
I expect Lascelles to lead this through and dont be surprised to see him selected for England in Russia to ecrnthally take over the captaincy in a couple of years
expatmag
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:03 AM
Comment #292NUFC83
Yeah….right
lochinvar
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:03 AM
Comment #293Hope he enjoys China.
Liverpool are willing to sell their 28-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge, but they will demand £30m for the England international. (Liverpool Echo)
However, no club in the Premier League is prepared to meet Sturridge’s valuation, and his £150,000-a-week wages are another obstacle. (Mail)
Optimistic Panda
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:04 AM
Comment #294Chicousa
My post was aimed at the one above yours lol
Lindisfarne
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:05 AM
Comment #295Tony
?@ToeKneesTweets
6h6 hours ago
More
Suggest fans interested in @CraigHope_DM additional #nufc takeover bidder take a look at the Companies House info for Black Bridge Cross Borders. It’s registered at the same address as a Mailboxes Etc. This is a PR stunt by the kid that owns it, nothing more.
bettyswallocks
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:06 AM
Comment #296http://henpeckedyounghusband.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/you_know_you_are_henpecked_if_shirt-r6055c0bfa74e4e2b88c56cdd793eabd2_va6lr_512.jpg
Meanwhile in Denmark.
Nufc-83
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:08 AM
Comment #297Expat I do hope your correct but can’t see it.
lochinvar
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:17 AM
Comment #298If we ever wonder which way football is going and the concept of Elite European clubs owned by the global rich club forming a cozy cartel to feed entertainment to the Corporate market and ever growing Chinese tourist market then Chelsea (who else) are leading the charge with a One
Billion pound stadium plan.
Critics have highlighted a “disproportionate amount of hospitality seating” which takes up more space than normal seating.
They say there will be almost 17,000 hospitality seats, 28% of the total, and compare that to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium where hospitality comprises 16% of the capacity.
hibbit
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:22 AM
Comment #299jasper …haven’t you noticed that nobody gives two hoots what you say, do, or think.
Lesh on the other hand is a valued posted who is quite capable of getting his message across without your shaded biased one sided small minded interpretation
Chas
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:29 AM
Comment #300Online Guy
I took your tip the other evening and watched the BBC doc on the Saud Family. The legacy of saudi arabia is an interest and it’s good to see at last the media is speaking out about this country. I found of particular interest the wahabbi effect across the world and the strange hypocrisy of western governments who have allowed it to spread.
lesh
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:35 AM
Comment #301Jesper
An extract from your post @269:-
“………Numerous times btw how about you look at that, just once, when you see people preying on the most important part of your teams life ffs
Or just get offended up to you?.”
What astonished me was the fact that like some other posters’ criticisms of the so-called ITKs, I couldn’t understand it.
Can you translate it into English please?
Mr Funk
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:39 AM
Comment #302Maybe the situation regarding the takeover is that an offer has been made and accepted by Ashley from Staveley.
However, maybe there was an agreement that other offers can be made upto a certain deadline. Once that deadline passes the deal is completed with Staveley (if no other offers are received)
lesh
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:39 AM
Comment #303Hibbit @ 295
Am I? LoL
Cheers young fella.
RonVanDam
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:40 AM
Comment #304@lochinvar
Stumbling blocks for sturridge are his price, wages and 50% of the time he’s a patient.
In saying that, would you rather have Andy Carroll or Sturridge?
lesh
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:41 AM
Comment #305Mr Funk
We can but hope.
carl
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:42 AM
Comment #306Jesper reminds me of Tim Nice But Dim – without the “Nice” bit, of course. He really is remarkably dim.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:43 AM
Comment #307I don’t believe in the stalking horse theory. Staveley is by all accounts a respected business woman. If this was a set up it wouldn’t take long for word to go round. How then would anyone take her seriously next time she sets up a deal, or tries to.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:44 AM
Comment #308carl and chas together, where’s Dave and we’ve got our very own boy band
carl
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:46 AM
Comment #309Are we still hanging our hats on the 20th.It’s as if time has stood still.
Looking forward to game tomorrow and I would even settle for a dull 1-0 victory. Shelvey to score and have a blinder.
martoon
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:53 AM
Comment #310carl @309 – I’m starting to get nervous now – I don’t think it is going to be a classic as both teams don’t want to lose.
ShireToon
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:53 AM
Comment #311I noticed manxpie has been on the graveyard shift again spouting shite cos he’s got fcuk all else better to do. Does when no one else is around but then when is confronted reverts to foul mouthed rants.
What a tool!
jimmysmith
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:54 AM
Comment #312It is likely though that Stavely is low balling. Why would she offer a “fair” price when we might yet go down? 350 if we stay up is my bet. This is not a normal acquisition. Most businesses don’t face relegation, and the prospect of their value being halved.
carl
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:54 AM
Comment #313Jail
I see it’s become common for a number of bloggers to tell you to STFU. It’s a bit like taking an instant dislike to you. It saves time.
Hope you are not going to suggest I came on to have a go at you. You were furthest from that until you were seeking attention.
lochinvar
Jan 12, 2018 at 7:59 AM
Comment #314RVD@304
I would take both Carroll and Sturridge.
That way we’ve a 50% chance of having a fit player or even better one can be sub to the other on a good day.
You can never have enough insurance.
carl
Jan 12, 2018 at 8:03 AM
Comment #315martoon
I am as well. It really is a six pointer and the crowd will be anxious and this could get to the players. An early goal would likely settle things down.
Rafa’s had time to be working on drills and am encouraged by Diame’s recent form that we will boss the midfield. Hope news on Lascelles fitness is right. Feel though it could be a tough watch.
HWTL
carl
Jan 12, 2018 at 8:09 AM
Comment #316Shire
Your doing a good job along with a number of others.
You’re at least getting my attention for what it’s worth.
Can’t be long before we’re all celebrating. Let the good times roll!
I’ll drink to that and 3 points tomorrow.
RonVanDam
Jan 12, 2018 at 8:26 AM
Comment #317If the takeover does happen, I would like to see a huge improvement in our academy with semi world class managers working with youngsters and blending them into the first team.
I would also like to see changes in the way we scout talents and have a more realistic budget for managers to work with.
I’m tired of other clubs and agents holding us to ransom with over inflated transfers fee’s (which has blown up since Neymar’s switch to psg)
GPPaweyyekna
Jan 12, 2018 at 8:38 AM
Comment #318This other bid is to be fronted by Blackbridge Cross Borders who are based in Liverpool and fronted by a guy who is 26 years old thats if my findings are correct and you believe the DM. I’m certainly no Clouseau. https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/09055077/officers
GPPaweyyekna
Jan 12, 2018 at 8:55 AM
Comment #319Resides in Beijing and is from the Wirral http://speedydeletion.wikia.com/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Articles_for_creation/Alexander_Jarvis. Horse shit