Newcastle United Thread 2015/16

[Geordie]

First topic message reminder :

Manager / Head Coach - Steve McClaren
Assistant coach - Paul Simpson
Assistant coach - Ian Cathro
Psychology / Fitness / Motivation: Steve Black
Fitness Coach - Alessandro Schonemaker

Current Squad
(A) - Promoted from the academy, playing reserves but eligible for 1st XV

GK's:
T.Krul, R.Elliott, Karl Darlow 
Brendan Pearson (A) , Freddie Woodman (A), P. Woolston (A),

Defenders:
C. Mbemba, F.Coloccini, Jamaal Lascelles, S.Taylor, P.Dummett, M.Haidara, Daryl Janmaat, C.Good
J. Sterry (A), M. Gilhesphey (A), K.Mbabu (A), L.Satka (A), L. Gibson (A), K Cameron (A), J. Cobain (A), A.Laidler (A), C.Williams (A), L. Suddick (A),
 
Midfielders:
G. Wijnaldum, C.Tiote, M.Sissoko, V.Anita, J.Colback, G.Bigirmana, S De Jong, S.Ferguson, R. Aarons
D. Barlaser (A), L.Smith (A), D. Ward (A), O. Kemen (A)
 
Forwards:
A. Mitrovic, P.Cisse, Y.Gouffran, A. Armstrong,  A.Perez, S.Ameobi, E.Riviere, I.Toney
C. Roberts (A), T. Heardman (A), A. Gilliead (A),

[Guest]

Anything that involves Mike Williamson, I discount immediately. Horrifying player on so many levels, saw some highlights, Aarons looked good.

[Geordie]

I cant keep up with the players we've been linked to its just getting stupid.

Looks like Austin should be coming though which would be good.

Theres quite a few players been given a clean slate to try to impress MacLaren. Is there any you think might show what they really can rather than the rubbish shown under Pardew?

Players like Marveaux, Bigirimana, etc? In the right position / formation. Or do you think they'll prove not quite at the required level?

[Guest]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/watch-georginio-wijnaldum-impress-new-9674684 - looks decent

Marveaux is out with a hernia, too injury prone. I wouldn't want any of the Rangers players back, think we've made a concerted effort to push forward this summer & attract better quality players. I still want Obertan & Williamson gone, even Gouffran, as we now good offensive options.

Linked with Matip, Veltman, Chancel Mbemba & Douglas (again, due to his Twente days with McClaren). Think it's lazy journalism, but also linked with Leroy Fer (another former Twente player).

Happy with Austin, he has to now bang the goals in & quickly. I think keeping Cisse will keep Austin on his toes, because Cisse can finish & his stats were impressive.

[Geordie]

Marveaux is out with a hernia, too injury prone

AH I hadn't seen that.

Too be honest if someone like Bigirimana can show the performances that initially attracted him to the scouts then im happy for them to stay. Big if's I appreciate.

We need a striker - hopefully Austin. With Him, Cisse, Perez and Armstrong thats a nice mix of ages (experiences) and styles.

Its defenders I want to see coming in though.

I agree Obertan and Williamson .....out.

[Guest]

Looks like Mitrovic will be confirmed in the next day or so. Also following him could be Chancel Mbemba, from Anderlecht. He's a Congolese centre back, who is 20 years old & highly rated.

Remy Cabella, according to reports is injured until early September.

[Geordie]

Yeah I saw the links to that Mbemba. He could be an interesting signing.

[Geordie]

Whats your thoughts so far John,

Wijnaldum
Mitrovic
Chancel Mbemba - Just about signed.

I think that's 3 very useful signings...

[Guest]

Three first team signings is good, still think we need a centre midfielder & another defender at least.

[Geordie]

How would line up the side so far?

[Guest]

How would line up the side so far?

4-2-3-1
------------Mitrovic---------
Perez------De Jong----Wijnaldum
-------Sissoko---Colback-------
Haidara---?------Mbemba--Janmaat
--------------Krul-----------------

All depends upon De Jong's fitness really. If he's fit, then we play a 4-2-3-1 with him being in the 10 role. If he's injured, maybe we could try a 4-3-3, which would be more set-up for counter attacking at speed. I am looking forward to seeing Sissoko/Wijnaldum breaking on teams.

4-3-3
--Perez------Mitrovic------Aarons--
---Sissoko---Colback--Wijnaldum--
Haidara---?------Mbemba--Janmaat
---------------Krul-------------------

We have good options & alternative now, good competition for places - which should make complacency a non-issue amongst the squad. Perez/Aarons can play anywhere along the front really or wings & then we have Cisse too & Armstrong. Anita as cover for Colback & then it's a toss up between Haidara/Dummett for left back. We need one more CB in my opinion & maybe cover for Janmaat, seeing as Ryan Taylor has left.

[Trebs]

Mitrovic looks the real deal, I think he can come in and have a big impact like Benteke did for Villa. Give him time but I can really see him coming in.


If Coloccini is gone, there's two centre backs needed. I reckon someone like Jonny Evans from Man Utd could be a good shout there? Just keep him away from Cisse

[Geordie]

I the key is flexibility as you say John. We could put out a number of different formations including the old fashioned 442.

I think we might see a rejuvanted Colocini for a season...and if that's the case then he will be ideal for bringing through Mbemba and Laschelles.

I even think Dummet is a canny centre back ...actually prefer him at CB than on the flanks.

[Guest]

We lost 4-3 to Portland last night but Wijnaldum scored his first goal, but it was once again Rolando Aarons who was the star of the show for us, with two goals & an assist. Hope he stays fit this season, more worrying is that he's only got 12 months left on his contract

[Geordie]

Yeah they need to nail Aarons down to a new contract. He was main man again last night apparently.

Once again though apparently it was sloppy defending that cost us.

[Guest]

Williamson, Coloccini (heavily linked with Palace), Gouffran, Abeid, Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan & Cisse up for transfer.

[Geordie]

Yeah I saw that list. Agree with most of them to be honest.

Abeid who has shown he could be canny, but if we had a young English alternative in the academy that would be better.

[Guest]

I think since that list was released, McClaren has confirmed he doesn't want Coloccini to leave.

2-2 with Sheff Utd yesterday, defensively we've been all over the shop in pre-season. Also, McClaren was asked whether there would be more signings after Chancel Mbemba & he said he wasn't sure. That could be worrying, we need at least two or even three in my opinion, especially if we sell some of the names on that list.

[Driver]

Strange how he has gone from a surprise signing to not sure at all in a week.

Saw on Twitter about Moutinio the Monaco player, be a crazy crazy deal if any truth in it

[Guest]

Adam Armstrong going to Coventry on loan for six months.

[Geordie]

At least the lad should get regular football....that's exactly what he needs.
And he'll be able to slot straight in next season when Perez is sold to Real or Barca.

We just cant play Williamson. He's appalling. Id rather play one of those young academy lads who have just been promoted than him!

In fact id rather play Dummet at CB than Williamson.

Haidara.....Colocini.....Mbemba......Janmaat
With Laschelles and Dummet getting plenty of gametime.

[Guest]

Lost 1-0 to Moenchengladbach, played quite well & hit the post twice, but we let a sloppy goal in & just again showcases where we need strengthening. Charlie Austin is apparently on his way for advanced talks. It looks like McClaren is trying to recreate the Keegan days of hoping we score more than we concede, by not signing another defender.

[Geordie]

Rumours confirmed we've singed that Ivan Toney from Northampton....

Obviously one for the future but why aren't we looking at Defenders???

We actually look like going into the first game with.......MIKE WILLIAMSON at centre back.....

[Driver]

It's been confirmed GF , Club clearly don't think much of Armstrong then.

[Geordie]

Yeah that was my thoughts as well....unless Toney goes straight out on loan and he's seen as one for the future.

[Hood83]

Haidara is hopeless and Anita is the Prem's worst defensive midfielder. We desperately need Tiote back and to find form again otherwise this will be a long season. Also seems the communication between Mbemba and Collocini is not there. I think the former's positioning is going to need to improve a LOT if he's going to be as good as people think.

[Guest]

Early days to start criticising players. We played quite well & were up against a top side, who already had competitive football under their belt, so to get a point, is a decent start. Mbemba will improve, it's his first game & don't tell you would prefer the donkey that is Mike Williamson instead. I thought not. We were missing De Jong, Aarons, Mitrovic & Perez from the starting line up too.

[Geordie]

Anita is not a dm, but some of his play was very effective. Need to get him in the right position and his passing game could be worthwhile especially if your trying to play a quick break passing style.

We know about the weakensess, but I actually took a lot of positives from the game. It certainly makes you think in a few months when things are working they could be a decent side.

[Azzy]

I thought you guys looked good, up against a strong Southampton team that I quite fancy for top 6. It's clear already that Wijnaldum is going to be a fantastic signing, and if Cisse can stay fit, it means that headcase Mitrovic won't be starting games any time soon.

[Geordie]

In training they have been working on 10 second breaks. You get the ball and you have 10 seconds to get up the field and score. If you don't you lose the ball.

Certainly saw a few glimpses of that yesterday.

Far from the finished article. But it was just nice to see some proper organisation and tactics.

We were missing De Jong, Aarons, Mitrovic & Perez from the starting line up too.

That's a few decent names not in the starting lineup!

[Guest]

With the physical attributes both Wijnaldum, Aarons & Sissoko have, it's no wonder we look so dangerous. Counter attacking suits the players we have, so I'm expecting our away form to really improve this year. Defensively, we still look vulnerable, especially in the air & from set pieces.

[Geordie]

Whats your thoughts on the rumour about the young Leeds right back Sam Byram.

Should we not be focusing on centre backs? Or could that signing push Jaanmat in to the centres?

Also PSV Eindhoven’s Jetro Willems, 21 yo dutch international left back was at St James on Sunday. He is a good friend of Wijnaldum....
I wonder?

[Geordie]

I see Adam Armstrong scored two for Coventry....a good start for the young lad.

[Lowlandbrit]

Also PSV Eindhoven’s Jetro Willems, 21 yo dutch international left back was at St James on Sunday. He is a good friend of Wijnaldum....
I wonder?

Good player, but he picked up a knee injury in preseason and is expected to be out for another month or so. PSV not too keen on letting him go yet either.

[Geordie]

Yeah I just heard that Brit, and also apparently Chelsea and Man City were chasing him....

[Guest]

the only left back we're interested in, is Lorient defender Raphael Guerreiro (£8m). I think Haidara needs replacing, another central midfielder & a centre back before the window.

[Geordie]

Well theres bloomin names being listed galore again.

Is there any specific players you would like to sign to finish off the transfers?

Been reading a lot of the comments on the chronicle....theres some really negative things being said about MacLaren. Personally I think he could be just what Newcastle need a very good on pitch coach. He should get some of our misfiring players actually playing...

I think he's a far better signing than Pardew was....

[Hood83]

the only left back we're interested in, is Lorient defender Raphael Guerreiro (£8m). I think Haidara needs replacing, another central midfielder & a centre back before the window.

So you agree Haidara isn't up to scratch? Anita is very, very poor and has been for some time. Not physical enough to be a Matic type, not accurate enough with his passes to be a Carrick type. Shame we didn't go for M'Villa or someone similar, a far better option

[Guest]

1. Need a left back, central midfielder & centre back befoe the window. Haidara & Anita need replacing & Obertan is not the answer.

2. McClaren needs to find room for Perez & Aarons. I also think benching Mitrovic just builds up his frustration. I'd rather start him, let the opposition know we won't fall over & then introduce the finisher in Cisse later in the game.

3. Janmaat needs to raise his game & improve, sent off today & at fault for last week. He's also terrible in the air, so needs to improve quickly.

Manchester United next, so not expecting too much. I don't think it will be too long though, before the knives are out for McClaren, such is football.

[Hood83]

Agreed on that John.

Janmaat looks a shadow of his former self. Really needs to find some form, quickly, or we need to find an alternative. He's been that bad.

[Geordie]

Well Thauvin is in and Cabella has gone.

Lets hope he brings a bit more of what we hoped from Cabella.

Nice to see Adam Armstrong scoring for Coventry. I appreciate its league 1, but he's put away a couple of them very nicely...

[Azzy]

Thauvin is a magnificent capture. I loved Cabella in Ligue 1 as he had superior skills and his attitude didn't get in the way of his success; here, he seemed to want to rely on his skills without putting the work in, as Ben Arfa ended up. Not every player can be David Ginola.

Thauvin on the other hand is a bit special, and should thrive if given protection. He has a great pass on him, can burst through the midfield quickly and has a good head on his shoulders. No worries around his ability to cope with the demands of the PL, he should be straight in there.

[Guest]

Obviously, we hope he's great. Is it a magnificent capture, I'm not so sure. Only seen him a few times & his stats aren't that impressive in a poor Ligue 1, especially in comparison to Payet.

[Geordie]

Interesting interview with Chris Waddle in the Chron.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-must-use-florian-9898605

I actually agree with what he is saying....

[Geordie]

I see Abeid is off to Panathaikos.

Shame I thought he could have been a good player. Didn't really get much of a chance.
He'll do well over there though.

[Geordie]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/moussa-sissoko-claims-yohan-cabaye-10003460

Sissoko claims Crystal Palace are a bigger club than us??

Erm maybe if he actually got his head down and showed passion to play for 80 mins....he might get somewhere.

Think he needs to be sold in January / summer.
Who does he think he is?

[Guest]

It's pretty much known he will go after the Euro's. Do like him as a player, but he's no world beater & hasn't blown me away. The reason he's behind Matuidi, Pogba & Cabaye, is because they're simply better players, that isn't the club's fault or the apparent size of it, or lack of. Ashley will get £20m out of AC Milan & we move on. Quite simple. Everyone who has moved on from us, has realised the grass isn't greener. Ba (now in China), Remy (permanently benched) & Cabaye (who although won medals, didn't have a great time in Paris).

[Geordie]

Dear me that was painful to watch.

He has to stop with colback and anita in the centre and cisse alone up front. Its just not working.

Cisse can't pass or control the ball. Put Perez in there at least he has far better ball skills.

[Guest]

Thauvin is a magnificent capture. I loved Cabella in Ligue 1 as he had superior skills and his attitude didn't get in the way of his success.

Thauvin on the other hand is a bit special, and should thrive if given protection. He has a great pass on him, can burst through the midfield quickly and has a good head on his shoulders. No worries around his ability to cope with the demands of the PL, he should be straight in there.

Absolute nonsense, from what I've seen. Has absolutely no pace whatsover, his dead-ball ability is quite frankly terrible, especially last night & if anything, looks like a Cabella clone.

Is it a magnificent capture, I'm not so sure. Only seen him a few times & his stats aren't that impressive in a poor Ligue 1, especially in comparison to Payet

I think last night showed the difference between Payet & Thauvin & what I was worried about in the first place. Looks a woeful signing, especially for the amount we blew.

[dyrewolfe]

Keep the faith. Stevie Mac got us to a UEFA Cup Final.

[Geordie]

Well....how do you fix a problem like Newcastle United.....

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