Interesting Eddie Presser v Manchester United

Unlike some of the recent bland pressers Eddie faced a few more searching questions from the media than usual, his comments were interesting and even controversial.

"You live or die by recruitment"

That was a statement that Eddie has previously made and he was asked how he felt, and if he was happy, with last summers transfer business.

Eddie replied that he was, but quickly went on to say that it has to be looked at on a long term basis - he mentioned how Jacob Ramsey has started to perform of late.

In answering questions about Woltemade and Wissa he said that he was happy with Big Nick - and surprisingly said he felt he had performed well of late (?) - and that Wissa's form has been affected by no pre-season and his injuries.

My take? There wasn't a lot of real confidence in his statements and Eddie was being diplomatic - saying signings need to be judged over the "long term" is true to an extent but he cannot be satisfied with the here and now of Woltemade, Wissa and Elange.

NUFC 45 games played, Man U 30

That stat was raised and it's a stark reminder to us fans of just how this seasons success in the CL and progress to the SF of the Carabou Cup and 5th round of the FA Cup has had on games played compared to a club like Manchester United.

Eddie was obviously asked about our recent home form and how he saw this PL season performances as a whole. Neither are what what we want or what was expected.

He stressed he didn't want to make playing two games a week, week in week out, as an excuse but said that injuries to the squad, especially in defence, have had an impact.

His rotation options have been limited and, he pointed out, that has led to fatigue.

Eddie stated that If players are even just 1% or 2% off being able to perform at their best, at the highest level that can affect results.

Eddie talks well, but his team need to perform well

We've all been impressed by how Eddie handles himself with the media.

He is an intelligent guy, speaks well, and always comes across as someone who is committed and driven to bring success to NUFC.

But, the higher you go up the mountain, the harder the climb becomes.

Eddie has taken us from the foothills of the PL to the CL and our first domestic trophy in 70 years. That wasn't easy, but the real hard slog is that last part of the climb to the top.

The first stage of that 'top' for NUFC is qualifying for the CL every season, or at the least one of the European competitions.

You can get lucky draws to win the FA or EFL Cups (we didn't) but over 38 games of a PL season teams generally finish exactly where they deserve to.

This season there is a strong possibility we won't qualify for Europe at all.

However, and whatever, Eddie has to do to produce a good end to this season he needs to do it. His good words need to be backed up by good performances and results.

Team News

This game will likely come too early for Tino Livramento but Jacob Ramsey should be OK after his bout of sickness.

However, Eddie said that there has been a bit of a bug around the squad with Nick Woltemade suffering the worst effects. That might provide the simplest reason to leave him out of the squad after two very poor performances.

Wallsend born Michael Carrick brings Man U to SJP

As a Wallsend lad myself one of my treats as a young un was getting a corned beef and potato pasty from his family's shop Carrick's the Bakers opposite the Town Hall.

Michael obviously got the best pasty's because he made it as a PL player while I didn't even make it to the Northern League on the pasty's that Michael rejected.

Hopefully tonight at SJP it will be us Toon fans who will be feasting on a win and any thoughts Carrick has of continuing his good run will be pie in the sky.

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