Tuesday was a grim day on Tyneside. Newcastle confirmed that both Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin will be sidelined until at least April with the injuries they picked up in the 1-1 draw against Wolves last weekend.
There was also a report from Luke Edwards in The Telegraph that Mike Ashley has put any takeover talks on ice until our tenuous position in the league table becomes clearer. Newcastle are currently just three points above Fulham with a much worse goal difference.
The barrage of blows has been consistent and steady recently but that’s nothing new to Newcastle fans, who have suffered for nearly 14 years under Mike Ashley. Though this past season has been particularly cruel after the Amanda Staveley-fronted takeover fell apart over the summer.
The end of the Ashley era finally seemed a certainty with an exciting future just an EPL Owners’ and Directors’ test away. We are all stick trying to figure out the full story on what happened with that.
But soon followed an encouraging transfer window that promised to see Newcastle progress into the top half of the table. Mike Ashley relaxed his strict transfer policy to bring in a proper striker along with some Premier League proven talent. At least on the pitch, it appeared a comfortable season was ahead.
That too turned out too much for this wayward club to get right. A pendulum-like swing of performances from the encouraging to the obscene to the mediocre and back to the obscene has left this club teetering on the brink of a third relegation under Ashley.
While there have been uncontrollable pitfalls along the way, like the Covid outbreak and the cosmically cruel rash of injuries, it’s something a club like Newcastle should have been able to weather this season.
Now all hope seems lost with Ashley halting takeover talks along with the prospect of crucial matches with such a depleted squad. However, unlikely heroes can emerge over the next few weeks which at least adds an element of intrigue for the next few matches.
As far as the takeover, there are just so many conflicting reports that it’s hard to get a grasp on what is possible, let alone probable. The Independent is reporting that the Saudi-backed consortium is still interested in buying Newcastle. So much so that even if we are relegated they will return to the table to renegotiate a price.
On the other side of the coin, is a claim from Italy that PIF has turned their attentions to a minority stake in Inter Milan. So it’s hard to gauge what will transpire with this takeover.
However, what is not hard to gauge is the importance of the next few weeks for the club and its fanbase. Now is the time for players to step up and become heroes. Anything less could be devastating for this club.
105 comments so far
Tsunki
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:44 PM
Comment #1Aye bladey you forgot to sign off –
LEFTLEG IN LEFTLEG OUT SHAKEITALL AB OUT
Tsunki
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:45 PM
Comment #2Sorry Neil shame on me that’s no way to post a first on an article. š
Tsunki
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:45 PM
Comment #3We are holding out for a hero…..
Tsunki
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:47 PM
Comment #4Dum dum dee dum…..hmm…hmm…hmm…
……
…
..
Anyone got the right time? I think the number 23 is late again….
Tsunki
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:50 PM
Comment #5Echoey in here.
HELLO!
…hello…
. . . h e l l o . . .
Jail for Ashley
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:54 PM
Comment #6It’s that midweek lull. The outrage of the weekends results has subsided and the feeling of emptiness as another 90 minutes of hoping for the best very slowly approaches. Pointless wishing for Bruce to be sacked and the availability of only 13 players, Darlow and Gillespie being part of the 13 makes Brucey bingo just plain boring if not pointless. Even Luke Edwards phoney attempt to wind us up only lasted half a thread. Could be concerts again tonight š
lesh
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:54 PM
Comment #7jane (aka Jib/ Dave Temple) still posting I see.
What a nerve!
Rotonda heights
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:56 PM
Comment #8Welshy
I think you must be a bit like Charnley and didn’t properly look at Bruce’s CV.
NUFC is a multi million pound industry and appointing Bruce was a massive 2 fingered salute to the fans, as was appointing JFK, Carver, McLaren and Pardew. Giving someone like Bruce a chance is akin to putting an alcoholic in charge of a pub. It was a crazy, crazy decision and boy are we paying the price now.
Everything we knew before about bruce, the lack of tactics, the lengthy injury lists, the blaming of everyone and everything but himself, the relegations, the random aging, injury prone signings on big wages were all huge red flags, perfectly summed up Louise Taylor a decade ago and absolutely nothing has changed.
Bottom line Bruce didn’t deserve the gig or our support and if you think he did / does, you haven’t been paying attention.
cleveleysbob
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:58 PM
Comment #9Jail, like I said on Monday, itās going to be a long week!…….. Now, about those concerts. š
WLtoon
Mar 3, 2021 at 3:58 PM
Comment #10Another crap attempt at trying to sleep during daylight hours, i wouldn`t make a very good Nosferatu.
Jail, you made a comment to me this morning at 8.57, what was it referring to mate?
I`m ignoring all TO reports from now on, i`ve noticed another 2 headlines today but haven`t even looked at them, probably old news and both conflicting stories, it`s all dross really isn`t it.
Relegation and no immediate return to the PL are , for me, the only way Ashley will leave the club, we could really end up like the mackems, quite easily imo, all you need for that to happen is total incompetence at the top level and hey presto , it`s done.
Lets face it, i don`t think i have ever seen a more incompetent set of individuals running a club as we have right now up here with this lot.
hibbit
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:01 PM
Comment #11holding on for a hero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWcASV2sey0
Jail for Ashley
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:05 PM
Comment #12WLtoon,
Whatever it was you said a few comments earlier most probably.
WLtoon
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:11 PM
Comment #13Jail,
What`s the crack with work, are you back on the rigs again?
cleveleysbob
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:13 PM
Comment #14I think every fan was dumbstruck @ the suggestion of Bruce being appointed, but unlike a few suggestions that have been made, we are powerless and have absolutely no say on such appointments. We all knew his history, itās there in Black and White for anyone who cares to do a modicum of research. Quite simply, as succinctly put by RH, a multi million pound corporation like ours shouldnāt have touched him with a barge pole.
Now, the fact is, despite all of the above, he was appointed, and so many fair and even minded fans decided to āgive him a chanceā, this was against their better judgement and Iām sure many had nightmares about it, but backing your head coach is what the fans do – right?
Wind on approx 6 months from appointment and I would say 99% of us had seen enough, but we stuck with him. So start of this season after a bumper spending spree, we said āletās give him another chance, he finished 13th, heās got a stronger squad, maybe we were harshā.
Wind on a further 3 Months and the daggers were out (rightly so), the football was dross, the results even more so, and it became ultimately clear what weād known from before day 1, that the guys a dinosaur with no clue whatsoever and should never have been signed up.
That, is all down to Ashley, Barnes and Penfold. They are a disgrace and shouldnāt be allowed anywhere near a football club. As for Bruce, if he wants to be accepted or even believed, that heās a fan, he should resign and take his buddies with him. Failure to do so makes him 100% complicit with the 3 above and deserves all the abuse he gets.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:14 PM
Comment #15WLtoon,
No, got a return date today, in the hotel from next Monday till the following Sunday, flying out everyday. Only done five days work so far this year š
cleveleysbob
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:16 PM
Comment #16Nice one Hibbit.
Jail for Ashley
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:18 PM
Comment #17cleveleysbob,
Not just the football and results. His comments from day one. “I don’t care what’s happened in the past, Ashley has been straight with me”
“We’ve been in the bottom for X amount of years now” “We are where we are, we have to accept it” “The big clubs this, the big clubs that”
I can’t stand the footer.
WLtoon
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:19 PM
Comment #18cleveleysbob,
Your post highlights the point i was making about Ashley and his cohorts.
Totally clueless in every way possible, apart from winding the fans up, they are grade A+ at that
WLtoon
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:21 PM
Comment #19Jail,
Jeez just 5 days graft this year, you must be climbing the walls man.
All will get back to some kinda normal soon hopefully
Online Guy
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:31 PM
Comment #20Simon
The old 442 was ok if you were going out with the mind set of dictating the play,
2 good wide men and you know the rest.
Thing is Bruce sends a team out to contain, or he will be, so the game turns to what the opposition are going to set out to do and Bruce will plan Newcastle tactics around what we are facing on the day, thus the opposition dictate how we are setting up.
Long gone are the days when we went out to kill a team off without thought of who are how they would play..Keegan was the Man.
Yes Simon 442 fun and games ..Alex Ferguson done well with it for a few years 19 ? was it, how many trophy’s and League titles.
He had the personnel though , Beckham on the right , Giggs on the left side.
Our own Bobby Robson wasn’t to shabby with it either.
Play Carroll up top with Gayle off him and Fraser down the left ..move Joe L into midfield to break up play and give it.
Actually if we had 2 good wide men I would have Carroll up top and Fraser playing off him, but we need Fraser out wide as its our only real option.
Schar could do a job in midfield and do it well.
We are short on numbers and Im scratching around for what might work..
Optimistic prime
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:33 PM
Comment #21Tsunki
If Bruce was making sandwiches, be false Stotties and nae pease pudding.
cleveleysbob
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:34 PM
Comment #22Yeah Jail, youāre totally right, his attitude towards games and all other clubs is sickening.
Instead of saying things like āevery team is beatable in the PLā – he says (of everyone) āthey are a big team with good players and very difficult to beatā – what a defeatist numbnut he is!!
He spouts rubbish constantly, I would have thought Ashley would have got rid due to him ābringing the game and name of our club into disreputeā – thatās got to be sackable without compo, right there! š
cleveleysbob
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:36 PM
Comment #23OLG, could put Fraser/AC in middle with Atsu/Murphy on wings?
Online Guy
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:38 PM
Comment #24Simon
JOe L could do what Diame did for us ..you can see why Rafa brought him in and the job he did was invaluable..clearly we are missing a battling win it and give it anchor in the middle.
The Longstaffs have been Bruced…or at least Sean has who has all the tools ..just a bit short on experience and winning it dirty.
lochinvar
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:39 PM
Comment #25You want a Hero?
Take your pick
https://youtu.be/Rfieu3Apotg
Online Guy
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:40 PM
Comment #26Clevelyes Bob
Good idea but I dont think Atsu has a squad number Bob. have to check that.
Atsu would have to get up to speed quickly if he is eligible .
simon376
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:43 PM
Comment #27Online
Yeah, know its old schools, but still think it can work. Remember the gold old days of Nobby on one wing and Robert on the other with a couple of good forwards, we even used to tear the league up then. If we play Carol, think it has to be that way.
If only we had another Diame type player. Just hope Jones or someone else can work with the Longstaffs and get them back on track. Bring back the Ossie days when we had great young lads coming through
cleveleysbob
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:43 PM
Comment #28OLG, he has, he replaced Yedlin.
cleveleysbob
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:46 PM
Comment #29Loch, what I wouldnāt give to have even half of them back right now, even from where we are Iād bet on us finishing top 10! š
cleveleysbob
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:48 PM
Comment #30Time to think about dinner and a zonking home made Bloody Mary- get the celery sticks out Mrs Bob, man here needs a drink! š
Romford mag
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:51 PM
Comment #31https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/12233675/callum-wilson-on-the-super-6-podcast-choosing-newcastle-over-villa
Online Guy
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:51 PM
Comment #32Clevelys Bob
Murphy is a good shout.
Fraser knows where the net is if he’s played inside ..better option than Gayle who I cant work out .
Face like a smacked arse and lacking something as a player, knows where the net is but theres no link up play from him and very little participation ..often looks like he’s waiting for a bus.
Possibly down to Bruce and Gayle is following instructions ..Dont move, stay there and someone will give you the ball, eventually !
Online Guy
Mar 3, 2021 at 4:57 PM
Comment #33Bob
I say that about Gayle as when I used to have a pop at Shola when watching the telly or at a game Shola would pop up and score ! so im hoping if I give Gayle some stick he will get a hat-trick
Was worse in the car if travelling with the missus and was a match on ..That Shola is useless etc and worse !..then he would pop up and score.
Online Guy
Mar 3, 2021 at 5:07 PM
Comment #34Simon
So Murphy down the right , Ritchie playing wing back on left, Carroll up top, Fraser coming in from left and playing off Carroll ..Fraser playing inverted winger in tandem with Ritchie , Joelinton C/Mid..
Would like to see Dummett back..he was playing like a man possessed in his last game then dropped to bench.
Anyway a few options there .
Pressure on Bruce . If he loses to WBA he should do Newcastle a favour and walk.
simon376
Mar 3, 2021 at 5:10 PM
Comment #35Online
Dummet has to be put back in
WLtoon
Mar 3, 2021 at 5:16 PM
Comment #36I doubt Bruce would walk even f were bottom, it would be left to the powers that be to sack him
dougie
Mar 3, 2021 at 5:16 PM
Comment #37Bruce was a dinosaur ten years ago,now heās just ridiculous.Simply put heās an arrogant egotistical delusional fool.Every time he opens his mouth on camera he makes himself look even more ridiculous.He really is thick as mince.The luck of last season was incredible and we should of gone down then in reality.I would say there is a 60% chance of us going down without our best three players for a month.The parasites relegation circus is back with a vengeance.
Online Guy
Mar 3, 2021 at 5:17 PM
Comment #38If its true that PIF are into Inter Milan and have gave up on buying Newcastle United then thats it all over for me .
If the above transpires then the Prem is to blame and you can thank the likes of Liverpool and Spurs and whichever other clubs scuppered the sale ..not forgetting Bein sports.
Corruption and Restriction of Trade by those means.
We are fked ..scuse my French but it seems apt if we remain in the hands of Ashley.
Ashley and Bruce ..what a combination..
Destined for Failure.
martoon
Mar 3, 2021 at 5:21 PM
Comment #39It’s not often I agree with Bladey but he’s right when he says (in his own inimitable style) that it’s not the time to be playing Anderson when in a relegation scrap.
magicmac54
Mar 3, 2021 at 5:22 PM
Comment #40Just back from a long walk along the path from the Bann river in Portadown to Gilford village 11 miles exactly ill sleep well tonight lol its a beautiful walk the landscape is stunning and loads of wildlife specially the swans and ducks, have i missed anything exciting today, thought not lol