Newcastle United Thread 2015/16

by Geordie Wed 26 Jun 2013, 2:30 pm

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),

by westisbest Sun 20 Sep 2015, 12:20 pm

We're in the same boat as you john.

Far from a sinking ship, only 6 games gone.

I don't think it will be to long till we are both in calmer waters.

Both be safe come may.

by Alistair Mon 21 Sep 2015, 10:16 am

Newcastle's biggest mistake will be not getting shot of Cisse and getting in Austin. I think Mitrovic will come good for you, but temperament wise he's going to cause more issues. You need someone solid who knows where the goal is.

40+ crosses into the box yesterday, 4 (?) hit a man? That's awful.

by Geordie Thu 24 Sep 2015, 7:57 am

Well after that...they should all be docked a months (maybe two months) wages each and that given to charity.

Drivel against Sheffield Wednesday reserves......

Utterly appalling!

by Guest Thu 24 Sep 2015, 5:35 pm

John wrote:
Azzy wrote:Thauvin is a magnificent capture

Absolute nonsense.

Pretty safe to say, that Azzy had absolutely never seen or heard of Thauvin, when he posted this.

It's quite comical that for all Newcastle's scouting, they clearly didn't read the views of the fans in L'Equipe, who voted & selected him in the 'worst XI in Ligue 1' last year.

by Guest Fri 25 Sep 2015, 9:05 am

There are people in intensive care with a better life expectancy than Brendan Rodgers.

by Geordie Fri 25 Sep 2015, 12:00 pm

He must be in the same ward as Steve Maclaren then.....

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri 25 Sep 2015, 12:40 pm

LiamB wrote:
John wrote:
Azzy wrote:Thauvin is a magnificent capture

Absolute nonsense.

Pretty safe to say, that Azzy had absolutely never seen or heard of Thauvin, when he posted this.

It's quite comical that for all Newcastle's scouting, they clearly didn't read the views of the fans in L'Equipe, who voted & selected him in the 'worst XI in Ligue 1' last year.

I'd mention the same principles as one swallow does not a summer make.

And I'd hope scouts paid no heed to fans.

by Geordie Mon 28 Sep 2015, 2:37 pm

Well I was at the game on Saturday and was gutted to come away with just one point.

Huge improvement all round (although how Obertan is a prem player I have no idea)

Can they continue against Citeh?

Also one last rant...why in the last couple of mins when we had a corner did Obertan insist on holding it in the corner...settling for a draw?

Winjaldum looked very good. Perez showed why hes WAY better than Cisse, Mbabu the young left back had pedro in his pocket the whole game and Mitrovic was class. He caused their defenders all sorts of problems. At one stage they were putting 3 players on to him....

by Guest Mon 28 Sep 2015, 3:51 pm

Agree, some big positives to take forward, especially with Mitrovic. Why on earth Perez was benched for the first four of five games is beyond me too. The fixture list has been awful & with the focal point of the attack being suspended for three games, we were always going to struggle linking the midfield to attack & scoring goals. We should push on now & I'd expect a good performance against Norwich at home, although I doubt we will get anything at City. Good to see Janmaat picking his form up, been class since he got sent off vs Swansea. Mbabu looks a dead cert to replace the woeful Haidara on a permanent basis.

I can see why Obertan did that, I think we were in such a mess losing the two goal lead & all the momentum was with Chelsea at that point. I think the whole team's confidence could of been shot if we'd lost 2-3, so just seeing it out & gaining a point seemed like a good idea for morale going forward, seeing as the squad's state does appear quite fragile, given the club's start.

by Geordie Wed 30 Sep 2015, 4:28 pm

Agree with all that ...including the corner bit to be fair.

I hope we can continue this on now and it wasn't just a one off. Yes Man City might be a bit too much, but I would really hope we can get something out of Norwich.

With Mitrovic and Perez working so well in their first game together that looks a dream partnership.

I just wish we had a back up for Mitrovic though, otherwise he's going to be used a hell of a lot. Be better if we had someone of a similar ilk who can come on and give him a breather at times. A young Andy Carrol Wink

by Guest Sat 03 Oct 2015, 4:48 pm

Disappointing, seeing as the first half performance was really encouraging. Not sure what was said at half time, but that was pathetic & embarrassing.

All I can say is, McClaren needs to say to these players that the season starts from here. The fixtures are easing now & with Norwich, Sunderland, Bournemouth, Stoke, Leicester & Crystal Palace in the next six, we need to start to pick up points.

Terrible day & another humiliation at the Etihad, like last season.

by Guest Mon 19 Oct 2015, 8:25 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:really hope we can get something out of Norwich.

With Mitrovic and Perez working so well in their first game together that looks a dream partnership.

I was hoping for a terrible 1-0 win, I wasn't expecting a 6-2!

I'm not going to get carried away, but this can hopefully be the foundation now to start our season. We've said all along, our players attributes, especially Wijnaldum & Sissoko, are suited to counter attacking football. Norwich played into our hands really, but it just goes to show, if we take the lead in games, then we can really be an offensive threat on the break. I know Gigi will get the praise, but I thought Perez was brilliant, this lad could be something special & already the link up play with Mitrovic looks fantastic. As for Moussa, that's the type of performance we expect week in, week out. He really was unplayable & his three assists were great, seeing as usually he keeps his head down, instead of looking for the final ball.

Still think we've got major defensive issues, but hopefully the confidence is back now & McClaren can keep this momentum up for Sunderland next weekend.

by Geordie Mon 19 Oct 2015, 9:11 am

Great win John....but im not getting carried away at all.

Take each game at a time for the moment. We need to haul ourselves away from the base of the league.

But yes an encouraging performances. But then so was Chelsea and look what happened after that Wink

by Guest Thu 29 Oct 2015, 8:40 am

How Sunderland beat Newcastle 3-0 I will never know. Newcastle very unlucky, Sunderland lucky.

by Guest Thu 29 Oct 2015, 10:40 pm

Jack Colback out for six weeks after Cattermole's challenge during the derby

by Guest Tue 03 Nov 2015, 9:42 pm

geordiefalcon - just an update on adam armstrong, i know you like him, just banged another two tonight, upto 12 for the season for the lad at coventry & top scorer in league one.

also, cabella has played sufficient games & will now complete a £6m transfer in the next window

by Geordie Fri 06 Nov 2015, 1:26 pm

Yeah I saw that mate. I do rate him very highly...however Im not daft I know its only league 1 so we have to be careful about making him the next shearer (or Michael Owen) etc.

I would give him the full season with Coventry. Don't rush him back. Let him get loads of games and goals and some experience. Then after that either bring him back or give him a season with a championship side.

With Mitrovic or Perez (De Jong etc at a push) we are fine this season.

Ive heard a few fans calling Armstrong the new Chopra. I hope he's not.

by Geordie Tue 08 Dec 2015, 1:10 pm

Well John, decent result, but they have to back it up with the next game at Spurs.

by Guest Tue 08 Dec 2015, 4:06 pm

great result, love the moussa to wijnaldum combination, really enjoy watching them on a counter. still thought we looked terrible first half & were let off, in the fact that Liverpool had four key players missing. de jong did not work for me, perez's movement changed the game i thought. still not convinced about our central midfield, there's just no creativity & needs to be addressed in the window. can't see us beating spurs, given their resurgence & I would imagine dembele & alli will ruin anita & colback. winning our next home game vs aston villa is AN ABSOLUTE MUST though.

by Geordie Sun 13 Dec 2015, 5:58 pm

Well that was a turn up....great comeback.

Great win.

by Guest Sun 13 Dec 2015, 7:35 pm

what a win, geordie! Perez & Mitrovic for Cisse & De Jong is a must from now on. They just make things happen. Kane was in our pockets all night & Alli wasn't given a sniff by Anita or Colback. Buzzing.

by Guest Tue 29 Dec 2015, 5:51 pm

RIP Pavel

by dyrewolfe Tue 29 Dec 2015, 9:07 pm

Absolutely tragic - just 47. Remember him playing for the Toon when I still lived in the north east.

Condolences to his family & friends.

by westisbest Wed 30 Dec 2015, 8:49 am

Yeah sad news about Pavel.

Was a good keeper.

He certainly rocked those dodgey keeper tops in the 90's.

RIP.

by Guest Sat 09 Jan 2016, 4:54 pm

John wrote:2007 - Newcastle 1-5 Birmingham 3rd round
2008 - Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle 4th round
2009 - Newcastle 0-1 Hull 3rd round
2010 - WBA 4-2 Newcastle 4th round
2011 - Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle 3rd round
2012 - Brighton 1-0 Newcastle 4th round
2013 - Brighton 2-0 Newcastle 3rd round
2014 - Newcastle 1-2 Cardiff City 3rd round
2015 - Leicester City 1-0 Newcastle 3rd round

Embarrassing

2016 - Watford 1-0 Newcastle United 3rd round

Also, is the fourth 1-0 defeat on the trot, after 1-0 defeats to Everton, WBA & Arsenal

by Geordie Tue 12 Jan 2016, 1:55 pm

Well a winger signed from France....and 12m agreed for Shelvey. So that's him in.

by Geordie Sat 16 Jan 2016, 8:46 pm

Shelvey has a cracking debut whilst tiote sold for £8m

Good day all round

by Guest Mon 01 Feb 2016, 2:56 pm

Ayoze Perez commits his long-term future to the club, signing a contract that keep him at St James' Park until 2021 (or until a top 4 bids over £20m, thanks to this contract extension)

by Geordie Mon 01 Feb 2016, 3:13 pm

Whats your thoughts on Townsend?

£12m is not cheap...but if they can get the best out of him, he could be a useful addition.

by Guest Sun 07 Feb 2016, 11:16 am

Great win yesterday, geordiefalcon. Shelvey has been a revelation, basically created the last three goals at St. James' & Townsend was very, very good yesterday, should of scored when he hit the post & his crossing was very dangerous. Happy for Mitro, he's missed absolute sitters for us & I've slated him, but hoping with Doumbia at the club, it will raise his game now. Good to see Steven Taylor back too, just feel for comfortable with him playing with Colo.

Still going to be a long slog to survival. We got Chelsea (a), Stoke (a) & Leicester (a) coming up. Our fixtures don't ease really until March/April.

by Guest Tue 09 Feb 2016, 12:32 pm

John wrote:Shelvey has been a revelation, basically created the last three goals at St. James'

I thought he would be a hit for you. Saw him vs WHU/WBA & he was the difference maker. £12m was an absolute steal & I see research by CIES Football Observatory, has also placed him in at No.1 of best value January transfers.

by **Crimey** Tue 09 Feb 2016, 12:59 pm

I don't think his ability can be questioned, it's his attitude I think. Something obviously went on at Swansea and whilst he's rejuvenated now, it'll be whether Newcastle can keep him performing.

by Azzy Tue 09 Feb 2016, 1:39 pm

Shelvey and Townsend are cracking signings, I was jealous of the Toon in the window. Just wish they'd managed to snaffle Berahino off of us as well.

by Geordie Thu 03 Mar 2016, 7:57 am

Well I think we are going down after that result.

Maclaren is as clueless as the players are pathetic!

The only consequence I will enjoy is to watch Ashley cry as he loses the supposedly crazy tv deal money in the summer.

And if people say he will destroy the club....well he's already done that. Id rather be in division 2 with passionate British players and a positive chairman than in this current situation.

by Guest Thu 03 Mar 2016, 12:23 pm

Think we need to give John Carver a call. He will guarantee safety, like last year.

by Geordie Wed 09 Mar 2016, 10:05 am

Well whats your thoughts on the circus that is Newcastle United John.

Now being linked with Benitez?

The whole club is rotten.

Just discussing with some of my work colleagues. My biggest gripe for years has been the local scouting. I just don't believe that we don't have talent in this whole area.
I don't believe that you cant have a look in some of the hundreds of Sunday league teams or Saturday teams in Byker, Blyth, Percy main, West End etc and not find someone who can put the ball in the net, or a rock solid centre back etc capable of playing at this level.

They don't have to be kids. Some are late developers. Don't forget Duncan Ferguson was rejected by the Rangers academy because he was too small.

by Azzy Wed 09 Mar 2016, 10:49 am

I've been shocked at the lethargic performances - you beat my Albion side, but have looked like a shadow of the team we all expect to face. Where is the passion? Where is the attacking flair? Where is the slightly-kamikaze, yet-actually-secretly-good defence?

I may be an Albion fan, but to me, Newcastle is the one club outside the top 4 that has the potential to break in to that club. A superb stadium, the best and most committed fans in the country, fantastic pedigree, wonderful history...it really has the lot, apart from a rich owner committed to improving the club.

Forget Everton, Villa, West Ham - Newcastle should be the next team to be taken over and rise up the table. If I had the money, I'd buy them before my own club.

by Guest Wed 09 Mar 2016, 11:03 am

It's a mess, from top to bottom. Ashley thought throwing money at this would solve everything & appease the fans. It hasn't. Lee Charnley is an incompetent managing director, out of his depth & who seems to be backing McClaren. Steve McClaren is a clueless idiot, who is embarrassingly trying to attempt to manage this football club & failing miserably. Should of gone at Christmas, yet has continued & has a win % of about 20% or less. Shocking. Graham Carr has shown he's now incapable of doing his job, time & time again he's failed to deliver in these windows, he's still living off the capture of Yohan Cabaye. The players heads have gone, not surprising, given who's barking the orders at them. Moussa Sissoko has been a disgrace & is one of the worst culprits. All in all, it's a dire mess.

As for Benitez, heard he's interested in taking over now & wants a massive bonus for survival, but if we go down, he's off. Well that's fantastic commitment to our cause & a great long term plan, isn't it?

I'd personally get Pearson, he's not a big name & can rattle some cages in the dressing room. He'd view the job as a massive step up in his career & would be committed to doing the job & staying in the job, even if we go down, unlike Benitez.

by Driver Wed 09 Mar 2016, 3:45 pm

I'd shy away from Benitez.

I'm with you on a Pearson/Sherwood coming and roughing some feathers. I love the idea of having a tactical man like Moyes with Pearson/Sherwood on the coaching staff.

by dyrewolfe Fri 11 Mar 2016, 12:18 pm

The biggest question, of course, is whoever comes in, will they be able to squeeze another 14 points out of the squad to retain the club's PL status?

Or will it be Championship football next season?

Looking at your remaining fixtures, I have to say I'd be very nervous if I were a Toon fan. Even allowing for the "new manager effect" I'm guessing they'll pan out something like this:

Leicester (A) - L
Sunderland (H) - W
Norwich (A) - W
Southampton (A) - L
Swansea (H) - D
Liverpool (A) - L
C. Palace (H) - D
A. Villa (A) - W
Spurs (H) - L

Which makes 3 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats (11 points), which would only take you to 35. Erm

by **Hero** Fri 11 Mar 2016, 1:57 pm

RIP John

Newcastle United Thread 2015/16 - Page 9 10653410

by Guest Fri 11 Mar 2016, 4:26 pm

@dyrewolfe, you can look at Sunderland & Norwich's fixtures & tell me where more than 11 points are coming from? The sides down here are playing so badly, it might take a considerably less haul of points, to guarantee survival.

It's now official. Benitez, 55, has signed a three-year contract and brought in coaches Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Miguel Moreno and Antonio Gomez Perez.

"I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a legendary English club, with the massive challenge of remaining part of the Premier League," he said.

"It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans.

"All of us must push together in the same direction and with the same target in mind. This is the reason why I'm going to ask for your total support to successfully complete this task.

"Personally, it means my return to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can't be happier."

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri 11 Mar 2016, 4:37 pm

Could be long term fantastic. The short term matters so much in that though.

And how he gets on with Ashley.

by dyrewolfe Sat 12 Mar 2016, 9:32 am

Hero wrote:RIP John

ROFLMAO!!! Laugh

I just fell out of my chair! Where the hell did you get that - the Sunday Sport?

by dyrewolfe Sat 12 Mar 2016, 9:41 am

John wrote:

@dyrewolfe, you can look at Sunderland & Norwich's fixtures & tell me where more than 11 points are coming from? The sides down here are playing so badly, it might take a considerably less haul of points, to guarantee survival.

It's now official. Benitez, 55, has signed a three-year contract and brought in coaches Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Miguel Moreno and Antonio Gomez Perez.

"I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a legendary English club, with the massive challenge of remaining part of the Premier League," he said.

"It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans.

"All of us must push together in the same direction and with the same target in mind. This is the reason why I'm going to ask for your total support to successfully complete this task.

"Personally, it means my return to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can't be happier."

Okay, so I have:

Sunderland
Everton (H) - W
Newcastle (A) - W/D/L?
West Brom (H) - W
Leicester (H) - L
Norwich (A) - W
Arsenal (H) - L
Stoke (A) - L
Chelsea (H) - L
Watford (A) - L

3 wins, 6 defeats would give them 34 points for the season, meaning the Toon would survive by the skin of their teeth.

Thats not taking into account the Tyne - Wear derby really could go either way. I think that will be the match that defines both clubs' seasons - whoever wins stays up. Still Newcastle will have the new manager advantage.

Think Rafa is a good appointment (at least far better than your last few). He is one of those that can give players an immediate lift, so I think that will save you.

Also pretty close for Norwich:

Man City (H) - L
W. Brom (A) - D
Newcastle (H) - W/D/L?
C. Palace (A) - D
Sunderland (H) - W/D/L?
Watford (H) - D
Arsenal (A) - L
Man Utd (H) - L
Everton (A) - L

At least 3 draws and 4 defeats. Really can't decide with the Newcastle and Sunderland games. If they can win those that will put them on 34 points. Its gonna be close but 35 points might be enough in the end...

by Azzy Mon 14 Mar 2016, 1:09 pm

So apparently West Brom are dropping three points away at Sunderland, and two at home to Norwich? Have you seen the way we're playing at the moment?

by Geordie Tue 15 Mar 2016, 10:18 am

We're going down. I just cant see us getting the points.

Sunderland is always a huge game....but now its on a totally different level!

by Geordie Mon 04 Apr 2016, 2:09 pm

Plummeting into the championship.

Mr Ashley has to do the decent thing now and F*"K Off!!!! And take Mr Carr, Mr Charnley etc etc etc with him.

Then Mr Sissoko, Mr Cisse, and the other shower of sh1t can follow.

by Guest Mon 04 Apr 2016, 2:48 pm

Realistically out this summer - Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Janmaat, Tiote, Anita, Marveaux, Gouffran, Riviere, Obertan, Cisse & possibly Steven Taylor

Already looking to see who the core will be in the championship really. Nobody will touch Krul given his recent injury or the new recruits, like Townsend or Shelvey, who will be on lucrative, long-term contracts. Nobody will touch Mbemba, who has struggled to adapt & Mitrovic has been generally pretty poor, so doubtful to have many clubs willing to take him on, with Ashley demanding near £14m, most likely. De Jong has a five year deal & is injury prone, so likely to be staying. Colback will stay, along with Darlow, Lascelles, Dummett & hopefully Aarons can sign a new deal, with the guarantee of more game time. Ayoze is an interesting one, was heavily linked to Spurs, but has had a poor season. Think a year in the championship would do wonders for the lads development & still very young. Recall Adam Armstrong too from Coventry.

Darlow/Eliott/Krul

Dummett/Mbemba//Haidara/Lascelles/Steven Taylor/Mbabu/Good/Sterry

Colback/Townsend/Shelvey/De Jong/Saivet/Aarons

Mitrovic/Perez/Armstrong

We would then need a championship experienced manager to recruit & beef up the squad with young, quality signings, who may of excelled in this league.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Mon 04 Apr 2016, 2:53 pm

I could genuinely see people in for Krul, Perez, Mitrovic and Aarons. Wonder whether Townsend or Shelvey had anything to do with relegation clauses in their contracts. If anyone offers what you paid I'm sure it'd be considered.

Are Rivière, Taylor and Obertan still under contract next year? Those are three players who will be short of suitors.

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