With Cheick Tiote likely to be out for an extended period of time with his knee injury, it should give a big opportunity to 22 year-old Algerian defensive midfielder Mehdi Abeid.
Mehdi Abeid in action at Burnley
We are still waiting to hear how long Cheick will be out with the knee injury he picked up at the African Cup of Nations, but he’s not expected to be fit anytime soon.
It’s going to be a very tough game at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon with Manchester City currently in good form, and they hammered a good Stoke City side at the Britannia Stadium 4-1 last weekend.
This is what Mehdi Abeid told the Shields Gazette today:
“We have a good team and a lot of quality in the team – now we have to show it every week.” “Hopefully, we will have many, many more wins in the future.”
“It’s good to have John as the head coach,” “There’s a good relationship between him, the coaches and the players.” “It’s great for the future of our team.”
“I’m really glad to be back – it was a bad injury.” “I’m enjoying my time on the pitch.”
This lad has always had a great attitude and he did so well last season while on loan at Panathinaikos in Greece, where he scored 10 goals in 38 total appearances for the club.
Abeid was injured in mid-November and came back on crutches after joining up with the Algerian squad, and he came back too early from that broken toe he picked up.
And after playing the full game at Burnley on December 2nd, he was out for about another six weeks and he had to withdraw from the Algerian squad for the African Cup of Nations.
The 22 year-old has only recently returned to the squad, and we’d love to see him in the starting line-up on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium, where he played in the shock 2-0 League Cup win back in late October.
Mehdi joined Newcastle in the summer of 2011 from Lens as a free agent, and he’s looked a very good player for us this season in his 8 appearances.
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77 comments so far
archaeomag
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:06 PM
Comment #41Read All about it;
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/mike-ashley
……
archaeomag
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:08 PM
Comment #42@OP
the best we can hope for is that makes an enemy of the Russians; they don’t take prisoners ….
Jeff from Benwell
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:09 PM
Comment #43They should change the name of this blog to
“An evening with Victor Meldrew and Statler and Waldorf”
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:09 PM
Comment #44OP
Ahh that’s what it is then, he’s one of us…ahaha. If he was one of us he wouldn’t have celebrated his goal in the manner he did last season.
I used to play cricket for Durham County before injury finished my career. I moved to another county and played against Durham….took 9 wickets over 2 innings but didn’t celebrate even after beating them I was very humble. I didn’t take wickets and tell the fans to shhhh
Lilongwe Geordie
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:10 PM
Comment #45Our Toon,
Key words there on a global scale. Sports Direct have minimal competitors in the UK now, so whether we get shown on TV here or not is of little consequence.
As you say, it isn’t like he is spending the profits, nor has he (from past evidence) been taking them out. The club runs itself. A decline in income? A decline in expenditure, staff at club shop, club admin staff axed. Steward numbers, cut. Hospitality staff, cut.
Pounds is king, but it comes from his global Sports direct empire, not from NUFC and their coffers. We are just a vehicle for global advertising, that will continue whether a stadium is half full or not.
A boycott may work, who knows, but one thing that certainly won’t work is fans blaming other fans as the problem. Which is essentially what seems to be happening more and more on here. While it keeps happening, then all fans are to blame as this infighting means we get nowhere.
I have seen the arguments for and against a boycott. Personally, I’m unconvinced, but the hardcore giving up their tickets has meant that the alternative of making voices heard is now impossible. So if the boycott fails, then fans have little other options at in ground protests due to the vocal fans having given up their tickets.
sing in the corner
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:12 PM
Comment #46Ok Our Toon
As I said, we’ll have to agree to disagree, you must have been taking plenty of time out to research Colback’s reported percentages and statistics in particular, something I feel can be taken out of context and read into several different ways. Nobody’s saying he’s a world beater but you single Colback out regularly and are quick to pounce if the guy puts a foot wrong.
Name me a defensive type of midfielder who doesn’t pick up a fair few bookings, particularly in a side where his team mates don’t keep the ball particularly well, often in dangerous areas. There aren’t many, I would suggest. Not that I would trawl stats to back that up..
BandB
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:16 PM
Comment #47Our Toon,
The first priority for those who want change is to accept that there are many who don’t.
Those who want change would be better advised to seek to iron out the differences they have with those of a similar opinions to try and reach a some degree of agreement, common purpose to devise a disciplined and organised response. There is a long way to go before even this is achieved.
Those who counsel “wait and see” and “protests never work” are not likely to ever offer your opinion any support or help. All that happens is that you appear to be arguing with open-minded people, when in fact you are arguing with unshakeable opponents of your ideas.
Jeff from Benwell
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:17 PM
Comment #48Our Toon
“Tell me where another owner has the sole ambition to promote a sporting brand and using a football team to achieve this on a global scale?”
Have you heard of “NIKE” ?
They have owned the Brazil national side for years
Phil Knight phoned Ronaldo on the day of the World Cup final 1998 and told Ronaldo (the original) he HAD to play even though the Brazilian was poorly
optimistic prime
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:19 PM
Comment #49Our toon
It’s funny his lack of ability being overlooked in favour of his birth place especially with that celebration not to long ago.
When we signed him I thought, why? How’s he going to get in the side?
Now I think, how do we get him out the side?
Squad player at best.
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:19 PM
Comment #50LG
Agreed with what you say but being televised here guarantees minimum 1.5m as of next season per match shown, Advertising Etc He’ll Carry On With as it’s a global brand.
I agree it may result in people losing jobs, for all we know them people might already be on zero contract hours. What’s even worse is that the debt has doubled, he might just recoup the money he’s lost and make a profit in selling most assets and leave the club….unlikely but it could happen. Them very staff members would get culled to make savings.
Rangers fans have achieved more in 2 months than we have in 7 years
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:25 PM
Comment #51Jeff
Didn’t realise Brazil was a football club. We are discussing football clubs after all.
Ill entertain you question though….Did the Nike owner ring you and tell you that he ordered Fat Ron to play in the final?
Jeff from Benwell
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:26 PM
Comment #52We now know that Tiote’s goal against Arsenal in 2011 was a fluke. It’s the only one he has scored in any competition for NUFC in nearly 5 years.
Colback has scored 3 this season
Mister Tuff
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:26 PM
Comment #53Trying to “blame” groups of “virgin” protesters for the inability to oust Mr Tubbs -is just excuse making and exhibits a defeatist attitude.
Querying whether fans protests in the past have had any effect is an argument perhaps valid 10+ years ago -however, in this era such comparisons are I would suggest irrelevant – purey because of the growth of social media – which allows even the “little man” to get a message out to the wider world.
I would accept that there would have to be an umbrella group to bring all the fans group under it.
I firmly believe that Mr Tubbs does not like bad PR especially directed towards SD -that should be the focus. Annoy Tubbs and more importantly his fellow shareholders it might bring a result. Don’t know if you never try.
Having a defeatist attitude is exactly inline with what Tubbs wants.
I would add that currently nothing of substance will emerge until there is a further series of bad results/football – then more folk will voice their concerns.
Club Wars:The Rise of the Wums and Trolls.
I counted three of them on here last night plus the blog fraudster – cannot knock them back.
Lilongwe Geordie
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:26 PM
Comment #54Our Toon,
Rangers fans have achieved very little so far, and they have it far easier. It is a totally different situation as he is still just a minority shareholder there. He can be got at much easier, and with the help of other shareholders can be ousted.
At NUFC it is a totally different kettle of fish as he owns us outright.
I have no crystal ball to be able to say what would and wouldn’t work regarding ousting Ashley, but to me, a boycott should be the last resort, once all unground protest options have failed. Unfortunately, a decent proportion of hardcore, vocal and passionate fans have given up their tickets, which dilutes any match day or in ground protests.
Jeff from Benwell
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:29 PM
Comment #55Nike run it like a club
If you don’t know that bit of info about Nike
http://www.theguardian.com/media/2001/jul/09/marketingandpr.worldcupfootball2002
I suggest you stick to cricket forums
BandB
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:29 PM
Comment #56Tuff,
And they are all VERY conscious of their habit of clearing the dance floor.
It’s best to let the tumbleweed blow after they post. They soon vanish.
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:31 PM
Comment #57Sing in the corner
You said:
Name me a defensive type of midfielder who doesn’t pick up a fair few bookings, particularly in a side where his team mates don’t keep the ball particularly well, often in dangerous areas. There aren’t many, I would suggest. Not that I would trawl stats to back that up.
Prior to that you said:
Tiote looks a different player from the one we saw 2 years ago – and even then I thought his style was too reckless. A red card in the making at any moment.
You don’t like Tiote because he’s reckless but don’t mind Colback because name you a DM that doesn’t pick up a fair few bookings!! If Tiote was a geordie and told you to STFU last season when scoring against you, would you change your opinion on him and not show double standards?
martoon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:31 PM
Comment #58BandB @32 – I think it depends on who it is. I know it’s unlikely but, say, it was somebody like Shearer then I don’t think he would be ridiculed and the fans would respect him but if it was Gazza then yes I agree with you.
Our Toon @38 – personally I’d be quite willing to boycott one match especially a televised one – more than that I’m not so so sure – and that is being honest.
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:34 PM
Comment #59Jeff
Colback is a box to box midfielder (apparently) tiote is a defensive midfielder and thankfully not a Box 2 Box midfielder. Preventing goals as as good as scoring
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:35 PM
Comment #60Jeff
Again, Brazil is a nation not a club team!! I can send you a map of south America to prove this if you’d like!!
Lilongwe Geordie
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:36 PM
Comment #61Tuff,
On the bad PR, he hasn’t batted an eyelid regarding his sweatshops, or his zero hour contracts, and more recently has upset the government with his business practices. He has often received bad press from business journalists regarding his antics.
Whilst any normal person may feel that this sort of publicity isn’t good, Ashley has continued on with his practices and has still seen his business grow.
The shareholders may feel a little differently, and that may be the weakness to target. Whilst he continues to make them money though, will they worry too much that they are profiting whilst SD and Ashley take flack?
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:38 PM
Comment #62LG
Depends what you consider as achievement!! Mainstream media is talking about Rangers, when they protest it’s in the media and I believe it’s something which is being discussed in parliament etc. That to me is an achievement. They don’t have the end result but they have raised awareness to there plight!!
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:39 PM
Comment #63Martoon
Appreciate your honesty mate, ive offered before but if a boycott did go ahead and it was over 3 games I’d have no issues in paying for your ticket to ensure no one attends and so that you aren’t out of pocket bud.
BandB
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:44 PM
Comment #64Lil,
Nevertheless, Ashley has been under more pressure in recent months than for some time.
And in that time, you have become more inclined to deploy your arguments in his support
Subtly, but sufficiently to make it clear you aren’t really an honest broker.
PS ,,saw another of those “obviously highly-regarded” under-18s England keepers you were on about playing in League One the other week………
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:46 PM
Comment #65At least the blog is alive people!!
Lilongwe Geordie
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:46 PM
Comment #66Our Toon,
I think it was very briefly brought up in the Scottish Parliament, like our plight was a few years ago, but no real serious discussion. His main parliament issue is to do with USC and his actions there.
There protests are in the media, as the majority of vocal and diehard fans are still attending games, and therefore able to protest pre match. Even so, during this time Ashley has continued to get his feet further under the table. The only way they can achieve anything substantial is through the other shareholders. Without that they are helpless, just like us.
Lilongwe Geordie
Feb 18, 2015 at 2:53 PM
Comment #67BandB,
If you can point out a post where I have said I would like Ashley to remain at the club and continue with the status quo I would be surprised.
I would fully support well organised protests against his ownership, I personally just don’t believe a boycott is the way forward, some do some don’t. I’m fairly open to others opinions, but have yet to see a compelling argument for it that would change my opinion. Can you provide one?
Anyway, I’m not sure I should be a person who criticises people for going to or not going to matches. I live to far away to come in to that equation. I’m more of the opinion that back biting and blaming the problems on fans who go is of no use as it further divides people.
Which keeper? I’m fairly certain I wasn’t on about any league one keepers when we discussed that, more the lack of any high quality third choice keepers outside of maybe two or three clubs.
sing in the corner
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:03 PM
Comment #68Our toon…and OP
Ah, so now I understand, it comes mainly from the mackem era goal and celebration. Where he came from, not his ability.
And finally, from me today, on this issue, since you are picking up pieces and highlighting them without context (a bit like you do with Colback’s performances for instance)..
I was answering a specific point you made about Colback receiving bookings. I was of course including Tiote when I said DMs will pick up bookings. The point was the recklessness, in tackling. Since you like out of context stats: Tiote has 47 bookings in 118 appearances, Colback has 24 in 139. I would suggest free kick count would probably tell a similar story?
BandB
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:07 PM
Comment #69Lil,
I have always enjoyed your input.
You have cornered a little bit of that market reserved for “balanced” and “sensible” posters.
But your bottom-line message is: “Ashley is too rich, clever and thick-skinned for you little people. So don’t bother.”
Not put in the crude and confrontational way Jeff for Benwell puts it.
But exactly the same meaning.
Jeff from Benwell
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:10 PM
Comment #70Confrontational ?
MOI !!!!!!
Lilongwe Geordie
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:18 PM
Comment #71BandB,
That isn’t at all my message. I do think it will be very difficult, partly for the reasons you mention, rich, thick skinned – not sure on clever, that isn’t the word I’d use for him – devious, and unprincipled.
I certainly wouldn’t say don’t bother either. It just needs to be done well, and done as one. The daft stunts like the coffin were laughable, and set up more ridicule then getting a message out. Something along similar lines of the SackPardew website would be better than what we have at the minute. The anonymity takes away the ego, and that had a large and almost instant media impact.
To depose Ashley would need a cleverer website, perhaps with links to the documentary exposing his sweatshops, links to his other shady business practices, and also his actions whilst at the club.
Finally, a buyer would be needed. It is all good and well campaigning against Ashley, but if there is no buyer, there is no end game.
Certainly a damn site more difficult, but definitely not impossible, and certainly worth attempting.
Lilongwe Geordie
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:22 PM
Comment #72BandB,
I’m not saying my previous post is the answer, or would work. But my main point earlier is that I don’t think fans blaming other fans helps in the slightest. That is why I probably come across more against a boycott then I am, and in your opinion supportive of Ashley.
BandB
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:24 PM
Comment #73Lil,
You point out the crux of the matter.
It is far easier to counsel despair than it is to devote the same time trying to find common ground on what MIGHT be done.
Without pettifogging objections to every hint of a suggestion, forcing people to clam up.
Ashley’s stormtroopers have no problem at all in uniting around and sticking to a very simple message.
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:28 PM
Comment #74Sing in the corner
Tiote is a ball winner hence them stats looking the way they are colback is a box to box midfielder so his stats don’t look to clever.
As for Colback mackem era thing….look at what me and OP are actually stating, we are saying fans have an affinity to him because he’s local lad….he can’t do no wrong because he’s a local lad. Colback misplaced a pass nothing is said, Anita does it and all you read is..he’s shite, he’s to small etc. Double standards mate.
If Colback had a highlight of positives maybe you could nit pick at that, instead all you have is a lot of average with lots of pants and very little end product.
My biggest gripe isn’t with Colback though it’s just he’s the only player you seem to notice because you bite whenever he’s mentioned. You disregard the French Heskey and how I believe Cabella does a lot of tricks but has very little end product. But when I mention colback you get your back up!! To sum this up perfectly you stated colback hasn’t been good lately (fair statement) however you still want him in the starting XI.
Lilongwe Geordie
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:32 PM
Comment #75BandB,
I’ve regularly offered alternative ideas for forms of protests, and my thoughts on the best way to do it. I’m more than happy to take on board anybodies alternative suggestions, and my thoughts on the matter are influenced by what people say. But if I don’t see merit in it I will explain why I don’t rather than just saying no.
As I’ve said, I could be wrong, a boycott could work. I’m of the opinion it wouldn’t work, but that doesn’t mean if it was done and done well I wouldn’t be supportive of it. I’d be supportive of any well thought out and well organised protest.
Our Toon
Feb 18, 2015 at 3:34 PM
Comment #76LG & B&B
I’m open to any other ideas fans have, my biggest concern is that those who oppose a boycott don’t seem to have alternatives!! Any ideas chaps seeing as yous sit on different sides of this debate?
ZIPPIE57
Feb 18, 2015 at 9:19 PM
Comment #77WTF slagging Colback off ?? are you true supporters or keyboard /sky sports watchers